Hunting Nile Lechwe in African

When a person considers plains game hunting in Africa, the Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros) may not be the first animal that comes to mind. Yet, this antelope proves to be a worthy adversary when game hunting in Africa. Also known as Mrs Gray’s lechwe, it is native to Ethiopia and Sudan and holds an “endangered” status with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their numbers are declining and they can only be hunted with a special permit or tag in both Ethiopia and Sudan.

The Nile lechwes’ habitat consists of swamps and grasslands and they have short migratory routes of 18-25 miles as they follow the rise and fall of the floodplains. They are diurnal and sociable creatures, living in large herds of 50-500 animals, although bachelor herds have also been noted. 

They sexually mature at about 2 years, with breeding taking place year-round although there is an annual peak between February and May. The female gives birth to one calf after a 7-9 month gestation period. She hides the calf in dense bush for the first two weeks, after which it will join the herd. The calf will be fully weaned by six months.

They are crepuscular and tend to be more active in the early morning or late afternoon as they forage for food in the marshy areas. They paddle in shallow water between 3-16 inches where they find their main food sources. They are herbivorous and their diet consists of grass, twigs, bushes, marsh vegetation, and fruit. During the rainy season, they will also indulge in rice.

Man is not the only animal targeting this African plains game species, with the Nile lechwe serving as prey for lions, Nile crocodiles, pythons, spotted hyenas, and leopards, although there are fewer predators due to their chosen habitat. When attacked, they will flee into knee-deep water where they easily run, reaching up to 37 miles per hour. A female will defend her young with some swift kicks of her strong back legs.