Overview

I've always been passionate about animals. I don't know that I can tell you why except that it feels internal. Not that it can't be acquired, I don't think that, but it's always been natural for me. I can truly say that animals make life better!

Details

WHAT IS A SITATUNGA, AND WHY ARE THEY SUCH GOOD SWIMMERS? The situtunga or marshbuck is a swamp-dwelling antelope found throughout Central Africa, centering on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and parts of Southern Sudan as well as in Ghana, Botswana, Zambia, Gabon, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Sitatunga usually live singly or in pairs but may group into herds of up to 15 animals. They are mainly nocturnal feeders, coming out at dusk onto dry land to feed on leaves, twigs, the fruit of semi-aquatic plants and occasionally grass. If danger threatens they may utter a bark and a harsh snorted alarm signal. They may also slip back into the nearby river (or swamp) and swim for deeper water. Sitatunga are very good swimmers and can submerge themselves completely, except for their nostrils. When the danger has passed they may return to the land. They tend to spend most of the daylight hours hidden in the thick vegetation of the river bank or resting in the water itself. Because of their aquatic way of life sitatunga have evolved several interesting features. Their hooves are unlike any other antelope; they are 15 - 18 cms long and spread when in contact with the ground. This large hoof area enables the sitatunga to travel easily and safely over muddy ground. However, on firm terrain they appear rather clumsy animals.