THE REPRODUCTIVE-BIOLOGY OF THE GREATER KUDU, TRAGELAPHUS-STREPSICEROS

The reproductive biology of the greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros was examined in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in relation to season, social organization and the biology of other Tragelaphines. Macroscopic and microscopic methods were employed to examine the repr oductive condition of bulls and cows. Kudu bulls attained puberty al e ighteen months of age while fifty percent of cows produced their first calf when two years old. Specific conception rates of 100% were reali zed and maintained. The foetal sex ratio did not differ significantly from parity. It was inferred that kudu cows were seasonally polyoestro us, with no prolonged lactational anoestrus but with a post-partum oes trus. Breeding was strictly seasonal and the incidence of conceptions suggested that kudus are short day breeders. The strict seasonality of reproduction is discussed in relation to that of other Tragelaphines.