lesser kudu is highly susceptible, have resulted in a steep decline of 60% in the animal's population in Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Overgrazing, human settlement, and loss of habitat are some other threats to the survival of the lesser kudu. The total population of the lesser kudu has been estimated to be nearly 118,000, with a decreasing trend in populations. The rate of decline has increased to 20% over two decades. Presently, the IUCN rates the lesser kudu as "near threatened". Around a third of the population of the lesser kudu occurs in protected areas such as Awash, Omo and Mago National Parks (Ethiopia); Lag Badana National Park (Somalia); Tsavo National Park (Kenya); Ruaha National Park and game reserves (Tanzania), though it occurs in larger numbers outside these areas. Population density rarely exceeds 1/km2., and is generally much lower. The handsome head of the male lesser kudu, with his elegant spiraled horns, is the symbol of the Saint Louis Zoo. References External links Information from African Wildlife Foundation lesser kudu Fauna of East Africa Fauna of the Horn of Africa Mammals of Ethiopia Mammals of Kenya Mammals of Somalia Mammals of South Sudan Mammals of Tanzania Mammals of Uganda lesser kudu lesser kudu Bovids of Africa