Exploring the Common Tsessebe
Today, I’m excited to share with you the story of the Common Tsessebe or Sassaby (Damaliscus lunatus lunatus), a fascinating creature that roams the vast landscapes of Africa.
As a nature guide, I’ve had the privilege of observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitats, and their unique characteristics never cease to amaze me.
A Speedster of the Savanna
Among the fastest antelopes in Africa, Tsessebes can reach astonishing speeds of up to 90 km/h. This incredible speed is a testament to their adaptation to the open plains and grasslands where they make their home.
Found in countries like Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa, the Tsessebe's range is vast, allowing them to showcase their remarkable speed across the African savanna.
A Closer Look at the Tsessebe
Adult Tsessebes are quite large, with males weighing around 137 kg and females about 120 kg. They exhibit a striking chestnut brown color, with the fronts of their faces and tail tufts being black.
The contrast of greyish or bluish - black forelimbs and thighs against their brownish - yellow hindlimbs and white bellies adds to their distinctive appearance.
Horns are a prominent feature, especially in males, where they play a critical role in territory defense and mate attraction.
Unique Horn Structure and Pelage Variation
What sets the Tsessebe apart from other topi subspecies is the incline of their horns. Tsessebe horns are placed further apart and have a more lunate profile, akin to that of a Hartebeest.
As we travel from South Africa to Botswana, we notice subtle variations in their appearance. The southern populations tend to have lighter pelage, smaller size, and less robust horns, while those in the north, particularly in Zambia, are darker and have more robust horns.
Social and Territorial Creatures
Tsessebes are highly social animals. Female herds typically comprise six to 10 members with their young, while males, post one year of age, form larger bachelor herds.
Adult bulls establish territories and exhibit a range of behaviors to assert dominance, such as high - stepping, defecating in specific postures, and ground - horning.
The fascinating ritual of anointing their foreheads and horns with secretions from preorbital glands, though less common, is an intriguing aspect of their territorial marking.
Puzzling Behaviors
Some Tsessebe behaviors remain a mystery to scientists. For instance, their habit of resting with their mouths on the ground and horns pointing skyward or the peculiar head - bobbing in parallel ranks, both display a complexity in animal behavior that is yet to be fully understood.
Grasslands and Savannas
Primarily grazers, Tsessebes thrive in grasslands, open plains, and lightly wooded savannas. Their feeding schedule in places like the Serengeti is quite disciplined, with specific times for grazing, resting, and watering.
To avoid territorial conflicts, they cleverly navigate along borders, though this strategy exposes them to predators like Lions and Leopards.
The Role of Leks
The Tsessebe reproductive cycle is fascinating. Males establish leks, areas where females visit solely for mating.
Females seem to prefer mating at the center of these leks, where dominant males reside. The central position in a lek signifies a male's strength and is maintained fiercely, often at the cost of physical injuries.
Conservation Status
While the Tsessebe population in private game reserves has shown growth, largely due to the trophy hunting industry, concerns remain about potential hybridization with the Red Hartebeest.
In contrast, populations in areas like northern Botswana have seen significant declines, primarily due to habitat changes and competition with other antelope species.
Conclusion
The Tsessebe, with its remarkable speed, unique appearance, and complex social structure, is a symbol of the diverse and fascinating wildlife of Africa.
As we continue to observe and study these incredible animals, their mysterious behaviors and survival challenges remind us of the importance of conservation and the need to protect their natural habitats.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
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