The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) name kudu is derived from the indigenous Khoikhoi language of Southern Africa. The scientific name is derived from Greek: Tragos denotes a he-goat and elaphos a deer; Strephis means ‘twisting’ and Keras means ‘horn’. The horns of a mature six-year-old bull kudu have two and a half twists, and, if straightened, would reach an average length of 120cm. A woodland antelope found throughout eastern and southern Africa, the kudu are extremely shy. When they detect danger – often using their large, radar-like ears – they give a hoarse alarm bark, then flee.
