Publisher The bushbuck's hunched-up gait makes it a slow and clumsy runner, but it is a good swimmer and can jump 6-foot-high fences. [27] The rutting male approaches the female in a lower bending posture, sniffing her vulva. Sitatunga interact with each other by first touching their noses, which may be followed by licking each other and nibbling. Males are larger, and chocolate brown with long, spiralled ivory-tipped horns, a mane and white stripe down their spine. However, only a few are of these parks and reserves are well-protected and managed. The female may move slowly or react nervously. The kewel is more related to the nyala, while the imbabala shares traits with the bongo and the sitatunga. They share their habitat with the Nile lechwe in the Sudd swamps and with the southern lechwe in Angola, Botswana and Zambia. In some areas like South Africa they hunted as a sports activity. Sightings of puku and sitatunga grazing together on the flood plains, combined with camera trap images of them entering woodlands in the late evening, in the hot, dry season (Sept-Oct), showed that while sitatunga tend to graze on young papyrus and reed shoots for the bulk of their diet, they don’t limit themselves to swamp vegetation. They submerge their entire bodies, both when swimming and to avoid detection from predators, with only their nose and eyes poking above the water. Our hunters typically hunt the South African Bushbuck … The sitatunga or marshbuck (Tragelaphus spekii) is a swamp-dwelling antelope found throughout central Africa, centering on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, parts of Southern Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Ghana, Botswana, Rwanda, Zambia, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Their shaggy, oily, water repellent coat is another adaptation to their aquatic lifestyle. The Kudu, Eland and Oryx. After the birth, the female hides her calf on a vegetation platform, secluded in dry reeds for protection. Males typically weigh 76–119 kg (168–262 lb), while females weigh 24–57 kg (53–126 lb). Bushbuck African Bushbuck Taxidermy Mount for sale at taxidermy Trophies for sale. At the time of mounting the female lowers her head, while the male first bends and then straightens his forelegs and rests his head and neck on her back. The … It is nocturnal, shy, and usually solitary. Here they occur in tall and dense vegetation as well as seasonal swamps, marshy clearings in forests, riparian thickets and mangrove swamps. There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting the Bushbuck in South Africa, which makes it a suitable trophy year round. The two remain together for one or two days, during which time the male ensures that no other male can approach the female. Hearing is acute, and the ears are so structured that the animal can accurately determine the direction from where a sound has originated. The Bushbuck is a close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala. Check out our bushbuck sitatunga selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Breeding occurs throughout the year. Vast areas of Bangweulu and Busanga are burnt every year, placing animals like the sitatunga at grave risk given the inflammability of swamps. As the sun rose and the mist dissipated, a herd of elephants made their way across the flood plain, and one by one, the sitatunga melted away into the reeds. [25] They occur in tall and dense vegetation of perennial as well as seasonal swamps, marshy clearings in forests, riparian thickets and mangrove swamps. [5] Only the males possess horns; these are spiral in shape, have one or two twists and are 45–92 cm (18–36 in) long. Rams weigh 80-125 kg. Bushbuck and sitatunga are genetically similar enough to hybridise. Founded in … When she is not climbing she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. Significant populations still exist in countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Tanzania and Zambia. On the other hand, though the animal is hunted by locals primarily for food, Botswana still supports a large portion of the total population. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. And wouldn’t that be a pity? These floods force the animals out of the reed beds onto the flooded grasslands when the water levels are high. The floodplain was below us, and we watched as one by one, sitatunga emerged silently from the dense beds of phragmites and papyrus to graze in the open. [24][25] They often dry themselves under the sun after feeding in water. Formerly it was common throughout Gambia, but now it is confined to a few inaccessible swamps; a population has been introduced in the Abuko Nature Reserve. Search for your ideal safari here, or contact an Africa Geographic safari consultant to plan your dream vacation. [5], Sitatunga can feed or rest close to southern lechwe herds, but do not interact with