Common waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) are large, water-dependent African antelopes easily identified by their shaggy, grey-brown coats and a distinctive white ring around their rump. They live in savannas and woodlands, rarely venturing far from water, and use thick, oily, waterproof hair to stay dry.
Here are some key facts about waterbucks:
Appearance & Size: They stand about 50 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 660 pounds. Only males have long, ringed, spiral-shaped horns that can reach 40 inches in length.
Unique Marking: The white ring around their rump is thought to serve as a "follow me" signal to others, helping keep herds together in thick bush.
Water Dependency: Waterbucks are rarely found far from rivers, lakes, or swamps. They are strong swimmers and will enter deep water to escape predators like lions, leopards, or crocodiles.
Habitat & Behavior: They are not migratory and prefer to live in areas with thick cover. They are social animals found in herds (nursery herds or bachelor herds).
Diet: Waterbucks are grazers that eat coarse grasses, typically feeding in the early morning and late evening.
Scented Coat: Their coats secrete a musky-smelling oil that acts as a water repellent, which was once thought to deter predators. While this oil can make their meat taste unpleasant, it doesn't prevent predators from eating them.
Lifespan: They live for roughly 11-15 years in the wild, and up to 18 in captivity.
