Defassa waterbuck
A species of Kobs Scientific name : Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa Genus : Kobs
Defassa waterbuck, A species of Kobs
Scientific name: Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa
Genus: Kobs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Nevit Dilmen , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Defassa waterbuck establishes an ecological role indelibly pegged to its biotope, African savannahs, behaving as a keystone grazer with considerable influence on vegetation dynamics. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, highlighted in differing antler structures between sexes, presenting an intricately woven fabric of evolutionary adaptation. Defassa waterbuck's polygynous mating system, featuring dominant males overseeing 'lek' territories, adds a further layer to its compelling faction within the savannah's biocommunity.
General Info
Lifespan
18-20 years
Diet
Defassa waterbuck are predominantly herbivorous, their diet heavily consists of grasses. They show a particular inclination towards aquatic vegetation and short, fresh shoots, supplementing their diet with leaves and fruits.
Appearance
Defassa waterbuck is a large, sturdily built antelope with a distinctive black and white pattern on its rump. The animal's coat is a uniform reddish-brown, and males sport heavily ridged, curved horns. Females lack these horns. Its body shape is quite robust, with a muscular, barrel-shaped torso and thick, sturdy legs.
Behavior
Defassa waterbuck is a predominantly nocturnal species known for its aquatic and social nature. Adapted seamlessly to their marshlands habitat, they display unique reciprocal allogrooming and play-wrestling behaviors. Males are keenly territorial, marking their areas using dung middens while females form tight-knit matriarchal social units. Populated areas are vigilantly defended by dominant males.
Scientific Classification
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