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The sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii), also referred to as the marshbuck, is a medium-sized amphibious antelope native to central Africa. This species of African plains game antelope enjoys a habitat of swamps and marshlands, ensuring a challenging (and wet!) game hunting safari. This hunt can be quite enjoyable as these antelopes are often hunted from a canoe.
There are three recognized subspecies of the Sitatunga antelope:
The Nile Sitatunga, or West African sitatunga as it is also referred to, is found in southern Sudan, near the White Nile and its tributaries, Uganda, as well as in the northern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is listed by the International Union for the Conversation of Nature (IUCN) with a status of “least concern.”
These semi-aquatic antelopes have large hooves that are widely splayed, allowing them to walk on terrain without sinking. It also assists them in escaping from predators, such as wild dogs and leopards, by fleeing into deeper waters. They are greatly accomplished swimmers and if chased, they will enter deeper water and submerge themselves until only their nostrils are visible.
Breeding occurs throughout the year, with females giving birth to one offspring. The sitatunga is nocturnal and diurnal, although they are more active at dusk and dawn, preferring to rest in the shade of the reeds during the day.
Name:
Tragelaphus spekii spekii
Male Weight:
150-280 pounds
Male Shoulder Height:
35-49 inches
Range:
Southern Sudan and northern Democratic Republic of Congo
Life span:
11 years
The Nile sitatunga is highly adapted to its wetland habitat, with a water-resistant coat that helps it stay dry
Only the male sitatunga has spiral-shaped horns that grow between 18-36 inches in length. The medium-sized antelope rams sport a gray-brown coat with a faint white striping while the females of the species have a chestnut-colored coat. Coats are long-haired and rather shaggy. Their coats have an oily, waterproof type secretion that keeps them dry. Males and females have two white marks between their eyes as well as white spots on their cheeks. Their tails are dark above, with light coloring below. Their hind legs are longer than the front ones, with feet and hooves specifically adapted to walk and swim in water. Their hooves, as mentioned, are uniquely formed and widely splayed, to allow them to easily move in semi-aquatic areas such as mud and on aquatic vegetation. Males weigh 150-280 pounds, standing approximately 35-49 inches at the shoulder, while females are smaller and weigh 110-125 pounds, standing 30-35 inches at the shoulder.
The best way to target them is from the water or targeting the antelope from a blind. Hunters use canoes to slowly and silently make their way across rivers and marshlands. The real challenge comes when it’s time to take that perfect shot from a moving canoe!
Three words to sum up this hunting safari: wet, muddy, and memorable! Sitatunga hunting is exciting but requires the hunter to bring his A-game as it is challenging safari hunting in a wet muddy, marshy environment, allowing for an exceptional game hunting adventure!
Consider a fast-shooting rifle equipped with an excellent quality tactical scope as shooting ranges on this African plains game hunting safari can vary from 100-400 yards. Calibers can vary from a .270 right up to a 300 win-mag. A 7mm is another option for the hunter to consider.
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