WILDLIFE
SOUTH AFRICA |
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| WATERBUCK |
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Latin Name: Kobus
ellipsiprymnus Afrikaans: WATERBOK |
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| Distribution in South
Africa: |
Waterbuck naturally occur in the northern parts of South Africa, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu–Natal and Eastern Cape. In these regions they can be found in private game reserves, farms, provincial parks and reserves as well as in National Parks like Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and Marakele National Park. They have also been reintroduced on many farms, game and nature reserves as well as in some parks and reserves throughout South Africa. |
Habitat: |
Waterbuck prefer open dry country with savanna grassland, bushveld and even hilly areas as long as it is close to water, like rivers or dams. They are often found in reed beds near rivers and also on floodplains. They never live far from permanent water sources. |
Habits: |
Waterbuck are herbivores and primarily grazers. They are gregarious and form herds of up to 20 or more animals. These herds are breeding or nursery herds and usually consist of a territorial dominant bull, cows and young calves. After about 1 year, young bulls are kicked out of the herd and they form bachelor herds with other bulls of varying ages. |
Day or night: |
Waterbuck graze mainly during the day. |
Difference between male and female: |
Bulls are larger and have horns, while cows do not have horns. |
Mass: |
Male: 250 to 270 kilograms Female: 210 to 240 kilograms |
| Reproduction and gestation period: |
Normally only one calf is born, mainly in summer after a gestation period of 280 days. The newly born calf is hidden in brush, in long grass or in undergrowth by the cow; and she brings the calf to join the herd after about 4 weeks. |
Lifespan: |
12 to 15 years. |
| Diet / Food and water: |
Waterbuck are dependent on water and drink water daily. Therefore they do not usually live further than about 2 to 3 Kilometres from permanent water. They usually graze on long grass from sweet to rough and like buffalo grass. They will wade into the water at times up to the shoulder while eating roots and water plants. They will browse on certain fruits and seeds and are fond of marulas in season. |
| Enemies: |
Lion, Leopard, Hyena, African Wild Dog, Crocodile, Humans. |
Interesting Facts: |
The round white circle on its rump is a prominent feature. Waterbuck give off a turpentine like scent that can be smelled even by humans. It has been said that waterbuck flesh might have a very strong musty taste, due to scent glands just under the skin being cut by accident, if care are not taken in the skinning process. |
| References & Sources: |
The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, Revised by D Skinner & Christian T Chimumba Cambridge University Press 2005 Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa Chris & Tilde Stuart Struik Publishers Third edition 2003 The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa Burger Cillié Briza Publications 2004 Maberly's Mammals of Southern Africa - A popular Field Guide A revision by Richard Goss of Charles Astley Maberly's - The Game Animals of Southern Africa Delta Books (Pty) Ltd 1986 Research: Johan van der Walt Safari Link CC Wildlifesouthafrica.com |