Tsessebe hunting in South Africa

Tsessebe is a strange looking darkish brown animal with splayed horns and a characteristic shoulder hump. The African folklore has it that to make up for its strange looks the Tsessebe was gifted with speed and reputed to be the fastest antelope in Africa. It originally occurred in the Kruger National Park, northern Limpopo and North West Provinces. Its numbers have declined drastically due to habitat loss. Like many South African species, due to the game ranching industry these animals are now available on numerous hunting properties. Although not a popular trophy hunting species, the Tsessebe is sought after by collectors. The best hunting areas are located in the Northern Cape and North West Provinces. Both sexes have horns and engage in ground horning, a territorial behaviour. When evading a hunter they are inclined to run a short distance, stop and look back giving the hunter a second chance to take an opportunistic shot. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, however a Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permit is required to hunt Tsessebe in South Africa.