en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudu
1 correction found
which is the longest nursing period of any antelope species.
This mixes up the calf’s hiding period with its nursing/weaning period. Sources describe 4–5 weeks as the time the newborn remains hidden, while weaning occurs months later.
Full reasoning
The cited 4–5 week interval is described in reliable animal references as the hiding/seclusion period for a newborn kudu, not the total time it nurses.
- The African Wildlife Foundation says the mother leaves the newborn hidden for four or five weeks, calling that “one of the longest periods of all the antelopes.”
- The San Francisco Zoo likewise says female kudu hide newborns for roughly 4 weeks, visiting only to nurse during that time.
- Animal Diversity Web states that greater kudu calves are weaned at six months.
So the article’s wording is incorrect: 4–5 weeks refers to how long the calf stays hidden before accompanying its mother, not to the species’ full nursing period.
3 sources
- Kudu | African Wildlife Foundation
The pregnant female departs from her group to give birth, leaving the newborn lying out for four or five weeks of age, one of the longest periods of all the antelopes.
- Tragelaphus strepsiceros (greater kudu) | Animal Diversity Web
Calves remain hidden for two weeks before joining the herd... Greater kudu calves are weaned at six months.
- Greater kudu | San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Female kudu hide their single newborns away from the herd for roughly 4 weeks, visiting it only to nurse. The calf begins to accompany its mother for short periods and after about 4 months they permanently rejoin the herd.