Kafue Lechwe
( Kafue flats lechwe )
- Kobus leche kafuensis
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- Trend: decreasing
General Information
The kafue lechwe is endemic to Zambia and is one of three lechwe found in Zambia. They are larger than the red and black lechwe.
Description
They have larger and longer horns than the other subspecies of lechwe. The horns are only found on males and are long, spiral and lyre-shaped. Their coats are light brown with dark shoulder patches. The coat is greasy and water-repellent.
Fun Facts
The Kafue lechwe is a striking, semi-aquatic antelope endemic to Zambia, found almost exclusively in the Kafue Flats—a vast floodplain ecosystem. Known for its elegant movements in water, this subspecies of the southern lechwe is uniquely adapted to life in wetlands.
Ecology & Behaviour
Lechwes enter water to feed on aquatic grasses, an abundant resource underutilized by most other herbivores, and graze the grasses that spring up as floodwaters recede.
Conservation
It is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red list.
Distribution & Habitat
It can be found only in Zambia and since it is semi-aquatic it is usually found on the kafue flats. Large herds can be seen in the lochinvar and Blue Lagoon National Parks
Interaction with Humans
They are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN red list due to their habitat being invaded by the kafue gorge dam and water projects that altered the natural flooding cycle.
