Pronunciation: [kˈə͡ʊbəs lˈɛt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the name "Kobus Leche" can be accurately transcribed using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Kobus" is pronounced as /koʊbʌs/, with the "k" sounding like a "c" followed by a "o" sound, and the "b" and "s" sounds also clearly audible. "Leche," on the other hand, is pronounced /lécheɪ/, with the emphasis on the "e" sound, which is somewhat longer than the "ch" and "a" sounds that come after it.
Kobus leche refers to a mammal species commonly known as the southern lechwe or simply lechwe. It is a large, semi-aquatic antelope that predominantly inhabits wetlands and floodplains in southern Africa. Primarily found in Botswana, Zambia, Angola, and Namibia, the southern lechwe is well adapted to its aquatic habitat.
Adult males usually measure between 100 and 120 centimeters at the shoulder and can weigh up to 150 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller. Their most distinctive feature is the elongated hooves that help them navigate through water-logged terrain with ease. Their coat is typically reddish-brown to tan, but it can darken during the mating season.
As a herbivorous animal, the lechwe feeds on grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants found in marshy areas. They are proficient swimmers and use this ability both to evade predators and to access grazing areas. Additionally, the males possess well-developed horns, which grow in a wide, sweeping shape that curves backward.
Due to their specific habitat requirements, human activities such as agriculture and infrastructure development have resulted in the degradation and loss of their wetland habitats. Consequently, the southern lechwe is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Efforts are being made to protect their habitats and regulate hunting activities to ensure the survival and well-being of the kobus leche population.
