Greater kudu or kudu antelope (lat. Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Greater kudu Diet of the kudu antelope
The African continent supports a rich wildlife through its deserts, savannas, vast valleys and forests. Africa is home to the largest land animal ( African elephant) and the tallest animal (giraffe) in the world. But there are many other interesting African animals that you need to know about. For example, Top 10 amazing animals found only in Africa.
Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
photo Harvey Barrison flickr.com
Interesting facts about the great kudu
Greater Kudu− an amazing antelope that is native to the Eastern and South Africa. It lives in savannah forests and rocky slopes.
This is one of the longest-horned antelopes in the world. The impressively curled horns are found only on male kudu. Their horns can be up to 1 meter long with 2 and 1/2 twists. Males use their long horns for defense against predators.
Males have a body length of 2 to 2.5 meters and weigh up to 315 kg. Females are smaller than males. Their length is 1.85-2.3 meters, and their weight is up to 215 kg.
Greater kudu have a brown-gray coat with 5-12 vertical white stripes. They also have a distinctive white stripe between their eyes.
These antelopes are social animals. Females form groups that contain up to 25 individuals. Males join groups only during the mating season.
This larger species of antelope primarily feeds on leaves, grasses, fruits and flowers. In the wild, great kudu live up to 7 years, but in captivity, they can live for more than 20 years.
Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Interesting facts about ostriches
Non-flying birds, ostriches are the largest birds in the world. They have a length from 2 to 2.7 m and weigh up to 160 kg. Ostriches are found in the savannas and desert lands of Central and Southern Africa.
Ostriches are also known as "camel birds" because they can withstand high temperature and live for a long time without water.
The soft and smooth feathers of adult male ostriches are black and their tail is white. In contrast, females have gray-brown feathers. The neck of ostriches is long and bare.
With powerful long legs, ostriches can reach maximum speed 69 kilometers per hour. Each ostrich's foot has very sharp claws. Their legs are powerful enough to kill a person with one blow. Ostriches use their legs as their primary weapon for defense against potential predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.
Ostriches live in small herds of 10-12 individuals. 15 cm in length is the size of the most big eggs in the world that ostriches lay. These huge birds They are omnivores and they feed on leaves, roots, seeds, lizards, insects and snakes. Ostriches also swallow pebbles and small stones to grind up food in their stomach.
Okapi (Okapia johnstoni)
Interesting facts about okapi
is the only remaining relative of the giraffe in the world. They are found only in tropical forests Republic of the Congo. The most noticeable feature of okapi is their striped markings, which make them similar in appearance to zebras.
Okapi is one of the most endangered. Habitat loss and hunting are the main threats to this amazing species.
Okapi can reach 2.5 meters in length and weigh between 180 and 310 kg. As a member of the giraffe family, okapi also has a relatively long neck. The coat color is reddish-brown with zebra-like stripes on the hind and forelimbs. This helps okapi easily hide in dense forests. The animal also has a very long tongue, which can reach a length of up to 45 cm.
Okapi often travel 1.2-4 km per day in search of food. Their long tongue helps them easily reach leaves and buds from tall plants.
Galago ( Galago)
Interesting facts about galagos
is a small primate that has a length of 15 to 20 cm and a weight of up to 300 grams. They live in the bushes and forests of East Africa.
The galago's thick fur is brown or grey colour. They have very big ears, which gives them an excellent sense of hearing. This nocturnal creature also has excellent night vision and large eyes.
Galagos are excellent jumpers as they have very strong back legs. With one jump, the animal can reach a height of 2.25 meters.
Unlike other primates, galagos have an additional tongue that is hidden under the main tongue.
These nocturnal animals spend most time in the trees. Elastic joints on the legs allow them to move easily between branches. They mainly feed on bark, fruits and insects.
Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
Interesting facts about the shoebill
One of the strangest birds in the world is. The bird has a huge beak that can grow up to 22 cm. This amazing bird can only be found in the swamps of East Africa.
Shoebills are one of the species that may become endangered in the near future. Habitat loss and hunting are their main threats.
Large shoebills can reach 120 cm in length and weigh from 4 to 6 kg. They have bluish-gray plumage and wide wings.
Shoebills are ambush predators, meaning they remain motionless until prey gets close enough to them. Then they make a surprise attack using their powerful beak. The bird's diet consists of lizards, turtles, water snakes and rats.
Shoebill is also one of the loneliest birds in the world. After all, they only get together during the mating season.
Eastern colobus (Colobus guereza)
photo Martin Grimm flickr.com
Interesting facts about the eastern colobus
The Eastern Colobus is one of the most attractive African monkeys. She has bright, glossy, black and white fur and an impressive a long tail. It lives in deciduous and evergreen forests of Western and Central Africa.
