They are gregarious animals that usually live in small herds, between 5 and 10 individuals, although in areas where there is enough food, they can gather in groups of up to 30. These antelopes are excellent swimmers and feel very comfortable in aquatic environments. This allows them to escape from predators, such as lions or crocodiles.

Their skin is endowed with glands that secrete an oily substance that waterproofs it, allowing them to spend long periods submerged in water and hide without much effort thanks to the “buoyancy” that this oil provides them. It is also said that this oil gives their meat an unappetizing flavor to their predators.

Regarding their social behavior, adult males do not maintain permanent fixed territories. They are extremely brave and protective of their group. Although they can be solitary or form small groups, during the mating season (rut), they can compete for access to females. Females can move freely within these groups, and males try to retain them during the mating season for copulation.

After the birth of the young, the females hide them for a few weeks, nursing them in private. After some time, they introduce the young to the herd.

The waterbucks of Cabárceno Park live in an enclosure that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Park, with a south orientation and in front of the European bison enclosure. Within the habitat, an imposing karstic rock provides them with shade during hot days, simulating the conditions of their natural environment.