Sitatunga - description, habitat, lifestyle

Sitatunga refers to a species of antelope, classified as a forest type. The main distinctive characteristic of these individuals is considered to be that they prefer to lead a semi-aquatic lifestyle. They feel wonderful in fresh and saline springs, settle near lakes and rivers, and can live near swampy areas. To a greater extent, these animals are common in Africa. In today's article, we will study everything that affects this antelope, so that everyone can draw certain conclusions for themselves.

Description

1. The height of the withers represented individuals can reach 80 cm and more. As for the length of the body, they are drawn up to 150 cm on average. The weight category fluctuates around 50-100 kg. In the female sex horns are absent. They are available for males, equipped with a pair of turns and reach a length of 80 cm.
2. Wool compacted, knocked down, thick, shaggy in some parts of the body, almost does not get wet due to the presence of water-repellent impregnation. By coat color is reddish pigmented with reddish patches.But individuals can be brown or brown-beige.
3. Female animals and young animals that have not reached maturity are pigmented more brightly than adult representatives of the species and males. When the animal grows and reaches puberty, it is colored in chocolate, brownish or gray tones. Also on the neck grows the so-called mane, consisting of guard hairs. The fur along the ridge is longer, it looks strange, to say the least.
4. In the back there are white markings. The same inclusions are observed on the muzzle, from the side parts of the body. However, they are poorly visible when the wool grows strongly. As for the hooves, they have a narrowed and elongated format, stretched to a length of 10 cm. False extensions are present, therefore individuals are adapted to being in swamps.
5. Duration of gestation of offspring is 7 months. Kids can be born throughout the year. As a rule, the female gives only one cub, which initially lives in a secluded corner, and then begins to follow the mother (after six months). With regards to puberty, animals reach it in a couple of years, some per year. Males have to wait up to 2.5 years.This antelope lives about 15 years.
6. We have already mentioned that these individuals prefer to spend most of their life cycle in the aquatic environment. They live among the reeds and near the marshes. Articular parts and hooves are adapted for movement in such areas. Animals do not get stuck in the swamp, they also swim very well, so in case of danger they prefer to hide in the water. Individuals of this species dive almost completely, leaving only the nostrils on the surface.
7. Among the reeds, individuals make their own paths, on which they subsequently move. Hunters take advantage of this by setting traps in the path of antelope. Animals are classified as night dwellers, but they can stay awake at sunset or immediately after the sun comes out. The main thing is that in the habitat there should be a constant food supply.
8. The voice of the representatives of the male sex is similar to dog barking. By the nature of stay can not say that individuals are loners. They can successfully exist in pairs, groups or small families.

Habitat

1. These animals are classified as African type.They are distributed, ranging from the Sahara, ending the northern borders of the country. However, the habitat is more chaotic than permanent. Animals constantly change the distribution area. They will always prefer swamps to other sites. Located next to rivers and other water sources.
2. It has already been said that these individuals are semi-aquatic. They are great swim, hiding from enemies in the water space, sticking out only the nostrils. It is also worth mentioning that antelopes can be under water, but a small amount of time.
3. Find data representatives of the group will turn out next to the cereal fields and reeds. They are in papyrus and sedge thickets, as long as the water level is normal. Food includes sprouts.

Lifestyle

1. Presented individuals try to stay awake at night. Such animals are semi-aquatic. If the antelope suddenly senses danger, she will immediately dive into the water. Only nostrils can be observed on the surface. As a result, the animal moves away from the pursuit without any problems.
2. The considered animals perfectly adapted to the conditions of life in the swamp. Such antelopes have rather long and wide hoofs.Therefore, they can perfectly move on oozy ground. Cases are just the opposite on hard ground, individuals look very awkward. It is for this reason that antelope is not found in the open.
3. In most cases, the individuals discussed are grazing in the reed and sedge thickets. Animals mainly feed on fruits, leaves, herbs, and reed shoots. They spend most of their lives in reed thickets. Due to the flexible joints and wide hoofs, the antelopes do not drown in soft ground.
4. In dense thickets animals constantly tread their paths. It is for them that they continue to try to walk. Because of this characteristic, individuals often suffer from hunters. In such places, people place traps. Most often, antelopes are active at dawn or dusk.

Sitanungi is a rather unusual type of antelope. They live in unusual terrain and are semi-aquatic animals. It remains interesting that the males of the species in question can bark loudly. Another characteristic feature is that they can live alone or in groups.The main natural predators of antelopes are pythons, lions and leopards.