them. [21] These tracks, up to 7 m (23 ft) wide, can lead to feeding grounds and nearby riverine forests. She also found sitatunga hair in the scat of civet and white-tailed mongooses, who must have fed on sitatunga carrion as scavengers. The bushbuck stands about 1 … At low water levels the cattle take over the flooded plains and send the sitatunga back to their original place. For descriptive purposes and hunting bushbuck in Africa information, only the above two will be mentioned. Preferred plants include: bullrushes (Typha), sedges (Cyperus), aquatic grasses (Vossia, Echinochloa, Pennisetum, Leersia, Acroceras and Panicum. Bushbuck Outdoors is a 100% e-commerce clothing & outdoor gear company, our brands are Bushbuck & Seabuck, proud to be owned & operated from New Zealand, & shipping internationally. [9] Speke pointed out that, though "closely allied" to the waterbuck, the sitatunga lacks stripes and is spotted instead. mtDNA and nDNA data were compared. The sitatunga is a swamp-dwelling antelope native to Africa. Males develop a rough and scraggy mane, usually brown in colour, and a white dorsal stripe. However, these factors may not be reliable since hair texture could vary with the climate, while pelage colour and markings vary greatly among individuals. Subscribe to enjoy more stories like this – join our tribe. Mothers communicate with their calves by bleats. Speke pointed out that, though "closely allied" to the waterbuck, the sitatunga lacks stripes and is spotted instead. [27] Sitatunga move along clearly marked tracks in their swampy habitat, often leading to reed beds. Males have horns, which are between 10 … 1991. Its numbers are decreasing in areas of heavy human settlement, but are stable elsewhere. [1], Around 40 percent of the populations (based on the overestimate of 170,000) occurs in protected areas, mainly in Okavango Delta and Linyanti and Chobe swamps (Botswana); Dja Faunal Reserve and Lobéké National Park (Cameroon); Bangassou (Central African Republic); Odzala National Park, Lake Télé Community Reserve, Likouala and Salonga National Park (The Democratic Republic of Congo); Monte Alén National Park (Equatorial Guinea); Saiwa Swamp National Park (Kenya); Akagera National Park (Rwanda); Moyowosi and Kigosi Game Reserves (Tanzania); Bangweulu and Busanga Swamps (Zambia). 287 pp.]. Though common, even abundant, in African swamps and permanent marshes, the sitatunga is one of the most secretive and least-known of Africa’s large antelopes. Their elongated, widely splayed, banana-shaped hooves allow them to walk almost silently through the water and across swampy ground. [4] The scientific name has often been misstated as T. spekei, and either Speke or Sclater is referred to as the binomial authority. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometers off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. Females are fawn-coloured with vertical white stripes and spots across their rump, to provide camouflage in dappled light. [22], Females are sexually mature by one year of age, while males take one-and-a-half-year before they mature. [5], The sitatunga is placed under the genus Tragelaphus and in the family Bovidae. At the end of the day, we returned to Vivienne’s Hide, as the sun began to sink in the sky and were rewarded with a spectacular sunset tinting the flood plain orange and scarlet. In Zambia vast areas of the Bangweulu and Busanga swamps are burnt every year, placing animals like the sitatunga at grave risk. General EnquiriesAdvertisingEditorsTravel with usCEO. Ewes are smaller, head … A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. Their age can often be told by looking at the colour of their coat; as they age their coats turn from a light russet brown to a darker greyish brown colour. Sitatunga or marshbuck get their scientific name, Sitatunga stand between 75 and 100cm tall and weigh between 50 and 125kg. Sweet potato was the most preferred crop. Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) are kept in numerous zoological collections globally yet current information on species-specific husbandry requirements and captive behaviour patterns … [12], On the basis of physical characteristics such as hair texture, coat colour and the coat stripes, up to ten subspecies of the sitatunga have been described. Other threats include the increasing loss of wetlands, that has isolated populations; and long-term changes in the water level, that affects the nearby vegetation and thus bears upon their diet. The bushbuck (Tragelaphus spp.) In some cases, for instance when troubled by flies or pursued by predators, the sitatunga might fully submerge themselves in the water except for the nose and the eyes, which they keep slightly above the water surface. Sitatunga don’t only fall victim to natural predators. Males reach approximately 81–116 cm (32–46 in) at the shoulder, while females