Head to head
Nyala vs Greater Kudu
The nyala and greater kudu are close relatives within the same spiral-horned antelope group, but their size and sexual dimorphism set them clearly apart.
| Nyala | Greater Kudu | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Tragelaphus angasii | Tragelaphus strepsiceros |
| Relative size | Medium | Large |
| Sexual dimorphism | Extreme | Moderate |
| Female horns | None | None |
| Notable ability | None comparable | Jumps fences over two metres high |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest, savanna | Savanna, forest |
Nyala vs Greater Kudu: common questions
Which is bigger, the nyala or the greater kudu?
The greater kudu is considerably bigger, one of the larger African antelope, while the nyala is a more moderately sized member of the same spiral-horned antelope group.
Do both the nyala and greater kudu show a difference between males and females?
Yes, but to very different degrees: the nyala shows an extreme difference, with hornless reddish-brown females looking almost like a separate species from the dark grey males, while the greater kudu shows a more moderate difference, with only males carrying the long spiralled horns.
Are the nyala and greater kudu closely related?
Yes, both species belong to the same genus, Tragelaphus, a group of spiral-horned antelope, despite their differences in size and how strongly males and females differ in appearance.