Damaliscus lunatus
topi
(Also: tsessebe)

The range of the topis includes a series of segregated populations. These populations extend from the northern savanna to east and southern Africa (Estes, 1991).

Topis prefer grassland habitats. These areas range from large treeless plains to areas with little bush and tree savannas. Topis are sometimes found in the uplands but are usually found in the lowlands. During the rains, topis avoid short or very mature grasses. In the dry season, they are abundant in any plant communities where there is a lot of grass (Estes, 1991).

Topis are medium sized antelopes and range in height from 104 cm - 126 cm in males and 105 cm - 118 cm. The body of the topis is covered with a short, glossy coat that is tan in color with purple spots underneath. The markings of the topis are either white or dark in color. Adult males are darker than females and young calves have light markings. Topis have a long and narrow muzzle. Their horns oare S-shaped and are ringed, and range in length from 30 cm - 40 cm (Estes, 1991).

Habitat and ecological conditions determine the social structure of the topis. Territories may or may not have the same borders, depending on the size of the different territories. Most territories can support two to six females and their young under the age of one. Some females may occupy the same male's territory for up to three years. All territories have high vantage points that are used by both males and females. Males use these mounds to display where their territory is. Females use the mounds as a way to alert others of danger. Territorial males have exclusive rights to the females. Therefore, the herds are considered closed and both the males and females work to keep intruders out. When the bull is gone, the highest ranking female takes over the position of leader and is in charge. Traveling herd of topis travel through neutral territory and in dangerous areas - places where lions and other predators are - in order to avoid these territorial bulls and females. Males act differently depending on the social organization of the group. In a small herd, they are very protective of the females. They alert the females and young of approaching danger and defend them against predators. When there is a large group of topis, males are no longer protective and their only concern is meeting and securing females (Estes, 1991).

Every year, males go to traditional breeding areas, and the females arrive shortly afterwards in small groups or singly. Males approach a female in either a rocking canter or in a low stretch posture, searching for a female in heat. The female shows that she is ready by raising her head and standing tall. Before mounting, the male stands stationary behind the female. A cow will mate many times during her 1 - 1.5 days of heat with either the same male or many males (Estes, 1991).

The diet of topis is composed almost entirely of grass. These animals have two feeding peaks, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, but they can be found feeding at any time. Topis do not have to drink if the grass they are eating is water saturated. If they are eating dry grass, then they must drink water every day or two. During the rains, topis feed for longer periods of times and at shorter intervals (Estes, 1991).

Topis, like other bovids, are fairly easy to maintain so they are an excellent animal to be displayed in zoos (Kingdon, 1989). They are hunted as trophies and for meat. Like other African bovids, they provide food for a large community of predators.

The population of topis covers a large geographic area but has been broken up by hunting and habitat destruction by man (Estes, 1991).

A large populations of topis can live off the same land as cattle, even when the number of cattle is at the carrying capacity (Kingdon, 1989).