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Bull |
Cow |
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| Mass (adult) | 190 - 270 kg
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120 - 210 kg
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| Shoulder height | ± 150 cm |
± 135 cm |
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| Life expectancy | ± 14 years |
± 14 years |
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| Trophy Records | ||
Minimum |
Record |
|
| Rowland Ward | 53 -7/8" |
73 -7/8" picked up in 1963 |
| SCI | 121" |
155 -3/8" shot in 1995 |
| SCI Bowhunting | 109" |
149 -3/8" shot in 1993 |
| Identification | |
 |
The kudu is a large antelope that is grey-brown with 6 to 10 vertical white stripes down the sides of the body. It has large, rounded ears and a bushy tail, which is dark on top and white below. The bull has distinctive long spiral horns and becomes darker against the neck when the hair falls out. Calves resemble the cows. |
| Habitat | |
The kudu is an antelope of various woodland associations but it may penetrate
arid areas along watercourses.
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| Habits | |
| It forms small herds of 3 to 10 animals but larger groups do occur. Bulls may form bachelor groups or live alone, except during the breeding period when they join a group of cows and their young. In protected areas these animals are commonly seen during the day but in disturbed areas they are nocturnal. It grazes in the early mornings and late afternoons and rests in the shade during the hottest part of the day. It is very timid and takes off to shelter at the slightest sign of danger. When it runs away its tail is turned upwards so that the white under part shows - sign of alarm and direction. | |
| Food | |
| They are predominantly browsers and their ability to eat many different plant species has contributed to their increase in range in some areas. | |
| Vocalisation | |
| A very load hoarse cough. | |
| Breeding | |
| A single young is born anytime during the year with a peak in late summer after a gestation period of ± 7 months. Cows have 2 pairs of groin mammae. | |