The Nile lechwe Kobus megaceros
The Nile lechwe occurs in swamplands in southern Sudan and western Ethiopia. The distribution of the Nile lechwe is restricted to relatively narrow zone along middle Nile and its tributaries, where this antelope inhabits almost impassable reed swamps. The males reach shoulder height of 1 meter and weigh up to 125 kg; they bear long (up to 92 cm), thin, lyre-shaped, and widely spaced horns. The Nile lechwe is one of the rarest and most secretive antelopes and there is little knowledge about its biology. Nile lechwes are herbivorous, often foraging on the sites of recent steppe fires since, unlike other representatives of the subfamily, they can live without water for long periods. Nile lechwes are active in the morning and evening hours, resting in the grass during the day. When sensing a threat, they prefer hiding but if the predator has seen them, they would flee. When spooked, the Nile lechwe sometimes starts jumping on site, producing loud shrill, which is perceived as an alarm signal by all African herbivorous animals. Breeding season of the Nile lechwe is not associated with a certain time of the year. Gestation lasts about 7 months and results in the birth of a single calf or, less often, twins.
