We had fun watching the Topi. These larger antelope are the watchmen of the Mara. They find the tallest place around and stand, watching. If danger approaches, they will warn not only the other herds of topi, but also the gazelles, impalas, hartebeests, warthogs, and every other animal of that danger.
All through the Mara, we’d see the topi standing guard. I thought how they resemble our prophet who looks out, and stands prepared to warn us of danger we cannot yet see. We can argue and say, but the grass looks peaceful, there really aren’t the problems you say there are. Or we can be like the animals the topi warn. They trust the messenger and run.
When the topi are on guard, the other animals graze or relax and lay down, knowing someone is watching. If there are no topi, other animals watch. The impala male seems more concerned about guarding his harem of does. Apparently he watches over maybe 20 does and fights off the competition. The guide says a male usually lasts about 2 weeks before he is tired from all the fighting and other activities and another male takes over the herd. I suppose it’s one way to insure there’s little inbreeding.
The little Thompson’s Gazelles often take up guard. It’s cute to see them standing, facing the lions and watching them. They step closer and closer to the lions and I wondered if the lions would give chase, but they stop far enough away to have a good head start. Then they just stand there, head up, gaze unwavering.
The Cape Buffalo are among the largest of the antelope family. They are a force to be reckoned with and we did not get all that close to the herd. Apparently their disposition is a might cranky and they have sufficient horns and bulk to enforce their displeasure.
Dik dik’s are the smallest antelope. They are elusive but very cute. It made us want to take a few home with us. I’d like them until they started eating my roses.
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