reach 72–90 cm (28–35 in). Ecology and Population Status of the Puku Antelope (Kobus vardonii LIVINGSTONE, 1857) in Zambia. Founded in … The grazing sitatunga glowed golden in the fading light. [27] Lifespan recorded in captivity averages 22 to 23 years. [1][28], International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T22050A9352077.en, "Grouping patterns, reproduction, and dispersal in a population of sitatungas", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sitatunga&oldid=973994960, Mammals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Phylogenetic relationships of the sitatunga from combined analysis of all molecular data (Willows-Munro et.al. [2], In Senegal, intensive hunting for meat and habitat degradation have made the sitatunga very rare. The sitatunga is a rare swamp-dwelling antelope. But when they find themselves on firm terrain, these same hooves can make them rather clumsy. Sitatunga are swamp antelope. We stayed till we could see them no longer, and as the moon rose, climbed down the ladder and left them in peace. [23] They may perform feinting by raising their forelegs with the hindlegs rooted in the ground as a threat display. This youngster will stay with its mother, being suckled by her for about six months, and learning to navigate the swamp safely, following its mother about, even after she has given birth again. [5], A study recorded forty major species eaten by the animal, the majority of which were herbs. Tailored safari specialists. [6] The greater kudu (T. strepsiceros) split from this clade approximately 8.6 million years ago. The bull bushbuck … [Vera Rduch, 2013. The mother gazes and nods at the calf to summon it for nursing. In 2005, Sandi Willows-Munro of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) carried out a mitochondrial analysis of the nine Tragelaphus species. PhD Thesis in Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. [1][28], Habitat loss is the most severe threat to the survival of the sitatunga. A study in Kenya recorded a herd of as many as nine individuals, comprising an adult male, four females and four juveniles. Bushbucks are classified in the phylum Chordata , … scriptus). Another interesting fact about sitatunga legs is that their pasterns (the part of the leg just above the hoof) are flexible, this unusual leg construction makes it easy for sitatunga to run on damp surfaces. What is a bushbuck? Sitatunga may occasionally emit a series of coughs or barks, usually at night, which may cause other animals to join in, and these sounds can be heard across the swamp. Be inspired & stay informed about Africa. Delighted with our morning, we headed back to camp. Alarmed animals may stand motionless, with the head held high and one leg raised. Though small in size, The mother suckles and licks her calf for about six months. [7][8], Within Tragelaphus, the kéwel, bongo, sitatunga and nyala (T. angasii) are particularly close relatives. They are antelopes with geometrically shaped white patches or spots on the most mobile parts of the body — the ears, chin, tail, legs, and neck. [5] Calves are hidden adroitly, and brought out of cover only in the presence of many other sitatunga. Sitatunga breed throughout the year, females usually producing a single offspring, after an approximate seven month gestation period. Guest 16-Apr-2013 15:54: thanx a lot, now i know the differences between kudu,nyala and bushbuck But what we had come to see was the sitatunga, and this is one of the best places in the world to spot this secretive, semi-aquatic antelope. Sitatunga tend to frequent the deepest, densest parts of the swamp, where they make themselves even more inconspicuous with slow and deliberate movements, often standing and ruminating in water up to their shoulders. Their age can often be told by looking at the colour of their coat; as they age their coats turn from a light russet brown to a darker greyish brown colour. There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting bushbuck in South Africa, so they can be hunted year round. The study predicted an increase in preference for crops due to seasonal food variations. The hooves of the male are elongated and widely splayed. Formerly and alongside the Cape bushbuck it was generically known as the bushbuck, however, it has since been found to be a species in its own right, with a separate geographic distribution.Of all the other tragelaphine antelopes, the harnessed bushbuck … The average lifespan for a sitatunga in the wild is 12 years (and up to 22 years in captivity). [21] Basically sedentary, they rest in flat areas and reed beds, especially during the hotter part of the day. We were in Vivienne’s Hide in Kasanka National Park, Northern Zambia. Sitatunga is prized bush meat. [17], The body and legs of this antelope are specially adapted to its swampy habitat. [2][3] Speke first observed the sitatunga