However, in northeastern and East Africa, humans have crowded it out of the lowlands, and it is largely confined to mountains with dense woodland and thickets. to $2,200 pp (USD), Kenya: The male kudu stands about 160cm (5.2ft) tall at the shoulder. Estes, R.D. These can add 120cm (47in) of height to the kudu on average. Tours, Malawi Greater kudu bulls tend to be much larger than the cows, and vocalize much more, utilizing low grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping. And not only for the big five. The horns of a mature bull kudu have two and a half twists, and, if straightened, would reach an average length of 120cm. Greater Kudu Facts. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Cookie settings. Tragelaphus strepsiceros. The traditional sport of Kudu dung-spitting (. The very large greater kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is common in southern African wildlife reserves. Today we’ll take a closer look at the Greater kudu. Loading... Unsubscribe from Chris Shannon? The Greater Kudu stuffed animal shown above was made by the Platte River Trading Company and is a true rendition of the actual animal. The greater kudu is a large antelope. Habitat loss is another threat to the kudu population. Kudu horns have spirals, which allow males to spar by interlocking horns. to $1,889 pp (USD), You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End). They can jump a 3 meter fence easily and even 3,5 meters when doing it under stress. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22054A50196734. to $1,800 pp (USD), $1,371 Greater Kudu The greater kudu's long, curling horns are what distinguish this African antelope from other ungulate herds. Kudus are diurnal that means they remain active in the day and sleep at night while during summers they usually prefer to stay hidden at only one area in the woodland. Hunters shoot them for their hides and/or meat and their horns are a much wanted collectors item. Kudu horns have spirals, which allow males to spar by interlocking horns. Both lesser and greater Kudu are looked very alike in physical appearance, but there are some typical features between them. Der Kudu ist ein ausgezeichneter Sprinter, der aus dem Stand bis zu zweieinhalb Meter weit springen kann. These species have almost similar features, except their sizes as lesser kudus are smaller than greater kudus. Female greater kudus are noticeably smaller than the males. Wissenschaftlicher Name: Tragelaphus strepsiceros. Lesser kudu and greater kudu are the two species belonging to the kudu family. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. This large antelope species is fascinating, with a few quirky facts that stand out from the rest. Greater bulls also weigh several hundred pounds more than Lessers.Both species have long horns, which point upward and slightly back, and curl in a corkscrew shape. © 2020 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Distribution . Safaris, Mozambique They have a body length between 2 and 2.5 m (6.5 - 8.25 ft), a tail length between 37 and 48 cms (14.5 - 19 inches), a shoulder height between 1 and 1.5 m (3.3 - 4.9 ft) and they weigh between 120 and 315 kgs (260 - 690 lbs). The mating season is May to August. A large adult male Greater Kudu stands over 5 ft. tall, and a large male Lesser Kudu stand about 4 ft. tall. Both species have long horns, which point upward and slightly back, and curl in a corkscrew shape. Safaris, Madagascar All Rights Reserved. Males are fawn grey while females have a cinnamon color. Great places to see these magnificent antelopes are Kruger National Park in South Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia and all main Zambian parks. The males then proceed to shove and twist until one opponent is knocked off balance and thrown down. Females usually form small groups of 6-10 with their offspring, but sometimes they can form a herd of up to 20 individuals. They have long served different traditional communities, as both embellishment and musical instrument, the latter including the shofar, a Jewish ritual horn blown at Rosh Hashanah. Discover (and save!) The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. Safaris, Tanzania However, they may occasionally have three full twists and the record length is a whopping 187.64cm. Males are larger than females: they have 495 to 787 pounds, while females have 396 to 517 pounds. Poole, U.K.: Blandford Press Btd., 1979. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The males have tall spiraling horns. IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group. They possess between 4 and 12 vertical white stripes along their torso. They are very fast and stealthy. Greater kudu are browsers; they can exist for long periods without drinking, obtaining sufficient moisture from their food, but become water dependent at times when the vegetation is very dry. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. Interesting facts: The Greater Kudu will eat the leaves of aloe when they need to soothe their stomach; They are highly susceptible to rabies during times of drought. Although much less common in East Africa, Ruaha NP and Selous GR in Tanzania are your best bet to encounter the East African subspecies. Greater kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros, of eastern and southern Africa; The two species of the Kudus look quite similar, though Greaters are larger than the lesser kudu. Ready for some interesting kudu animal facts? The spectacular spiral horns of this handsome antelope – the longest of any antelope – have long made it a favourite among safari-goers and trophy hunters alike. Find your perfect safari tour on SafariBookings.com! Safaris, DR Congo Tours, Namibia Adult kudus are an important food source for many larger predators, such as lions and spotted hyenas. They are a brown-grey color with white stripes that go down the center of their body. Kudu is easily recognized by its long, spiral horns. Greater kudus have the largest horns in the bushbuck tribe, averaging 120 cm in length. New York: McGraw Hill