![]() Population densities vary from 1.9-3.2 animals per square kilometer. Home ranges of adult males are about 11 square kilometers, and generally encompass the ranges of two or three female groups. Maternal herds have home ranges of approximately 4 square kilometers which overlap with those of other groups. Greater kudu are not territorial, although they do have 'home' areas. Herds disperse during the rainy season when food is plentiful, while as the dry season reaches its peak, there becomes a high concentration in favourable areas. Despite their large size, kudu are accomplished jumpers, with records of heights of over 2.5 meters / 8.25 feet being cleared with ease. Kudu often stop and look back after a running for a short distance - a frequently fatal habit. When startled, however, they flee with large jumps with their tails rolled upwards and forwards. Under normal circumstance, kudu will sneak away and hide from potential enemies. The large ears are extremely sensitive to noise, making these shy antelope difficult to approach. Kudu may be active throughout the 24-hour day. There is no exclusive use of space or evidence for territoriality, but adult males within a maternal herds have a distinct social hierarchy. Female herds had a dry season range of 26.1 square kilometers, while in the wet season this expanded to 222.0 square kilometers. In the dry season, males used an average of 11.7 square kilometers out of their 41.1 square kilometer total range. Home range sizes vary dramatically with respect to sex and season. Despite their size, they exceptional jumpers, easily clearing heights of 1.5 m / 5 feet. Elands are remarkably fast, have have been recorded running over 70 kmph / 42 mph. A possible explanation for this is the strong mutual attraction by calves, and a "safety-in-numbers" strategy. A very gregarious species, the eland is always found in large herds, with no dispersion during the rainy season. The call resembles the bark of a dog.Įland are most active in the morning and late afternoon, lying sheltered in the heat of the day. The bushbuck is an excellent jumper, clearing 2 meter / 6.5 feet tall fences with ease, and swims well. Stabbing with the horns has also been noted. Confrontations between males are composed of displaying and charging, followed by the locking of horns and vigorous twisting in an attempt to throw the opponent off balance. Males compete fiercely for females in estrous, but they are not territorial. Savannah densities have been recorded as over 25 animals per square kilometer, while forest densities are much smaller - only 4 animals per square kilometer. ![]() These home ranges overlap extensively, and it has been noted that the greater the population density, the smaller these home ranges are. Using trails through dense jungle, the bushbuck ranges through a restricted "home" area, which may be only a few hundred meters / yards across. Here on Kukama Hunting Safaris you can also view our beautifull white Eland.īushbuck may be active throughout the 24 hours of the day, although they tend to be nocturnal near human settlements. It’s no surprise that species living in the thickest vegetation have the most obvious striping. The white stripes on the flank? These help with camouflage in the dappled light of their habitats. The white chevrons apparently reflect light into their eyes which in turn helps them to see predators. Most of the spiral-horned antelope live in dimly lit, thick bush. As far as the chevrons on the face go, they are probably there to reflect light into the eyes. The reasons for these adaptations are a source of some debate. The bulls also tend to have white tips to their horns. The spiral-horned antelope have white chevrons on their faces, white stripes down their sides and bright white under their tails. All the spiral horned antelope species are predominantly browsers. It’s not uncommon for many people to also include Eland which are actually Taurotragus. The true spiral-horned antelope (Tragelaphus) consist of Kudu, Bushbuck and Nyala. The elegant spiral horned antelope are great favourites of the African hunter.
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