Lesser Kudu

Tragelaphus imberbis

The Lesser Kudu is a shy antelope with beautiful spiral horns. They are excellent jumpers and can leap high to escape from predators.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Lesser Kudu is a slender, reddish-brown antelope with 11-14 narrow white vertical stripes along its body. Males have stunning spiraling horns, while females have none, and both have large, rounded ears with a distinctive white chevron between their eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusTragelaphus

Lesser Kudu

Interesting facts

Their dazzling spiral horns can grow over two feet long, making them quite majestic!

Their super long, rounded ears can swivel to pinpoint tiny sounds!

These shy antelopes can freeze perfectly still to hide from danger!

They get almost all the water they need just by eating leaves!

Special abilities

Lesser Kudu has a coat with white stripes that helps them blend perfectly into dense bushes and dappled sunlight.

Lesser Kudu can leap and twist quickly because of their muscular legs, helping them escape predators in thick vegetation.

Lesser Kudu has large, swiveling ears that helps them detect even the quietest rustles of approaching danger.

Lesser Kudu can survive without drinking water because they get enough moisture from the plants they eat.

Measurements & details

Length: 110-140 cm
Weight: 50-108 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 210-225 days

Diet & Feeding

They are plant-eaters that enjoy leaves, shoots, and fruits from bushes and trees.

Primary Foods

leaves
shoots
forbs
fruits
flowers

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions hunt adult and young Lesser Kudu.

eaten by

Leopard

Panthera pardus

Leopards are primary predators of Lesser Kudu.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Hyenas often target young or weakened Lesser Kudu.

depends on

Umbrella thorn acacia

Acacia tortilis

Kudu browse on leaves and shoots of acacia trees.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Horned

Look for animals that proudly wear horns, which are amazing natural crowns!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!