Wildebeest

Species

There are two species of wildebeest, common and black. There are a further 5 subspecies of the common wildebeest.

Connochaetes taurinus
: Connochaetes taurinus taurinus
: Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi
: Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus
: Connochaetes taurinus johnstoni
: Connochaetes taurinus cooksoni
Connochaetes gnou

Common wildebeest or gnu
: Blue or brindled wildebeest
: Western white-bearded wildebeest
: Eastern white-bearded wildebeest
: Nyasa or white banded wildebeest
: Cookson's wildebeest
Black wildebeest, also called the white-tailed gnu.

Population

The western white bearded wildebeest is the most numerous and classified as of least concern, with over one million animals.
The black wildebeest was once almost hunted to extinction. Numbers have recovered but most are now found on private ranches.

Size

The blue or brindled wildebeest is the largest. It can weigh 230-275 kg and stand 140 to 152 cm tall.
The smallest subspecies of common wildebeest is the western white bearded wildebeest which is 205-225 kg and 130-142cm tall.
The black wildebeest weighs 110-147 kg and is 106-121 cm tall.

Habitat & distribution

Wildebeest prefer grasslands and savanna but must have a water source.
Each wildebeest subspecies is found in its own region, however the eastern and western white bearded subspecies have been found together.
The Johnson's and the Cookson's subspecies are only found in small regions.
The blue wildebeest is found in southern Africa.
The black wildebeest is found in South Africa.

Not all wildebeest migrate

The western white bearded wildebeest (along with zebras and gazelle) are famous for their annual migration. When the rainy season ends in the plains, herds migrate to savannas. Migration starts in May or June. It follows a clockwise loop north from Tanzania to Kenya. There are two rivers that are crossed: the Grumeti and the Mara. Many wildebeest, will unfortunately, lose their lives during these river crossings.

Diet

The wildebeest's blunt muzzle and wide row of incisor teeth enable the wildebeest to feed efficiently on short grass.

Interesting facts

Common wildebeests have cow-like horns i.e. they are curved and pointed upwards. Black wildebeest have forward pointing horns that can measure 45-78 cm.

Group

Groups of wildebeest are called herds. They are territorial. Each herd will have a territory of almost 1 square kilometer.

Breeding & lifespan

The gestation period is 8 months. Most of the Serengeti calves are conceived within a month (in June). This means most of the calves (80%) are born within a three week period from February to March. Approximately 500,000 western white bearded wildebeest are born per year. Calves are precocious. This means they are well developed and can stand after a few minutes of being born. Unlike some species of antelope, wildebeest calves join their mothers in the herd rather than hiding away for days.

Predators & threats

They main predators are the spotted hyena, lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Crocodiles also prey on wildebeest especially during the river crossings undertaken during the migrations.