Waterbuck

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

A very powerful and tenacious animal. Waterbuck inhabit savannah grasslands and riverine forests areas, near permanent fresh water. Despite their name, they do not spend much time in water other than to hide from and avoid predators. They are dependant on a constant water source as they need to drink daily so are never far from rivers or dams.

They flee into the closest water when lion approach and by this action are sometimes taken by crocodile. There is an urban legend that their meat is foul tasting which puts predators off but that simply is not true.

Waterbuck have much the same stance as mule deer, also being as short legged. Thecoarse hairs forward of the scapula are hollow which assists in boyancy to keep its head above the water when having fled from predators. The ring around the back sideis a distinct feature