Waterbuck
Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The waterbuck is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. It is in the genus Kobus of the family Bovidae. It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. Its 13 subspecies are grouped under two varieties: the common or ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck. Their coat colour varies from brown to grey. The long, spiral horns, present only on males, curve backward, then forward, and are 55–99 cm (22–39 in) long.
Fun Fact
Waterbuck secrete an oily, pungent substance from their skin glands that makes their coats water-repellent and deters most predators — lions reportedly dislike the taste so much they often avoid waterbuck.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Grasslands near water
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
15-18 years
Threats
- Invasive Species
- Urban Expansion