Southern Puku
- Kobus vardonii vardonii
- IUCN Status: Near Threatened
- Trend: decreasing
General Information
The southern puku is a stocky, golden antelope found in Zambia’s wetlands, floodplains, and grassy dambos. While closely related to the Senga puku (K. v. senganus), this subspecies is more widespread, ranging from Zambia southward to Botswana and Namibia. Known for its social nature and reliance on water, the puku is a key indicator of healthy floodplain ecosystems.
Description
A medium sized antelope. The senga puku is sandy brown in colour, with the underbelly a slightly lighter brown. They have rougher coats than similar sized antelopes. Males have 50-cm-long, ridge-structured horns which are lyre-shaped
Fun Facts
The name “puku” comes from a local Tonga word, imitating its barking alarm call. Unlike lechwe, puku avoid deep water, preferring the edges of wetlands. Their reused dung sites (middens) fertilize grasslands, boosting plant diversity.
Ecology & Behaviour
They move in herds of up to thirty or so. When scared, puku repeat a shrill whistle sound. They have a flexible grassy diet and are active in the early morning and late afternoon. During the rainy season, herds will come together for added safety.
Distribution & Habitat
The southern puku can be found in DRC, Tanzania and botswana. In the wet season, due to large floods in their habitat they migrate to a higher elevation and in the dry season remain near water.
Diet
They move in herds of up to thirty or so. When scared, puku repeat a shrill whistle sound. They have a flexible grassy diet and are active in the early morning and late afternoon. During the rainy season, herds will come together for added safety.
Reproduction
They move in herds of up to thirty or so. When scared, puku repeat a shrill whistle sound. They have a flexible grassy diet and are active in the early morning and late afternoon. During the rainy season, herds will come together for added safety.
Conservation
It is listed as “Near threatened” by the IUCN red list. Nearly one-third of all puku are found in protected areas, zoos, and national parks due to their diminishing habitat.
