Wildebeest
Blue Wildebeest Facts
Size | Up to 5 ft (1.5 m) (shoulder height) |
Speed | 43-50 mph (70-80 km/h) |
Weight | 264-595 lb (120-270 kg) |
Lifespan | 15-20 years |
Food | Grass |
Predators | Lions, cheetahs, crocodiles |
Habitat | South and East Africa |
Order | Even-toed ungulates |
Family | Bovids |
Scientific name | Connochaetes taurinus |
Characteristics | Horns like cattle, stripes on their neck |
Main Characteristics
When thinking of antelopes, you probably have small and graceful animals in mind – such as the ultra-fast Thomson’s gazelle. But the tall and strong wildebeests belong to the antelope family. The best-known is the blue wildebeest, which is described below.
Physical Description
The Blue Wildebeest Has Distinctive Stripes
The blue wildebeest has got vertical stripes on its coat from the neck down the shoulder to its back.
How Long Are Blue Wildebeests Horns?
Female and male gnus both have horns. The longest horn ever found measured 32.6 inch (83 cm).
Males and Female Blue Wildebeests Look the Same
There are enormous differences between males and females in many animal species. Often the male is taller and more colorful, but sometimes it is also the other way round. Gnus are different: You can hardly detect any difference between them, males and females are almost equally sized and both have horns. But there is a trick that helps to distinguish the animals: The forehead of the male is usually black, while the female’s forehead is rust-colored.
Behavior
Blue Wildebeests Live in Large Herds
Blue Wildebeests form large herds of several thousand to hundred thousand animals. Living in the community increases their chances to survive. For instance when they are trying to cross a river populated by crocodiles. The more animals are crossing the river together, the more difficult it becomes for the crocodiles to clearly perceive one single gnu in order to snap at it.
What Do Blue Wildebeests Eat?
Gnus only eat fresh grass. Therefore they always move to areas where it has rained recently, so that there is enough delicious and fresh grass waiting for them.
Senses and Abilities
Blue Wildebeests Have a Very Good Sense of Smell
Gnus are a bit like frogs. They can detect thundery showers at distances of many miles. They can perceive them with their delicate sense of smell – or with their ears. They probably also use cloud formations for orientation, because storm clouds can be seen at large distances.
The Cheetah Is Wildebeest To:
- Hartebeest
- Bonteboks
Animals in the Same Biome:
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Why Do Animals Live in Groups?
Symbiotic Animal Relationships