Topi
Among the most socially advanced of the ungulates,
the topi occurs in the largest numbers in southern Sudan and in Tanzania's
Serengeti National Park. Its distribution is scattered, and populations
isolated, probably because of habitat loss and hunting.
Physical Characteristic
The topi is a medium-sized antelope with a striking reddish-brown
to purplish-red coat that is glossy, even iridescent in bright sunlight.
Distinct black patches appear on the face, the upper forelegs and
on the hips and thighs. To complete its singular appearance, the topi's
yellowish-tan legs look like they are encased in stockings.
Although not quite as large as its relative the hartebeest (kongoni),
the topi has a similar body shape. But it does not have such a long
narrow head nor is it as high at the shoulder. The female is usually
lighter in color than the male. Both sexes have thick, heavily ringed,
lyre-shaped horns about 21 inches long. Topis have good sight and
hearing and can run quite fast with a bounding gait.
Habitat
Their favorite habitat are flood plains, but they
are sometimes found in dry areas of open savanna and park woodland,
taking to the shade during the heat of the day. They prefer flat lowlands,
and can go without water for long periods of time only if they have
access to green pastures.
Behavior
Topis are exceptionally gregarious and live in herds of
15 to 20, although in some places, it is possible to see herds of
hundreds. They have a remarkable social organization that is linked
to the geographic and seasonal distribution of food. In some areas
of the Serengeti and the Mara, topis have large territories within
a home range, occupied throughout the year by a male and a small breeding
herd of females. Both males and the females cooperate in defending
the territory against strange topis of either sex.
In other areas, female topis form large herds that move across
the territories of many different males. In this social system,
the male's territory is small and unoccupied throughout the year.
Each male has his "stomping ground," a patch of trampled
bare earth upon which he stands. He defines his territory by depositing
dung in a series of places, marking grass stems with his scent from
the preorbital face glands and standing for long periods on a prominent
place, where he can easily be seen by other topis. If another male
intrudes upon his territory, the two go down on their knees and
fight with their horns, pushing each other to and fro.
Topis are most active in the morning and evening, resting in shade
through the hot hours. Like ruminants, they feed for a while, then
rest and chew their cuds before they continue feeding. They have
several rest breaks during the day and the rhythm of their daily
activities is influenced by the food supply-the coarser and drier
the feed, the longer rest time needed for digestion.
Diet
Topis eat only grass, avoiding both mature leaves
and very young shoots.
Caring for the Young
Females reach maturity at about 1 1/2 years, males
at about 3 years. Between 4 and 5 years of age, males begin to fight
over territories, but only the strongest win them. Mating takes place
in the territories. Infant topis spend their first 3 to 12 days lying
out and about 3 months start growing horns and acquiring adult coloring.
Calving normally occurs once a year and is timed for periods when
grass supplies are plentiful. Nonetheless topis are almost as flexible
in their reproduction as they are in their social organization.
If food supplies are particularly good, topis will conceive at different
times of the year, with shorter intervals between calves.
Predators
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and hunting dogs are
among the topi's predators. Calves are also vulnerable to jackals,
servals, caracals, pythons and large eagles.
|
