Tsessebe

Tsessebe by Haley Watson

The common tsessebe is found primarily in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nambia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Angola. Tsessebe are mainly herbivores. They are considered "grazers" and eat a wide variety of grasses. The name comes from the Tswana name for the species: 'tshesebe'. They can run as fast as 60km per hour. The Tsessebe may appear rather awkward, but it is probably the fastest of the southern African antelope, capable of maintaining a speed of 60 km/h for considerable distances. The average life expectancy is 20 years. Tsessebe reproduce at a rate of one calf per year per mating couple. Predators of the Tsessebe include lions, jackals, and spotted hyena.

The population of Tsessebe was estimated to be in the tens of thousands in 1998, therefore was declared a low risk of extinction. However, the IUCN Species Survival Commission saw a general population decline that could result in the population becoming extinct by the year 2025. This species was once on the endangered list, but due to careful protection they are increasing. Habitat change, and careless hunting, have cut their numbers down to perilously low levels, but many private landowners are providing sanctuaries and helping to conserve the species. Tsessebe have become one of the most endangered species in South Africa.