WATERBUCK

The Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus), easily recognised by its shaggy, brown-grey coat and a distinctive white ring on its rump. Their coats have a strong, musky odour and are oily, water-resistant, helping them thrive in wet environments. 

Distribution: Found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Size: A large mule-like robust antelope.

Weight: 470 – 480lb / 250 – 270 kg

Shoulder Height: 47 – 53’’ / 1.20 – 1.35 m

Horns: The males are larger than females and have long, heavily ringed, curved horns that project backwards and curve upwards, outwards and finally forwards at the tips.

Habitat: Found near water in the form of rivers or swamps, always close to woodland cover. Also in rocky, hilly country or woodland clearings within reach of water. They are mainly grazers, feeding on grasses and occasionally leaves.

Habits: Waterbuck are diurnal and highly dependent on water for drinking and protection. Waterbucks form small herds, usually led by a dominant male, though females and their young may form separate groups. Males are territorial, marking and defending their areas, especially during the breeding season. When threatened, waterbucks often retreat into water to escape predators. 

Hunting Tips: Search for Waterbuck near water and especially in the hills or open wetlands. Try to use vantage points to locate them. They are vigilant animals and often very noisy when running from danger dislodging loose stones in their pathway.   

Trophy Information

Good Horn Length: 28’’  

Record Book

SCI Min. : 67 

SCI Min. Bow : 60  

Rowland Ward Min. : 28  

World Record : 39 3/8 

SCI Measurement Method: 1  

Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 7-a 

Species & Subspecies Information

Species: 6. Common Waterbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Lechwe, Nile Lechwe, Kob and Puku.  

Subspecies: 7. Southern Common Waterbuck, Nyasa Common Waterbuck, Lipuwa Common Waterbuck, Tanganyikan Common Waterbuck, Swahili Common Waterbuck, Eastern Highland or Thika Common Waterbuck and Pallid or Shebelle Common Waterbuck.