Animal - Topi (antelope) - John Hinde African series postcard (2AF8) c.1970s

• Postcard

   

• Picture / Image:  Topi [a species of African antelope
• Publisher: John Hinde (2AF8) / photo by John Hinde himself
• Postally used: yes
• Stamp:  removed
• Postmark(s): Mombasa
• Sent to:  Minchinhampton, Glos., England
• Notes / condition: 

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Text from the free encyclopedia WIKIPEDIA may appear below to give a little background information (internal links may not  work) :

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The topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela)[1] is a subspecies of the common tsessebe.[2] It is a highly social and fast type of antelope found in the savannas, semi-deserts, and floodplains of sub-Saharan Africa.

Topi resemble hartebeest but have a darker coloration and lack sharply angled horns. They have elongated heads, a distinct hump at the base of the neck, and reddish brown bodies with dark purple patchings on their upper legs. They also have a mask-like dark coloration on the face. Their horns are ringed and lyrate shaped.[3] Their coats are made of short, shiny hairs.[4] They range in mass from 68 to 160 kg (150 to 353 lb). Head-and-body length can range from 150 to 210 cm (59 to 83 in) and the tail measures 40–60 cm (16–24 in). They are a tall species, ranging in height from 100 to 130 cm (39 to 51 in) at the shoulder.[5][6] Males tend to be larger and darker than females. Topi also have preorbital glands that secrete clear oil and the front legs have hoof glands.[3]

The topi has a long but patchy distribution, as it prefers certain grasslands in arid and savanna biomes.[3] Human hunting and habitat destruction have further isolated their population.[3] The following countries have been found to contain topi: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The species is regionally extinct in Burundi.[2]

Topi live primarily in grassland habitats ranging from treeless plains to savannas.[3] In ecotone habitats between woodlands and open grasslands, they stay along the edge using the shade in hot weather.[3] They prefer pastures with green grass that is medium in height with leaf-like swards. Topis are more densely populated in areas where green plants last into the dry season, particularly near water.[7] The topi is a selective feeder and uses its elongated muzzle and flexible lips to forage for the freshest plants.[3] When foraging for food, topi tend to take small bites at a fast rate.[8] Topi generally frequent flat lowlands and at elevations below 1500 m.[3] When they have access to enough green vegetation, topi usually do not have to drink. They drink more when relying on dry grass.[9] Topi use vantage points, such as termite mounds, to get a good look at their surroundings.[3]

Topi are usually either numerous or absent in an area.[4] Scattered populations do not last long and either increase or die off.[4] The health of topis in a population depends on access to green vegetation.[4] Herds of topi migrate between pastures. The largest migration is in the Serengeti, where they join the wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.[10] Predators of topi include lions and spotted hyenas, with jackals being predators of newborns. They are especially targeted by hyenas.[11] Nevertheless, topi tend to have a low predation rate when other species are present.[3]