The kudu is among the finest of the antelopes. Africa has two different species, namely the greater kudu, and the lesser kudu, which lacks the bearded chin of its relative. Kudus are sociable and live in small herds or family groups consisting of between four to ten individuals. The males usually live apart from the females and their accompanying young. In the mating season of course the males join the females to ensure their continuation of the species. The males will fight for the right with the females so they can pass their genes. Their gestation period is usually around 212 days and they only have 1 young. In this particular antelope both male and female have horns, though those of the female are shorter, less stout and less spiraled them the magnificent horns of her father.

Kudus, like any other antelope, are grazing animals, browsing on grass, leaves and the twigs of various bushes. Indeed they are rare among antelopes in being able to eat certain toxic plants without any ill effects. They like open forest and areas of semi-forested scrub, but avoid open prairie and treeless grassy plains, preferring a degree of camouflage consistent with their wary nature. One rarely sees them far from the water; they have to drink daily and do so at set hours. They are most active at night since most predators are, and rest in the shade of a tree during the day. Their life-span is approximately 20 years, without getting a disease and eaten by a predator.

Their gait, as befits such a large antelope, is rather stately; they are heavy on their feet when running and lack grace when galloping. Their hearing is acute and it is very difficult to take such wary creatures by surprise. In the rutting season the males set up a powerful roaring very similar to a lion’s. Since it’s about the size of a gazelle, it is preferred for prey for lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and other predators.

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