waterbuck
Conservation Status:
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Kobus
Species: K. ellipsiprymnus
With its high horns and proud appearance, the male waterbuck watches his territory. The smaller females graze quietly around him. If a rival comes near, the buck will defend his family and territory fiercely. The bucks fight horn to horn until the intruder gets discouraged and leaves. The waterbuck, like the related kob, is absolute master of its territory. This is a more or less circular space, about 165 feet across, often on raised ground. The females live within this area. Curiously enough, a female that leaves the group will always carry with her the distinctive odor of the particular male that was its leader.
If danger threatens, the male gives his small herd the signal to run. The band gallops quickly to the nearest river. They are excellent swimmers and can escape from their enemies by taking to the water. The waterbuck is found in the savannahs of eastern Africa, in swampy areas or near rivers and lakes in which it can cool off. The female bears her young in the spring after a gestation period of eight months.
