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Blue Wildebeest

Connochaetes taurinus taurinus

With its curved horns, the blue wildebeest strongly resembles a cow, but is much more slender in build. In Serengeti National Park, wildebeests form seasonal herds of 10,000 animals to migrate together to more productive grazing grounds. They are guided by the scent of rain, clouds, and the rumble of thunder.

Did you know?

All horned animals that are not classified as cattle, sheep, or goats are referred to as antelopes.
Striped Wildebeest in Styria
Striped Wildebeest in Styria
Striped Wildebeest in Styria
Striped Wildebeest in Styria
Striped Wildebeest in Styria
OrderPair-hoofed animals
FamilyHorn-bearer
DistributionSouthern Africa (from Angola to South Africa, extending eastward to Mozambique)
Habitat
Grasslands and scrublands, savannaGrassland
Grassland and shrub steppes, open woodlands, plains, and hilly terrain up to an elevation of over 2,000 m
Food
Herbivores
Grasses
Activity
diurnal
Striped wildebeests are diurnal
WeightM 230 kg, W 160 kg
SizeBody length 195–210 cm, shoulder height 130–140 cm
Service life20 Years (Zoo)
ReproductionAfter a gestation period of 8 to 8.5 months, the female gives birth to 1 to 2 young. The birthing period usually occurs shortly before the start of the rainy season. It lasts about 2 to 3 weeks and is much shorter than the mating season. The young are therefore born almost simultaneously.
Risk
Level 1
Large herds of these antelopes still live in many parts of their range.
EnemiesHyena, wild dog, big cats, crocodile, human
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