The puku (Kobus vardonii) is a medium-sized antelope found in wet grasslands in southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and more concentrated in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Nearly one-third of all puku are found in protected areas, zoos, and national parks due to their diminishing habitat.
Puku stand about 80 cm (31 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 70 to 80 kg (150 to 180 lb). The puku is sandy brown in colour, with the underbelly a slightly lighter brown. The coat is rougher than that of the similar-sized southern reedbuck, lechwe or impala, or the smaller oribi. Males have horns which are ridge-structured, 50 cm (20 in) long, and lyre-shaped.
There are two subspecies, the Senga Puku (Kobus vardonii senganus) and the southern puku (Kobus vardonii vardonii).
A gregarious antelope occurring in small herds. The social system is centralised on adult males maintaining and defending territories which accord them breading opportunities amongst wondering female herds.
The Puku is predominantly a grazing specie.
Mating and births occurs throughout the year with a peak during the summer rainy season.
They favour a riverine or floodplains habitat. They utilise grasslands adjacent to rivers or swamps.
Puku has a central African distribution and only marginally occurs in Botswana.
