Topi antelopes on the Rwindi plains, Virunga National Park, Congo (Democratic Republic)

The topi (Damaliscus lunatus) can be found ranging in anything from vast treeless plains to fields surrounded by woodlands. It can also be found occasionally in rolling hills below 5000 ft (1500 m). Topis search until they find the greenest, tenderest grass and avoid anything too mature. There are typically herds of 2 to 10 females and young which travel together year-round. Each of these herds has one or more territorial males that accompany them throughout the year. During the migratory season, thousands of topis can be seen on large open plains. This gathering allows for topis to form sub-populations which are able to migrate together. Breeding is annual in most areas and calving generally occurs at the end of the dry season. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.