Greater Kudu
Tragelaphus strepsiceros · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Bovidae, order Artiodactyla, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Wild Prey, Herbivore, Antelope
Breed / Variety
Southern Greater Kudu (T. s. strepsiceros)
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), population trend is stable though threatened by habitat loss and poaching in some areas.
About This Creature
Large woodland antelope with narrow bodies, long legs, and large ears. Males possess long, spiral horns. They have 4-12 white vertical stripes on a brownish-grey to reddish-brown coat.
Physical Characteristics
Distinctive white chevron between eyes, large rounded ears, white vertical stripes on flanks, small mane running down the spine, and long, corkscrew-shaped horns found only in males.
Behavior & Temperament
Crepuscular but can be nocturnal near human activity; social structure features small herds of females and calves, while males are often solitary or in bachelor groups; shy and secretive, freeze-or-flee defense.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Southern and Eastern Africa, commonly found in countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana
Habitat
Woodland, Savanna, Shrubland; Terrestrial
Diet & Nutrition
Herbivore; browser eating leaves, shoots, fruits, and tubers; adapted to survive in arid areas but requires drinking water in dry seasons.
Lifespan & Health
Up to 7-8 years in the wild, 20 years in captivity; preyed upon by lions, leopards, and hyenas; vulnerable to rinderpest and rabies.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional jumping ability (can clear 2.5-meter fences); horns are used culturally as traditional instruments (Shofar in some ceremonies); highly effective cryptic camouflage in brush.
Ecological Information
Secondary consumer (herbivore) in food chains; serves as a major food source for large African predators; browsing helps control woody plant density in savannas.