waterbuck

Waterbuck is a common name for large African antelopes in the genus Kobus, found in sub-Saharan Africa. There are two widely recognized species: the common waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) and the defassa waterbuck (Kobus defassa). They are hardy, shaggy-coated animals with a distinctive white patch around the rump, often forming a horseshoe shape that aids in identification. Males carry long, lyre-shaped horns; females are hornless.

Waterbuck inhabit grasslands and savannas near permanent water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They favor areas with dense cover for safety and easy access to drinking water. Their distribution spans eastern and southern Africa, with local populations throughout many countries.

As herbivores, waterbuck feed mainly on grasses and herbaceous plants, with diet shifting with season and moisture. They are predominantly diurnal and form herds composed of females and calves, while territorial bulls establish and defend conspicuous ranges. Calves are born after a gestation of about eight months and nurse for several months.

Waterbuck possess a well-developed scent gland on the hindquarters, and the secretion has a strong odor used in scent marking. Predators include lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs; calves face predation from several species. Humans threaten some populations through hunting and habitat loss, but both species are currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to their wide distribution and relatively large populations. The name reflects their frequent association with water sources.