The Wetland Runner

The Lechwe doesn’t do dry. This antelope lives where others sink—right in the middle of Africa’s flooded grasslands and marshy swamps. With longer back legs and water-repelling fur, it bolts through soggy terrain like it’s on solid ground.

Golden-brown with snowy white underparts, the Lechwe is easy on the eyes—but it’s not just a pretty face. Males rock long, spiral horns that sweep backward like a lyre, and they get darker as they age—pure marshland royalty.

This species is diurnal, moving in large, single-sex herds during the day. Come mating season? Everything changes. Bulls get territorial and put on dramatic displays to earn their place in the breeding game.

Lechwe eat aquatic plants, graze through reeds, and rest in the safety of shallow water. Predators struggle to catch them—especially lions, who tend to stay dry when they can. These antelope know how to use their element.

Often overlooked for flashier antelope, Lechwe are among the best-adapted runners in the wild. Grace in motion, even with wet ankles.