Lechwe

Red Lechwe

The Lechwe, or Southern Lechwe, (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in Botswana, Zambia, south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, north-eastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Lechwe stand 90 to 100 centimeters at the shoulder and weigh from 70 to 120 kilograms. They are golden brown with a white belly. Males are darker in color, but general hue varies depending on subspecies. The long spiral structured horns are vaguely lyre-shaped, they are found only in males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes, to ease long-distance running in marshy soil.

Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they eat aquatic plants. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water repelling substance allowing them to run quite fast in knee-deep water.

Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex but during mating season they mix.

STATUS

The Lechwe is considered a low risk, conservation dependent species. A major threat to Lechwe is the building of hydroelectric dams which eliminates their seasonal floodplain habitat. Sport hunting has done much to assist in management of these special antelope.

WEAPONS USED

With the unique habitat Lechwe inhabit, it is important to use enough gun to anchor them on the spot as tracking in swamp land is difficult at best. Lechwe are not a large antelope, but they are tough, so consider the .270 Winchester to be the minimum caliber.

For archery hunters, any bow capable of downing a whitetail will work.