The Common Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymus) is a large, robust antelope with a wide distribution in sub-Saharan Africa. Males have long ridged horns, while females do not possess horns. When sexually excited, Waterbuck produce a greasy secretion with a musky odour that is repellent to predators.

Waterbuck are sedentary, and closely tied to habitats with water including rivers, lakes and moist valleys. They mostly occur in small groups including nursery herds and bachelor herds, and are mainly grazers in the wet season, but will browse shrubs in the dry time of year.

These three young males are not fully grown and were enjoying the luxuriant grasses in Kruger Park in the summer of 2014. The white ring on their rear ends reminds me of the Gary Larsen cartoon – “Bummer of a birthmark, Hal.”