This is a ruminant cloven-hoofed animal. It belongs to the bovids. This species, together with subspecies, forms the genus Bubals. Subspecies differ from each other in coat color. The most common subspecies of Congoni, the hair of individuals is light brown. Western Kongoni has a sandy color. The coat of Kaama is brown, with dark markings on the legs and shoulders of the animal. Lelvel, on the other hand, is reddish-brown in color, with a yellowish torso at the top. The coat of the Kongoni Lichtenstein is reddish brown, but the sides of the animal are usually lighter than the rest of the body. The coat of the torus subspecies is the same brownish, but the belly and the back of the legs are colored white and yellow. The color of an individual of the subspecies Svaine is a rich brown color, but the face of the animal is dark in color.
Appearance
On average, the body length is 240 cm, the height is about 150 cm. In the croup, the body is usually lower. Congoni weighs from 120 to 225 kg. Sexual dimorphism is expressed by the size of the animal and its horns: the male is more massive than the female, and its horns are much longer. On average, the horns are 70 cm long. They are round in diameter, but they are flattened at the base. The color of the horns can vary from yellowish to brownish.
The neck of the mammal is short, the head is elongated. The section of the skull, which is located behind the horns, is shortened. The skull occupies about one third of the length of the bony base of the face. The fur of the cloven-hoofed animal is smooth, its color varies from yellow to brown. Hair length 20-25 mm. There is a light-colored “mirror” near the tail. The hairline of the belly is lighter. The nose and forehead of the animal are black, as is the thin 45-centimeter tail of this ruminant. Dark stripes can be seen near the eyes. The middle hooves of the Kongoni are narrow and pointed.
This representative of artiodactyls lacks inguinal glands, and the preorbital glands are poorly developed. This mammal has a pair of nipples.
Habitat
Congoni can be found on the African continent, namely in Namibia and Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania. The animal also inhabits Uganda from the Congo. Most individuals live in the south and west of Africa.
Lifestyle
This representative of bovids is active during the day. Congoni often form herds and usually do not stray far from it. There is a gender division of the herds. Females and juveniles live in herds where the number of heads does not exceed 300. Young males can live in such a herd for 3 years, but often leave after 1 year and 8 months. In herds of young males, there are usually about 100 animals. When the male begins to live alone, he protects his habitat from enemies, allocates his territory with droppings. These “bachelors” during the breeding season claim all the females of the herd. When males reach 8 years of age, they can no longer fight with young males for space and begin to wander.
Congoni can live for 15 years, but it is not uncommon for animals to die at the age of 10.
What eats
Congoni is a herbivore that loves to feed on foliage. This bovine prefers to eat seeds and nuts. The animal eats Hyparrenia and various beans. During the rainy season, Congoni eats a lot of Jasmine. At a time when there are almost no favorite succulent herbs around, they can feed on tougher vegetation. Water is important for animals, but they can get by by eating melons and tubers.
Reproduction
Mating occurs several times a year, these peaks directly depend on the quality of the food supply.
During the breeding season, a male with a raised tail and an elongated neck runs to the female, which has crossed the boundaries of its territory and enters the center of the site, inviting a female there. If the female accepts the invitation, they begin to sniff each other. The animals then mate. Copulation does not last long, sometimes several times a minute. The baby is hatched for about 8 months, the cubs are usually born in the rainy season. Each year, the female gives birth to only one baby.
Natural enemies
Congoni are shy and calm animals. When the herd is feeding, one animal closely watches what is happening around to warn of danger. These “guards” are usually located on the termite mound, from where the terrain is best viewed. When the danger is detected, the “watchman” begins to snort, stomp his hoof. In the presence of enemies, all individuals of the herd run in the same direction. If an individual is attacked, the rest of the herd rotate 90 degrees, changing direction.
The natural enemies of the animal are lions and hyenas, cheetahs and jackals. They are also hunted by crocodiles and leopards. Predators attack these cloven-hoofed animals when they are grazing. At this time, they are easier to spot. Despite the external clumsiness, animals can run at a speed of 70-80 km / h.
Population
This species is listed in the IUCN Red List, but now its number is practically not a cause for concern. Today the population consists of 360 thousand animals. Of these, approximately 130 thousand animals belong to the Kaama subspecies, more than 80,000 Congoni to Liechtenstein and about 70,000 to Lelvel.
Video about Congo
