Blue+Wildebeest

The blue wildebeest is a large antelope and one of two species of wildebeest. Subspecies include the brindled gnu, eastern white-bearded wildebeest, Cookson’s wildebeest, Nyassaland wildebeest, and the western white-bearded wildebeest. Their bodies are dark silver-grey with dark vertical stripes on the front quarters. Blue wildebeests are specifically characterized by their long black manes and beards of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both the males and females grow short curved horns. Males weigh 250kg and are 1.5m wide at the shoulders while females weigh 180kg and are 1.4m wide at the shoulders.

Females of the herds create dominant hierarchies and intimidate anyone who tries to join the group. The only stable relationships within the herd are between females and their offspring. Male offspring are sent off once they are about one year old because the mature males in the herd think they may offer competition. These young males will travel with a bachelor herd until they reach maturity. At that point, they will leave the herd to live a solitary life attempting to claim its own territory.

Most of the blue wildebeests in South Africa are found in the north-eastern region. They are also found in conservation areas, although they are not endangered, in countries north of South Africa. The wildebeests prefer a habitat that is neither too dry nor too wet such as short-grass plains, bush lands, and woodlands. They also like acacia savannahs. The habitat must have a water source for their daily drinking requirements.

Blue wildebeests have an extremely restricted breeding season. Most if not all calves are born in a two to three week period just before the rains begin. Females give birth to one calf after a gestation period of eight months. Newborns are able to stand in six minutes and travel with the herd in fifteen. Males only return to herds from their solitary lives to mate. Their horns are used for fighting over mates and many times for show to attract females.

Blue wildebeest are strictly grazers; they eat short grasses and are unable to go without water for more than a few days. Their predators include lions, cheetahs, hunting dogs, and spotted hyena. Although the wildebeests have no camouflage, they receive some protection from traveling in large herds. Blue wildebeests are currently listed as lest concern from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The population number is stable with about 130,000 members.