Wildebeest
Last Update 2014
Are a high-shouldered antelope distributed across Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Northern South Africa as well as Southern Angola. However, blue wildebeest are not adapted to the temperate climates in Africa and do not range South of the Orange River. Wildebeest graze on moist grasses and drink water daily. Both male and female have horns and look fairly similar. The best approach for distinguishing a bull from a cow is by looking for the heavier muscled individuals with thicker horn bases and a lower droop.
The Blue Wildebeest roam the acacia savannas and plains of eastern Africa and are also distributed down to the Orange River. Their migrations lead them around Botswana, Nambia, Southeastern Angola and Southwestern Zambia as well as the rivers and valleys of Mozambique and Southeastern Tanzania.
Blue Wildebeest has a silvery-blue sheen on their coat with a base color that can be grayish or brown.
They have vertical black stripes on the forequarters with a black face, tail and mane. It has a long beard that can be black or white depending on the subspecies. Older bulls are darker and can have wider black stripes. With a broad muzzle, wide incisor row and loose lips they are adapted to quickly eating large amounts of short grasses.
Gestation period is 8 – 8 ½ months. When the calves are young they are prone to mixing up who their mother is and will follow just about anything. They have been known to follow lions, cheetahs, other wildebeests and vehicles until they learn to discern.
Blue Wildebeest (AKA Brindled Gnu)
Male Shoulder Height: 50 inches
Male Weight: 376 – 533 pounds
Female Shoulder Height: 45 inches
Female Weight: 310 – 410 pounds
Horns: Long and unridged 17 – 30 inches long with the horns being much thicker on males
Black Wildebeest (AKA White Tailed Gnu)
The Black Wildebeest occupied similar territories to the Blue Wildebeest in East Africa. Black Wildebeest have a thick dark brown to black coat with a dirty white horse-like tail, a long, bushy mane and beard. It is more adapted to temperate climates and can tolerate both hot and cold climates and rarely seeks shade.
As a mixed feeder they are known to take up to 37% foliage of karroid bushes and shrubs and does not need to water daily. Black Wildebeest can be aggressive during the mating season, when wounded, or disturbed. Black Wildebeest are also best hunt during the morning and late afternoon while they're grazing. Gestation period is 8 – 8 ½ months.
Male Shoulder Height: 42 – 50 inches
Male Weight: 308 – 350 pounds
Female Shoulder Height: 40 – 45 inches
Female Weight: 242 – 268 pounds
Horns: Up to 30 inches long with the horns being much thicker on males while