A female waterbuck. Picture by Samara Müller.
By Jacob Knudson, of Saint John’s University
The Okavango Delta harbors over 1,000 different types of plant, bird, reptile and mammal species which are often found nowhere else in the world. The waterbuck, an antelope with a shaggy, brownish-grey coat, inhabits some of the wettest areas of the region.
When they aren’t eating grasses and aquatic plants, they can be seen bedded down on the edges on inundated areas in small groups. The animals themselves are often quite solitary, but bunch together during the wet season for mating purposes. Young males create small bachelor herds while calving females generally band together to raise their children as one male watches over his small harem. Both males and females look the same and stand about four to five feet high at the shoulder. Males tout large black horns which curve upwards to over two feet high. The higher and larger the horns, the more mature male. This is a common horn structure for many animals in the delta and can confuse anyone not from the area. But one key way to distinguish waterbucks from other Artiodactyla (even-hooved animals) is their behinds – which have a telltale “toilet seat” marking.
The characteristic “toilet seat” markings are the easiest way to identify the species. Picture by Samara Müller.
They can also often be smelt before they are seen. Due to their love for water, they develop a musky smell which is sure to give their presence away. Overall, the waterbuck is a common resident especially in the wet season and is a fantastic gem to see out in the bush every day!