Greater kudu  (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

This handsome antelope is easily distinguished by the male's spectacular spiral horns, which can reach astonishing lengths of over a metre, and the six to ten thin pale stripes against its tawny-brown to grey-brown body (2) (3). Female greater kudus are smaller than males, and lack the impressive horns. The coat colour of the females is also somewhat different, varying from sandy yellowish-grey to russet, against which the thin stripes are conspicuous (2) (4). Both sexes have a crest of hair that runs along the middle of the back and forms a mane (2), and there is a distinct white band across the face between the eyes. Their large, rounded ears give a slightly comical appearance (5).

The greater kudu's range extends from the mountains of south-east Chad to Sudan and Ethiopia and throughout the drier areas of East and southern Africa (2). In southern Africa the greater kudu occurs mainly in the northern and eastern parts, with isolated populations in the Cape Province (4) (5).

Inhabits savanna woodland, especially in hilly, broken ground, and woods along watercourses, avoiding open grassland and forest (2) (5).

Greater kudus are sociable animals with groups of up to 25 females and their offspring of both sexes mingling and separating frequently (2). The larger males roam more widely and form loose bachelor groups, generally only joining female herds during the mating season, which extends through April and May in South Africa (3). During this time the necks of the mature males swell to display their bulging muscles and aggression between males is common. When rival males meet, one stands with his mane erect in a posture that best exaggerates his size, while the other circles around. These displays can sometimes develop into fights with one male locking his strong, spiral horns around the body of his opponent. Occasionally, the horns of the two males may become intertwined, and unable to free themselves from this position, both competitors may die (3). Greater kudu are always alert to predators (5), such as lions and spotted hyenas (3), and will flee rapidly from any potential danger. Despite their bulky size, greater kudus are remarkably agile and are surprisingly adept at jumping, easily capable of clearing a two-metre fence (5).

Calves are born in January and February after a nine month gestation, and for the first three to four weeks of life they lie hidden in vegetation, the mother visiting to nurse them (3) (4). Female calves remain with their mother's herd, whereas males disperse after two years of age (3). Greater kudus feed on a variety of foliage, herbs, vines, fruits, flowers and grass, the composition of their diet depending on the season (2). Their long legs and necks enable them to reach food at great heights, exceeded only by the giraffe (2).

The greater kudu is fairly abundant in parts of southern and south Central Africa, but becomes increasingly uncommon northward into East Africa (5). They are believed to be endangered in Somalia and Uganda and vulnerable in Chad and Kenya (2). Hunting poses a threat as the greater kudu is prized for its beautiful horns and meat, and human encroachment and habitat destruction may also have a detrimental impact (6). Populations of greater kudu are susceptible to outbreaks of disease, such as anthrax and rabies, but luckily, kudu populations appear to recover rapidly from disease-caused mortality (3).

Greater kudus are well represented in national parks and reserves (2), for example, the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania (7), and the Kruger National Park and Bavianskloof Protected Area, South Africa, which forms part of an important World Heritage Site, the Cape Floral Kingdom (8).

For further information on the greater kudu see:

• Mills, G. and Hes, L. (1997) The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

Authenticated (11/04/08) by Dr Jeremy David.