Trivia question for May-22-2011

Carter picked another odd looking mammal for todays trivia.  These guys are one of the largest of their species, yet nimble enough to leap over obstacles up to 8-feet high.  Their horns spiral high over their heads and are larger than the horns any of their species.

During the day, these guys normally cease to be active and instead seek cover under woodland, especially during hot days. They feed and drink in the early morning and late afternoon, acquiring water from waterholes or roots and bulbs which have a high water content.  Predators of this species generally consist of lions, leopards and hunting dogs. Although cheetahs also prey on them, they are unable to bring down a mature male, so usually go for the more vulnerable females and offspring.

So here are Carter’s questions: Tell what this species is called and tell us how long it usually takes for a male to grow a full set of horns?  Also, when a herd is threatened by predators, an adult (usually female) will do what to alert the rest of the herd?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations to Deborah Chad for being the first to identify the animal we featured in our trivia.  The animal is the Greater Kudu.  The Greater Kudu is a woodland antelope found throughout eastern and southern Africa. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas, due to a declining habitat, deforestation and hunting.

The male horns do not begin to grow until the male is between the age of 6–12 months, twisting once at around 2 years of age, and not reaching the full two and a half twist until they are 6 years old.  When the herd is threatened, the female will will issue a bark to alert the rest of the herd.  Here is more on these unique looking antelope:  Greater Kudu

Thanks for playing along 😉