Red Lechwe - Kobus leche
As a result of its amphibious
habits, the lechwe is preyed on by a variety of predators, from
crocodiles and pythons to lions, leopards, spotted hyaenas and wild
dogs. Like the reedbuck, it sometimes flattens itself on the ground
to avoid detection, suddenly taking off in startled leaps and bounds.
Lechwe may congregate in hundreds or thousands, although most herds
number about 20-30 individuals. Lechwe easily become habituated
to human presence and are often seen close to lodges in the Okavango
Delta wehre, in some cases, they even seek refuge from predators
by sheltering under the floodlights of the lodge. Visitors to Khwai
River Lodge and Tsaro, while enjoying their dinner, have often been
treated by the sight of lechwe fleeing from a pride of hunting lions.
The ram will defend his territory with
threatening displays, and will fight if an intruder tries to mate
with one of his ewes. The clash of horns during these fierce, sometimes
fatal, duels may be heard a long distance away. Calves can be born
at any time of year. Cows leave the herd to give birth and hide
their newborn calves for two to three weeks in the shelter of reeds
on an island or other dry spot. Calf mortality is high: usually
about 50%.
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