The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is one of Africa’s most iconic antelope species, known for its striking appearance, majestic spiral horns, and adaptability to woodland and savanna habitats. The greater kudu’s majestic appearance and adaptability make it one of Africa’s most recognizable and admired antelopes, often sought after by wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Facts about Greater Kudu
| Physical Description | The greater kudu is a large, graceful antelope with long legs, a narrow body, and striking markings: Males are significantly larger, standing 51–63 inches at the shoulder and weighing 600 lbs. Females are smaller, standing 39–55 inches at the shoulder and weighing 260–460 lbs. |
| Coloration | Both sexes have a coat ranging from reddish-brown to bluish-gray, with 6–10 vertical white stripes running along the torso. A distinctive white chevron marks their face between the eyes. |
| Horns | Only males have horns, which are long, spiraled, and reach lengths of 47–71 inches. These horns on average form 2.5–3 spirals and are used in dominance battles during the mating season. |
| Diet | Greater kudus are primarily browsers, feeding on a variety of leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, and herbs. They also consume grasses during the wet season and are known to survive in arid environments by obtaining water from their diet. |
| Gestation Period | The gestation lasts about 8 months (240 days). Females typically give birth to a single calf, usually timed with the rainy season when food is abundant. |
| Calving | After birth, calves remain hidden in thick vegetation for the first 4–5 weeks to avoid predators, while the mother returns to nurse them periodically. |
| Maturity | Females reach sexual maturity at about 15–18 months. Males mature at a similar age but usually start breeding only at 4–5 years, once they can compete with dominant males. |
| Reproduction | Breeding occurs throughout the year, but peaks often coincide with rainy seasons. Males compete for access to females through displays and sometimes physical fights, locking horns to establish dominance. |
| Preferred Environments | Greater kudus inhabit a variety of landscapes, but they are most commonly found in wooded savannas, dry forests, and bushlands. They prefer areas with a mix of dense vegetation for cover and open spaces for foraging. |
| Geographic Range | Greater kudus are widely distributed across eastern and southern Africa, including countries like: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Angola, and Ethiopia. They are often found near water sources but can survive in arid regions by adapting their diet and water intake. |
| Social Structure | Females and their calves form small herds of 6–10 individuals, sometimes merging into larger groups. Males are mostly solitary or form loose bachelor groups, joining female herds only during the mating season. |
| Activity Patterns | Greater kudus are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting in shaded areas during the heat of the day. |
| Predator Avoidance | Their striped coats provide excellent camouflage, and they are capable of leaping over 8 feet to escape predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs. |