What kind of animal is the Sitatunga, a member of the Bovidae family with horns and a heavy weight? We will explain its characteristics, its ecology that lives near water, and its habitat. This baby mammal lives mainly in humid areas such as the tropical rainforests and swamps of Africa, and is recognized by many people because of its cuteness. We will explain detailed information about this animal.
What is Sitatunga? Basic Stats
Sitatunga is classified as an even-toed ungulate in the order Bovidae, family Bovidae, genus Bushbuck. Its scientific name is Tragelaphus spekii and its English name is Sitatunga / Marshbuck. Its body length is 120-170cm, its tail length is 20-25cm, and its weight is 50-120kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | シタツンガ |
| English（英名） | Sitatunga / Marshbuck |
| scientific name(学名) | Tragelaphus spekii |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyla、Bovidae、Tragelaphus 哺乳綱、ウシ目、ウシ科、ブッシュバック属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 120～170cm |
| Weight（体重） | 50～120kg |
taxonomic position
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界（Animalia） |
| 門 | 脊索動物門（Chordata） |
| 綱 | 哺乳綱（Mammalia） |
| 目 | 偶蹄目（Artiodactyla） |
| 科 | ウシ科（Bovidae） |
| 属 | トラゲラフス属 (Tragelaphus) |
| 種 | シタツンガ (Tragelaphus spekii) |
About habitat
The Sitatunga is found in central Africa, including Angola, Uganda, Gabon, Cameroon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Congo, Zambia, Sudan, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, Chad, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Namibia, and Burkina Faso. It is large and can be seen walking in wetlands.
- Main Distribution Areas
The sitatunga is a herbivore specialized in the wetlands of Africa. It is found primarily in the following areas:
Central Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
Swamps and riverine forests
East Africa
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
Lakeside and marshland grasslands
Southern Africa
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola
Riverside swamps and mangrove swamps
Because it relies on water and wetlands for its survival, it is rarely found in arid regions.
- Habitat Characteristics
Terrain: Wetlands, swamps, riverside areas, mangrove forests, and wet grasslands
Vegetation: Aquatic plants, wetland grasses, shrubs, and leaves
Climate: Warm, humid environments from tropical rainforests to savanna wetlands
Relationship with Water: They are excellent swimmers and can escape by wading into water.
- Habitat Adaptations
Young animals and females wade into water to protect themselves from predators (lions, cheetahs, and leopards).
Their wide feet help them sink less easily in mud and water, making them well-suited for moving around in wetlands.
They are herbivores, but because they specialize in feeding on wetland plants, they face less competition for food from other herbivores.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Sitatungas prefer to live in humid areas such as tropical rainforests and swamps in Africa. Their fur is gray-brown or dark brown, while females are lighter brown or chestnut. Males are larger than females and have 6-10 horizontal stripes on their backs. Males have thick, slightly curved horns that are twisted like corkscrews and very hard. They are usually nocturnal and cautious animals. Sitatungas have long, wide hooves. They repel water well and can live near water.
- Main Distribution Areas
The sitatunga is a herbivore specialized in the wetlands of Africa. It is found primarily in the following areas:
Central Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
Swamps and riverine forests
East Africa
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
Lakeside and marshland grasslands
Southern Africa
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola
Riverside swamps and mangrove swamps
Because it relies on water and wetlands for its survival, it is rarely found in arid regions.
- Habitat Characteristics
Terrain: Wetlands, swamps, riverside areas, mangrove forests, and wet grasslands
Vegetation: Aquatic plants, wetland grasses, shrubs, and leaves
Climate: Warm, humid environments from tropical rainforests to savanna wetlands
Relationship with Water: They are excellent swimmers and can escape by wading into water.
- Habitat Adaptations
Young animals and females wade into water to protect themselves from predators (lions, cheetahs, and leopards).
Their wide feet help them sink less easily in mud and water, making them well-suited for moving around in wetlands.
They are herbivores, but because they specialize in feeding on wetland plants, they face less competition for food from other herbivores.
What is their personality like?
Sitatungas usually live alone or in family groups, and live as far away from predators as possible. During the day, they often rest near water or in swamps to avoid predators.
- Extremely cautious
Lions, leopards, crocodiles, and other natural predators live in swamps and marshes, so they are always on the lookout for their surroundings.
If they sense danger, they will quickly escape by diving into water or hiding in the grass.
They are timid and do not approach humans.
- Sociality
Females and cubs live in groups.
Pack size: Approximately 10-20 individuals.
If they sense danger, the entire pack will flee to the water or into the bush.
Males live alone or in small groups.
Keep a distance from the female pack outside of the breeding season.
During the breeding season, males fight with their horns and compete for females.
- Personality changes during the breeding season.
During the breeding season (usually during the rainy season), males become aggressive and territorial.
Males outside of the breeding season are relatively reserved and docile.
