Biometric analysis of testicles of the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) and Bangweulu lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) in Zambia

The Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) is a unique antelope found only in the Kafue basin of Zambia and is the main source of local income and protein. Its population has been dwindling over the years supposedly due to poaching and environmental pollution in the area and without mention of reproductive causes. The present study was a pilot study which determined biometric measurements of the testicles in adult lechwes as measures of reproductive ability and fertility. Testicles from 24 Kafue and 24 Bangweulu lechwes were examined from August to October 2009. The measurements were taken using Calipers, a ruler and string for testicular length, width, height, head size, body and tail of the epididymis. All testicular parameters were significantly higher in the Kafue than the Bangweulu lechwe. The study also found cases of cryptorchidism and abnormal epididymis in the Kafue and Bangweulu lechwes, respectively. The testicular parameters were measured during the non-breeding season thus influence of breeding on testicular biometry is expected. This was the first study of its kind and further studies on the reproductive physiology and biology are required to understand various causes of reductions in population and thereby aid the conservation of this species.