Sitatunga (antelope) |
Unique Features
Sitatunga are semi-aquatic and spend most of their lives in water, on wet muddy ground, or on floating islands of reeds. They have long, splayed hooves that prevent them from sinking into soft. muddy surfaces. They move rapidly on marshy ground but are slow and clumsy on a firm surface. Description Shoulder height 90cm. White markings on cheeks, nose, throat and chest. Horns slightly twisted, average length 64cm. The females are smaller than the males and have no horns. Predators: Their main predators are crocodiles, pythons, lion, hyena and leopard. They are shy and retiring by nature and their main defense is the thick vegetation of their habitat. They are excellent swimmers and if pursued in deep water they submerge until only the nose is above the surface. Family Ties: Sitatunga live in high population densities because of the abundance of food and water in their natural habitat. They are usually seen singly or in pairs. |