This great view monkeys, their length is 53.8-71 cm, and their weight is up to 13.5 kg. Eastern colobus monkeys live in large groups, which contain 3-15 monkeys.
These monkeys are active during the day, but spend the most time in the trees. They also take time during the day to search for food sources. Colobus monkeys use different types of sounds and signals to communicate with each other.
This monkey's multi-chambered stomach contains specialized bacteria that help digest it. a large number of food. The diet of the eastern colobus consists mainly of leaves, seeds, fruits and arthropods.
- Eastern crowned crane (Balearica regulorum )
photo James Ball flickr.com
Interesting facts about the Eastern crowned crane
Measuring 1 meter in height and weighing over 4 kg, the eastern crowned crane is big bird, living in savannas, rivers and swamps of East and Southern Africa.
Most characteristic feature this amazing African bird is her crest of golden feathers. The bird's entire plumage is mostly grey, with a pale gray neck and black and white wings. They also have an attractive bright red pouch under their beak.
During the mating season, male cranes perform interesting courtship rituals with females. They dance, jump and make amazing sounds.
The nest of the eastern crowned crane contains from 2 to 5 eggs, and this is the largest average number of eggs among all representatives of the family.
The Eastern crowned crane is an omnivore, feeding on insects, lizards, grasses, seeds, fish and amphibians.
Wildebeest (Connochaetes)
Interesting facts about wildebeest
Although at first glance they look like a bull, the wildebeest actually belongs to the antelope family. There are two different types These antelopes are black wildebeest and blue wildebeest. Both species are found only in Africa. They live in open forests and green plains.
The wildebeest can reach 2.5 m in length and weigh up to 275 kg. Both male and female wildebeest have horns. These animals live in large herds.
Between May and June, when food sources become scarce, wildebeest migrate north. The migratory group consists of 1.2-1.5 million individuals. They are also accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles. This is the biggest migration terrestrial mammals on the ground.
Wildebeests are capable of walking more than 50 km in one day. During migration, antelopes cover a distance of about 1000-1600 km.
Wildebeest mainly feed on short grass. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs are their main enemies.
Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)
Interesting facts about mandarilla
The mandrill is the largest species of monkey in the world. They have a body length of 60 to 90 cm, and weigh up to 38 kg. Mandrills live in the rainforests and subtropical forests of West and Central Africa.
They are certainly among the most colorful monkeys in the world. They have attractive dense, olive-green fur and a gray belly. Cute a long nose The mandrill has a red stripe. Males are larger and more colorful than females.
Mandrills are extremely social animals and they live in large groups of up to 200 individuals.
Besides their coloring and size, these monkeys have long fangs that grow up to 63.5 cm. They use their huge fangs to threaten predators.
Mandrills are active in daytime. They have cheek pouches to store the food they collect. They are omnivores and feed on fruits, seeds, insects, eggs and worms.
Lemurs (Lemuriformes)
Interesting facts about lemurs
Lemurs are amazing primates that are found only in... east coast South Africa. In total there are 30 various types lemurs, all of which are endemic to Madagascar.
Madame Berthae's lemur (Microcebus berthae), which weighs just 30g, is the world's smallest primate, while the indri (Indri indri) is the largest living lemur, weighing up to 9.5kg.
Most lemurs are arboreal, meaning that they spend most of their time living in trees. The tail of most lemur species is also longer than their body.
Lemurs are social animals that live in groups. They use high sounds and scent marking to communicate with each other. They have an excellent sense of hearing and smell.
Lemurs are also called one of the smartest animals in the world. They are known for their use of tools and their ability to learn patterns.
is the only natural predator of lemurs. The lemur's diet consists of fruits, nuts, leaves and flowers.
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Among all the antelopes living on African continent, great kudu (lat. Tragelaphus strepsiceros) have the most striking and memorable appearance. These tall and majestic animals grow up to one and a half meters at the shoulders and can weigh more than three hundred kilograms, thus being one of the largest antelopes in the world.
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Greater kudu's gray-brown coat is adorned with bright white stripes on their sides, white cheek markings, and diagonal stripes between the eyes called chevrons. The fur of males is dark, with gray tint, and females and cubs are painted in beige tones - this makes them more invisible among the savannah vegetation.
The main advantage of male great kudu is their large helical horns. Unlike deer, kudu do not shed their antlers and live with them all their lives. The horns of an adult male are twisted in two and a half turns and grow strictly according to a certain schedule: appearing in the first year of a male’s life, by the age of two they make one full turn, and take their final shape no earlier than the age of six. If the horn of a large kudu is pulled out into one straight line, its length will be slightly less than two meters.
