Details
Tragelaphus spekii
Sitatunga is a mammal associated with freshwater habitats, forests and savannas. It is herbivorous and usually solitary. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Afrotropics, where it uses freshwater habitats, forests and savannas. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical length 115-170 cm, weight 45 kg-125 kg. It has a hoofed ungulate body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is most active around dawn and dusk and usually solitary. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is herbivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in freshwater habitats, forests and savannas, so movements often follow available food resources.
As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.
Recorded scientifically as Tragelaphus spekii. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
