They are not, despite their name, true water dwellers like the Sitatunga and Lechwe, and have been known to wander considerable distances in times of drought. Being a large antelope, they are seldom preyed upon in their natural habitat, even by Lions. However, the white ring on their rump serves as a warning to the herd should danger be sighted. A lone Waterbuck will often submerge itself in water in an emergency, an oily secretion covering the coat serves as waterproofing. The secretion is also the last line of defence, giving the meat an unpleasant taste.
Young bulls form bachelor herds.
Although 2 species of Waterbuck are recognised, the Ellipsen and the Defassa, which has an all white rump, the distinction is becoming harder to make due to interbreeding. Mixed herds of Ellipsen and Defassa can now be seen in the wild. The offspring carry irregular rump patterns. Waterbuck are almost entirely grazers, feeding on tender shoots in particular. However, with human destruction of riverine forests, they have been forced to move inland in search of suitable grazing.