KOBS OF UGANDA

The Ugandan Kob (Kobus kob thomasi, rarely Kobus kob thomasi neumann) is a sub-species of the kob, a type of antelope found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is normally reddish-brown, in which it differs from other kob sub-species. A Ugandan Kob appears on the coat of arms of Uganda.

The Ugandan Kob is sometimes alternatively classified into the sub-genus Adenota. References are sometimes made to it by the Dutch name of Oeganda-waterbok.

Kob stand 70 to 100 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh from 80 to 100 kilograms. Their backs are an orange-red colour, which lightens to white on the undersides and legs. There are white rings around the eyes and a black stripe down the legs. The short ringed horns, found only in males, are around 50 centimetres in length and arch out slightly so that they are somewhat 'S' shaped in profile.

Albano kobs are extremely rare. We are either extremely luck or maybe it was just snowing the night before?

Female kobs reach sexual maturity at 13 months and males at around 18 months; at this point, male sub-adults usually leave the group and stake out territory in a lek. One young is born after a gestation period of 7.5-9 months. While births may occur throughout the year, in drought-prone areas there is a peak at the end of the rains (September-December).

After birth, the young lie concealed for about six weeks; after which time, they follow their mothers. They are weaned after about 6-7 months.