Lechwe


The lechwe, red lechwe or southern lechwe, is an antelope found in wetlands of south central Africa.

Range

It is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and the Bangweulu Swamps. It has been recorded in Kakadu National Park along the highway in Northern Territory, Australia.

Description

Lechwe stand at the shoulder and weigh from. They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but general hue varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral-structured horns are vaguely lyre-shaped, they are found only in males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes, to ease long-distance running in marshy soil.

Habitats

Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they eat aquatic plants. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex, but during mating season they mix.

Taxonomy

Subspecies

Four subspecies of the lechwe have been recognized.
In addition the Upemba lechwe is also considered a subspecies by some authorities.
Although related and sharing the name "lechwe", the Nile lechwe is consistently recognized as a separate species.

Reproduction

Lechwe mates during rain seasons of November to February. They have a gestation period of seven to eight months so a majority of calves are born from July to September.