17-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - PUKU (Kobus vardonii)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42326-Kobus-vardonii

 

17-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - PUKU (Kobus vardonii)

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - PUKU (Kobus vardonii)

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.

The Puku is a medium-sized antelope that lives in the wet grasslands of Africa. It is sandy brown in color, with a slightly lighter brown underbelly. Its coat is rougher than the similar-sized southern reedbuck, lechwe or impala, or the smaller oribi. Males have ridge-structured horns that are very vaguely lyre-shaped and are 50 centimeters (19.6 in) long.

Puku are found in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia. They live almost exclusively in marshy grasslands and floodplains within the savanna woodlands and dambos (shallow wetlands) of the Kilombero Valley of Tanzania.

Puku are crepuscular; they are active in the early morning and late afternoon and spend most of their time grazing. When scared or disturbed, they will repeat a shrill whistle sound. Puku are gregarious animals. Females typically gather in herds of up to 20 individuals. They sleep and feed together. During the rainy season, many herds will come together for added safety, typically reaching around 50 females. Adult males are usually found on their own while younger males occur in bachelor herds. Males hold territories and attempt to persuade the herds of females to stay within their territories for as long as possible. In the wet season, due to large floods in their habitat Puku migrate to a high elevation and in dry seasons remain near the water.

Puku have a polygynous mating system, in which males mate with more than one female. The breeding season typically occurs throughout the year with the peak between May and September. After the gestation period of 8 months, the female gives birth to a single calf in a hidden place. The calf remains there for approximately 6 months until it's completely weaned and ready to return to the herd with the mother. Between 12 and 14 months of age young Puku become reproductively mature and start to breed.

The main threat to this species is the loss of its native habitat. Nearly one-third of all Puku are found in protected areas, zoos, and national parks due to their diminishing habitat. In some areas of their range, Puku also suffer from the expansion of livestock herds, uncontrolled hunting, and heavy poaching.

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Puku is 130,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Puku are important grazers in African savanna and play a significant role in structuring grassland communities. In addition, they are key prey items for local predators such as lions and leopards.

17-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - PUKU (Kobus vardonii)