There is sufficient similarity in the biological parameters
which determine the population dynamics of reedbuck, waterbuck,
lechwe and puku to permit a generic population model to be
used to examine their expected breeding performance under
average conditions.
| Parameter |
Reedbuck |
Waterbuck |
Lechwe |
Puku |
| Seasonal Breeding |
All four species are able to breed throughout
the year |
| Breeding peaks |
Sep - May |
In Kruger NP, Oct & Mar |
Oct-Dec |
Jun - Nov |
| Gestation (days) |
220 |
280 |
225 |
240 |
| Age at first conception |
A proportion of females conceive in their
second year and all conceive in their third year |
| Age at first parturition |
In favourable years, about 50% of two-year-old
females produce calves and all will produce calves in
their third year of life |
| Fecundity (adults) |
In theory, because the species can breed
throughout the year and becausethe period of gestation
and lactational anoestrus is less than a year,fecundities
higher than unity are possible (i.e. offspring may be
produced at a rate slightly higher than one per year in
favourable conditions). |
| Longevity |
Data on longevity are sparse. It has been
assumed that few animals survive beyond 10 years of age
in the wild (like impala). Waterbuck, being larger, may
enjoy a slightly longer life. |
| Breeding longevity |
Females are probably capable of breeding
throughout their adult life although fecundity may be
reduced in last few years |
| Mortality (juveniles) |
May be as high as 50% in poor years. 33%
has been used as typical. |
| Mortality (adult males) |
Around 10%, increasing in the
last few years of life |
| Mortality (adult females) |
Less than 5% except in last
few years of life |
| Adult sex ratio female:male |
About 2:1 depending on hunting
regimes and predation |
