Blue Wildebeest

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also known as common wildebeest or brindled gnu, is a large and widespread species of antelope and one of two wildebeest species. The other is the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), which is less common and only found in southern Africa. Blue wildebeest coloration varies throughout its range between bluish grey, light grey, and greyish brown. Young are born brown but will start changing color after two months. Dark vertical stripes are found on either side of the neck and front portion of the body. Both sexes have curved horns, mane, and a beard. Males are typically larger and darker than females. Average height is 115-145 cm (45-57 in) and males can weigh up to 290 kg (640 lb). Females rarely reach more than 260 kg (570 lb).

Blue wildebeest prefer open grasslands, savanna, and open woodland habitats that are neither too wet nor too dry. They often stay reasonably close to water, as they prefer to drink twice a day if possible. They also like to cool down in the heat of day by wallowing in mud or dust. Being primarily grazers, blue wildebeest will spend much of their time feeding on grass during both night and day, although they sometimes feed on herbs and foliage when grass is less available. They prefer short, fresh, and green grass, which is often made available by plains zebra, which prefer the less nutritious upper parts of the grass. The two species are often found together.

The blue wildebeest lives in loose groups of varying sizes. Females live in large groups with young, and males form bachelor herds. Dominant males live solitary lives when they hold territories but will join groups of females when they pass through. Less than half of all male blue wildebeest holds territories at any given time, and they are seldom aggressive towards each other. In certain populations, such as in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, males generally tolerate each other at close proximity. This population is unique in that the blue wildebeest travel in large groups numbering several thousand individuals. In total, the wildebeests of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem numbers 1.3 million. They migrate alongside 250.000 plains zebra in a seasonal search for fresh grass and water. It is one of the most spectacular wildlife happenings on the planet.

Female blue wildebeest normally reach sexual maturity at just a bit more than two years of age but can sometimes reach it as early as sixteen months. A male typically becomes sexually mature after around two years. Breeding season happens once a year and lasts for three weeks towards the end of the rainy season.

Males will first start rutting during full moon, indicating the lunar cycle influence the start of the breeding season. During this period, males are a lot more territorial and have increased testosterone levels. They will fight for dominance by ramming their horns at each other. The dominant males will lure females to their territory and will try to copulate with them. Females are often promiscuous and will be with several males within the breeding season. After a gestation period of around eight and a half months a single calf is born. Females give birth in the middle of the herd, and often during the day. That way the calf is on its feet and active before night falls and predators get more active.

Blue wildebeest are common prey species for lion, hyena, leopard and crocodile, and in the Serengeti the migration is always followed by large numbers of carnivores and vultures. Cheetah frequently take young, but a group of siblings can take down an adult blue wildebeest.

There are believed to be a total of 1.5 million blue wildebeest in Africa today, and they are divided into five separate subspecies. The most widespread is the common wildebeest (C. t. taurinus), which is common throughout large portions of southern Africa. The western white-bearded wildebeest (C. t. mearnsi) is the most numerous with its 1.3 million individuals in the Serengeti ecosystem. The Cookson’s wildebeest (C. t. cooksoni) is mostly restricted to the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. The Nyassaland wildebeest (C. t. johnstoni) is found in Mozambique and southern Tanzania and is the subspecies with the largest beard. The eastern white-bearded wildebeest (C. t. albojubatus) is the least numerous, with only 6.000-8.000 individuals, and is found from northeastern Tanzania up to central Kenya. Blue wildebeest is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, and there are no individual assessments for the subspecies.