Location: Ethiopia, East Africa
Habitat: Forests, Woodlands and Mountainous regions
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: Distinctive white stripes
Conservation: Least Concern
Menelik bushbuck are found exclusively in the highlands of Ethiopia, often inhabiting areas with rugged terrain and lush forests. They inhabit montane forests and woodlands, often preferring areas with dense vegetation found at higher elevations. Menelik bushbuck are medium-sized antelopes. They have a reddish-brown coat with white spots on their body, and they are named after the distinctive white stripes running down their sides. Their coloration and stripes provide effective camouflage in the dappled light of their forest environment. These bushbucks have keen senses of hearing and smell, which help them detect predators such as leopards and hyenas.Â
Menelik bushbuck are primarily browsers, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, shoots, and fruits found in their forested habitats.
Female Menelik bushbuck give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 6 months. The mother hides the calf in dense vegetation to protect it from predators. Menelik bushbuck are often solitary animals, moving cautiously through their forest habitat. They are agile jumpers and can navigate the rugged terrain with ease.
Menelik bushbuck populations are generally stable, but habitat loss due to agriculture and human activities can impact their numbers. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their forest habitats and raising awareness about their importance.