Did you know that sitatungas are some of the unique antelope
species in the wild? The team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have saved 5
stranded sitatunga antelopes at Karuma dam after they were moved by the floating
islands due to heavy down pour. By rescuing these unusual creatures is by far a
remarkable move to save their lives.
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| SITATUNGA RESCUED BY UWA ANIMAL CAPTURE TEAM |
Sitatungas also popular as marsh bucks (Tragelaphus
spekii) are among the unique wildlife species you shouldn’t miss to catch a
glimpse on Uganda safaris. They are swamp-dwelling antelopes and they thrive
mostly in swampy and marshy habitats especially in tall and thick vegetation
areas, seasonal swamps, riparian thickets plus mangrove swamps.
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| SITATUNGA |
Besides Uganda, sitatungas also exist in other parts
of African especially Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Tanzania,
Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, Sudan. They come in medium size and stretches about 81
to 116cm high, weighing between 76 and 119kgs for males then females have a
weight of 24 to 57kgs.
They feature hairy bodies and they are water resistant
with distinct colors. Their bodies are made in such a way that they are capable
of living in swampy areas. Males have horns which can easily be spotted on Uganda
safaris. They are active mostly early in the morning and late in the evening.
Females became sexually mature at 1 year and males at 1
and half years. The gestation period takes about 9 months and females give birth
to single calf and they take about half a year taking care of it. Sitatungas
have a life span of 22 to 23 years in captivity.
In Uganda, these antelope species can be spotted on
Uganda safaris in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park,
Queen Elizabeth National Park and other areas.
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