58 thoughts on “The Return of Kobus the Waterbuck.”

  8. Gorgeous! The horns are spectacular. I hope they aren’t one of the animals hunted for horns? Better question, perhaps. Are they hunted? The circle looks a bit like a bulls eye–but I see you mention camouflage! 🙂 Do you know if the name has anything to do with that “ellipse” on the rear? What a proud animal!

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    • I’m sure like all animals in Africa there is some idiot out there that would hunt this for it’s horns… the white ring has many confused as to it’s why and wherefore… but I can only think it has some kind of camo cogitations… the name comes I’m sure from it’s love for water, where they are often seen in the water feeding of the river reeds and grasses…

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    • A good explination of the unusual markings of this antelope are given on a site I found…http://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/waterbuck-male.html.. which I copy portions of here….This white ring is one of the most prominent examples of what are known as “follow me” markings in mammals. These are markings which make it easy for animals of the same species to follow each other, and particularly for young animals to follow mothers running from danger.
      Because most mammals have limited if any colour vision, these markings are usually black or white, depending which contrasts most with the animals’ over-all colouring. Some are permanently visible, while others are only displayed when they are needed.

      The waterbuck’s white ring is always there, as is the impala’s “Macdonald’s” marking – the black stripes on each side of the rump and on the tail.
      Kudu on the other hand only show their “follow-me” markings when they run; they curl up their tails and fan them out to show the white under layer of hair.

      Never to old to learn something as I did today and share with you…

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      • Thank you for all the excellent information on the male waterbuck, Rob. I really did think this animal was spectacular. The only way I end up remembering details on the animals I see (nothing like what you have to recall!) and birds is to periodically get stumped by a question and then a little research leads me into new directions. It’s impossible to understand how anyone is ever bored, isn’t it? There are so many things I’d like to know more about, and then there is this matter of limited time. Oh well! 🙂 Thank you for this link!

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    • Ingrid 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.).

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    • I haven’t heard that one but it is an interesting form of camo… it must be considered the strangest marking on all our antelope… shame… I certainly enjoyed the links proposed answer… great share..

      Reply

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