The Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a species of woodland antelope found throughout the savannas of eastern and southern Africa. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas due to declining habitat, deforestation, and poaching. The greater kudu is 1 of 2 species commonly known as kudu, the other being the lesser kudu (T. imberbis).
Greater kudu are some of the largest antelope species in Africa. Males have horns with 2 1/2 twists in them. Greater kudu that live in the East of Africa can be found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea and Kenya. In this area the populations are fragmented and broken up into small groups. In the South they are more densely populated. Here they can be found in Zambia, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana.
Greater kudu have an average lifespan of 7-8 years in the wild. In captivity they will regularly attain ages in the range of 23 years. The greater kudu is an herbivore. During the dry season they need to drink water but in the wet season most of this is obtained from their food. The kudu lives on a diet of leaves, fruits, vines, flowers, grasses and herbs. Kudus are preyed upon by lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs and African leopards. Females and young also come under threat from cheetahs. Kudu females make herds of up to 24 animals. The males are solitary only joining the herds for breeding. During the hottest part of the day kudus will seek shelter in a forest and rest. They eat and drink during the morning and late afternoon. Generally about 50% of a kudus day is spent foraging.