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929 Featured Specimen
Topi

Details

Topi

Damaliscus lunatus

Size
1.5–2.1 m · 68–160 kg
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Herd
Lifespan

Topi is a mammal associated with grasslands and savannas. It is herbivorous and herd-forming. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
AfrotropicalAfrotropicalAfrotropicalAfrotropical

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Its range is represented here by the Afrotropics, where it uses grasslands and savannas. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.

Appearance

Typical length 150-210 cm, weight 68 kg-160 kg. It has a hoofed ungulate body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.

Behavior

It is mostly active by day and herd-forming. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.

Feeding

It is herbivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in grasslands and savannas, so movements often follow available food resources.

Reproduction

As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.

Notes

Recorded scientifically as Damaliscus lunatus. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.