Topis (Damaliscus korrigum) are a highly social and fast antelope species of the genus Damaliscus.The vernacular name "topi" applies not only to the species but also to two subspecies D. k. jimela and D. k. topi, while the name korrigum or tiang applies to the subspecies D. k. korrigum.Along with the Bangweulu Tsessebe this species was formerly included in the common tsessebe. The species is to be 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 a mask-like dark coloration on the face. Their horns are ringed and lyrate shaped.
Their coats are made of short, shiny hairs.They range in mass from 75 to 160 kg and in height from 100 to 130 cm at the shoulder. 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.When pressed they have been known to reach speeds in excess of 80 km/h (50 mph)although they typically travel at a jog. He is a member of the fastest antelopes of Africa.
Topi primarily live in grassland habitats ranging from treeless plains to savannas.They prefer pastures with green grass that’s medium in length with leaf-like swards. Topis are more densely populated than areas where green plants last into the dry season, particularly near water.
The topi is a selective feeder and uses its elongated muzzle and flexible lips to forage for the freshest plants.When they have access to enough green vegatation, topi usually don’t have to drink. They have to drink more when relying on dry grass.Topi use vantage points, like termite mounds to get a good look of their surround.
Males mark their territories with dung piles and stand on them in an erect posture ready to fight any other male that tries to invade.Females will compete with each other for the dominant malesas females come into estrous for only one day of the year. Females prefer to mate with dominant males that they have mated with before, however males try to mate with as many new females as possible.
As such favored males prefer to balance mating investment equally between females.Females, however, will aggressively disrupt copulations that their favored males have with other females. Subordinate females have their copulations interrupted more often than dominant females. Males will eventually counter-attack these females, refusing to mate with them any more.
