Waterbuck (antelope) |
Unique Features
Waterbuck are large bovids and stand 170cms high at the shoulder. Waterbuck are always near water - hence the name. They often wade knee-deep in water to feed on reeds. They are good swimmers and will leap into water to escape certain predators. They are grazers and eat mainly long grass, as well as water reeds. Description Waterbuck have a greyish-brown coat with a distinctive white ring on the rump. Their horns are distinctly ridged. The females have no horns. Predators Their main predators are lion. Other natural enemies include leopard, hyaena, wild dogs and crocodiles. When attacked, waterbuck usually try to hide behind a bush and camouflage themselves. Family Ties Herds of waterbuck usually number 6-12 but may be as large as 30. There are two types of herds: breeding herds and bachelor herds. Mating Males attach themselves to females which have just given birth in expectation of the female approaching the estrous period (ready to mate). Calves are furry, donkey-like creatures at birth. |