Redunca adamauae (Pfeffer, 1962)
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6512484 |
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6636816 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03F50713-997D-FFC6-0645-FE2FF8B7F3C6 |
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treatment provided by |
Conny |
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scientific name |
Redunca adamauae |
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Adamawa Reedbuck
French: Rédunca de I'’ Adamaoua / German: Adamaoua-Bergriedbock / Spanish: Redunca del Adamawa
Other common names: Western Mountain Reedbuck
Taxonomy. Redunca fulvorufula adamauae Pfeffer, 1962 View in CoL ,
le Massif de I’Adamaoua.
The Adamawa Reedbuck was formerly classified as a subspecies of R. fulvorufula , but is herein elevated to a separate species because of its cranial morphology and exceptionally distinct distribution. Monotypic.
Distribution. Endemic to the mountains of E Nigeria and the Adamawa Massif and surrounding areas in W Cameroon. View Figure
Descriptive notes. Head-body 97-110 cm (four specimens), tail 12 cm (from a single male), shoulder height 58-73 cm (four specimens); no specific weights are available. The Adamawa Reedbuck is the smallest Redunca species. Males tend to be larger than females. In both sexes, the coatis thick and relatively long. The pelage of femalesis a drab grayish-brown; adult males are bright reddish-brown overall, with a yellowish cast to the flanks. Banded hairs, with gray bases and red tips, give a slightly grizzled appearance to the pelage of males when viewed closely. The belly and inner aspects of the upper legs are white. The legs are strong and stockier than those of the sympatric Nigerian Reedbuck (R. nigeriensis). In males, the outer surface of each leg is marked with a brown stripe approximately 2 cm wide, which is made especially prominent by a border of pale hairs. The tail is very bushy and has a white underside. The head is the same color as the body; the chin is pale, turning to white on the upper throat. In adult males, the reddish cheeks contrast with a chestnut-brown blaze that extends from the muzzle and upperlip to base of horns; this blaze may be bordered on either side by a zone of grizzled grayish hairs. The long, slender ears are slightly paler than the body externally, and are lined with long white hairs on the inside. Beneath the ears, subauricular glands appear as bare black ovals 2-3 cm long. Horns are present only in males and are more slender and less divergent (nearly parallel in some individuals) than in other reedbucks; there is only a slight forward curve. Transverse annulations mark the basal one-third of the horns. Horns from three specimens measured 12:-5-13. 5 cm. Dental formulais10/3,C0/1,P 3/3, M 3/3 (x2) = 32.
Habitat. High-elevation montane grasslands interspersed with rocky terrain and scattered woodland. Individuals have been observed at elevations of 1300-1923 m, although the elevational range of the Adamawa Reedbuck has not yet been fully quantified. Limited observations indicate population densities can be 3-5 ind/km? (seven individuals observed in an area of approximately 2 km?).
Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, butit is presumed to feed principally on grass, like other Redunca species.
Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but most aspects of reproduction are likely similar to the closely related Southern Mountain Reedbuck ( R. fulvorufula ) and Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck (R. chanleri).
Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, although active animals have been observed during daylight hours. Probably active throughout the day and nightlike the Southern Mountain Reedbuck and Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Generally observed in small groups of females and their young accompanied by a single adult male, although solitary individuals and pairs (male-female and female—female) are sometimes seen. Group size is generally 2-5 animals; the largest recorded group held twelve individuals. Young males may form bachelor herds. The stability of these groups is unknown, although males in the company of females may chase away any intruding males. The alarm call is a whistling snort. The Adamawa Reedbuck is extremely agile on steep, rough slopes and generally flees uphill when threatened, disappearing over rocky summits.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List (as R. fulvoru-Sula adamauae). The total population is estimated to be approximately 450 individuals, scattered among several isolated subpopulations; there is an overall declining trend in numbers. The Adamawa Reedbuck is very rare in Nigeria; recent sightings confirm that it still persists in Gashaka Gumti National Park, but no records have been reported from the Gotel Mountains to the south since 1989. In Cameroon, much of the species’ range occurs outside of protected areas. Competition with domestic cattle occurs across its distribution, and the resulting habitat degradation and disturbance by humans are thought to be primarily responsible for recent decreases in populations. Pressure from illegal hunting is high in certain localities.
Bibliography. Anadu & Green (1990), Chapman et al. (2004), East (1999), IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2008aw), Nicholas (2004), Pfeffer (1962).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
