The Wildebeest

The wildebeest, also known as the gnu, is a large antelope that lives in the Serengeti region of Africa. They prefer the dense bushlands, open grasslands and woodland floodplains of the southern savanna.

Wildebeests are strictly grazers, preferring sweet, stocky grasses. Wildebeest will also follow herds of other grazers that eat dry, longer grasses. They begin grazing soon after sunrise, rest briefly at midday, and continue feeding until sunset. Wildebeest need water almost daily.

Wildebeests tend to migrate in lengthy, single-file columns, traversing long distances at an easy rocking gallop, though they are swift when provoked. Animals such as Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, and even predators will follow the traveling wildebeest.

There are two species of wildebeest, both native to Africa: the black wildebeest, and the blue wildebeest, or brindled gnu. Fossil records suggest these two species diverged about one million years ago, resulting in a northern and a southern species. The most obvious way of telling the two species apart are the differences in their coloring and in the way their horns are oriented.

Wildebeest often graze in mixed herds with zebra, which gives heightened awareness of potential predators. Nevertheless, some fall prey to large carnivores, especially the spotted hyenas.

Some illegal hunting goes on but the population trend is fairly stable and some populations are in national parks or on private land.

WILDEBEEST FACTS

• The wildebeest, is a large antelope measuring between 45 and 55 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 300 and 600 pounds.

• Wildebeests measure between 5 and 8 feet in length and have a tail length of 14 to 22 inches.

• When the Dutch settled in South Africa, they named this animal “wildebeest,” meaning “wild beast,” due to its untamed appearance and vigorous nature.

• Both males and females possess lengthy horns that spring outward from the base of their head and form curved semicircles, pointing slightly backward.

• In adult males, the horns are heavily embossed.

• All wildebeests have short hair covering their bodies, with black vertical stripes of longer hair on their back.