Red Lechwe
( Common Lechwe )
- Kobus leche
- IUCN Status: Near Threatened
- Trend: decreasing
General Information
The red lechwe or common lechwe is the most colourful coated lechwe. It can be found in wetlands across Zambia, Botswana, Namibia
Description
They have the most colorful coats with yellowish-red coats, white undersides and dark-brown markings on the legs. The coat is greasy and water-repellent. They have slightly smaller horns than the kafue lechwe. The horns are only found on males and are long, spiral and lyre-shaped.
Fun Facts
The red lechwe is a stunning, semi-aquatic antelope perfectly adapted to Zambia’s seasonal floodplains, particularly the Bangweulu Wetlands, Liuwa Plain, and Zambezi River basin. Known for its rust-red coat and incredible agility in water, this antelope thrives where land meets water, making it one of Africa’s most unique wetland specialists.
Ecology & Behaviour
Red 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.
Distribution & Habitat
They mainly live in the Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park with smaller herds being found in the Lukanga Swamps and Zambezi Floodplains. They can also be found in Botswana and Namibia.
Diet
Red 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.
Reproduction
Red 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 “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red list.