Massive horns – reliable way protection from predators and the main argument in mating season when males fight for the attention of females. However, excessive boasting can sometimes have disastrous consequences - having caught their horns too tightly, the males are no longer able to free themselves, and this leads to the death of both animals. In all other cases, they do not interfere with the life of the kudu, and it easily maneuvers even between closely growing trees, raising its chin and pressing its horns to its head.
Males of greater kudu live separately, joining females only during the mating season. Females with cubs unite in small groups, from three to ten individuals, trying to spend more time among bushes or in tall grass. Their protective coloring copes with its role perfectly - only a very trained and keen eye can see antelopes standing motionless.
A disturbed kudu first freezes in place, wagging its huge sensitive ears, and then suddenly rushes to the side. At the same time, he makes a barking sound (the loudest of all antelopes), warning others of danger.
A rapidly spinning white tail is also an alarm signal. Despite their powerful build, large kudu are excellent jumpers, capable of overcoming obstacles up to three meters high. Hiding from the pursuer and running a short distance, it stops to assess the situation. Very often this habit becomes a fatal mistake for him.
Since ancient times, the luxurious horns of great kudu have been considered a prestigious trophy for hunters from all over the world who come to Africa to compete in dexterity with these elusive antelopes.
Greater Kudu(lat. Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a representative of the genus of forest antelopes of the bovine subfamily of the bovid family, living in eastern and southern Africa. Despite the large territory they occupy, they have low numbers in most areas due to habitat loss and poaching. The greater kudu is one of two widely known species kudu, the second species is the lesser kudu.
Description. Greater kudu have a narrow body with long legs, and their coloration can range from brown to reddish-brown. They have 4 to 12 vertical white stripes on their sides. The head is usually darker in color than the rest of the body, and has a small White spot, which is located between the eyes.
Male Greater Kudu are generally much larger than females. Males are also isolated big manes along the neck, and big horns with two and a half turns, which reach a length of about 120 cm. They diverge slightly from each other and slope backward. Antlers begin to grow between 6 and 12 months of age, having one branch at two years of age, and two and a half whorls being achieved by age six.
The Greater Kudu is one of the most large species antelope Males weigh from 190 to 270 kg, the height at the withers reaches up to 160 cm. Females weigh from 120 to 210 kg, the height at the withers is about 100 cm. The length of the body including the head varies from 180 to 250 cm, the length of the tail is from 30 to 55 cm. The ears are large and round.
Spreading. The territory of residence of greater kudu extends from the east in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea and Kenya, further to the south in Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. They have also been introduced in small numbers into New Mexico, but have not been released into the wild. Their habitat is an area full of shrubs, rocky slopes, dry river beds, and most importantly there must be a source of water. They can be found on plains bordering bushland, but these are quite rare.
Behavior and nutrition. During the day, the activity of large kudu decreases; they prefer to hide from the heat in the bushes. Large kudu are active at dawn and towards dusk. At this time, they go to water and search for places abundant with food. Their diet includes leaves, grass, shoots, and sometimes tubers, roots and fruits. Although large kudu prefer to live in one territory, however, during periods of drought they can migrate long distances to more favorable areas for living.
The main enemies of the greater kudu are predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs. Although cheetahs also hunt great kudu, they still cannot cope with mature males, so they hunt more vulnerable females and young animals. When the herd is under threat from predators, the adults (usually females) produce a danger call to alert the rest of the herd.
Social behavior and reproduction. Female greater kudu live in small herds of 6 to 20 individuals along with their calves. Males, as a rule, lead a solitary lifestyle, sometimes forming small herds of 4-8 individuals. The territory in which the herd lives varies from 3 to 6 square meters. km, covering about half the territory per day during feeding.
Greater kudu reach sexual maturity between 1 and 3 years of age. The mating season occurs at the end of the rainy season, which may vary depending on the region and climate. Before mating, greater kudu have a courtship ritual. Pregnancy lasts about 240 days. Calving usually occurs in February-March, when there is an abundance of young grass.
Greater kudu usually have one calf, although sometimes they may have two. At first, the calf will wait for the mother to feed it, but later it becomes more insistent and will demand milk itself. For the first two weeks, the calf will be in a secluded area where it will be difficult for predators to find them. After which, until the age of 4-5 weeks, it becomes dull to be with the herd only during the day. Males become independent at the age of 6 months, and females at the age of 1-2 years.
Among all the antelopes living on the African continent, the great kudu (lat. Tragelaphus strepsiceros) have the most striking and memorable appearance. These tall and majestic animals grow up to one and a half meters at the shoulders and can weigh more than three hundred kilograms, thus being one of the largest antelopes in the world.
