Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Damaliscus
Species: Damaliscus lunatus
Life Span: 12–16 years (in the wild)
Weight: 150–220 kg (330–485 lbs)
Height: 1.1–1.3 meters (3.6–4.3 feet) at the shoulder
Length: 2.1–2.4 meters (6.9–7.9 feet) (including tail)

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Diurnal – Tsessebes are mainly active during the day, with their peak activity in the morning and late afternoon, resting in the heat of midday.

Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – They primarily graze on grasses and herbs, particularly favoring short, fresh, and nutritious grasses, and occasionally browse on shrubs.

Social Structure: Social – Tsessebes live in herds, typically ranging from 5 to 30 individuals. Herds are usually led by a dominant male or female, with males often forming bachelor groups or living alone outside of breeding season.

Hunting Approach: Tsessebes are highly agile and fast, using their speed and maneuverability to escape predators. They are known to be aggressive when cornered or threatened, and can use their strong horns to defend themselves.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Tsessebes are commonly found in open savannas, grasslands, and floodplains. They thrive in areas with sparse trees or shrubs that provide sufficient grazing space and some cover.

Water Sources: Tsessebes need frequent access to water and can often be found near rivers, lakes, or seasonal waterholes, particularly during the dry season.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for Tsessebes in open grasslands or floodplains, especially close to water sources. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation for grazing, but still need some cover for protection from predators.

Tracks and Trails: Tsessebe tracks are oval-shaped with clear, round hooves. Tracks are typically seen in soft ground, such as grasslands or near waterholes.

Signs: Tsessebe grazing areas will show evidence of cropped grass, especially in areas close to water. Droppings are commonly found in groups near grazing grounds or water sources.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – Tsessebes are most active and feeding during these cooler parts of the day.

Breeding Season: Tsessebes breed year-round, with a peak in calving during the rainy season when food is more abundant. Females usually give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 8–9 months.

Trophy Quality: Trophy hunting focuses on large males with prominent, upward-curving horns. Mature Tsessebes have strong, thick, and symmetrical horns that are highly prized.

Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are not typically used in hunting Tsessebes. Hunting near water sources, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, is often more effective.