Pub. By contrast, lesser kudus are even smaller — about 90 centimeters at the shoulder. Habitat . Easily compare offers from 3,469 specialized tour operators. Kudu are highly alert and notoriously hard to approach. Etymology. Crazy about roller coasters? Strepsiceros ist eine afrikanische Antilopen-Gattung, deren Vertreter die vier Arten des Großen Kudu sind. Melissa is an award winning travel writer for Fodors, Frommers and Insight, including guides to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The greater kudu's horns are spectacular and can grow as long as 1.8 meters (about 6 feet), making 2-1/2 graceful twists. Gotch, A.F. Local people use their horns in rituals, to store honey or to make instruments out of them. Greater kudu are one of the tallest antelopes, with shoulder heights ranging from 100 cm to 150 cm. They will appear to be tame when infected, however, they may become aggressive and attack any humans that get too close. Appearance. Tours, Ethiopia The scientific name is derived from Greek: Tragos denotes a he-goat and elaphos a deer; Strephis means ‘twisting’ and Keras means ‘horn’. They are very fast and stealthy. The color of the males darkens with age. In the end, between 1 and 2 calves are born, although the latter is rare. Stripes stand out on a grayish-brown coat on males and a reddish-brown coat for females. They have 6-10 white body stripes, white cheeks and white nose markings with long legs and a narrow body. Greater kudus have a narrow body with long legs, and their coats can range from brown/bluish grey to reddish brown. The greater kudu is still widely distributed in the lowland Bushveld of southern Africa. At SafariBookings we love Africa! From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. II, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa. Vol. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The male specimens, in fact, weigh about 190 to 270 kg, up to a maximum of 315 kg, whilst the female specimens weigh, as an average, between 120 and 210 kg. Vol 5. Males are also adorned with impressive spiraled horns which will twist 2.5 times and can grow up to 3.5 feet (60 to105 centimeters) long. Physical Characteristics 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 kudu can be spotted in most southern African parks. When they detect danger – often using their large, radar-like ears – they give a hoarse alarm bark, then flee with a distinctive, rocking-horse running motion, the male laying back his horns to avoid overhead obstructions. Safaris. by Wildlife South Africa . This species has a white stripe running down its back with 11 to 14 stripes coming off it and down the animal's side. This species is most common in Southern Africa but smaller populations of three different subspecies occur in East Africa, the horn of Africa and southern Sahara. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. The females regularly have no horns. Kudu are seasonal breeders and the gestation period for them is usually 7 to 9 months. In Africa the Greater Kudu is famous for its fence-jumping abilities. The Greater Kudu live in Eastern and Southern Africa. Awareness and responsible travel is key to preserve the kudu population. Greater Kudu facts Kudu are highly alert and notoriously hard to approach. Greater kudus are social animals that live in groups within their home areas. Tours, Kenya Belonging to the Tragelaphus genus, alongside the likes of bushbuck and nyala, bulls may stand 1.5 metres at the shoulder and weigh over 250kg. This African animal is a tall and majestic antelope. Kudus are found throughout South Africa with large numbers occurring outside conservation areas. The males then proceed to shove and twist until one opponent is knocked off balance and thrown down. The males have tall spiraling horns. They can reach 72 inches in length, making 2 ½ twists. 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. They range in color, depending on the subspecies, and can fall under the grey/brown to reddish/brown spectrum. The Greater Kudu live in Eastern and Southern Africa. Kudus are herbivorous animals and therefore have a completely vegetarian diet. Downloaded on 15 October 2018. Mike is an award winning wildlife writer, editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife. Appearance. Private tourMid-rangeLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End), $1,371 Kudus forage in woodland and around thickets of shrubs nibbling on leaves from the trees and bushes. Private tourLuxury+Tented Camp, You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End), $1,490 SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. The bulls also have beards running along their throats, and large Both species of the kudu have white lateral stripes and spots on their body. The body color of the greater kudu varies from reddish brown to blue-gray, with the darkest individuals found in the southern populations. Tours, South Africa Oct 25, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Lansing Sexton. Greater kudus are one of the largest antelopes. KUDU (Southern Greater Kudu) Latin Name: Tragelaphus strepsiceros. The greater kudu is much sought after by hunters, both for the magnificent horns of bulls and more generally for their high-quality meat. Safaris, Uganda Greater Kudu are one of the tallest antelopes. Female kudus usually live in herds of between 3 and 20 cows, but will leave the herd when it’s time to give birth. 