The waterbuck is a large antelope that is always found near rivers or lakes. Although waterbucks used to be classified as two separate species, they are now thought to be one. The waterbuck lives on the African savanna in areas that have enough trees for nighttime cover and plenty of water to drink. A peaceful grass eater, its main defense against predators is its foul-smelling flesh.

Habits: The waterbuck lives in small herds of between 5 and 25 animals. Each herd is made up of females and young presided over by one dominant male. The adult male is territorial and fiercely protects his land, which varies in size depending upon natural conditions. If an intruder approaches, the two stand face to face with heads lowered. Then, with foreheads pressed together and horns locked, they scuffle until the weaker animals retreats. One or two subordinate males may sometimes help a dominant male protect his territory, possibly in the hope of eventually inheriting the land. But these subordinates are usually prevented from mating with females who wander into the territory. Female waterbucks are not territorial. Although they have loosely defined grazing areas, they share them with other groups of females. They spend the day grazing and being harassed by every male whose territory they cross.

Breeding: Because the waterbuck lives near water it does not depend on a rainy season for food. It can breed at any time of the year since food is always available for the young. Female waterbucks constantly pass through male territories in search of food. A sexually receptive female attracts the attention of any nearby male. When females enter a male’s domain, he blocks their path and herds them together, using his horns to butt them into place. Neighboring males approach the territory boundary in hopes of herding the females as they pass through. About nine months after mating a single young is born, usually in a hidden spot near a river. Unwilling to leave her calf alone, the mother leaves it only for brief periods to feed late in the day. After about a month the calf emerges from its hiding place and joins the herd with its mother. At nine months the young are expelled from the herd. Adult females chase and butt them until they disperse. Young males form bachelor herds, while females group together until sexually mature.

Enemies: The waterbucks many enemies include the lion and the leopard, which prey primarily on females and the young. When a waterbuck is disturbed, it often lies flat in the grass hoping to avoid detection. It may also take to the water to hide or swim away Sometimes a waterbuck defends itself in shallow water by lashing out with its horns and sharp hooves, but usually prefers to swim away.

Food and Feeding: Up to 90 percent of the waterbucks diet is grass. It also eats leaves and shrubs. The waterbuck must drink plenty of water to help digest all the vegetable protein in its diet. If a dominant male’s territory does not contain water, he must cross another’s territory to drink. Many water holes or stretches of river are neutral areas where any animal can drink. But the “owner” of the territory will allow others to drink his water only if they adopt a submissive attitude. The waterbuck often feeds with the related kob and lechwe. These species are similar to the waterbuck but smaller, with a different coat color and horn shape. They do not compete for food, since the lechwe feeds on younger grass and the kob prefers more mature greenery. The waterbuck also likes mature grasses and may feed on exposed plants in the shallows of lakes and rivers.

Key Facts: Sizes, Breeding, Lifestyle, and Related Species:
Sizes:
Length: 4-7 ft. Female usually smaller than male
Height: Male 3 ½ -4 ft. Female, 3-4 ft.
Weight: Male, 375-550 lb. Female, 350-450 lb.

Breeding:
Sexual maturity: About 1 year
Breeding season:  Anytime
Gestation:  About 9 months
No. of young:  1, rarely twins

Lifestyle:
Habit: Sociable. Territorial male
Diet:  Grasses and leaves
Call: Adult snores; calf bleats
Lifespan:  Up to 18 years in captivity

Related Species:  There are 13 subspecies of waterbuck. The lechwe, Kobus leche, and the kob, Adenota kob, are also closely related.
Distribution: Found in Africa south of the Sahara from mid-Sudan, Ethiopia, and southern Somalia southward to the Transvaal. Also found in southern Botswana, northeastern and southwestern Africa, and southern Angola.
Conservation: Hunting has depleted the waterbuck’s numbers in some areas, but it is still widespread and, in some places, abundant.

Features of the Waterbuck:
Horns: 1 ½ -3 ft. long, sweeping back and up in a smooth curve. Each horn has up to 40 spiraling turns on it.
Rump: Marked with a ring or patch of white fur, depending on where the animal comes from.
Coat: Short but shaggy. Color varies from warm red-brown to gray-brown to almost black, depending on animal’s location.

Some Related Species:
Red Lechwe: Pale belly, neck, and inner limbs. Reddish coat. Black patches on legs. Male has lyre-shaped horns.
Thomas’s kob: Smaller than the red lechwe with less white on underside of neck and shorter S-shaped horns. Coat is reddish brown.

Did You Know:
At three months of age the waterbuck’s flesh becomes tough and smelly. Predators avoid the waterbuck if other prey is available.
The waterbuck’s coat is impregnated with oils that provide waterproofing.
In areas where it has been constantly shot at and disturbed, the waterbuck will come out only at night.

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