Tsessebe

Scientific name: Damaliscus lunatus

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Tsessebe have a sleek, muscular build with a glossy reddish-brown to chestnut coat. The head is distinctly darker than the body, and both males and females carry black, lyre-shaped horns; males are notably bulkier and larger than females.

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 127–150 kg and measure 150–160 cm in body length; females weigh 100–120 kg and measure 140–150 cm.

Habitat

Tsessebe favour open savanna grasslands, semi-arid plains, and short-grass areas with scattered tree cover. They thrive from lowlands to approximately 2,000 metres elevation.

Distribution

Tsessebe occur in eastern and southern Africa, particularly South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, favouring open plains and semi-arid savanna.

Diet

Tsessebe graze on short grasses, particularly palatable species, and browse some foliage and shrubs; diet varies seasonally with vegetation availability.

Behaviour

Diurnal animals most active in early morning and evening. They live in small to medium herds of 5–30 individuals, often alongside other antelope species, and are noted for restless temperament and swift, erratic movements.

Hunting tips

Look for characteristic fine hoofprints and small, round droppings in short grass. Approach with wind in your favour, using low terrain and scattered vegetation for cover. Hunt early morning when herds are grazing actively; be prepared for explosive flight and allow for long-range shooting across open country.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 6 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.