Kafue lechwe
Quick Summary
The Kafue lechwe is a subspecies of lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis) found in the floodplains of Zambia's Kafue Flats. Lechwes are African antelopes known for being highly aquatic, second only to nyala among African antelopes in their affinity for water.1
These antelopes are characterized by their sturdy build, with hindquarters higher than forequarters, and long necks. They possess unique, splayed hooves that help them navigate soft, marshy terrain. Males have lyre-shaped horns, while females are typically tawny or chestnut-colored.1
Kafue lechwes are herbivores that feed on aquatic grasses. They are migratory, moving with the rise and fall of water levels. The Kafue Flats historically supported a large population, though hydroelectric dams have altered the natural flooding cycle, impacting their numbers.1
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