Topi: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Antelopes of Africa · day 6 of 7

Five facts

1. Topi have been seen sleeping with their mouths on the ground and their horns pointing straight up. It may be a way to stay safe.
2. A topi can dip a grass stem into the oily gland near its eye, then wave it about so the oil drips onto its head and horns.
3. Males have been seen standing side by side in rows, eyes shut, bobbing their heads back and forth. Nobody knows why yet.
4. When the male who owns a territory is away, the top female may take over, chasing off other topi of either sex.
5. With enough green grass to eat, a topi usually doesn't need to drink. It drinks more when it has to live on dry grass.

The quiz

1. How have topi been seen sleeping?

• Mouth on the ground, horns pointing up (correct)
• Standing on one leg
• Upside down
• Hanging from a tree

They rest their mouths on the ground with horns aimed at the sky.

2. What does a topi use to put eye-gland oil on its head and horns?

• Its tongue
• Mud
• A grass stem (correct)
• Its tail

It coats grass stems in the oil and waves them so it falls on its head.

3. What strange thing have male topi been seen doing in rows?

• Singing loudly
• Bobbing their heads with eyes closed (correct)
• Rolling in sand
• Digging holes

They stand in parallel ranks, eyes closed, bobbing their heads.

4. Who may defend a territory while its male owner is away?

• A young calf
• A zebra
• Nobody
• The dominant female (correct)

The dominant female may take over his role and chase off outsiders.

5. What lets a topi usually go without drinking?

• Eating enough green grass (correct)
• Licking rocks
• Sleeping all day
• Eating sand

Fresh green plants usually give it enough water.

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