The wildebeest (plural, wildebeest or wildebeests), also called the gnu ( or ), is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. It is a hooved (ungulate) mammal. It looks like a mixture of features between a cow and a horse.

Connochaetes includes two species, both native to Africa: the Black Wildebeest, or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the Blue Wildebeest, or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). Gnus belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, and other even-toed horned ungulates.

Wildebeest grow to 3 ft 9 in–4 ft 7 in (1.15–1.4 metres) at the shoulder and weigh 330–550 pounds (150–250 kilograms). They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti. Wildebeest can live more than 20 years.

Behavior

The principal food source of wildebeests is grasses. The seasonal nature of the African grasslands forces wildebeest to migrate. The main migration is in May, when around 1.5 million animals move from the plains to the woods; they return in November as summer rains water the plains.

Herd of Blue Wildebeest, Ngorongoro Crater

The Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) in Thoiry zoo

See also

• Catoblepas (a legendary creature based on the wildebeest)
• The Great Space Coaster (children's show that featured newscaster Gary Gnu)
• White-bearded Wildebeest

References

• ''The Columbia Encyclopedia''

External links

• Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Route

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