TOPI



How to Recognize
Topis have dark, almost violet patches on the rear thighs, front legs, and face. Both sexes have horns.

Other characteristics include elongated jaws (their eyes always seem to be set higher up than you expect), sloping hindquarters, and powerful shoulders. This long face enables them to graze without the encumbrance of a long neck.

They can be found widespread throughout Kenya, and they are very fast runners. They have a characteristic habit of standing on high vantage points such as termite mounds to observe their surroundings and to mark their territories.

Habitat
They can be found in grasslands spurned by other antelope. They prefer flood plains and moist areas that support lush pasture.

Behavior
Diurnal. Highly gregarious antelopes, topis live in herds and often with other grazers. These herds consist of females and their young with an old male.

Breeding
Topis usually calve at the end of the dry season. Dense herds tend to create intense competition among males, and their short muscular neck cushions the blows when males drop to their knees for head-butting jousts.

Feeding
Grazers. They chew their cud.

Enemies
Lions and hyenas. Topi rely on speed and stamina to escape predators. They have long, strong legs for sustained, fast flight and a herding instinct for safety.


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Copyright © 2002, Dawn M. Dalton.
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