Waterbuck

Kobus ellipsiprymnus

Size: 1.8–2.4 m · 160–300 kg
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Herd
Lifespan: —

A large African antelope strongly associated with water. Coarse fur and a pale rump ring or patch help identify it.

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Key facts

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a herbivore animal classified as Mammal · Cetartiodactyla · Bovidae.
Primary habitats are savanna · grassland · freshwater, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is herd, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A large African antelope strongly associated with water.
Waterbuck live in savanna grassland, wetlands, and areas near rivers and lakes.

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Waterbuck live in savanna grassland, wetlands, and areas near rivers and lakes. They usually remain close to permanent water, especially in dry seasons.

Appearance

They have gray-brown coarse coats, long necks, and horns in males that sweep forward then curve upward. Rump markings vary by form.

Behavior

Females and young form herds, while males may defend territories. When threatened, they often retreat toward water or dense cover.

Feeding

They graze mainly on grasses, including coarser growth near wetlands. Their water-linked habitat lets them use feeding areas avoided by some grazers.

Reproduction

Breeding timing varies by region. Females give birth to a single calf, which is hidden in vegetation during early life.

Notes

An oily coat is associated with their waterside life. The species is also known in local hunting traditions because the meat can have a strong odor.