Sitatunga - the Marsh Buck

It is also known as a marsh buck. It is a swamp-dwelling antelope. Sitatunga is a good swimmer hence its occupancy in swampy areas.

Taxonomy

Common Name: Marsh buck
Scientific name: Tragelaplus spekeii
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Arodactyla
Class: Boxidae Mammalia
Family: Boridae
Sub family: Borinae
Genus: Tragelaplus
Species: T. Spekeii

Where to find the Marsh Buck

It is found throughout central Africa, centering on Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and parts of Southern Sudan as well as in Botswana, Zambia, Gabon, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

In Uganda it is found in Kibale, in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

What the Marsh Buck Eats

They feed on grass, leaves and foliage

How to identify the Sitatunga

Sitatungas stand about one and a half meters at the shoulder. Sitatungas have a water proof coat which is dark brown in males and reddish brown in females. Both sexes have white stripes as well as white splotches on this face forces. Their hooves are long and thin to deal with the sitatunga’s habitat. Males have a mane as well as horns which are twisted and can reach almost a metre in length.

Behavior

Sitatungas live in papyrus swamps. They may take to the water to evade predators such as leopards of wild dogs, lying submerged in pools with only their nostrils above the surface. They have been known to sleep under water. They are crepuscular although they are some what active at night and day. Sitatunga can be solitary. Females tend to stick in heads while males become mostly solitary after mating.

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