Southern lechwe

The Southern lechwe or red lechwe (Kobus leche) is a diurnal species with a preference for wetland areas, although it is also found in open grasslands or savannahs. It inhabits the major wetlands of Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia, and southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which the species had historically occupied, although its range has been reduced during the 20th century. It is one of five subspecies of lechwe, which have different ranges from each other.

Diurnal in habits, the Southern lechwe gathers in same-sex herds that mix during the mating season, which takes place in the rainy season from November to February, so that the young, after a gestation period of between seven and eight months, are born between July and September.

The Southern lechwe is characterised by its golden fur, with a white belly and black areas on the front legs, chest and part of the body. It has a clear sexual dimorphism or difference between the sexes: males have long spiral horns, as well as being larger and darker than females.

The Southern lechwe has long hooves that allow it to walk in marshy areas, where it feeds on aquatic plants or the meadow grasses of flooded areas. It thus fulfils an important ecological function by clearing the area and allowing new vegetation to grow.

Among its adaptations, its water-repellent, water-repellent fur helps it to run at high speed, as it usually enters the water until it covers its knees to keep itself safe from predators. Moreover, in case of attack, its escape is facilitated by the fact that its hind legs are longer than those of other antelopes, allowing it to run long distances on waterlogged ground.