Water Antelope

This large African herbivore is an excellent swimmer!

Its distribution extends to southeastern Africa, in valleys and grasslands near water. The water becomes its refuge if it perceives any threat.

There is sexual dimorphism, the male is larger than the female, has darker fur and horns. The length of the horns depends on the age of the antelope.

Antelope activity is affected by seasonal differences, habitat, grazing conditions, distance from water and the number of predators in the area. When less water is available and conditions are dry, the antelope needs to rest more.

It breeds once a year. The female isolates herself from the group and goes into some bushes a few days before calving and will give birth to a calf after 8 months of gestation. Once born, it will take half an hour for the young to stand up.

They live in small groups of 5 to 15 individuals, although they can gather in groups of thousands in grazing areas.

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated