Tragelaphus

Greater Kudu ( T. strepsiceros )

Tragelaphus is a genus of antelopes occurring in Africa with seven species, including kudu, nyala and the bushbuck.

Name

The name of the genus comes from the Greek mythical beast Tragelaphos ( Tragelaph, Greek " buck deer " ) that this was known to carpets and other artifacts of the Orient only from pictures ( Persia and Babylon) and is mimicked only on ancient vases. It was a deer shape with a beard and matted hair on the bow. The scientific name Tragelaphus was derived by Latinization of it for this antelope species.

Features

These animals are relatively large antelope with slender limbs and a long neck. They reach a body length from 1.1 to 2.5 meters, a shoulder height of 0.6 to 1.5 meters and a weight of 25 to 315 kg, the males are usually much heavier than the females. Most species have a short tail, only the Bongo it is longer and ends in a tassel. The fur color varies from reddish brown to gray-brown, but can vary according to gender, region, or age. All species have a yellow-white coat pattern in the form of spots or stripes, are often also white pattern between the eyes or on the neck yet. With the exception of bongos carry only the males horns, these are screwed spiral and can be over a meter long.

Dissemination and lifestyle

The antelope of the genus Tragelaphus are located in sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests and bush lands. Some species such as the Sitatunga are bound to the vicinity of water, others prefer drier habitats. Activity times and social behavior are also variable.

System

The genus Tragelaphus contains seven types:

• Nyala ( T. angasii )
• Mountain Nyala ( T. buxtoni )
• Sitatunga or Wasserkudu ( T. spekii )
• Bushbuck ( T. scriptus )
• Greater Kudu ( T. strepsiceros )
• Lesser kudu ( T. imberbis )
• Bongo ( T. eurycerus )

The Bongo is doing in its own subgenus, Boocercus, found a subject on the other six species in the subgenus Tragelaphus. The closest relatives are the eland ( genus taurotragus ), which are sometimes also incorporated into the genus Tragelaphus. Together they form the group of the genus Tragelaphini within the subfamily Bovinae of the.