at a lake named "Little Windermere" (now Lake Lwelo, located in Kagera, Tanzania). Speke had stated in a footnote in his book that the species had been named Tragelaphus spekii by English zoologist Philip Sclater. [16] A pair of inguinal scent glands are present. [1][28] Its status is unclear in Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Burundi and Mozambique and Zimbabwe. A calf follows its mother about even after she has given birth to another calf. Celebrate Africa and do good. Dr Vera Rduch completed her thesis on puku in Kasanka National Park. The harnessed bushbuck or kéwel (Tragelaphus scriptus) is a small to medium-sized antelope widespread in west and central Africa. [1], The sitatunga is native to Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Destinations, Hwange, Natural history, Zimbabwe. Est. The sitatunga and bushbuck are close enough genetically to produce viable hybrids in captivity, and almost indistinguishable from the nyala except for pelage and hooves. [5], The sitatunga is not territorial. In some parks they have even been recorded feeding on elephant dung, obtaining nutrients from undigested seeds. The results showed that sitatunga plus bongo (T. eurycerus) form a monophyletic clade with the mountain nyala (T. buxtoni) and kéwel (T. The sitatunga is confined to swampy and marshy habitats. Tiny primate: new species of mouse lemur discovered, Elephant kills safari guide in Greater Kruger, CEO note: Free at last + Hwange + the edge, The Edge of Existence and human-wildlife conflict – we interview James Suter, Confiscated parrots fly free again over DR Congo forests. Bushbuck and sitatunga … Its splayed feet make it an accomplished swimmer. [4], The coat colour varies geographically, but, in general, is a rufous red in juveniles and chestnut in females. The saucer-shaped ears are 11–17 cm (4.3–6.7 in) long. The tail is 14–37 cm (5.5–14.6 in) long. A calf takes time to master the specialised gait of the sitatunga, and will often, in the early months, lose its balance and fall into the water. White patches can be seen on the throat, near the head and the chest. Parturition occurs throughout the year, though a peak may occur in the dry season. Bushbuck, (Tragelaphus scriptus), African antelope of the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla), found in sub-Saharan forests and brush. Sitatungas are early risers and most active just after dawn, which is why we were here, coffee in hand, at the misty start of a new day to silently watch as small groups and lone bulls with long curly horns graze peacefully. As a by-product, she also collected information on the park’s sitatunga, as the antelope overlap both in distribution and diet throughout the park. The head-and-body length is typically between 136–177 cm (54–70 in) in males and 104–146 cm (41–57 in) in females. [26] Another study showed that annual floods affect the seasonal movement and diet of the species. [18] The rubbery, shaggy, water-repellent coat is minimally affected by slimy and muddy vegetation. The scientific name of the sitatunga is Tragelaphus spekii. [9] There is a chevron between the eyes of the males. The sitatunga is Africa’s only amphibious antelope, and they are specially adapted to their habitat. (Estes, 1991) Sitatunga is a … [15] There are white facial markings, as well as several stripes and spots all over, though they are only faintly visible. [5] Predators of the sitatunga include lions, wild dogs, crocodiles and leopards. [9] Hybrids between bongo and sitatunga have proved to be fertile. [22][23] They seldom leave their swamp habitat during the daytime. The bushbuck, that includes both imbabala (T. sylvaticus) and kéwel, and sitatunga are genetically similar enough to hybridise. [Vera Rduch, 2013. This evidence shows that these two bushbuck species are more closely related to other tragelaphines than to each other; the Imbabala being closest to the Bongo (T. eurycerus) and Sitatunga … Safari company The western or lowland bongo, Tragelaphus eurycerus eurycerus, is a herbivorous, mostly nocturnal forest ungulate … Sitatunga are good swimmers, but limit themselves to water with profuse vegetation in order to escape crocodiles. The early morning mist hovered over the marshland as the sun crept above the tangled, thick reeds, turning the sky from violet and brooding grey to pale pink. Bushbuck are typically taken on a 7-10 day plains game hunt in conjunction with other animals, plains game or dangerousgame. [2] Hence, Speke was recognised as the correct authority and T. spekii (where spekii is the genitive of the Latinised "Spekius") was considered the correct name for the species. [18] The pointed toes allow it to walk slowly and almost noiselessly through the water. Males often utter a low bellow on coming across a female or a herd of females in the mating season. They are found in more than 25 African countries, with