Lechwe hunting in South Africa

The only Lechwe that may be hunted in South Africa is the Red Lechwe which was introduced from either Western Zambia or Botswana's Okavango Delta where it can no longer be hunted.. Formerly, the now extinct Cape or Venter's Lechwe occurred on the central plateau of South Africa. These have been replaced by one of six subspecies of Red Lechwe. Although a water based species these animals have adapted very well to the drier regions of the country. The biggest herds and best trophies can now be hunted in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces. This red coloured Lechwe stands higher on its hindquarters than its shoulder. They have a distinctive black stripe down their forelegs, a white belly and a broad white stripe running from under its chin to its chest (Brisket). They are classified as near threatened by the IUCN and a CITES permit is required to hunt one of these animals.