Belonging to the tribe Tragelaphini, Bushbuck are the smallest and most aggressive of the spiral-horned antelope. They are often confused with Nyala, especially since they are regularly found in the company of Nyala. Bushbuck try to avoid buffalo as buffalo tend to attract oxpeckers and bushbuck do not tolerate oxpeckers because these birds can cause wounds that attract flies. Bushbuck favour a habitat with thickets and riverine bush close to water as they are dependent on water and shade. In the face of extreme cold or drought their mortality rate increases by up to 25%. When there is no water available they can survive by extracting moisture from their food – as long as there is sufficient of it. They are known to be excellent swimmers, crossing rivers up to three kilometres wide.
