Lesser kudu classified under the genus "Tragelaphus" in family Bovidae. It was first described by the English zoologist Edward Blyth in 1869. The generic name, "Tragelaphus", derives from Greek word "tragos", meaning a male goat, and "elaphos", which means a deer, while the specific name "imberbis" comes from the Latin term meaning unbearded, referring to this kudu's lack of mane. The vernacular name kudu (or koodoo) could have originated either from the Afrikaans "koedoe" or the Khoikhoi "kudu". The term "lesser" denotes the smaller size of this antelope as compared to the greater kudu. In 1912, the genus "Ammelaphus" was established for
Lesser kudu to find fallen fruits (such as "Melia volkensii" and "Acacia tortilis"), while small fruits (such as "Commiphora" species) are directly plucked from trees. The size and structure of its stomach also suggests its primary dependence on browse. The lesser kudu browses primarily at dusk or at dawn, and is associated with the gerenuk and the impala. The lesser kudu and the gerenuk might compete for evergreen species in the dry season. However, unlike the gerenuk, the lesser kudu rarely prefers "Acacia" species and does not stand on its hindlegs while feeding. The lesser kudu does not have a great requirement