Nile Lechwe
Kobus megaceros
Did you know?
- Nile lechwe are part of the Bovidae family, which they share with bison and buffalo.
- They are also known as, "Mrs. Gray’s waterbuck."
- They live in the watershed of the Nile River.
- They are aquatic antelope and well-adapted to living around water.
- A female will have one calf at a time.
Aquatic Antelope
Nile lechwes live in the Nile River Valley, an area that surrounds the Nile River. They are aquatic antelope, strong swimmers, and adept at maneuvering in swampy, muddy habitats.
Young and Family
Nile lechwes are sexually dimorphic. Unlike females, males develop a dark coat as they mature. Females and juveniles boast blond coloration. These antelope live in herds with multiple males and females. A female will often birth one calf per year, during the winter.
Threat Level
- Unknown
- Common
- Near Threatened
- Threatened
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
Endangered
Nile lechwes face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Range
South Sudan and a small area in Ethiopia
Habitat
Grasslands and wetlands in the Nile River Valley
We care about nile lechwe
The Saint Louis Zoo supports this species in Red Rocks at the Zoo. Learn more about how we are helping wildlife around the world.
Find this animal in Red Rocks
SAINT LOUIS ZOO ZONE
Red Rocks
At Red Rocks, you’ll view some of the world’s most powerful predators living near some of the world’s most graceful prey. Lions, tigers, zebra and giraffes all share the natural rocky boulders and outcroppings as their territory. With shading trees and a bird or two among the mammals, Red Rocks is a great place to spend a day at the Saint Louis Zoo.