This post is about life of antelope in the
Okavango Delta in Botswana, one of the sprawling grassy plains in Africa. Because
of its seasonal flooding it remains a lush animal habitat for all types of
living species. Notable heavyweights among the 160 species of mammals that
thrive there are the likes of hippos, elephants, crocodiles, lions, leopards,
rhinos, giraffes.
Also found there are Lechwe, a species of antelope family
that stand 90 to 100 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 70 to 120 kg. They dominate
the marshy areas feeding on aquatic plants while staying within knee-deep water
to avoid the predators. With legs covered in a water-repellent substance, they have
the perfect tools to run off any big cat in the knee deep water chase.
The males have long spiral structured horns they use it for
fighting over territory and females. The sound of one horn hitting another sends
clear message to the lions that another territorial fight is in progress and
they are quick to cash in on this opportunity. The Lechwes are so engrossed in
their fight that don’t realize that a predator has sneaked in and when they
does, it’s too late.
Whenever we as human has taken our guard off because of our
in-fighting, we too have paid for it dearly. It always pays to be careful and
remain vigilant from predators, who sometimes hide behind a mask.
The post has been inspired by this picture posted by Natgeo on the Instagram.
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