(1964) MiNr. 106 A ** - Burundi - Aeronautical Stamp - Defassa Waterbuck (Kobus defassa)

Defassa Waterbuck (Kobus defassa): the stealthy giant of the African savannah

Defassa Waterbuck (Latin Kobus defassa) is a large ungulate of the turidae family (Bovidae) that inhabits large areas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the so-called waterbuck antelopes, i.e. antelopes that prefer moist habitats near rivers, lakes or wetlands. Unlike its relative the white-toothed waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), with which it was long considered a single species, the Defassa Waterbuck has a more distinctive brown coat and a light patch on the back of its body that does not merge into a circular pattern.

Taxonomy and distribution

• Defassa waterbuck is now a separately recognized species, although in the past it was considered a subspecies of the white-toothed waterbuck.

• Scientific classification:

  • Order:Artiodactyla (Sudooptera)

  • Family: Bovidae

  • Family: Kobus

• Their range covers central, west and eastern Africa - from Senegal to Chad to Ethiopia and northern Tanzania. In East Africa, it is gradually being replaced with the related species Kobus ellipsiprymnus.

Morphology and distinguishing characters

• The males reach a weight of up to 270 kg and a height at the withers of about 130 cm. Females are smaller and lighter.

• The typical characteristic is a thick, coarse coat with water-repellent properties. The coat colour is brown to reddish brown with white markings around the eyes, on the muzzle and on the back of the body.

• The males have robust, spirally curled horns up to 100 cm long.

Breeding and Ecology

The Waterbuck dephassa is a diurnal animal that stays in small herds consisting of several females and young. Males tend to be territorial and mark their territory with scent gland excretions.

• Their occurrence is strongly linked to the availability of water. Even during the dry season, they stick close to water sources.

• They are mostly grazers - feeding on grasses, and occasionally on leaves and shoots of shrubs.

• Although they can swim well, they only enter the water when threatened. The aquatic environment provides them with protection from predators, especially lions and hyenas.

Reproduction

• Females usually give birth to one calf after a gestation period of approximately 8 months.

• The young initially hide in dense vegetation and the mother visits them several times a day to nurse.

• They reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age.

Protection and Endangerment

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Defassa Waterbuck is listed as Near Threatened. The main threats are:

• Loss of natural environment due to expansion of agriculture and human settlements,

• hunting for meat and trophies,

• disturbance to aquatic habitats.

Despite relatively wide distribution, populations are fragmenting, increasing the risk of local extinction. Protection of the species relies on a network of protected areas and national parks, particularly in countries such as Uganda, Burkina Faso and Kenya.