A puku male courts a female by using his leg to stimulate her genital region to attempt to mate with her in south luangwa national park in zambia, africa.

Puku Courting

Zambia, Africa

The puku (Kobus vardonii) is a species of antelope found in wetlands and grasslands in southern Africa, including Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. As with many of Africa’s antelope, they live in herds of females, youngsters and immature males, headed by a dominant territorial male.

During the breeding season, male pukus compete for dominance and mating opportunities. They establish territories and engage in behaviors such as marking their territory with urine and dung. Dominant males will actively defend their territories and challenge rival males.

Puku have a polygynous mating system, in which males mate with more than one female. When they come into estrus every 25 days or so, it attracts the attention of the dominant male. The male may perform elaborate courtship displays, which can include head bobbing, posturing, vocalizations, and tapping the prospective mates with his forelegs. If the female is receptive, she allows him to mate with her.

Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

 « Wildlife  « African Wildlife  « Assorted 

Photo Prints

Puku Courting print
Select a print size:

Metal Prints

Puku Courting print
Select a print size:

Canvas Prints

Puku Courting print
Select a print size:

Acrylic Prints

Puku Courting print
Select a print size: