Antelopes of Africa | Tunde Folawiyo

February 17, 2014 Editor Africa’s Endangered Primates, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo london, tunde folawiyo oil

Like many other wildlife enthusiasts, Tunde Folawiyo has always admired the stealth and strength of the lion. However, whilst this creature is certainly one of the most impressive animals to roam the plains and savannahs of Africa, its prey, the common eland and the impala, are just as fascinating, in their own way. Both are species of antelopes found only on this continent, and are known for their grace, agility and speed.

The common eland has spiral-shaped horns, and a tan-coloured coat, with distinctive markings on the legs and torso. It resides mainly in southern and eastern Africa; however, its specific habitat varies, but may include the acacia savannah, the sub-desert or grassland. They typically avoid swamps and dense forests, which house dangerous predators.

They have adapted well to the hot climate of Africa, and are able to go without water for long periods of time, provided they can find food which is rich in moisture. In terms of their diet, elands live primarily on a diet of grass, seeds and fruits, although they will occasionally also dig for bulbs and root vegetables in the ground. Much of their natural habitat, and their food sources have been destroyed by urbanisation and the expansion of livestock areas. In addition to this, many people hunt elands, as their meat is considered to be a delicacy. As a result of human interference, this species’ numbers are now on the decline.

The impala is an animal that most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, will be familiar with. Slightly smaller than the common eland, its fur is a reddish-brown colour, with tufts of white along its throat, chin, eyes and ears. It can be found in many African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania. One of the reasons why the impala is not at risk of becoming endangered is its ability to adapt to its environment; it can switch between ‘browsing’ (that is, eating foliage and seeds) and grazing (eating grass), depending on whether it’s a dry or wet season. This enables it to get sufficient nourishment all year round.

One of the impala’s most impressive defence mechanisms is its ability leap great distances (up to 10 metres) in a single bound. Given that the impala is relatively small and weak, it is this skill which often saves it from its predators. However, its young who have not yet learned how to jump are frequently killed by pythons and jackals.

Antelopes of Africa, the common eland, the impala, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo film festival