Head to head
Nilgai vs Greater Kudu
The nilgai and greater kudu each hold the title of largest antelope on their respective continents, though their size, colouring, and cultural significance differ sharply.
| Nilgai | Greater Kudu | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Boselaphus tragocamelus | Tragelaphus strepsiceros |
| Size record | Largest antelope in Asia | Among the largest antelope in Africa |
| Male colouring | Blue-grey | Brownish-grey with white stripes |
| Horns | Short, forward-curving (males only) | Long, spiralled (males) |
| Cultural significance | Widely protected for resembling cattle | None comparable |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Grassland, forest | Savanna, forest |
Nilgai vs Greater Kudu: common questions
How does the nilgai's size compare to the greater kudu's?
The nilgai is the largest antelope species in Asia, while the greater kudu is among the largest antelope in Africa, so both hold size records for their respective continents despite belonging to different antelope groups.
Why is the nilgai culturally protected, unlike the greater kudu?
The nilgai's resemblance to cattle has led some communities across India to extend it similar cultural reverence, a protection not extended to the greater kudu, which lacks a comparable resemblance to domestic livestock.
How do the horns of the nilgai and greater kudu differ?
The nilgai has short, forward-curving horns found only on males, while the greater kudu has much longer, dramatically spiralled horns that can complete two and a half full twists.