Is it possible to identify the sub-species of bushbuck from just a shoulder mount?

03 July 2010, 23:32

If it is possible to determine the subspecies of bushbuck from a shoulder mount, how is this done? What are the identifying characteristics?

I'm mostly wondering about the differences between the Cape, Limpopo and Chobe subspecies.

05 July 2010, 05:42

L. David Keith

I've been told that biologists think there could be as many as 29 sub species of African Bushbuck, based on the nine species. I know it is more than likely some overlap areas and transplanting can throw a wrench into the mix. Genetic decoding would be the most accurate determination.
Limpopo (taken in Natal)

3-Cape Bushbuck(all taken in the EC from different locals)

Chobe (taken in Zim)

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05 July 2010, 23:25

craig boddington

I think it is impossible to tell from shoulder mounts. Cape and Menelik's bushbuck tend to be very dark. Chobe, Abyssinian, harnessed, and Nile tend to be very red. East African and Limpopo seem to average more mahogany than red or black...but individuals vary a lot among all the bushbuck. On bushbuck the "splitters" beat the "lumpers," but the record book categories are pretty loose, sensibly combining regional groupings. Thank God we don't have hunt 29 different bushbuck...come to think of it, that would be kinda fun!!!!!!

07 July 2010, 21:43

TheBigGuy

quote:
Originally posted by L. David Keith:
I've been told that biologists think there could be as many as 29 sub species of African Bushbuck, based on the nine species. I know it is more than likely some overlap areas and transplanting can throw a wrench into the mix. Genetic decoding would be the most accurate determination.
Limpopo (taken in Natal)

3-Cape Bushbuck(all taken in the EC from different locals)

Chobe (taken in Zim)

That's an excellent collection of Bushbucks!

07 July 2010, 22:20

DCS Member

quote:
Originally posted by craig boddington:
I think it is impossible to tell from shoulder mounts. Cape and Menelik's bushbuck tend to be very dark. Chobe, Abyssinian, harnessed, and Nile tend to be very red. East African and Limpopo seem to average more mahogany than red or black...but individuals vary a lot among all the bushbuck. On bushbuck the "splitters" beat the "lumpers," but the record book categories are pretty loose, sensibly combining regional groupings. Thank God we don't have hunt 29 different bushbuck...come to think of it, that would be kinda fun!!!!!!

Forget the lions, it should be Boddington on Bushbuck next!

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