Sitatunga, East Africa's Only Amphibious Antelope

[African Game Trek]

Patinowik

SITATUNGA are commonly found in swampy areas around Lake Victoria and Saiwa swamp in the western part of Kenya. From a distance you might confuse them with Bushbucks, which resembles much, or with Nyala. The males are considerably larger than females. Only the males have horns of about 25cm long and twisted.

Their hind legs are shorter than the front legs, giving them a peculiar hunched appearance.They have long,splayed hooves that enable them to stand and even walk on floating island of vegetation thus the aquatic adaptation. The islands,formed by thick matted roots of papyrus and various grasses,provides dry resting sites within the security of the swamp. Due to the specialized hooves, Sitatungas are vulnerable an clumsy on the firm terrain.

Sitatungas have regular tunneled pathways through tall reeds and papyrus.The swamp provides year round of supply of rich foods.They communicate by loud sneeze, squeaking sound and short bark.
Their main enemies are human beings who sets snares along their paths and hunt them with dogs.They weigh about 100-240 pounds and are up to 50 inches high.

Their gestation period is about 71/2 month and they give birth to young ones.