Hunting the Defassa Waterbuck

The waterbuck is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa and a popular target on a hunting safari in Africa. There are two species of waterbuck, namely the common or ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck. The defassa waterbuck is an African plains game species available for hunting in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and northern Zambia. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the defassa waterbuck as “near threatened” and the common waterbuck has a status of “least concern.”

The defassa waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is found in sub-Saharan Africa and enjoys a habitat near water in savanna grasslands, gallery forests as well as riverine woodlands, south of the Sahara Desert. These habitats not only sustain them with the long grasses they consume but also provide the perfect spots to hide from predators.

Mating usually occurs throughout the year, although breeding is more seasonal in some areas. The female waterbuck has a gestation period of 9 months, with one calf being born. A day or two before giving birth, she will leave the herd to find a safe place to birth the calf. The calves are usually born in the morning and within half an hour of birth, they are up on their feet and suckling.

They are crepuscular and tend to be more active in the early morning or late afternoon while resting and sleeping during the day. They live in herds of up to 30 members and are often seen grazing near water.

These animals are herbivorous grazers and consume a variety of coarser grasses that not many other antelopes will eat, as well as leaves from certain trees and bushes.

The defassa waterbuck will flee into the water when being chased, with their predators including lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs and Nile crocodiles. Leopards and spotted hyenas will target the younger or sick members of the herd.

The defassa waterbuck is a great trophy for an African plains game safari. While at times they may flee predators and run into thicker vegetation, these antelope bulls will also face their predators and defend themselves by kicking and using their horns. If all else fails, they will head to the water as they are excellent swimmers.