kudu

kudu

The large-kudu is a beautiful African antelope that lives in savannahs, forests and rocky terrain. It is found in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa.
The male has a great pair of horns spiral that can measure up to a meter long. The coat varies from gray to brown, with a series of vertical strips cream-colored on the sides of the body. Both sexes have a mane of long hair on the dorsal region. It features a white band on the face, just below the eyes. You can measure up to 2.45 meters long, 1.50 meters tall and weigh up to 270 kilos. The male is larger than the female.

It has diurnal and lives in small herds separated, one of only males and other females and their young. During the breeding period, the groups are mixed by the end of the mating season. Battles between males are frequently using the powerful horns to attack the opponent.

The gestation period is up to nine months, rising only one calf. The mother realizes the delivery in a hidden place, among the highest vegetation. If male, the puppy stays with the mother of the group to reach sexual maturity, when it will be expelled. Female offspring may remain in the herd for life.

Despite the size, the large-kudu is a very fast and agile animal, and can jump great distances.

It feeds on many leaves as herbs and grasses, as well as buds, flowers and fruits. Thanks to his long legs and his long neck, can pick up leaves in the canopy of trees and shrubs.

It is a globally endangered species, but some populations are declining, especially in Somalia and Uganda. Like other ungulates, suffers from hunting, both for meat consumption and trophy, in addition to losing habitat to agricultural and urban development.