Its southern range extends to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (KwaZulu Natal) and to central Namibia. These activities frighten trespassers. The more the animals have to move the more chance you have of bumping into them. Numbers have fallen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Comoé National Park. The male have long dark horns, pointing a little bit to the back. Waterbuck are rather sedentary in nature. Waterbuck often enter water to escape from predators which include lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs and Nile crocodiles (leopards and spotted hyenas prey on juveniles). Males of all species have long, heavily ridged horns that curve backward and then upward. This relaxed safari moves from the southern side of Kafue National Park to the far north, offering exploration of a range of habitats and their diverse mix of flora and fauna from three small, owner-run camps. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of Least Concern while the defassa waterbuck is near threatened (NT). INTERESTING HUNTING NOTES: The Waterbuck is a much sought after trophy for many hunters traveling to Africa, with its impressive horns sweeping back and then hooking … The generic name Kobus is a New Latin word, originating from an African name, koba. Though formerly widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, its numbers have now decreased in most areas. Hunting for commercial purposes is a major threat to the waterbuck. [2] The head-and-body length is typically between 177–235 cm (70–93 in) and the average height is between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). Subspecies: Common Waterbuck (Kobus d. ellipsiprymnus) Crawshay's Waterbuck (Kobus d. crawshayi) Sing Sing Waterbuck (Kobus d. unctuosus) Distribution: Difassa Waterbuck: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan. [11] Young females remain with their mothers in nursery herds, or may also join bachelor herds. Photos showing the difference between the two. The waterbuck is a big African antelope with a long dark brown coat, a white snout and a white bottom. Similar Images . [15] A study found regular consumption of three grass species round the year: Panicum anabaptistum, Echinochloa stagnina and Andropogon gayanus. As its name implies, waterbuck love water though they will often venture some distance away from it to feed. Treks in a Wild World. Hybrids occur where [11], The long, spiral horns curve backward, then forward. Mozambique. Habitat loss caused by human encroachment, the construction of roads, development of new settlements and clearing of land for agricultural crops all lead to the fragmentation of precious wildlife habitat which impacts on all wildlife. These subspecies can be distinguished by differences in coat colouration, rump patterns, genetics (Lorenzen et al. It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. This is used as a ‘follow me sign’ and not as a target for a desperate hunter taking a “Texas heart shot”. We have unmatched hospitality as the employees of the hotel will make you feel welcome. The waterbuck is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa.The Defassa Waterbuck is considered threatened in its native land; however, these beautiful animals are thriving on our member’s ranches. But i know that in southern africa 30"+ is common or should i … The population trend for both the common and defassa waterbuck is downwards, especially that of the latter, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of poaching and human disturbance. [3] The animal acquired the vernacular name "waterbuck" due to its heavy dependence on water as compared to other antelopes and its ability to enter into water for defence. Zimbabwe. Hyparrhenia involucrata, Acroceras amplectens and Oryza barthii along with annual species were the main preference in the early rainy season, while long life grasses and forage from trees constituted three-fourths of the diet in the dry season. They are often sighted from a vantage point or at a distance from a vehicle. The Waterbuck was described in 1833 from a specimen shot near Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. They would rather seek out a hole in the fence and slide that big body under the fence. In East Africa, two types occur: the common waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck, distinguished only by the white pattern on the rump. The waterbuck is a large, robust animal; males are generally about 25 percent larger than the females. One would expect Waterbuck to be great jumpers but they are in fact fence creepers. Zambia. The defassa waterbuck does have a wider distribution in Africa than the ellipsen. [2] It is a sexually dimorphic antelope, with the males nearly 7 percent taller than females and around 8 percent longer. [15], Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of five years, but are most dominant from the age of six to nine. [10] Males reach approximately 127 cm (50 in) at the shoulder, while females reach 119 cm (47 in). The race occurring in South Africa, the Common Waterbuck (K.e.ellipsiprymnus) is characterised by a white circle around their tails, distinguishing them from the Defassa Waterbuck (K.e.defassa) which has a solid white patch on their posteriors.These shaggy antelope weigh up to 270kg and adult bulls are up to 1.7m high at the shoulder. SCI MINIMUM SCORE: 70 (Length of both horns + circumference of bases). Defassa waterbuck have long bodies and necks and short legs, coarse hair, and a mane on their necks. However, it has been observed that unlike the other members of its genus (such as the kob and puku), the waterbuck ranges farther into the woodlands while maintaining its proximity to water. [15][21], The waterbuck exhibits great dependence on water. [2] Modern taxonomists, however, consider the common waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck a single species, K. ellipsiprymnus, given the large number of instances of hybridisation between the two. Lack of access to quality grazing and water during the winter months and early spring before the rains begin, mean the animals will be more mobile in search of adequate food and water. The population