The Antelope of africa

Tsessebe

Damaliscus lunatus

Known as the Topi in East Africa. Although the topi and the tsessebe are classified as the same species there are a few cosmetic differences.

Distribution The topi occurs in scattered populations across East Africa and the tsessebe occurs in central and southern Africa.

Social structure Topi and tsessebe live in herds controlled by a territorial bull. Young males will form batchelor herds until they are strong enough to challenge for their own herds. Herds will mix freely outside of the rutting season.

Range differentiation Although the topi and the tsessebe are classified as the same species there are a few cosmetic differences. The horn structure shows a variation, there is a contrast in the shade of the coat (darker in the topi). Both sexes have horns and the herd social structures show that the tsessebe move in smaller herds.

Habitat Savanna woodlands, grasslands and floodplains

Feeding A common sight on the savannas of Africa, the tsessebe and topi are grazers with a preference for new growth. They are some of the first animals to appear after a fire has been through an area, and can be found feeding on the new green shoots.

Breeding Seasonal breeders with an eight month gestation period. In areas of plentiful food they are known to breed all year round.

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Male topi and tsessebe use elevated positions to view their territories.

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A topi reaches to scratch its neck with its hind leg.

Marking

They will rub their pre-orbital glands on grass stems, leaving an advertorial secretion. Males will also rub their faces and horns in mud, making the horns look more dramatic. Females are also known to practice this rubbing.

Pose

A very charachteristic stance, in particular the topi of east Africa, is on a termite mound. This was thought to be a dominance stance but even non-territorial animals do it. One of the characteristic images of the Maasai Mara is of a topi standing on a termite mound framed by the blue sky and a sea of grass.

Topi and tsessebe are preyed on by lions, hyenas and cheetah but because of their speed they are not the favoured prey in most areas. The young are susceptible to predation by a number of predators.

The fastest antelope on the African plains!

There is an ancient story told about this strang antelope. At the time of creation the tsessebe was seen to arrive late for the ‘ornamental’ presentation. The great creator was a little irritated with the tsessebe at this lack of timeliness.

As punishment, the great creator picked up two sticks from the ground, sticking them on the tsessebe’s head. He then rubbed ground on the animal's body and told him to go on his way. When the other animals saw the tsessebe they began to mock him because of his funny look.

The great creator saw what was happening and felt sorry for the tsessebe so he granted him a wish. The tsessebe chose to be the fastest antelope on the plains. Needless to say, the other animals never laughed at the fast but untimely tsessebe ever again.