220 



SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



The Koodoo inhabits most territories of South Africa 

 where there is a forest or thick bush, as it is essentially 

 a bush-loving buck, like the members of the preceding 

 genus, although it often seems as partial to the bush 

 of rocky hills, as to that of the wooded river banks. It 

 is found in small herds of from half-a-dozen to a score 

 of animals. Old rams may be found alone, or in parties 

 of two or three consorting together. It is essentially 

 a browser, feeding upon the shoots and leaves of shrubs 



Fig. 129.— Albino Koodoo (South West Prot.). 



and bushes, and their fruit ; also seeds. It is of a some- 

 what timid nature, with no great turn of speed in flat 

 open country, where however it seldom allows itself to 

 be caught. It is still fairly common in the Addo 

 Bush and other wooded portions of the Albany and 

 Uitenhage districts, and is plentiful in the Eastern and 

 Northern Transvaal, especially in the Babi Reserve and 

 some parts of Zoutpansberg. The call is a hoarse bark 

 resembling that of a Bushbuck, but is much louder and 

 deeper. The young ones are hidden by the mother in 

 long grass or dense thicket. This animal has bred in the 

 National Zoo last year for the first time. One calf was 

 born on the 30th November, and is doing well. 



