Greater Kudu

Species

There are 2 species of kudu

Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Tragelaphus imberbis

Greater Kudu
Lesser Kudu

Population

Greater kudu were assessed in 2016 by the IUCN as of Least concern (estimated 482,000 individuals). However, the lesser kudu is Near threatened, with <100,000 individuals.

Size

The greater Kudu, as the name suggests, is larger than the lesser kudu.
Greater kudus are one of the tallest antelopes in Africa standing 100-150cm at the shoulder. Males can weigh an average of 257 kg (males can weigh as much as 315 kg) and 170 kg (females).
Lesser kudus stand 90 - 105 cm tall and weigh between 60 - 105 kg.

Habitat & distribution

Kudus prefer woodlands where there is good cover. In the dry season, they can be seen along riverbanks with rich vegetation. Lesser kudus are more elusive than the greater kudu.
Greater kudus are found across a wider range than the lesser kudu, which are only found in eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda).

Hunted for their horns

With horns that can grow to 1.8 metres (but average is usually 1.2m) and with 2 - 2.5 twists, it's no wonder they are prized by trophy hunters. Their horns have also been used for musical instruments (including making shofars, a Jewish ritual horn blown at Rosh Hashanah), honey containers and in traditional rituals. Kudus have also been hunted for their meat and skins.

Diet

Kudu are herbivores. They are browsers and eat leaves, herbs, vines, flowers and fruit (apparently , they like tangerines and oranges). New grass is also part of their diet if available. The can get enough moisture from the food they they eat but when the vegetation is dry, they will need to drink.

Interesting facts

- Male greater kudus have a beard
- Lesser kudus have more vertical white stripes on their body (11-15) than the greater kudu (6-10)
- Kudus have one of the loudest sounds of any antelope (they make a gruff bark).
- You may have noticed their rather large ears and yes, it means they have excellent hearing.
- Kudu are quite slim. When they are startled, they may stand very still and hope they are camouflaged enough not to be seen.
- If kudu do flee, males will often lay their horns on their backs to avoid them hitting against anything. They are also good jumpers able to clear fences.

Group

Males (bulls) sometimes form bachelor groups but are usually solitary. Females and their offspring form groups of up to 12. Males and females only come together to mate. Males aren't aggressive but when they fight, their horns can lock together and they try to force the other onto the ground.

Breeding & lifespan

Gestation is around 9 months. One calf is born at a time and mother will give birth to the calf away from the group. The calf will remain hidden for at least 2 weeks.

Predators & threats

Natural predators include lions, leopards, hunting dogs and spotted hyenas.
Humans pose a threat through habitat destruction - land is often burned for charcoal or taken over for farming.