Seasonal floodplain swamps up to 1 meter deep, such as those found in the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti-Chobe region of Botswana, are the classic habitat of Lechwe, which is one of the most water-loving antelope. They are bound lifelong to water and are permanently dependent on wetlands. In addition to lions, hyenas and crocodiles, humans are among their greatest enemies (due to increasing settlement in wildlife areas and hunting).
Up to 30,000 red lechwe live in the Okavango Delta. They are very sociable and usually occur in herds of up to 30 individuals, but occasionally large herds with several thousand animals may be seen. Lechwe are active during the early morning and late afternoon, lying down during the heat of the day and at night. Although they are quite slow on land, they can move rapidly in shallow water and swim readily.