trend for both the common and defassa waterbuck is decreasing, especially that of the latter, with large populations being eliminated from their habitats due to Poaching and human settlement. The common waterbuck has a large elliptical ring around the rump while the defassa subspecies have a solid white rump patch. The waterbuck is a large, robust animal, with a mature bull weighing typically weigh 450 –600 lbs. These two subspecies are found in two neighboring defined regions in Africa. Their The head-and-body length is typically between 177–235 cm (70–93 in) and the average height is between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) lists the waterbuck as of Least Concern. pastures. In 1835, German naturalist Eduard Rüppell collected another specimen, which differed from Steedman's specimen in having a prominent white ring on its rump. Males are darker than females. Marking of territories includes no elaborate rituals - dung and urine are occasionally dropped. a newborn typically weighs 13.6 kg (30 lb), and growth in w… The slightly smaller of the two species is the ringless Defassa Waterbuck which has a darker complexion. Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of five years, but are most dominant from the age of six to nine. A MATURE WATERBUCK MALE HAS AN AVERAGE: SHOULDER HEIGHT OF 52 INCHES. [8] The waterbuck lives to 18 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity. [2] Interbreeding between the two takes place in the Nairobi National Park owing to extensive overlapping of habitats. Waterbuck are gregarious animals, forming small to medium sized family groups. Males are inclined to remain settled in their territories, though over time they may leave inferior territories for more spacious ones. While the common waterbuck is now extinct in Ethiopia, the defassa waterbuck has become extinct in Gambia. Considering it a separate species, Rüppell gave it the Amharic name "defassa" waterbuck and scientific name Antilope defassa. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, females had home ranges 21–61 hectares (0.081–0.236 sq mi; 52–151 acres) in area whereas home ranges for bachelor males averaged between 24–38 hectares (0.093–0.147 sq mi; 59–94 acres). Two subspecies of waterbuck are recognized: the common waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus and the defassa waterbuck K. e. defassa. 1. [3], The waterbuck is of a robust build. Males reach approximately 127 cm (50 in) at the shoulder, while females reach 119 cm (47 in). It can not tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. a newborn typically weighs 13.6 kg (30 lb), and growth in w… There are two subspecies of Waterbuck: Defassa Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa) Common Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus) Interesting Facts Predators don't usually choose older Waterbuck to hunt as their meat has an unpleasant odour due to the waterproofing secretions of their sweat glands. By far, the majority of Waterbuck hunts take place in South Africa, primarily in the Northern and Eastern Limpopo Province. For many years the venison from a Waterbuck has been regarded as not really palatable. Dominant territorial bulls in most instances will not tolerate other mature bulls and will pursue other bulls relentlessly. These are the areas you need to check first thing in the morning and late afternoon. These herds may be dominated by a territorial bull which in some circumstances will tolerate satellite bulls. Owing to the large number of variations in the coat colour in the defassa waterbuck group, as many as 29 subspecies were included in it; the ellipsen waterbuck group consisted of eight subspecies. The adult male averaged 520 lb and the adult female 410 lb in weight. It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. Defassa Waterbuck are one of two species of Waterbuck found in Kenya, the other being the Ringed or common waterbuck. Zimbabwe. Scientific name. [3][10] Females have two nipples. If the defessa and common waterbucks have bordering ranges they often interbreed; as a result, some scientists consider the two groups as … The common waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck are remarkably different in their physical appearances. A rudimentary horn in the form of a bone lump may be found on the skulls of females. [24], 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T11035A50189324.en, "Diet and food preference of the waterbuck in the Pendjari National Park, Benin", "How the stink of a waterbuck could prevent sleeping sickness in Kenya", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Waterbuck&oldid=965683589, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 2 July 2020, at 19:53. When sexually excited, the skin of the waterbuck secretes a greasy substance with the odour of musk, giving it the name "greasy kob". Their own sedentary nature too is responsible for this to some extent. They prefer to graze the more palatable sweet grasses of the savannas, scrublands, rocky hills, floodplains and reedbeds. [18][19], Territorial males may use several kinds of display. Waterbuck. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. The Uganda defassa waterbuck is a large African antelope which in western Uganda breeds throughout the year. 27 species of ixodid tick have been found on waterbuck - a healthy waterbuck may carry a total of over 4000 ticks in their larval or nymphal stages, the most common among them being Amblyomma cohaerens and Rhipicephalus tricuspis. They are unaffected by tsetse flies but ticks may introduce parasitic protozoa such as Theileria parva, Anaplasma marginale and Baberia bigemina. Waterbuck are characterised by a long neck and short, strong and black legs. The common waterbuck has a conspicuous white ring encircling a dark rump, while the Defassa has wide white patches on either side of the rump. Photos showing the difference between the two. A few females may form spinster herds. The defassa waterbuck occurs west of the Albertine Rift and ranges from Eritrea to Guinea Bissau in the southern Sahel, its most northerly point of distribution being in southern Mali. They will browse when grass cover is in a poor condition. They are predominantly found in the west of the country and are very common … An associate of mine has been charged and chased round and round a tree on more than one occasion. The shaggy coat is reddish brown to grey, and becomes progressively darker with age. Larger groups may be found during the wet season when food is more readily available or animals are attracted to a food fest like a green flush during the winter months. The common waterbuck can tolerate slightly drier habitats, but the defassa waterbuck requires a region that gets an average of at least 30 inches (750 mm) of rain annually. 