Lechwe

The Graceful Antelope of the African Wetlands

90-100 cm

Height

70-120 kg

adult weight

7-8 months

gestation period

The lechwe is an elegant and agile antelope species found in the wetlands of southern Africa.

The lechwe (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in the wetlands of Botswana, Zambia, and Angola. Adapted to life in floodplains and swamps, it moves easily through waterlogged ground with long, slender legs and a sloping back. Males have reddish coats and distinctive, spiral horns, while females are lighter in colour and hornless. These antelope often wade through shallow water, making for dynamic photo opportunities that highlight both movement and environment.

Find them at the following tours

Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.

Overview

Lechwe are well-suited to life in the wetlands, where their long legs and strong build let them move effortlessly through shallow water. They make for striking photographic subjects — from wide shots of bounding herds to close-ups highlighting the curve of a male’s horns or the light in their eyes.

Their wetland habitat adds visual depth, with reflections and open water creating clean, layered compositions. While not as commonly seen as other antelope species, their elusive nature makes each encounter a rewarding challenge for photographers seeking something beyond the usual safari scene.

Key Facts

  • Lechwe are herbivorous, primarily feeding on grasses and aquatic plants.
  • Male lechwe, known as rams, are larger and more robust than females, called ewes.
  • They form loose social groups called herds, typically consisting of females and their young, while males are more solitary.
  • Lechwe have adapted to living in waterlogged habitats by having a specialized glandular system that helps them excrete excess salt from their bodies.
  • Their mating rituals often involve impressive displays of leaping and sparring between competing males.
  • Lechwe are important prey species for predators such as lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
  • The conservation status of lechwe varies among its subspecies, with some populations considered vulnerable or near threatened.
  • Lechwe play a vital role in the wetland ecosystems they inhabit, influencing plant growth and dispersing seeds through their grazing activities.
  • The lifespan of lechwe in the wild is typically around 10-15 years, although they can live longer in captivity.

Types and Habitats

There are three recognized subspecies of lechwe: the red lechwe (Kobus leche), the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis), and the Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros). Each subspecies has its own range and habitat preferences.

Red lechwe primarily inhabit the floodplain regions of Botswana, Zambia, and Angola, where they are well adapted to living in wetlands, marshes, and grassy floodplains. Kafue lechwe is endemic to the Kafue Flats in Zambia, where they thrive in the swampy grasslands and floodplains. Nile lechwe, found in South Sudan and Ethiopia, inhabit the swamps and floodplains along the Nile River.

These different types of lechwe share a preference for watery habitats and are specialized to exploit the resources found in these environments. They graze on the lush grasses and aquatic vegetation, taking advantage of the abundant food sources available in wetland ecosystems.

WHERE TO FIND ME

Find them at these destinations

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FAQ

Explore the Fascinating World of This Animal Through These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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