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Nile lechwe

Kobus megaceros

The Nile lechwe is a special type of antelope that loves to splash around in the water! They have long legs and big hooves that help them run fast in wet grasslands.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Nile lechwe has shaggy fur that is reddish-brown in females and young males, but turns dark chocolate brown to black in adult males, with a striking white V-shaped patch on the shoulders. Males also boast long, spiraled, lyre-shaped horns. Their hooves are elongated and splayed.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusKobus
Nile lechwe
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Nile lechwe

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Nile lechwe horns can grow over three feet long, curving majestically backwards!

Their long, splayed hooves make them slow on dry land, but super agile in swamps!

To escape danger, a Nile lechwe hides almost entirely underwater, with just its nose showing!

Wow! Male Nile lechwes turn almost black as they age, earning them the nickname 'black bucks'!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Master

Nile lechwe can swim powerfully and stand in deep water because of their long, waterproof coats and unique leg structure.

Ability

Bog Boots

Nile lechwe has elongated, splayed hooves that help them walk easily on marshy, soft ground without sinking.

Ability

Camouflage Coat

Male Nile lechwe can change fur color to dark brown that helps them blend into different swamp environments.

Measurements & details

Length
120-165 cm
Weight
60-120 kg
Lifespan
11-15 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
220-240 days

Diet & Feeding

These antelopes love to munch on fresh grasses and tasty aquatic plants found in wet areas.

Primary Foods

  • Water grasses
  • Sedges
  • Reeds
  • Aquatic plants
  • Herbs

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Major predator of adult and young lechwe.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Hunts calves and sometimes adult lechwe.

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Ambushes lechwe in or near the water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and never try to touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Nile lechwe?

120-165 cm

How much does Nile lechwe weigh?

60-120 kg

How long does Nile lechwe live?

11-15 years

How fast can Nile lechwe move?

55 km/h

What does Nile lechwe eat?

These antelopes love to munch on fresh grasses and tasty aquatic plants found in wet areas.

Where is Nile lechwe usually found?

Wetlands

How does Nile lechwe hunt?

Grazing

How many babies does Nile lechwe usually have?

1

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