Lechwe

Status

Endangered Species
Size

Up to 120 kg
Threat

Habitat loss
Distribution

Kafue flats of Zambia
Diet

Herbivore

'Into Africa' is home to a herd of Kafue Flats Lechwe. This elegant antelope is distinguishable by its golden-brown colour and white belly.

Only found in a very specific area of Zambia, Kafue Flats Lechwe have long elegant legs and huge dark eyes. It is only the male Lechwe that have beautiful swept back horns. Kafue Flats Lechwe typically live in swampy floodplains and are extremely well adapted for this habitat. Their hooves are spread wide, allowing them to move easily on swampy terrain.

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Lechwe typically feed on grass and plant material around floodplains. Because they spend so much time in and around water, they are very good swimmers and have been known to completely submerge themselves in water to avoid predators and to search for food.

They often give birth to their young on land during the dry season, after a gestation period of 7 to 8 months.