2006) and geographic range. The common Waterbuck has a conspicuous white ring encircling a dark rump, while the defassa has wide white patches on either side of the rump. They are distinguished only by the pattern on their rump. [15] There is another social group, that of the satellite males, which are mature bulls as yet without their own territories, who exploit resources, particularly mating opportunities, even in the presence of the dominant bull. If special precautions are taken while skinning the animal, this meat can be sold for human consumption and nobody will be none the wiser regarding the taste of this venison. Defassa Waterbuck. The head-and-body length is typically between 177–235 cm (70–93 in) and the average height is between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). [6] On the basis of Valerius Geist's theories about the relation of social evolution and dispersal in ungulates during the Pleistocene,[7] the ancestral home of the waterbuck is considered to be the eastern coast of Africa - with the Horn of Africa to the north and the East African Rift Valley to the west. Males of all species have long, heavily ridged horns that curve backward and then upward. Waterbuck are categorised as bulk grazers, feeding on tall grass with a high fibre content. Defassa Waterbuck Hunts The Defassa Waterbuck is recognised by not having the white ring on its hump, it is also slightly smaller than its common cousin. Videos. Measurements indicate greater tail length in the defassa, whereas the common waterbuck stands taller than the defassa. [12] Though apparently thick, the hair is sparse on the coat. The waterbuck is split between two groupings of the 13 subspecies: the Ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the Defassa waterbuck. Tanzania. Both sub-species of Waterbuck are fairly widespread throughout Africa, one through the centre and on the western end of Africa, and the other in the south eastern parts. Records indicate that the best trophy hunting is in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. [11] The tail is 22–45 cm (8.7–17.7 in) long. [20] With grasses constituting a substantial 70 to 95 percent of the diet, the waterbuck is predominantly a grazer frequenting grasslands. The waterbuck is the largest amongst the six species of Kobus. Territorial males hold territories 4–146 hectares (0.015–0.564 sq mi; 9.9–360.8 acres) in size. Calves are weaned at eight months, following which time they join groups of calves of their own age. Mozambique. There are several attempts at mounting before the actual copulation. Their head and body length range from 177 – 235 cm and shoulder height from 120 – 136 cm. 5 items found for ' "Common waterbuck" '. [15] However, it has been observed that the waterbuck does not particularly like being in water. Good free-range hunting is also available in the Caprivi (Namibia), Zimbabwe, Luangwa Valley (Zambia), Mozambique and Tanzania. Tanzania. Most bow hunting ranches or concessions have permanent blinds set-up at various water points. Add to Likebox ... #87634522 - Common waterbuck in Kruger National Park, South Africa; Specie.. Defassa waterbuck. The common waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck are remarkably different in their physical appearances. Some scientists consider the defassa waterbuck to be a separate species. Botswana. [15] In equatorial regions, breeding takes place throughout the year, and births are at their peak in the rainy season. [3] Females have home ranges stretching over 200–600 hectares (0.77–2.32 sq mi; 490–1,480 acres). The only thing they depend on are waterholes and running waters. A gregarious animal, the waterbuck may form herds consisting of six to 30 individuals. Visiting Kafue. NOTE: In East Africa, there are two species of water bucks; the Common waterbuck and the Defassa waterbuck, distinguished only by the white pattern on the rump. She communicates with the calf by bleating or snorting. On release, the first thing a Waterbuck will do is a boundary fence patrol in search of any weak spots to escape (learn more about evolution of high fence operations in South Africa). Fossils were scarce in the Cradle of Humankind, occurring only in a few pockets of the Swartkrans. [12], Waterbuck are rather sedentary in nature, though some migration may occur with the onset of monsoon. [22], Though the defassa waterbuck were found to have a much greater requirement for protein than the African buffalo and the Beisa oryx, the waterbuck was found to spend much less time on browsing (eating leaves, small shoots and fruits) in comparison to the other grazers. This is particularly applicable in the large free-range hunting concessions where hunting in the early season may be more difficult when water is abundant after good rains. The season extends for even longer periods in some areas of southern Africa. Try Our Top Safaris 0 Waterbuck have a fairly sparse long shaggy coat covered in a greasy, unpleasant musky smelling substance. [11] A silent animal, the waterbuck makes use of flehmen response for visual communication and alarm snorts for vocal communication. [23], Over 60 percent of the defassa waterbuck populations thrive in protected areas, most notably in Niokolo-Koba, Comoe, Mole, Bui, Pendjari, Manovo-Gounda St. Floris, Moukalaba-Doudou, Garamba, Virunga, Omo, Mago, Murchison Falls, Serengeti, and Katavi, Kafue and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, the national parks and hunting zones of North Province (Cameroon), Ugalla River Forest Reserve, Nazinga Game Ranch, Rukwa Valley, Awash Valley, Murule and Arly-Singou.