Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest)

Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest) - Page 29

Trophic Level II - The Herbivores
Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest)
Page 29

Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei

Length:160-215 cm (63-85")

Height: 107-150 cm (42-59")

Tail: 30 -70 cm (12-28")

Weight: 125-218 kg (276-480 lb.)

Status: Locally common but this species does have a restricted range.

Habitat: Kongoni, or Coke's hartebeest, are found in areas of high grass and woodlands but prefer the medium length brush or grasslands. In the Serengeti, they are most often found in areas where red-oat grass and gall acacias grow. They like to live along the edges where the two environments merge. Kongoni are not seen in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as often as other antelope. They are widespread here but in low numbers.

Food: Kongoni like to drink regularly when grasses are dry but territorial males will go for several days without drinking.

Kongoni are grazers and eat all parts of the grass plant. They do avoid eating a type of grass known as Cynodon that is favored by other herbivores.

Social System: Males are territorial and will try and keep small herds of 5 to 15 females within their territory's boundaries. Only prime bulls (four to five years old) can hope to hold onto a centrally located territory. A bull that leaves its territory in order to feed and drink runs the real risk of finding it occupied by another bull upon his return. Such territories remain virtually unchanged in their boundaries despite changes of "owners".

Males will stay with their mothers for two or three years before they join bachelor herds. These all-male herds may contain up to 35 kongoni of all ages. At three, they are old enough to compete for territories. These first territorial battles are fought over less desirable locations. When they are past their prime, the bulls may once again occupy these poorer locations.

Behavior: Females give birth year round but most births occur in the dry season. Calves will lie-out for about two weeks before the mother takes them to join the herd. Sometimes sub-adult males will be chased by territorial bulls. The immature male will often hide behind its mother and she might even fight off the harassing bull. She will even leave his territory if the bullying continues.

Predators: Spotted hyenas, lions and leopards are the main predators of this species.

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