Impala is a Kob
I refer to the most enjoyable story featured on page 17 of the June ’21 edition of Magnum “My First Hunt” by Rob Cole which was set in the Bulawayo region of Zimbabwe.
When I first noticed the article I assumed from the excellent introductory photograph that the story was set in East Africa as the antelope depicted was not an impala but a Uganda Kob (kobus kob thomasi).
The Uganda Kob is relatively common in the non-forested regions of Uganda, and I remember while I was resident in neighbouring Kenya, that they were also found in the western side of that country on the plains at the base of Mt Elgon (14 1784ft) which borders Uganda. But I don’t remember them ever being on licence.
I think that most readers will agree that the impala we know so well is truly one of the most beautiful and well-proportioned of all antelopes. In comparison, the kobs which of course includes the lechwe and the waterbuck, have a more robust appearance. I would guess that the Uganda kob would weigh 20 to 30 kilos more than the impala. Although the kob is physically heavier and its horns are a similar profile, they are shorter than those of the impala, particularly the East African sub species. Both females (kob and impala) do not carry horns.
So there we have it. The photograph was incorrect for Mr Cole’s story, but it is a very nice photograph!
– Alan Walker, Western Cape
We are glad you enjoyed the photograph. Please accept our apologies for the oversight. Sharp-eyed readers like you keep us on our toes. -Ed