Animals
Class: Mammal
Biome:
Conservation Status: Least Concern
About this animal
The Lechwe is an antelope found in Botswana, Zambia, south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, north-eastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps. Male and female lechwe are easily distinguished apart. Lechwe stand 90 to 100 cm tall and unlike female lechwe, males possess horns and can weigh up to 100kg whereas the female can weigh up to 75kg. Calves are born away from the herd and remain hidden among the reeds for up to three weeks. Mortality rates among calves are high with in excess of 50% dying in the first few weeks of being born. 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 repelling substance allowing them to run quite fast in deep water. Lechwe are active during the daytime. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Outside of the breeding season, male and female herds usually remain apart.
Did you know?
Lions wade through the swamps to hunt Lechwe but its greatest enemy is man.
