Waterbuck
Animals

Origin:
The Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa, also known as the waterbuck, is a subspecies of the kobus antelope found mainly in Central and East Africa, especially in the Nile River region and in the savannahs around Lake Tanganyika. This subspecies is characterized by its appearance and behavior, which are adapted to life in swampy and watery habitats.
Specifics:
Appearance: The waterbuck has a slender body and long legs, which are an adaptation for fast movement in wetlands and sparse forests. Its fur is usually brown to yellowish-brown, with a lighter color on the belly. Males have thicker and longer horns, which may be curved and directed outwards.
Size: Adult males reach a height of 90–110 cm at the withers and weigh 60–80 kg, females are slightly smaller.
Behavior: The waterbuck is a very social species that lives in herds. These herds can vary in size, from a few individuals to dozens. The species is very shy and reacts quickly to threats by running away or hiding in dense vegetation.
Interesting facts:
Movement in water: The waterbuck is a very good swimmer and often moves between swamps, lakes and rivers, where it is protected from predators.
Herd formation: Herds are usually organized according to a hierarchy, where dominant males have priority in accessing females.
Alertness and escape: Waterbucks are very fast and agile, able to move quickly in dense wetland areas, where they are a frequent target for large predators such as lions or hyenas.
Occurrence:
The waterbuck is found in a variety of habitats, from sparse forests to savannas and wetlands. It is widespread in areas of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the areas around the Nile River and Lake Tanganyika, but also in some areas of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. This species prefers areas with plenty of water, especially wetlands and river valleys.
Hunting of the waterbuck:
Hunting of the waterbuck is regulated, as this species is often considered a popular target for hunters due to its high-quality meat and beautiful horns. However, it is also protected in many areas of Africa, where its populations are found in national parks or nature reserves. In the area where hunting is carried out, this species presents a challenge to hunters, mainly due to its shy and fast behavior.