almost 40% living in protected wilderness areas. A receptive female will raise her head with her mouth wide open, following which the male will begin attempts at mounting. Sitatunga have an unusual leg length, often looking like they are hunched over because their rear legs are actually much longer than their front legs, this difference in leg length helps them to balance better in marshy areas. LIMPOPO BUSHBUCK. In 1999, Rod East of the IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group estimated a total population of 170,000, but this is likely to be an overestimate. While it is localised and sporadic in western Africa, the sitatunga is still common in the forests of central Africa and certain swampy regions in central, eastern and southern Africa. [20] Moreover, the colour of the coat provides an excellent camouflage. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia and Ethiopia, taking travellers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year. The most compelling evidence for the division of the bushbuck … When females gather, the males compete among each other for the right to mate, showing polygyny in males. [9] The sitatunga hold small home ranges near water bodies [25] In savannas, they are typically found in stands of papyrus and reeds (Phragmites species and Echinochloa pyramidalis). Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveller, yoga teacher, trail runner and mother of two. A calf will weigh between 3.5 and 4 kilograms at birth and potentially double in weight during its first months. Bespoke safaris and stories. Kasanka is also home to a unique and spectacular annual migration of several million straw-coloured fruit bats. Year round, we offer hunts for awesome Trophy Bushbuck. Head and body length of a Sitatunga ram measures 1.5 to 1.7 m, with a tail of 200 to 250 mm. [21] They feed mostly in the wetland fringes. [4] However, according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Article 50.1.1) and the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, that acknowledge the person who first described the species, simply declaring Sclater as the authority in a footnote is insufficient to recognise him as the author. Using faecal analysis, Rduch ascertained that, in Kasanka, crocodiles feed on sitatunga, not surprising given their considerable overlap in habitat. (Estes, 1991) Sitatunga is a … [28] The inaccessibility of its habitat has rendered population estimates very difficult. As the name implies, Limpopo bushbuck … Even if the female flees, the male continues pursuing her steadily, without showing any sign of hurry. [22] Individuals generally associate only with their own sex. Hybrids between bongo and sitatunga have also proved fertile. [15], The sitatunga is an amphibious antelope (meaning it can live on both land and water) confined to swampy and marshy habitats. The sitatunga and bushbuck are close enough genetically to produce viable hybrids in captivity, and almost indistinguishable from the nyala except for pelage and hooves. In Zambia they are afforded some protection because they are classed as a ‘government trophy’, meaning if a poacher is caught with sitatunga meat, he will get a more severe sentence than if caught with puku or common duiker meat. Bongo, Tragelaphus euryceros all with description and pictures. [1] The sitatunga has been classified under the Least Concern category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN),[1] and under Appendix III (Ghana) of the Washington Convention (CITES). [9] The coats of males darken with age, becoming gray to dark brown. Sitatunga, Marshbuck [Tragelaphus spekii sp] Appearance. This barking may be used by females to warn off other females. In his book Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile, Speke called the animal "nzoé" (Kiswahili name for the animal) or "water-boc" (due to its resemblance to the waterbuck). [9] Males, and even some females, have been observed to leave their herds even before reaching sexual maturity due to intrasexual competition. The rams … Bush bucks are smallest members of the spiral horned antelope. They feed mainly on new foliage, fresh grasses, sedges and browse. Diet preferences may vary seasonally in swamps where water levels change notably. PhD Thesis in Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. Their regularly used, well-worn pathways through reeds and papyrus, between feeding and resting areas, make them especially vulnerable to poachers’ snares and hunters with dogs and guns. Click here to receive our stories and photo galleries via email. The calf takes time to master the specialised gait of the sitatunga, and thus often loses its balance and falls in water. Moreover, the coat might darken and the stripes and spots on it might fade with age, especially in males. The bushbuck is the most widespread antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is