Kudu – Africa’s elegant antelope

Kudu is one of Africa’s most impressive antelopes and is known for its elegance, shy behavior and distinctive horns. There are two species: the big kudu(Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and the small kudu(Tragelaphus imberbis). The greater kudu is distributed throughout much of East, Southern and Central Africa, while the lesser kudu is primarily found in dry forest areas in East Africa, especially in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Appearance and characteristics

The great kudu is one of the largest antelopes and can measure up to 1.5 meters at shoulder height and weigh between 190 and 270 kg for males and around 120-210 kg for females. Males have long, twisted horns that can grow up to 1.8 meters in length and turn two to three times in a spiral. Females do not have horns. Kudu have a grayish-brown to reddish fur with 6-10 white vertical stripes along the body, which gives them good camouflage in the dense thicket. They also have a characteristic white V-shaped marking between the eyes.

The lesser kudu is significantly smaller and has a lighter build. It also has white stripes, but is more shy and rarely seen in the wild.

Habitat and behavior

Kudu thrive in dense vegetation such as woodlands, shrublands and hilly savannahs where they can hide from predators. They are primarily active in the early morning and evening hours, resting in the shade during the middle of the day to avoid the strong sun. Kudu are known for their ability to quickly disappear into vegetation and can jump up to 3 meters in height to escape danger.

They live in small groups consisting of females and calves, while adult males often live alone or in small bachelor groups, except during mating season.

Food

Kudu are herbivores and feed on leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits and bark. They can survive long periods without water by obtaining fluids from plants. Their long neck and flexible tongue allow them to reach leaves on higher branches that other antelopes cannot reach.

Reproduction and lifecycle

Mating typically occurs at the end of the rainy season when food is plentiful. The gestation period lasts around 8 months, after which the female gives birth to one calf, which is hidden in vegetation for the first few weeks to avoid predators. The calf sucks for about six months, but quickly starts eating plant material. Kudu can live up to 10-15 years in the wild and longer in captivity.

Conservation status and threats

The great kudu is not directly threatened, but hunting and habitat loss pose a risk. The lesser kudu is more vulnerable and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

An iconic symbol of Africa’s wildlife, the Kudu is admired for its beauty, speed and shy nature.