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Index > Mammals:

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

THE HERBIVORES AND OMNIVORES

Waterbuck

As their name suggests, water- buck are usually found close to permanent sources of water such as rivers or large dams, where they seem partial to broken country. These big antelope have shaggy grey coats, but their most distinctive feature is the large white circle which runs around their rumps.

Males have long rippled horns sweeping gently upwards and for wards in a shallow arc. Posed against a river background, such full- grown bulls form a magnificent picture of self-assured strength and dignified grace. Waterbuck are mainly grazers although they will of ten feed on leafy bits of vegetation as well.

Aerial census results show that more than 4 000 of this species are distributed throughout the Park. Herds - usually one or two males with several females - are consistently seen at the Shiloweni and Or- pen dams near Tshokwane, and the Shawu and Kanniedood dams on the way to Shingwedzi. The banks of the Letaba and Olifants rivers are also very good areas for sighting waterbuck.

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