Hunting Lechwe in Africa

Red lechwe is found in the Caprivi, Namibia, and in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. A handsome, chestnut-coloured, highly gregarious hunting species. When alarmed, it bounds through the grass-covered melapo (lagoons) with strong splashes, horns laid back over the shoulders. It is not good at running on dry ground. It swims well, has excellent sight but a poor sense of smell. This species is preyed upon by lion, which ambush these antelope on the small islands and edges of the melapo, as well as by leopard, wild dog and cheetah. The red lechwe is also extensively hunted by the swamp-dwelling people who approach in a mekoro dugout, keeping well down below the grass height, until they are within shooting distance. Because of hunting pressure, this is a wary, shy animal.