5 Fabulous Facts of the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros), Botswana Male kudus are rarely physically aggressive but may spar during the courtship season, shoving one another with their horns. to $2,200 pp (USD), $1,490 Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. characteristics. By continuing you agree to our use of cookies. Despite their large size, they are relatively lightly built, and famed for their leaping prowess – able to clear fences and other obstacles with ease. More About Us. to $1,889 pp (USD), $1,330 The current record for the longest horn was 187.64cm (73.87in). Their diet may include leaves, grass, roots, and sometimes fruits and tubers. Some reports show male kudus found with locked horns, even in death. Make decisions like a pro by using our 58,676 reviews and 200 destination guides.More About Us, $1,330 What is a Kudu? Lesser Kudu vs Greater Kudu Chris Shannon. Grizmek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Mammals-Their Latin Names Explained. They can weigh anywhere in the region of 190-270kg (420-600lb) The males are the only ones with horns. Greater Kudus are more slender than lesser Kudus. Safaris, Zimbabwe Nowak, R. Greater Kudus are more slender than lesser Kudus. Tours, Zambia Facial markings consist of blac… Lesser kudu are one of the more striking species of antelope. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing Co., 1993. ... Kudus - Africa's Wild Wonders - The Secrets of Nature - Duration: 5:00. Co., 1990. When they detect danger – often using their large, radar-like ears – they give a hoarse alarm bark, then flee with a distinctive, rocking-horse running motion, the male laying back his horns to avoid overhead obstructions. Kudu, Greater/Kudu, Großer. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. Their smooth short hairs vary in colour from grey to brownish grey, with the neck becoming darker with some … 2016. The greater kudu may also suffer from habitat destruction in some parts of their range. Taken with tigers? The greater kudu is also generally bigger than the lesser kudu . This just scratches the surface. By continuing to browse through this website you agree to our use of cookies. We hope you have enjoyed finding Kudu stuffed animals, facts and information at the Forest Cottage Zoo. Parker, S.P, (ed.). They are a brown-grey color with white stripes that go down the center of their body. The two species of these animals look quite similar, though Greaters are larger than their lesser counterparts. The horns do not begin to grow until the bull reaches 6–12 months, twisting once at around two-years-of-age and not reaching the full two-and-a-half twists until the age of six. your own Pins on Pinterest The greater Kudu measures approximately between 1 and 1.5 metres at the withers, and is a rather robust and heavy animal. Make decisions like a pro by using our 58,676 reviews and 200 destination guides. Walkers Mammals of the World. Male kudus may form small bachelor groups, but they are more commonly found as solitary and widely dispersed individuals. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. (ed.). Many medium-sized carnivores prey upon kudu yearlings and calves. Als reiner Pflanzenfresser ernährt sich der Kudu von Blättern, Blüten, Gräsern, Kräutern, jungen Trieben und Früchten. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22054A50196734.en/. For these facts their other African name is Grey Ghost. They are one of the most commonly hunted species in southern Africa, and generate the highest proportion (13.2%) of hunting income in South Africa. Unterarten: Südlicher Großer Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros strepsiceros) Ostafrikanischer Großer Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros bea) Westlicher Großer Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros cottoni) Easily compare offers from 3,469 specialized tour operators. Safaris, Rwanda Furthermore, female Kudus completely lack antlers and do not even have the typical signs around the nose. In kudu. Greater Kudu in Linyanti Concession in Botswana, Photo by Rolf Crisovan, Kudu scratching its back on Chief’s Island, Botswana. So are we! Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals. Kudus also eat other varieties of plant life such as herbs, flowers, berries and fallen fruits. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Kudu have originated in the northern hemisphere, its fossilised being found in Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits across Europe and Asia. The Greater Kudu as antelope species itself is one of the tallest species. Yet its secretiveness and nocturnal activity enable it to persist unusually close to civilization. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Newborns also serve as a food source for smaller predators. By browsing through this site you agree to our use of cookies. The Greater Kudu is a great jumper and can jump as high as 5 feet from a standing start. Its preferred habitat is lightly wooded savanna and rocky bush country, where it generally sticks to cover to avoid predators, which include lion, leopard, hyena and wild dog. Die Gattung kommt in vielen afrikanischen Savannengebieten vor, während die nah verwandte Gattung Ammelaphus mit der Art Kleiner Kudu ein recht beschränktes Verbreitungsgebiet im östlichen Afrika bewohnt. Occasionally, during these contests their horns become interlocked and, if unable to free themselves, both males may die. They produce one of the loudest sounds made by antelope in the form of a gruff bark. The svelte lesser kudu ( T. imberbis) is an elusive dweller in the arid lowland thornbush of northeast and East Africa. The females regularly have no horns. The largest adult male Greaters stand over 5 ft. tall, and the largest male Lessers stand about 4 ft. tall. With only 118,000 kudus remaining in the wild, kudus have a ‘near threatened conservation status’ according the African Wildlife Foundation. The head tends to be darker in colour than the rest of the body, and exhibits a small white chevron which runs between the eyes. Afrikaans: Koedoe . Both species have corkscrew horns (in males only), depend on cover for food and…. KUDU FACT FILE. Are you wild about whales? Platte River Trading closed its doors in 2015. to $1,800 pp (USD), Kenya: Tweet. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. Safaris, Swaziland SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. The common name kudu is derived from the indigenous Khoikhoi language of Southern Africa. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. Photo via Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash. 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