Facts About Kudu

Kudus are a variation of the antelopes residing in dense bush or forest areas. There are two subspecies existing worldwide: the Lesser Kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) and the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Both of them have stripes or spots over their body with a chevron of white hair just between their eyes on the forehead. Males as well as the females have long spiral horns which can grow up to a maximum of 72 inches comprising of two and a half graceful twists and coils. It is these horns that make these animals very prone to human attack. These gracefully twisted horns are used as musical instruments in many parts of Africa and are also sometimes used as honey containers and also as a symbol of male potency. To know more about these amazing creatures, go through the information provide by us in this article.

Tragelaphus strepsiceros

One of the most striking and beautiful of the antelopes, the greater kudu lives in central and southern Africa, in rocky hill country or on brush-covered plains. Farmers in areas inhabited by the kudu must take into account, when building their fences, the animal’s ability to easily leap obstacles 2.5 m in height.

Greater kudu are one of the tallest antelopes, with shoulder heights ranging from 100 cm to 150 cm. Greater kudus have the largest horns in the bushbuck tribe, averaging 120 cm in length. The body color of the greater kudu varies from reddish brown to blue-gray, with the darkest individuals found in the southern populations. The color of the males darkens with age. Along its back, the kudu has six to ten stripes. Its tail is black tipped with a white underside. Males possess a beard that females lack. Kudus frequently use their horns in “wrestling” matches, locking them together and then trying to push or wrestle the opponent into submission. They have also been observed in a form of play, tossing broken branches into the air with their horns and catching them as they fall.

Behavior

Females live in herds of 1-3 and their offspring. Sometimes the female groups combine to form larger groups, but these groups are temporary. Males live in bachelor herds, which range in number from 2 to 10. Male bachelor herds do not overlap each other, but the range of one male may overlap two or three female herds. Males and females do not associate with each other except during the mating season. Greater kudus seem to show patterns of aggression mainly in captivity. In the wild, when greater kudu fight, fighting occurs only between kudus of similar size.

Entertainment

A Barking Kudu is also one of Birmingham’s newest bars. Located in historic Lakeview, the Barking Kudu has been voted as Birmingham’s Best New Bar by the Birmingham Weekly, and was voted one of Birmingham Magazine’s “Best of Birmingham” for its draft beer selection. The Barking Kudu features live regional and local music Fridays and Saturdays, an impressive selection of fine spirits and new world wines and 18 micro-brews on tap.