Their native home is eastern and central areas Africa. Here, depending on the season, they inhabit bush-covered plains, savannas, forests, and occasionally desert hillsides, and in the dry season they gather along river banks. When choosing places to live and search for food, large kudu prefer bushes, which hide them from hyenas, leopards and lions.
Greater kudu's gray-brown coat is adorned with bright white stripes on their sides, white cheek markings, and diagonal stripes between the eyes called chevrons. The fur of males is dark, with a gray tint, while females and cubs are painted in beige tones - this makes them more invisible among savannah vegetation.
The main advantage of male great kudu is their large helical horns. Unlike deer, kudu do not shed their antlers and live with them all their lives. The horns of an adult male are twisted in two and a half turns and grow strictly according to a certain schedule: appearing in the first year of a male’s life, by the age of two they make one full turn, and take their final shape no earlier than the age of six. If the horn of a large kudu is pulled out into one straight line, its length will be slightly less than two meters.
Massive horns are a reliable way of protection from predators and the main argument during the mating season, when males fight for the attention of females. However, excessive boasting can sometimes have disastrous consequences - having caught their horns too tightly, the males are no longer able to free themselves, and this leads to the death of both animals. In all other cases, they do not interfere with the life of the kudu, and it easily maneuvers even between closely growing trees, raising its chin and pressing its horns to its head.
Males of greater kudu live separately, joining females only during the mating season. Females with cubs unite in small groups, from three to ten individuals, trying to spend more time among bushes or in tall grass. Their protective coloring copes with its role perfectly - only a very trained and keen eye can see antelopes standing motionless.
A disturbed kudu first freezes in place, wagging its huge sensitive ears, and then suddenly rushes to the side. At the same time, he makes a barking sound (the loudest of all antelopes), warning others of danger.
A rapidly spinning white tail is also an alarm signal. Despite their powerful build, large kudu are excellent jumpers, capable of overcoming obstacles up to three meters high. Hiding from the pursuer and running a short distance, it stops to assess the situation. Very often this habit becomes a fatal mistake for him.
Since ancient times, the luxurious horns of great kudu have been considered a prestigious trophy for hunters from all over the world who come to Africa to compete in dexterity with these elusive antelopes.
KUDU ANTELOPE (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), or greater kudu, got its name from the African aborigines - the Hottentots. In their speech, they used this name only for this species of forest antelope, but colonists from the New World also dubbed a smaller species of the bovid family with this term.
The Greater Kudu can be considered one of the largest antelopes. The height of the animal at the withers reaches almost one and a half meters, the body length is 2.2 meters. Males weigh on average 250 kg, females weigh about a third less - about 170 kg. The color of the coat in males is gray-brown, in females and young animals it is light brown. In both, the head is colored somewhat darker than the body, and on the sides there are from 6 to 10 vertical stripes of light color.
Male head kudu antelope crowned with two huge, one meter long, horns twisted into a spiral of 2.5 turns. They begin to grow in young individuals around 6-12 months of age, at the age of 2 years they curl in the first turn, and are fully formed only at 6 years of age.
In addition, they are distinguished from females by long strands of hair on the throat.
The kudu antelope is widespread throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, and inhabits areas where there are dense bushes and permanent sources of water. They try to avoid open plains.
There are no large concentrations of these herbivores. Greater kudu live in small groups of 6-20 individuals, consisting of females and their offspring of different ages. Males usually live alone, occasionally gathering in small groups. Kudu antelopes are active early morning and late in the evening, when they go out to feed and drink, and during the day they take refuge from the heat in the shade of bushes.
Basically these animals lead sedentary image life, but in the absence of water they can migrate over long distances.
The main component in the diet of the greater kudu are leaves and young shoots of bushes; less often they eat grass and even fruits, in particular oranges and tangerines.
Due to their rather large size, the only danger to antelopes is large predators- lions, leopards and wild dogs. The kudu cannot escape from its enemies in open areas - its running speed is less than the speed of predators. Therefore, when threatened, animals rush into the bushes, easily jumping over obstacles 2.5 meters high, where pursuers cannot run quickly.
During the mating season, which occurs at the end of the rainy season, male kudu antelopes join the females. Conflicts constantly break out between males - they butt each other, identifying the strongest. Sometimes these fights end sadly - having locked their spiral horns, the males cannot free themselves from each other and die.
Before mating, males court the female by standing sideways to them and raising their heads high. If the chosen one doesn’t like something, she may bite or kick her partner as a sign of protest. Otherwise, the female greater kudu runs away, and the suitor catches up with her and tries to stop her, after which mating occurs.
After 8 months, in February-March, at the height of the rainy season, one, rarely two, calves are born. For the first two weeks of his life, he hides in the bushes, and his mother visits him to feed him.
