Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Afrikaans : Waterbok
Zulu : Iphiva
German : Ellipsenwasserbock
French : Cobe onctueux
The shaggy, coarse coat is reddish brown to grizzled grey in colour, darkening with age. The coat is impregnated with strong-smelling oily secretions from skin glands which makes waterbuck unpalatable to predators. Facial markings are composed of a white muzzle, lighter eyebrows and insides of the ears, while there is a cream-coloured 'bib' on the throat. The most conspicuous feature of this antelope is a large white 'halo' or hollow ring which surrounds the base of the tail on the rump. The body is heavyset, (Body Length: 180-220 cm / 6-7.3 ft. / Shoulder Height: 100-130 cm / 3.3-4.3 ft/ Weight: 150-250 kg / 330-550 lb) and the strong legs are black in colour.
Gender differences:
The heavily ridged horns are found only in males and sweep in an arc backwards and upwards, with the tips pointing forwards. They grow 55-100 cm / 1.6-3.3 feet long. The females weigh slightly less than the males (Male 250-270 Kg/ Female 205-250 Kg).
Habitat:
They can be found in open woodland and grassland as well as vlei or marsh areas. The waterbuck is usually found near water, but it is not so closely associated with water as would be expected from its name. It feeds on grass, reeds, leaves and other fresh vegetation, and drinks large amounts of water.
Diet:
Reproduction:
After a gestation period of 8.5-9 months, the female gives birth to 1, rarely 2, offspring. Most births occur during the wetter seasons (August and November). After birth, the young lie concealed and away from their mothers for at least 2 weeks. After joining the herd, the young follow their mother, who raises her tail as a 'follow me' signal, emphasized by the white rump ring.
They are weaned after 6-7 months. At 7-9 months, males are driven from their maternal family and join up with a bachelor herd. Sexual maturity in females is at 12-14 months, males at 14-18 months.
Life expectancy is ± 14 Years.
Waterbuck have a distinct social hierarchy based on size and strength, and contests are frequent. Around 6-7 years, males become territorial, staking territories and defending them against mature rivals with posturing and fights. These territories are maintained throughout the year, and a male is generally overthrown before he reaches 10 years of age. Only about 5-10 % of mature males are territorial at the same time. Female groups wander over a much larger home range, which may be kept for up to 8 years and encompasses several male territories.
Other:
As its name would suggest, the waterbuck is a good swimmer and flees into water if pursued, although it is reported that they do not actually like going into water.
They fall prey to mainly lion but also wild dog, hyena, leopard, crocodile and a small percentage to cheetah. Some of the young fall victim to python.
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