Updated
The sitatunga is a swamp antelope with long, splayed hooves that spread its weight on soft mud and floating vegetation. Males are dark brown with spiral horns; females are reddish and hornless. In Uganda it lives in papyrus swamps and reedbeds, and is seen at Lake Mburo, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary near Kibale, and the swamps around Lake Victoria.
Habits
Sitatungas are shy and spend most of the day in dense swamp vegetation, feeding on papyrus heads, reeds and grasses. They are strong swimmers and, when alarmed, may sink into the water with only the nostrils showing. They are most active at dawn and dusk, when they sometimes move to the swamp edge. Their hooves make them clumsy on firm ground, so they rarely leave wetlands.
Threats
Draining and cutting of swamps for farming and building is the main threat in Uganda, along with hunting. Because they are hard to count, their numbers are poorly known, but protected wetlands such as those in Lake Mburo are important for them.
Where to see it
Patience at a swamp edge or a quiet boat trip gives the best chances; Lake Mburo and Bigodi are the most accessible. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Lake Mburo, Uganda’s wetlands, Bigodi and things to do near Kibale and the waterbuck.
Frequently asked questions
In swamps at Lake Mburo, Bigodi and around Lake Victoria.
To spread its weight on soft mud and floating plants.
Yes, they are strong swimmers and can hide underwater.
It is shy and hard to see, but not globally threatened.
