Topi have a well-defined calving season at the end of the dry season. Topi calves grow very fast. Yearling females can hardly be distinguished from adults by 16 months. At this age most females mate, and then calve at age two. Many males appear full grown by two but few are mature enough to gain territories and breed before three years of age.
Some people think grazing animals are in a constant state of fear of predators.
Although they always remain very wary, they seem to know when a predator is not actually hunting, and at such times show remarkably little nervousness provided the carnivore does not get closer to them than the limit known as the 'flight distance'. Bat-Eared Foxes live in burrows in the open plains and although mainly crepuscular, may often be seen and recognized by their generally foxy appearance and very large ears. They feed almost exclusively on insects, but apparently eat roots, fruit and eggs from time to time. Bat-eared foxes give birth once a year, at the end of the dry season. Four cubs to a litter is typical but up to ten are occasionally seen.