Overview
At the edge of a river or wetland, a waterbuck may stand broad-shouldered and watchful among the reeds. Large, robust and powerfully built, this distinctive antelope is closely associated with permanent water and the productive grasslands and woodlands surrounding it.
Waterbuck have coarse, shaggy coats ranging from grey-brown to reddish brown. In East Africa, two main forms occur. The common waterbuck has a conspicuous white ring around the rump, while the defassa waterbuck has a broader, solid white rump patch. Both are currently treated as part of the same species.
They are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses that other herbivores may overlook, although leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten during dry periods. Their dependence on drinking water keeps them close to rivers, lakes, marshes and well-watered valleys.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a large antelope with a sturdy body, rounded ears, a shaggy neck and a pale muzzle. White markings appear above the eyes, around the nose and across the throat, while the lower legs are dark.
Only males carry horns. These are long, heavily ringed and sweep backwards before curving forwards and upwards. Mature bulls are noticeably larger and darker than females and may defend territories containing valuable grazing and access to water.
Waterbuck normally flee on land when threatened but may enter shallow or deeper water when pursued. They are capable swimmers, although they do not spend most of their lives standing in water as their name can suggest. Their shaggy coat produces a strong-smelling oily secretion that may help repel water and maintain the fur.
Interesting facts
Not every waterbuck has a white ring. Common waterbuck have the familiar elliptical rump ring, while defassa waterbuck display a broader white patch.
Only males grow horns. A mature bull’s deeply ringed horns may approach one metre in length and can be used during serious territorial contests.
They remain closely tied to water. Rivers and wetlands provide drinking water, reliable grazing and possible refuge when predators approach.