Waterbuck

(Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus) found throughout southeast Africa, east of the Great Rift Valley.

ID
This shaggy-haired antelope has a coat of coarse hair ranging in color from grey-brown to reddish, with darker legs. The face is marked with white around the nose, mouth, above the eyes and on the throat. The short, rounded ears are white on the inside and black on the edges and tips. The males bear long, heavily-ridged horns, extending back from the head and then sweeping forward, reaching up to 39 inches in length.  Two subspecies of the waterbuck are recognized, which can be easily distinguished by the obvious pattern on their rear; a broad, white ring encircles the rump of the ellipsen waterbuck, while the Defassa waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa) has a solid white patch on its rump.  Waterbuck stand 47 to 54 inches at the shoulder.  Males weigh between 440 and 660 lbs, while females will weigh from 350 to 440 lbs.

Behavior
Waterbuck have a distinct, musky smell that comes from secretions of their sweat glands.  This odor acts as a natural deterrent for predators.  Form small female groups that visit territorial male in open areas for much of the day before heading to cover for the night.  Bed in thickets at night and feed in the open during the day.  Males fight vigorously during rutting periods, sometimes including males of other species.  Broken or damaged horns are common.

Food Habits
Grazers that seek out good grassland near thick escape cover with permanent water nearby.  Considered “grass specialists”, even consuming large amounts of stems.  Browse very little despite the extended time in thick cover.  Will increase browse only when grasses decline during dry periods. During this time, supplement their diet with rushes, reeds, and even fruits.  Seldom utilize forbs.  Drink an unusually high amount of daily water for an antelope, thus their need for nearby water.

Breeding
Breeding season is all year with some seasonality.  Males reach maturity at 18 months, though native males may not breed until age 5.  Females reach maturity at 2 years of age, but as young as 12 months.  Pregnant females have gestation period of 8 to 9 months; giving birth to a single young (calf).  Though births can occur at any time of the year, tend to occur in wetter times of the year more frequently.

Life Span
Up to 18 years in the wild; 30 years max in captivity

Keeping Waterbuck
Waterbuck are social animals and should be kept in groups consisting of an adult male, several females and their offspring, or in bachelor groups. In larger enclosures several males may be kept together with a female herd. For up to five animals an outdoor enclosure of at least 1,640 sq feet, which should be enlarged by 164 sq feet for each additional adult. Waterbuck should have access to a water moat or pond for bathing and swimming. In cold and temperate climates, indoor facilities must be provided where temperature does not fall below 50 F. A minimum surface of 16.4 sq feet per adult is required. In Captivity waterbuck should be fed a diet consisting of hay and grass, supplemented with vegetables, pellets, vitamins and mineral salts.  Fencing at a height of 6 to 8 feet is usually sufficient. Cross freely with defassa waterbuck, resulting in different rump patterns.  Are also believed to be able to cross with lechwe.

Waterbuck Hunting
Waterbuck hunts range from $2,500 to over $5,000, depending on trophy size, outfitter, accommodations, etc.  The average cost for a waterbuck hunt is ~ $3,500.