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A KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) bull is one of the most
spectacular
trophies that Africa can produce, with its spiral horns and great stature.
They are
found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia.
They
can be found along river beds, open woodland and in dense bush. They
are one
of the least selective browsing species eating leaves of trees, shrubs and
herbs. They will move around in social groups of cows and their offspring, only
the young
males will leave in time. They will intermix with other groups of
Kudu in a peaceful
manner, bit if one member remains from a group that does not belong, it
will be
chased and butted by the others. The bulls do fight for the mating
rights to a group
of females, but these fights seldom result in injuries or death.
Instances have been
recorded where 2 bulls died after their horns became interlocked and they could
not get free, thus dying of starvation. Upon leaving their nursery
groups, the young
males will form bachelor groups. Kudu can recognize each other by
sight due to
the fact that they each have an individual stripe pattern. They are
very proficient
jumpers and only a 3 m or higher fence will stop them from going over.
The hoarse
bark that Kudu make is reputed to be the loudest made by any antelope.
Due to
the males being more solitary than the females, they get taken by
predators more
often than females. They freeze in the presence of predators and
rely on their
camouflage to escape detection.
Predators: Lions, Hyaena, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog |
