Waterbuck - Kobus ellipsiprymnus
The Waterbuck is fairly common in
the Chobe National Park and throughout Botswana. The Waterbuck is
easily recognised by the distinctive white rind around the tail
and shaggy appearance.
Waterbuck, as their name implies, are
usually found in the vicinity of water but they do sometimes live
some distance from the water. Although waterbuck do not live in
water as do the sitatunga, they are dependent on water. They dehydrate
easily and must drink often in hot climate.
Waterbuck are gregarious, usually living
in small herds of six to twelfe, but sometimes up to thrity are
found together where the food supply is abundant. Socially they
are divided into the territorial male, breeding herds and bachelor
herds.
An oily skin secretion gives
the waterbuck a musky smell which taints the meat. Waterbucks show
a strong tolerance for ox-peckers ans so they carry an above average
number of ticks.
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