Greater Kudu

Tragelaphus strepsiceros

The Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a majestic and graceful antelope native to the woodlands, savannas, and bushlands of eastern and southern Africa. Renowned for its striking appearance, the Greater Kudu is characterized by its impressive spiraled horns, which can grow up to 1.8 meters (nearly 6 feet) long in males. The horns, combined with the robust yet elegant physique, give the Greater Kudu a distinctive and regal presence.

Females, however, do not possess these horns but exhibit a more slender build, complementing their delicate features. Both genders boast a coat of light brown to grayish-brown fur, adorned with narrow, white vertical stripes running along their flanks. This patterning serves as excellent camouflage in their natural habitats.

Greater Kudus are primarily browsers, feeding on a variety of leaves, shoots, and fruits, and they are known for their ability to adapt to arid environments by obtaining moisture from their food. These antelopes are generally social animals, with females and their young forming small herds, while males often lead more solitary lives, coming together with females during the mating season.

Despite their striking appearance, Greater Kudus are remarkably stealthy, often relying on their acute senses and agility to evade predators. They can leap considerable distances, making them difficult to capture. This combination of beauty, agility, and stealth makes the Greater Kudu an iconic species within its range, a symbol of the diverse and rich wildlife heritage of the African continent.