Black lechwe are smaller and darker than other lechwe, and males have shorter horns. Along Lake Bangweulu in Zambia, they move seasonally as water levels change.
Adult males are described as becoming blackish-brown on the back, flanks, sides of the neck and outer legs, while the face remains chestnut-red. Reversed hair on the back is also described as a distinguishing feature.
The population is reported along the southern and eastern shores of Lake Bangweulu, moving seasonally as water levels fluctuate. Chikuni Island is a core area and becomes isolated at high water. A visit in October 1999 found herds from about 10 km west to 5 km east of the island.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.