- Environmental Adaptability
They are excellent swimmers and can rest or escape in water.
Their feet and hooves allow them to move through mud and swamps, giving them a high level of freedom of movement and hiding, despite their timid nature.
What is their ecology like?
Sitatungas live by eating grass (reeds, sedges, etc.). They are polygamous and have no set breeding season. Females have a pregnancy period of about eight months. Females can give birth to one baby at a time. Some are known to live for over 20 years.
- Habitat
Specialized in wetlands, swamps, and riverine forests
Mainly lives near water or in wet grasslands
Escapes by dipping into water or feeds on grass in wetlands
Has wide hooves that allow it to walk through mud and water without sinking
- Diet
Herbivore: Feeds on waterside grasses, leaves, shrubs, and aquatic plants
Changes the plant life it eats depending on the season and water level
Low food competition with other terrestrial herbivores
- Behavior
Nocturnal or crepuscular
Mostly active in the early morning and evening
Rests hidden in grass or bushes during the day
Package Movement: Females and cubs travel in packs, while males travel alone or in small groups
Highly cautious, fleeing into water or bushes when threatened
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season: Usually occurs during the rainy season.
Male Behavior: During the breeding season, males fight with their horns and compete for females.
Gestation Period: Approximately 7-8 months.
Birth: Usually one baby.
Cub Care: The mother protects her young in safe areas near water or in the bush.
Rarely does the entire herd raise their young.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Natural enemies of the sitatunga include leopards and lions. When attacked by an enemy, they often escape to water, and they can also swim.
About Sitatunga Cubs
This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics, growth, and ecology of sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) cubs.
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 7-8 months
Birthing Period: Most births occur during the rainy season (when the wetlands are fertile).
Number of cubs: Usually 1
Birth Weight: Approximately 4-6 kg
Appearance:
Fur color: Light brown, with distinct stripes.
No horns, legs are slender and soft.
- Cubs Growth
Age and Growth Characteristics: 0-1 Months: Lives closely to mother. Rests near water or hidden in bushes. 1-3 Months: Begins to eat grass little by little. Along with breast milk. Begins swimming practice. 3-6 Months: Weaned from breast milk. Becomes accustomed to moving and swimming near water. 6 Months-1 Year: Legs and body are strong and fully adapted to the aquatic environment. 1-2 Years: Males begin to grow small horns. Learns herd behavior. Reproductive maturity: Females remain with the herd, while males may leave.
- Cubs’ Behavior
They live under the protection of their mother and herd.
When they sense danger, they flee into the water or bushes.
They learn swimming and navigating wetlands through play and skirmishes.
This is also the time when they learn herd coordination and vigilance.
- Physical Characteristics
Coat Color: Brown, slightly lighter than their mother’s.
Body Type: Rounded, with underdeveloped muscles.
Horns: Males do not yet emerge.
Legs: Soft and slender, but easily adapted to moving in water and mud.
Is the sitatunga an endangered species?
The sitatunga is not an endangered species. However, it is hunted for its fur and meat, and poaching has increased significantly, making it difficult for African countries to deal with.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Assessment
Status: Least Concern (LC)
Currently, the species is considered to be at low risk of extinction.
However, habitat destruction and hunting pressure are having a localized impact.
- Major Threats
Habitat Loss
Wetlands and riverine forests are shrinking due to agricultural land conversion and development.
Hunting and Poaching
May be hunted for meat, horns, and fur.
Changes in water quality and wetland conditions.
Habitat deterioration due to drought and water level fluctuations.
- Conservation Status
Protected in nature reserves and national parks.
Hordes are protected in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, etc.
Populations are declining in some areas.
Can you keep a sitatunga as a pet?
The sitatunga is an excellent swimmer, but it needs a large amount of space to swim underwater and walk across wide grasslands, making it unsuitable for the average person to keep. It is recommended to view it at a zoo or somewhere similar.
- Difficulty of Raising
Key Points/Details
Size: Males weigh 70-120 kg, females 50-80 kg. Large size requires ample exercise space.
Ecological Adaptations: Because they are adapted to wetlands and marshes, they are not suited to normal ground or gardens.
Personality: Extremely cautious and timid. They rarely become tame.
Diet: They are specialized herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants and marsh plants, making it difficult to obtain sufficient nutrition at home.
Laws: Wildlife protection laws in many countries restrict capture and captivity. - Examples of Captivity
Keeping in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries is possible.
Large facilities recreating wetlands and marshes are required.
Kept under controlled conditions for breeding and conservation purposes.
Not suitable for keeping at home or as a regular pet.
- Environment Requirements
Large exercise space: Wetlands, shallow water, grass, etc.
Aquatic Environment: Recreated water areas and wetlands where they can swim.
Food: Waterside plants and marsh plants, nutritional supplements.
Safety Management: Prevent escapes and take measures against predators.
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