Zimbabwe: Landuse in Dry Tropical Savannas

Kudu
Tragelaphus Strepsiceros

The kudu is a large timid animal, very attractive with it's cockscrew horns. It is one of the least selective browsers, browsing on most plant species, and at times even on fresh green grass. It is thrives in rugged broken country with sufficient thicket for shelter.

The male stands at 140cm and weighs 250kg and is larger than the female. Outside the rutting season, bulls tend to be solitary, or to form small bachelor groups. The female has no horns and stands at 125cm, weighing 160kg.

Kudus move in family groups of up to 10 individuals, although larger groups have been seen. They are susceptible to the anthrax and rinderpest diseases.

Sources:

DeGraaff (1992)

Animals of the Kruger National Park. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 15 pp.