Characteristics:
Waterbuck stand about 130 cm / 52 inch at the shoulder and reach a mean mass
of about 250 kg / 155 lb. They are large with a stronger body than kudu or
blue wildebeest. Waterbuck have a distinct white ring around the rump. Only
the male has heavily ridged, lyrate horns which, rising outwards from the
bases and inwards again to end in a pointed tip.
Colouring:
The colour of the upper parts of the body is variable and may be a dark
brownish-grey or greyish-brown, in either case grizzled with white and grey
hairs. Characteristically they have a board white ring encircling the rump,
the lower portion of which broadens out the upper parts of the hind legs.
Habitat:
Throughout their range waterbuck, as the name suggests, are associated with
water, and also have unusual high water requirements. Waterbuck remain
within about 1,8 km of open water, or occur in its vicinity.
Occurrence:
No natural population in Namibia. Living in all regions of Namibia, through
introduction.
Main
food:
Waterbuck are pronounced roughage feeders, while predominantly grazes, very
occasionally they may add browse plants to their diet.
Gestation period:
276 - 280 days
Horns:
Only the bucks, horn length up to 90 cm / 36 inch.
Habits:
Waterbuck are gregarious, usually occurring in small herds of about six to
twelve. The social organisation consists of territorial males, nursery herds
and bachelor herds.