Mammals · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

Puku

Kobus vardonii

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The puku is a medium-sized antelope with a golden coat, closely tied to water: it lives on the floodplains and river margins of Zambia, Tanzania and neighbouring countries. The males have ringed, lyre-shaped horns and defend territories on the best grazing during the rut. It eats the tender grasses of the riverbanks and never strays far from a watercourse. The conversion of wetlands to farmland and poaching have reduced its range to a fraction of the original.

Weight

48 kg – 90 kg

Size

1.3 m – 1.7 m

Lifespan

17 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

SavannaFreshwaterGrasslandHerbivore Diurnal Near Threatened Savanna Freshwater Grassland Mammal

6countries 4parks86same family

Fun facts

Its name imitates the harsh, repeated whistle it gives as an alarm, a characteristic sound of the Luangwa and Kafue floodplains.
The great majority of the world population lives in Zambia, mainly along two river systems: if those wetlands degrade, the whole species feels it.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Floodplains, wet grassland and river margins of south-central Africa
Sexual maturity: 14 months
Gestation / incubation: 8 months
Litter / clutch size: 1

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobus_vardonii