Lechwe Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum Common Name: Lechwe Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae Genus: Kobus Species: leche Museum Location: African Savannah Diorama Description: The lechwe is 4.3-6 ft. long and stands 2.8-3.6 feet tall at the shoulder. The lechwe weighs anywhere from 132-286 lbs. The lechwe's coat is long and rough, chestnut in color, with white underparts, throat, and facial markings. Males darken with age. The black-tipped tail (12-18 in.) has a white 'flag' on the underside. Its hooves are long and narrow, adapted to swampy terrains. Horns, thin and backwards slanting, are found only on males. These horns can grow to lengths 18-37 in. long. Though lechwe do not have scent glands, their coats are greasy and have a distinctive odor. Habitat and Range: Lechwe can be found in floodplains bordering swamps, rivers, and marshes in Zambia, Angola, and Botswana. Diet: Lechwe graze for grasses and water plants in flooded meadows in water as high as their bellies or even their shoulders. Behavior: Lechwe are active in the late afternoon. Male and female lechwe remain in separate herds; females and calves are found in wetter areas, and males (solitary or bachelor herds) inhabit drier zones. Communication: Forms of visual and tactile communication are employed. Although there is no record of vocalization by the lechwe, it is likely that they do vocalize. Reproduction: Lechwe breed during the rainy season between November and February. During the breeding season, breeding areas called 'leks' are formed. Each of the leks (15-200 meters in diameter) is defended by a male whose aim is to mate with as many females as possible. The gestation period is 7-8 months, after which 1 young is born. Calves are born in concealed, dry areas and are weaned after 4 months. Females become sexually mature at 1.5 years, males at 2.5 years. Lechwe can live for 15 years. Species Status: The lechwe is a low risk, conservation dependent species as determined by the IUCN (1996). Interesting Facts: Lechwe can be found in herds of 400 or more animals. By Suzy Bartoz