The Making of a Diorama
The Habitat Views video considers ways of looking at dioramas today, and documents the creation of several new displays. Take a look over on our YouTube Channel >
Recreating Nature Indoors
Ever wonder who made the dioramas in our mammal halls? Read all about the artists who created these wonderful scenes. Learn more >
Do Dolphins Have Hair?
Our mammal researchers answer this and other questions on our Mammalogy FAQs page.
Learn more >
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Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekei (Speke, 1863)
Scene:
Swamp near Lake Victoria, KenyaSponsor:
Leslie SimsonBackground artist:
Frank J. McKenzieAlso present:
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata),White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)
The sitatunga or marsh buck is a swamp-dwelling antelope found throughout Central Africa. It prefers papyrus swamps and is a very good swimmer. Its hooves are long and thin to help support its weight in a swampy environment.
Sitatunga have a waterproof coat, which is dark brown in males and reddish brown in females. Males have a mane as well as horns, which are twisted and can reach three feet in length.
Biological Information
Range:
Western and central Africa
Habitat:
Swamps bordering rivers and lakes
Status:
Not endangered except in Kenya, Chad, and Zimbabwe
Diet:
Succulent water plants and shoots of young reeds
Further information about this species may be found on the Animal Diversity Web page for sitatunga.