Head to head
Lesser Kudu vs Greater Kudu
The lesser kudu and greater kudu are close relatives sharing a similar striped pattern, but their size, range, and conservation status set them clearly apart.
| Lesser Kudu | Greater Kudu | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Tragelaphus imberbis | Tragelaphus strepsiceros |
| Relative size | Smaller | Larger |
| Body stripes | More numerous, more vivid | Fewer, less pronounced |
| Native range | Horn of Africa, restricted | Much of eastern and southern Africa |
| Horns | Spiralled, shorter (males) | Spiralled, much longer (males) |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Stable |
| Habitat | Savanna, desert | Savanna, forest |
Lesser Kudu vs Greater Kudu: common questions
How can you tell a lesser kudu from a greater kudu?
The lesser kudu is noticeably smaller with more numerous and vividly defined white body stripes, while the greater kudu is larger overall with males growing much longer spiralled horns capable of two and a half full twists.
Which species has a wider range, the lesser kudu or the greater kudu?
The greater kudu has a much wider range across eastern and southern Africa, while the lesser kudu is restricted mainly to dry bushland habitat across the Horn of Africa.
Why is the lesser kudu more threatened than the greater kudu?
The lesser kudu's more restricted range across the Horn of Africa, combined with habitat loss and hunting pressure, has left it classified as Near Threatened, while the more widespread and adaptable greater kudu remains classified as Least Concern.