Kobos have long bodies and necks but short legs. Their hair is rough and long, forming small manes on the neck. They have colors that range from gray to brown, which darken with age. The lower part of the legs is black and they have a very characteristic white ring on the back of their hindquarters. Only the males have a pair of heavy, very ringed horns, which can measure close to a meter in length. He is a great runner, but prefers to take refuge in the water when he senses danger.

It has glands that produce a secretion with a waterproofing action with a strong musk-like odor. It seems that this aroma permeates the meat, especially that of old individuals, and makes it unappetizing to lions, hyenas and leopards.

They live in large areas shared by many females and non-territorial males. The size of its distribution area depends on the quality of the habitat, the population and the age of the individuals, being wider the healthier and younger they are. The different areas can overlap, forming herds with an average of 5-10 individuals; in these groups there is no established hierarchical rank.

The activity of kobos is affected depending on the season, habitat, pasture conditions or distance to water, so when environmental conditions are drier and there is less water availability, they need to rest more. time.