Kudu
The greater kudu is considered by many to be the
most handsome of the tragelaphine antelopes, which includes the bongo,
eland, nyala, bushbuck and sitatunga.
Physical Characteristic
Kudus, both the greater kudu and its close cousin the lesser kudu,
have stripes and spots on the body, and most have a chevron of white
hair on the forehead between the eyes.
Greater and lesser kudu males have long, spiral horns; occasionally
a female will have small ones. The greater kudu's horns are spectacular
and can grow as long as 72 inches, making 2 1/2 graceful twists.
These beautifully shaped horns have long been prized in Africa for
use as musical instruments, honey containers and symbolic ritual
objects. In some cultures the horns are thought to be the dwelling
places of powerful spirits, and in others they are a symbol for
male potency. The horns are seldom used in defense against predators;
nor are they an impediment in wooded habitats-the kudu tilts the
chin up and lays the horns against the back, moving easily through
dense bush.
Female greater kudus are noticeably smaller than the males. By
contrast, lesser kudus are even smaller, about 42 inches at the
shoulder; males weigh around 220 pounds while females generally
weigh about 50 pounds less. Lesser kudus have smaller horns than
the greater kudus and conspicuous white patches on the upper and
lower parts of the neck. Although both species are bluish-gray,
grayish-brown or rust color, the lesser has five to six more lateral
white stripes, for a total of 11 to 15. Both species have a crest
of long hair along the spine, and greater kudus also have a fringe
under the chin.
Habitat
Lesser kudus are found in acacia and commiphora
thornbush in arid savannas; they rely on thickets for security and
are rarely found in open or scattered bush. Greater kudus are found
in woodlands and bushlands.
Behavior
The hierarchy among kudu males is usually determined by
age and size. Males of about the same size and age engage in sparring
contests in which they approach one another slowly, lock horns and
push back and forth until one gives up. Usually no serious injuries
result, but remains of animals have been found where the two combatants
had locked horns in such a way that they could not disengage. Dominance
is usually quickly and peacefully determined by a lateral display
in which one male stands sideways in front of the other and makes
himself look as large as possible. If the other is suitably impressed,
dominance is established.
Sometimes males form small bachelor groups, but more commonly they
are solitary and widely dispersed.
Diet
Kudus live in the drier areas of eastern and southern
Africa, wherever there is adequate low- and medium-level woody growth
to provide food and shelter. They are browsers and eat leaves and
shoots from a variety of plants. In dry seasons, they eat wild watermelons
and other fruit for the liquid they provide. The lesser kudu is less
dependent on water sources than the greater kudu. Where farming has
developed near their habitat, kudus will sometimes make nocturnal
visits to plantations and vegetable plots. As they can make spectacular
leaps of up to 6 feet, it takes a high fence to keep them out.
Caring for the Young
Females and their offspring form small groups of
six to 10. The males usually only join them during mating season.
The pregnant female departs from her group to give birth, leaving
the newborn lying out for 4 or 5 weeks, one of the longest periods
of all the antelopes. The calf then begins to accompany its mother
for short periods of time and by 3 or 4 months is with her constantly.
Soon after, the mother and calf rejoin the female's group. Calves
grow rapidly and at 6 months are fairly independent of their mothers.
Predators
Lions, leopards, hunting dogs and spotted hyenas
hunt kudu, and cheetahs, smaller cats, eagles and pythons prey on
the young. Their numbers are also affected by humans hunting them
for their meat, hides and horns, or using their habitats for charcoal
burning and farming. Kudus are highly susceptible to the rinderpest
virus, and many scientists think recurring epidemics of the disease
have reduced kudu populations in East Africa.
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