Common Wildebeest
Connochaetes taurinus
Wildebeest calves can stand and run alongside their mothers within just ten minutes of being born.
- Scientific name
- Connochaetes taurinus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Artiodactyla › Bovidae › Connochaetes
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Grassy plains, open savannahs, and acacia woodlands.
- Diet
- Herbivorous, specializing in fresh, short green grasses.
- Range
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Size
- 115-145 cm shoulder height, weighing 140-290 kg.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, fencing blocking migration routes, water diversion, and illegal poaching.
- Safe to approach?
- Wildebeests are generally defensive and will flee, but can become dangerous if cornered, during the mating rut, or when protecting calves. Maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters, preferably from inside a safari vehicle. Never attempt to approach them on foot. In the rare event of a charge or injury, seek immediate medical attention.
The blue wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus ), also called the common wildebeest , white-bearded wildebeest or brindled gnu , is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest. It is placed in the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae and has a close taxonomic relationship with the black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest is known to have five subspecies. This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive robust muzzle. Young blue wildebeest are born tawny brown,...
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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