Kudu

kudu

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.

Swahili Name:	Tandala Mkubwa and Tandala Ndogo
Scientific Name:	greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis)
Size:	55 inches (greater kudu)
Weight:	565 pounds (greater kudu)
Lifespan:	7 to 8 years in the wild and up to 23 years in captivity
Habitat:	Dense bush or forest
Diet:	Herbivorous
Gestation:	Up to 9 months (greater kudu)
Predators:	leopards, hunting dogs, spotted hyenas, humans