Tsessebe

Overview
Tsessebe bulls weigh around 140 kg and stand 1.2 meters at the shoulders, slightly larger than cows, which weigh about 120 kg. Both sexes have horns, but bulls’ horns are heavier and crescent-shaped. Tsessebe have dark faces with purple shoulder blotches and reddish-brown bodies.

These grazers prefer fresh grass and are drawn to burnt areas. They give birth to single calves after a seven-month gestation, typically in September or October, with the rut occurring between February and March. Males perform elaborate displays during mating.

Tsessebe live in social groups of 6-10 cows with their offspring. Bachelor groups and territorial bull herds can number up to 30. Bulls establish territories in areas of higher density, and young bulls form bachelor groups at around one year old. Tsessebe are found in northern savannah woodlands, primarily in the Kruger National Park and some private game reserves in South Africa.