The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large antelope found widely in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Waterbuck stand 120 to 136 cm (47 to 54 in) at the shoulder. Head-and-body length ranges 140 to 240 cm (55 to 94 in) and tail length from 10 to 45 cm (3.9 to 18 in). Males weigh 200–300 kg (440–660 lb.) and females 160–200 kg (350–440 lb.). Their coats are reddish brown in colour and become progressively darker with age; they have a white ‘bib’ under their throats and white on their rumps. The waterproofing secretions of the waterbuck’s sweat glands produces an unpleasant odour in its meat, unless the animal is skinned carefully. According to African myth the meat of the waterbuck is not edible, but this is untrue—whilst not especially tasty, waterbuck venison is safe to eat. The long spiral structured horns, found only in males, sweep back and up. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Kobus (New Latin) from koba, an African name. ellipsiprymnus refers to the white ring on the rump. (Damn even I didn’t know that)
Another great shots… So artistic these photographs, fascinated me. Thank you dear Rob, love, nia
Thanks Nia.. they are beautiful animals…
Wow amazing photos BD. After reading the comments I see you have some great modeling subjects. What an opportunity!!!
I have 100’s of photos of waterbuck because they’re so easy to photo… but in a way I enjoy there many poses as they look around for the enemies…
What a beautiful animal. Gorgeous captures. 🙂
Thanks Inga..
So interesting about the effect of the Waterbuck’s sweat glad secretions on the meat taste…and how it’s really safe but not tasty! You are going to become a walking encyclopedia soon too!! They are so beautiful BD – and I love the setting you captured them in. ~ Fantastic post once again friend 🙂
Thanks Robyn… they are a beautiful buck and some how easy to photo…
😉 amazing how these creatures just seem to sit/stand and pose for you!
That they do Robyn, it is one of two antelope that you can almost guarantee that you will get a good shot of as they will stand still.. most of the others are movers and the perfect shot is not always easy to capture…
I see – so the breed of antelope tells you if they will be good models 🙂 These guys were excellent! It must be so exciting to spot them in the natural world…!!
I have had the most beautiful Kudu pose as we have neared it, and as you get into position you look up and they are nowhere to be seen… waterbuck will perform like a good model.. merely change the head attitude or something similar…
Wow…It must be almost surreal or spiritual to be so close to these animals. Very special indeed bd!
Some of my favorite horns. A question. Are they quite numerous?
Plentiful and all over the country… in fact one gets quite a surprise in some of the places one finds them..
I asked because at a recent visit to a friends home, he introduced me to his game room … and I think these were the most-common ones he had. But I’m not sure.
It is a sort after trophy head, as so many reach or get near to record size… but they are plentiful…
Their horns are amazing – I love the shape and the patterns. Great photos!
Thanks .. they are actually a beautiful antelope and when you see them in deep water feeding on the reeds.. you wonder why the crocodiles don’t take them.. maybe they don’t like the taste of the meat.. who knows..
Much too handsome to eat, bdt. Great photos, once again.
Would certainly agree with you there leave them in the bush to run around and be photographed..
what a pretty animal!
Thanks Pal…