Tsesebe
(Latin = Damaliscus lunatus, Afrikaans = Basterhartbees, German = Halbmondantilope)
(Latin = Damaliscus lunatus, Afrikaans = Basterhartbees, German = Halbmondantilope)
Numbers: Fairly Low
Weight: > 120 - 150 kg / 264 - 330 lb.
Shoulder height: > 120 cm / 48 in.
Females horns? Yes
Found only in the warmest northern parts of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, especially in the Limpopo valley and in the Lowveld.
The tsesebe's numbers was, a few years ago, reason for grave concern, but are today on the increase, mostly due to some resettlement in the Bushveld areas of the Northern Province. The inquisitive tsesebe has, in the case of hunting - the weakness to take flight for a short distance if disturbed, only to stop and look back at the danger. This usually presents an ideal chance for the hunter. It may be due to the fact that the tsesebe don't have to fear that many animals could catch it from behind. This antelope competes with the cheetah for the prized honour of being the fastest mammal in Africa and is maybe just outdone in the trick. The tsesebe keeps in groups which can sometimes number quite high. An open savanna field with a fair amount of trees will do just great for their stay, thank you. The family group is led by a pride but dominating bull, which can go some length to intimidate any possible challenge from his pears. He'll easily drop to his knees and work the soil in front of him with his horns as an intimidating rite to his would-be opponents. Some people consider it to be simply an ugly antelope. It is, maybe, nowhere near to be seen if prizes were given for grandieur and beauty. Yet, it is a beautiful part of the South African antelope variety with its muscular shades of black, redbrown and grey colours, wide horns and long, black faces.
