A review of the social organisation of mountain reedbuck, Redunca fulvorufula, and grey rhebok, Pelea capreolus, in relation to their ecology

Abstract

The social organisation of southern mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula) and grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus) is reassessed and categorised according to ecological factors. Both species generally fit well into social class B, as used by Jarman (1974). Both feed selectively without changing plant types all year, with mountain reedbuck being grazers and grey rhebok browsers. Both stay within a single home range. Their selective feeding style results in fairly small body size, and restricts group size to small herds. The two species differ in social structure, with territorial male mountain reedbuck using a system of resource defence polygyny, and grey rhebok using a system of female defence polygyny. Mountain reedbuck do not have permanent access to females, so test all females that move into their territories, while harem male grey rhebok do have permanent access to females and can secure all mating rights. The anti-predator behaviour of mountain reedbuck is to lie down and freeze, while that of grey rhebok is to run away. Newborn lambs of both species are hidden for up to four weeks to avoid predation.