Puku
Male Puku in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The Puku (Kobus vardonii ) is an antelope of the genus waterbuck. With the scientific naming of the Africa - explorer David Livingstone honored his friend, the big game hunter Frank Vardon ( 1813-1860 ).
Description
The Puku reach a shoulder height of up to 81 inches and reaches a weight of 73 kilograms.
The coat is predominantly golden yellow, slightly lighter gray white on the flanks and at the bottom. The throat is white. The runs are uniformly brown and the fronds is golden. Male puku have relatively short, strong, lyre- shaped horns that prominent rings. They grow to 52 inches long. The shoulder height is about 80 inches. Your relationship with the waterbuck can be particularly well seen on the head.
Distribution and habitat
The species is widespread in Central Africa, where it occurs mainly in the countries of Congo, Zambia, Botswana ( exclusively in the Chobe National Park ) and Angola. The habitat are alluvial plains and marshes.
Behavior and food
The size of the female herds varies 5-30 animals. Males are territorial loners. Puku may feel like galloping horses move with a brief moment of suspension. Usually they are very tame. They prefer grass as food.
System
Although the Puku was once regarded as a southern variant of Kob, it differs from the latter mainly in size and in his social behavior so that it is now usually classified as a separate species.