African Wildlife - The Kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros)
The Kudu can be found in the central and southern parts of Africa
where they prefer rocky hill country or bush covered plains. The
male Kudu can grow up to a height of 1,4 meters with the females
reaching heights of 1,2 meters. Males weigh between 200 and 260
kg and females weigh between 150 and 160 kg. Only the males have
wide spiraling horns which are used in combat with other males
over mating rights. These combats sometimes lead to the horns
being inextricably locked which inevitably leads to the starvation
of the animals. The males form bachelor herds or move about on
their own, joining the females only during mating season.
The Kudu is an expert when it comes to concealment and it prefers
the densest bush. This antelope is well known for its jumping
ability and can leap at ease to a height of two meters from a
standstill position. The Kudu is preyed on by Lions, Leopards,
and Wild Dogs and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Calving takes place annually from February to March when the
grass is at its longest. In regions close to the equator mating
peaks as the rain ends and calving peaks during the rainy season.
The gestation period is nine months and females may conceive as
early as two years before maturing. Males mature at around five
years after which they still keep on growing.
African Wildlife Paintings by South African Artist
