The waterbuck is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. The Defassa Waterbuck is considered threatened in its native land; however, these beautiful animals are thriving on our member’s ranches. Our industry allows us to raise Waterbuck right here in the United States.

Here are 7 interesting facts about them:

  1. Their long, spiral horns curve backward, then forward. Only the males have horns, which can grow up to 22-39″ long.
  2. Males typically weigh 437–578 lbs and females 355–472 lbs.
  3. The coat color varies from brown to grey.
  4. As their name suggests, they have a close connection with water. Waterbuck always live near a body of water and use it to escape from a range of predators, which include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and African hunting dogs.
  5. They have an oily secretion that covers their coat and doesn’t smell pleasant. This helps them to find a mate and makes their coat waterproof.
  6. They live in herds of 6-30 animals, with one male who defends his territory. Female babies stay with the herd, but males leave at the age of about 8 months and live in a herd with other young males.
  7. Waterbuck are quite common and can be found in woodlands and savanna near water throughout Africa… and of course, in the United States on private ranches!

The IUCN lists the waterbuck as being of Least Concern. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of Least Concern while the defassa waterbuck is Near Threatened. The population trend for both the common and defassa waterbuck is downwards, especially that of the latter, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of hunting and human disturbance.

Learn more about the Exotic Wildlife Association and our efforts!

 

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