Greater kudus are one of the most striking and beautiful of the antelopes. The male's magnificent spiral horns can reach up to 168 cm (66 in.) in length and are highly prized trophies. Females do not have horns. Kudus frequently use their horns in 'wrestling' matches, locking them together and then trying to push or wrestle the opponent into submission. They have also been observed in a form of play, tossing broken branches into the air with their horns and catching them as they fall.

The greater kudu lives in central and southern Africa, in rocky hill country or on brush-covered plains. The animal's ability to easily leap obstacles 2.5 m (8 ft.) in height is taken into account by farmers when building fences within its range.

In addition to humans, kudus are preyed upon by lions, leopards and wild dogs. Over-hunting has reduced kudu numbers from their pre-1900 level and their long-term survival will depend on conservation measures to limit hunting and habitat destruction.