habitat_narrative

Terrestrial

Generally an inhabitant of floodplains and other grasslands in sub-Saharan Africa (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2008). In South Africa, the Tsessebe formerly occurred in the bushveld and lowveld, often at the ecotone between grassland and woodland. Their preferred habitats are Kimberley Thornveld and Mopane Bushveld. They do not occur in forests, arid or montane habitats (above 1,500 m) (Duncan 2013). Currently, the Tsessebe occurs mainly on the basalt plains of northern KNP because they feed in broad, grass-covered drainage lines within Colophospermum mopane shrubland on basaltic soils (Dunham et al. 2004). In Borakalalo Nature Reserve (North West) Tsessebe preferred less dense woody areas and areas that had medium height grass species, and home ranges for Tsessebe herds averaged approximately 248±49 hectares (Göpper 2012). Nearly exclusively grazers, they can go for months without drinking in the dry season if they are feeding on growing grass (Duncan 2013). They are averse to using artificial water points unless they resemble natural pools (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).