Targeting the Zambezi Sitatunga

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 is renowned for its wet, muddy, and marshy habitats. 

There are three recognized subspecies of the Sitatunga antelope

• T. s. spekii: Nile sitatunga or East African sitatunga 
• T. s. selousi: Zambezi sitatunga, also known as the Southern Sitatunga
• T. s. gratus: Congo Sitatunga, also known as the Forest sitatunga or the Western sitatunga

The Zambezi sitatunga also referred to as the Southern sitatunga, is found in southern Africa and can be hunted in a variety of game hunting destinations including Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana.

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. 

It is listed by the International Union for the Conversation of Nature (IUCN) with a status of “least concern.”