Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus
Description: The Blue Wildebeest, also known as the
Brindled Gnu, is an awkward looking animal but is considered by most hunters as
the toughest of the Antelope family. They have large humped shoulders and
hindquarters which slope downward. Their deep necks contrast with their
long slender legs. When they are walking you get the impression that they
are extremely weary, but their unusual build allows them to rapidly break into a
run. Dark vertical bands mark the neck and forequarters which from a
distance look like wrinkles in the skin, hence the name Brindled. Both
sexes have horns, are dark gray in colour and are generally similar in body size,
which makes sex determination at a distance difficult. They have a mane of
long black hair along the back of the neck. The chin has a distinct beard
and there is a long black fringe along the throat. The Wildebeest has
long, narrow ears and from the top of the head to the nostrils they are black in
colour. The tails are like that of a horse, are black in colour and they
nearly reach the ground in length. Both sexes posses horns which are very
similar to those of a female Cape Buffalo in that they are slightly broadened at
the bases and do not contain ridges. They grow outward to the side from
the boss and then they curve up and slightly inward. A horn spread greater
then the extended tops of the ears is considered a respectable trophy.
Horns of juveniles grow straight up and begin to grow sideways at about eight
months of age. The horns of females are not as thick nor wide as those of
trophy bulls.
Habits: Wildebeest are herd animals, relying on each
others good eyesight, hearing and sense of smell for their mutual benefit and
protection. Females and young are found in groups of 10 - 100 animals,
while young males form small bachelor groups. Mature males are generally
solitary. In areas where grazing conditions and water fluctuates to the
extreme, Wildebeest are most active in the mornings and in the evenings.
During the hottest part of the day they will seek the shade of tress, where they
will stand or lay down. If no shade is available it is not uncommon to
find them just standing facing into whatever wind there might be. They may
graze on moonlit nights, although normally they will be found lying down.
Wildebeest, despite their appearance, are very agile animals. If they are
spooked they will instantly take off on a run. They usually don't run far
before stopping to look back to assess the situation and then repeating these
activities as needed. They will then remain suspicious, watching their
trail for long periods of time. Inquisitive animals, they will stand
looking at an intruder while snorting and blowing through their nostrils.
They will also run around in circles, prance about waving their tails and pawing
at the ground. Bulls are territorial, marking their territories with scent
and creating rolling grounds. Only males with a territory may mate.
Competition between males consist of displays, loud grunting calls and shoving
with the horns. Rarely are these fights serious. The breeding season
is between April and June. During this time, males establish their
territories and round up herds of cows and their young while they fend off
rivals. The female does not leave the herd to give birth. 90% of all
calves are born within a 3 week period early in the rainy season. Females
give birth to a single calf that can stand 5 minutes after birth, is able to run
within a couple of hours and can keep up with the herd in 2 days. Although
very playful the calves remain in a very close proximity to their mothers, as
predators make this a dangerous time for them. Young males are evicted
from the herd at 2 years of age.
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