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facts
The markings of the Common Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) are either white or dark in color. Adult males are darker than females and young calves have light markings. The Tsessebe has a long and narrow muzzle. Their coats are a rusty red colour with black legs, chest and a black strip running from forehead to the tip of the nose. Their horns are S-shaped (‘half-moon’ shaped) and ringed, and range in length from 30-40cm. The horns of older animals tend to wear down, and this can be used as a means of assessing the age of individuals in the field. They belong to the same family as the wildebeest and hartebeest, all of whom are characterised by an ungainly appearance as a result of their shoulders being higher than the withers.
The Tsessebe diet is composed almost entirely of grass. These animals have two feeding peaks, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, although feeding is not restricted to these time. Tsessebe do not have to drink if the grass they are eating is water saturated. If they are eating dry grass however, then they must drink water every couple of days. During the rains they feed for longer periods and at shorter intervals. They are grazers that utilise a wide range of grass species. They select the leaf over the stems, prefer fresh growth, and are attracted to burnt areas. Habitat and ecological conditions determine their social structure. 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 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 advertise the location of their territory, while females use the mounds as a way to alert others of danger. Territorial males have exclusive rights to the females. The herds are therefore considered closed, and both the males and females work at keeping intruders out. When the bull is gone the highest ranking female takes over as leader of the herd. A herd of traveling Tsessebe will move through neutral territory 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 Tsessebe, males are no longer protective and their only concern is meeting and securing females. Tsessebe are social animals and their basic herd structure consists of small breeding groups, each comprising six to ten cows with their offspring. Bachelor groups and territorial bull herds may sometimes number up to 30 strong. This is especially noticeable near water and favourable gazing areas. Breeding herds consisting of cows are not restricted to a specific territory. In areas where Tsessebe occur in higher densities, bulls establish typical ‘lek’ system territories. Young bulls form bachelor groups at the age of one year as they are pushed out of herds
This species remains widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, but has undergone a substantial decline during the last 100 years and is threatened by hunting for its meat and competition with cattle. Total population size is currently estimated to be about 300,000. About 25% of this total number occurs in areas with reasonably good protection and management. However, WCS surveys in southern Sudan indicate that this estimate should be increased by about 100,000. Most remaining populations are known or believed to be declining, although there is no evidence at present to show that the overall decline has reached such levels over three generations (20 years) that would justify Near Threatened or Vulnerable status. However, if declines continue it is only a matter of time before one of these thresholds is reached.
Tsessebe are seasonal breeders, giving birth during September/October to single calves after a gestation period of seven months. They calve at the end of the dry season and have a good success rate. The rut takes place during mid-February and continues through to March. During the mating season elaborate displays by the bulls form part of the mating ritual. Every year males go to traditional breeding areas and the females arrive shortly afterwards, either on their own or in small groups. Males will approach in a rocking canter or 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 one or many males. Gestation usually lasts around eight months. The calves are unusual in that they can grow up as either a follower or a hider.
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