The Antelope of africa
Kudu
Tragelaphus strepsicerosCharacteristic antelope with tawny coat and whites stripes down the body. The males have dramatic, long spiralled horns
Occurs from East Africa through parts of central Africa into southern Africa. Although the numbers may not have increased markedly the range of kudus has increased in southern Africa.
The increase in range is due to more areas coming under protection. Kudus move great distances and in the past were persecuted as they moved through farmland. Thankfully, they now self-populate within new established reserves and conservation areas.
Females form herds which occupy particular home ranges. Males movements are either solitary or in bachelor herds. Males leave the breeding herd at around two years of age.
Males do not have home ranges and can move over vast distances. In a study I was involved in, a marked male was found more that one hundred kilometres from where it was originally tagged. This was in farming area , something which could have made the movement even more difficult.
There is not much physical differentiation over the range but there is a considerable difference in diet. In the southern parts of its range, the kudu feeds predominantly on the succulent spekboom (Portulacaria afra) whereas further north shrubs and small trees make up most the diet.
The kudu's large ears allow it to hear danger when it is in the thickets.
A herd of female kudu rest in the shade of tree during the heat of the day.
Kudu are predominantly browsers but will graze when conditions determine.
Fight for the lady
Kudu bulls will tussle for dominance when a female is in oestrus. Theses tussles will sometimes develop into serious fights. It has been recorded where the horns of combatants get locked and both animals die.
Death by the water
In Etosha National Park, I observed two kudu bulls drinking at a waterhole. Some jostling was occurring between the two and had piqued my interest. The fight didn't seem too serious until one of the bulls suddenly flicked his horns into the midriff of the other. The injured bull fell down immediately and never got up.
The attacking kudu continued to drink for a while before moving off. Within minutes the jackal had arrived and began to feed on the carcass. Whether this was a deliberate attempt at harm or a fluke incident cannot be determined.
When walking through thick bush male kudu lift their heads and lay their horns across their backs to prevent them catching in the branches.
In a study I was involved in the Eastern Cape, South Africa a collared male was found more that one hundred kilometres from where it was tagged. Kudu males are known to travel great distances but in this case the reason for the great distance was most likely due to persecution as the kudu was moving through a farm area
The white tip of a kudu's tail is visible when the animal is running.
Male kudu have been observed getting their horns interlocked when fighting.
A male kudu can be aged by looking at the horns with the first full turn indicating three years.