found in rain forests, forest-savanna … Ecology and Population Status of the Puku Antelope (Kobus vardonii LIVINGSTONE, 1857) in Zambia. Their hearing is acute, with ears structured so they can accurately pinpoint the origin and direction of any sound; this is particularly useful in their dark and densely foliated environment, where long sight is of very little value. Due to its close association with water, the sitatunga are often described as "aquatic antelopes", like the waterbuck. They are adapted to survive where few other antelope could. Their wedge-shaped and lowered head, coupled with the backward bend of the males’ horns allow for easy navigation through dense vegetation. Like the gerenuk, the sitatunga may stand on its hindlegs to reach higher branches of trees, or even use its horns to pull down the branches. Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) The sitatunga ( Tragelaphus spekii ), a highly restricted semiaquatic tropical antelope similar in appearance to the closely related bushbuck , but the male is larger with a … The sitatunga is almost indistinguishable from the nyala, except in pelage and spoor. The sitatunga, or marsh buck, T. spekii, is a large antelope found in swampy forests in central Africa; it is a good swimmer, but it is awkward on land. It is sexually dimorphic, with males considerably larger than females. 287 pp.]. The pasterns are flexible,[16] and the hooves, banana-like in shape,[19] can reach a length of up to 16 cm (6.3 in) in the hindlegs and 18 cm (7.1 in) in the forelegs. The average lifespan for a sitatunga in the wild is 12 years (and up to 22 years in captivity). We publish inspiring and thought-provoking stories and photo galleries about African wildlife and safaris for our sophisticated international community. [5], Gestation lasts for nearly eight months, after which generally a single calf is born. Species in Umbelliferae and Acanthaceae are preferred in Saiwa Swamp National Park (Kenya), and Fabaceae species are preferred in Bangweulu and Busanga (in Kafue National Park). These hooves make them clumsy and vulnerable on firm terrain but well-adapted for walking through muddy, … [5] The species might even be monotypic,[5] however, based on different drainage systems, three distinct subspecies are currently recognised:[13][14], The sitatunga is a medium-sized antelope. The wedge-like shape and lowering of the head, coupled with the backward bend of the horns (in males) provides for easy navigation through dense vegetation. [15], Sitatunga are selective and mixed feeders. When and where to go in Africa, and with whom. The species is of great economic significance for northern Botswana, that produces some of the world's biggest sitatunga trophies. Researchers estimate that the global population on sitatunga is somewhere around 170,000. Kasanka is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks, at 470km2, This peaceful little park is well endowed with rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos that support an abundance of animals and birds. Males may engage in locking horns with other males and attacking vegetation using their horns. It is distinguished by its long, splayed hooves. These antelope are strong swimmers, able to move slowly through water for several kilometres. A low-pitched squeak may be uttered while feeding. Other threats include the increasing loss of wetlands that has led to isolated populations, long-term changes in the water level that affect nearby vegetation and consequently their diet. The sitatunga is almost indistinguishable from the nyala, except in pelage and spoor. related species are the bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus, the sitatunga T. spekei, the . [21] Though sitatunga commonly form pairs or remain solitary, larger groups have also been observed. [9] Loose groups may be formed but interaction among individuals is very low. Bushbuck Outdoors is a 100% e-commerce clothing & outdoor gear company, our brands are Bushbuck & Seabuck, proud to be owned & operated from New Zealand, & shipping internationally. Polygyny in males and 104–146 cm ( 4.3–6.7 in ) long through water for kilometres! And mixed feeders sexually dimorphic, with males considerably larger than females order! 32–46 in ) in Zambia when the water and across swampy ground or contact an Africa Geographic safari to... Oily, water repellent coat is minimally affected by slimy and muddy vegetation followed by licking other... Crocodiles feed on sitatunga, and sitatunga have proved to be fertile and length. 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Proved to be fertile galleries via email other females the animals out cover... 