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Waterbuck

While members of the antelope family are numerous and plentiful throughout the Kruger National Park, visitors should know that one particular specie - the Waterbuck – is not as frequent as other antelope.

The waterbuck in fact is not very common in the Southern African region and number a modest total of 1400 members in the Kruger Park. This means that visitors are especially privileged to witness these rare animals in a natural environment. Waterbucks are distinguished by their reddish brown coats of fur, which become darker as they get older, the white patch under their throats, and a white ring on their buttocks. The male waterbucks further have long horns that sweep back and then up, which further distinguishes them from the females. Visitors to the Kruger Park are likely to find the waterbuck reclining in a bush scrub or savannah area where there are watering holes in close proximity. As they are herbivorous, they feed primarily on grass and leaves. Even though it is called the waterbuck, in fact it does not spend that much time in the water; it usually though will escape there when it is being stalked by certain predators. Speaking of predators, the trend in the Kruger Park dictates that the Waterbuck – relative to its small population – is killed by the lion more than any other predator in the park; in fact 60-80% of waterbuck deaths are at the hands of the lion.

According to a few African myths, the meat of the Waterbuck is not edible. These reports are fuelled by the fact that the waterproofing secretions of the animal’s sweat glands produce a disgusting taste or odour into its meat. However, waterbuck venison is safe to eat especially if the animal is skinned properly, but its meat is not considered tasty enough for consumption.