Behavioural patterns of common (Southern) reedbuck, Redunca arundinum, in South African bushveldt savannah

The present study concerns the whistling behaviour of the common or southern reedbuck (Redunca arundinum). Field observations have taken place in Mankwe Game Reserve, South Africa, in order to examine factors that possibly influence the reedbuck’s behaviour and decision to give calls. Data has been collected on time of the day, type of habitat, wind direction, group size, sex and distances between individuals and observer, for the moment the individual has been alerted, ran and gave the first call, if any. Statistical analysis has been carried out in order to reveal any connection between thοse factors and the calling potential. The analysis has revealed that the only connection to the decision of an individual on whether to call or not is the distance between itself and the observer, who in this case has played the role of a predator. This result indicates that the decision taken is based on the evaluation of danger an individual makes, at the first moment of awareness of the predator’s presence. Based on available information on predator defence mechanisms and alarm calls, this study is trying to explain this decision taken and test the probability of this whistle to be an alarm call. The final conclusion suggests that the whistle is used by the common reedbuck as an alarm call, but strongly argues that this is not the only purpose of it, within the area of antipredator behaviour.