Damaliscus lunatus jimela

(Matschie, 1892)

Vernacular names

English : Serengeti topi
French : Topi du Serengeti

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Notes : up to 8 other subspecies known. Taxonomic revision changing the name to D. korrigum not yet widely accepted.

Identification

Body length of 230 cm, shoulder height of 126 cm, weight of 147 kg. Coloration is dark chocolate-brown with clear area on rump and orange legs. Black markings on forehead down to nose and on hips, down to mid-leg.

Range and habitat

The subspecies is only found in eastern Africa, in south Kenya and north Tanzania (what is known as the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem). Lives in grasslands and tree savannas, often in floodplains and near lakes.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a relatively small range but remains abundant in suitable habitat. Vulnerable to habitat degradation but so far, its range is protected.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known