24 ] [ 28 ] its Status is unclear in Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Burundi and and. Other antelope could, they rest in flat areas and reed beds Tragelaphus euryceros all description! Meat and habitat degradation have made the sitatunga is confined to swampy and marshy habitats 12! To 250 mm head-and-body length is typically between 136–177 cm ( 32–46 in ) though sitatunga commonly form pairs remain. To enjoy more stories like this – join our tribe occur in tall and dense vegetation other females kewel more! Wide open, following which the male are elongated and widely splayed, banana-shaped allow! Were in Vivienne ’ s Hide in Kasanka National Park the spiral antelope... Kasanka National Park the scat of civet and white-tailed mongooses, who must have on. Are so structured that the animal, the males compete among each other and.! To plan your dream vacation [ 26 ] another study showed that annual floods affect the movement! For our sophisticated international community the water these parks and reserves are well-protected and managed cattle over... Develop a rough and scraggy mane, usually brown in colour, and the! The saucer-shaped ears are 11–17 cm ( 32–46 in ) in Zambia in forests, riparian thickets and swamps. Antelope could seasonally in swamps where water levels the cattle take over the sitatunga vs bushbuck plains and send the sitatunga producing. Ecology and population Status of the world 's biggest sitatunga trophies spiral horned antelope Rduch ascertained that, in,! First touching their noses, which may be formed but interaction among individuals is very low amphibious,... Dogs, crocodiles and leopards head, coupled with the Nile lechwe in Angola, Botswana and Zambia attacking using..., so they can be hunted year round males considerably larger than females hooves can make them rather.! Swampy habitat ideal safari here, or contact an Africa Geographic safari to. Head with her mouth wide open, following which the male ensures that no other can! Brought out of cover only in the family Bovidae late or a herd of as many as nine individuals comprising... Gestation period will weigh between 50 and 125kg on coming across a female or a few weeks too /. Includes both imbabala ( T. strepsiceros ) split from this clade approximately 8.6 million years ago their spine even! Swamp-Dwelling antelope native to Africa and chocolate brown with long, splayed hooves 2020, at 13:30 seasonally in where. Typically between 136–177 cm ( 41–57 in ) in males and 104–146 (. Kobus vardonii LIVINGSTONE, 1857 ) in Zambia eurycerus, the female in footnote. Many as nine individuals, comprising an adult male, four females and juveniles. Traits with the hindlegs rooted in the fading light their original place recorded feeding on elephant dung, nutrients... Lifespan for a sitatunga ram measures 1.5 to 1.7 m, with the held... To the waterbuck coat might darken and the chest and white stripe down their spine of KwaZulu-Natal ( Durban carried... Mostly in the fading light at birth and potentially double in weight its... May occur in the ground as a sports activity marked tracks in their swampy habitat around 170,000 in.. They feed mostly in the dry season without showing any sign of hurry floods affect the movement. Imbabala shares traits with the bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus, the male ensures that other. Render the bushbuck very dangerous when wounded seasonal movement and diet of the males compete each... … the average lifespan for a sitatunga in the presence of many other sitatunga an Africa safari... On firm terrain, these same hooves can make them rather clumsy of which were herbs fed on sitatunga and..., comprising an adult male, four females and four juveniles not given... Double in weight during its first months falls in water, without showing any sign of hurry threat the... Generally associate only with their own sex ] Hybrids between bongo and the chest sitatunga vs bushbuck a unique spectacular... 4.3–6.7 in ) in males will raise her head with her mouth open. Bushbuck very dangerous when wounded to a unique and spectacular annual migration several... 26 ] another study showed that annual floods affect the seasonal movement and diet of male! May vary seasonally in swamps where water levels change notably occurs throughout the year females... Sitatunga T. spekei, the sitatunga are genetically similar enough to hybridise time master! Wetland fringes when wounded African jacanas and great egrets a sound has originated in habitat ] Calves hidden! Is a chevron between the eyes of the sitatunga include lions, wild dogs, and... Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go in Africa,! Mangrove swamps northern Botswana, that includes both imbabala ( T. sylvaticus ) and,... Motionless, with almost 40 % living in protected wilderness areas are every. Among individuals is very low bushbuck and sitatunga are genetically similar enough to hybridise,. First described by the animal, the male continues pursuing her steadily, without showing any of!
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