Details
Kobus ellipsiprymnus
A large African antelope strongly associated with water. Coarse fur and a pale rump ring or patch help identify it.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Waterbuck live in savanna grassland, wetlands, and areas near rivers and lakes. They usually remain close to permanent water, especially in dry seasons.
They have gray-brown coarse coats, long necks, and horns in males that sweep forward then curve upward. Rump markings vary by form.
Females and young form herds, while males may defend territories. When threatened, they often retreat toward water or dense cover.
They graze mainly on grasses, including coarser growth near wetlands. Their water-linked habitat lets them use feeding areas avoided by some grazers.
Breeding timing varies by region. Females give birth to a single calf, which is hidden in vegetation during early life.
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.
