black wildebeest predators
Black Wildebeest or White-tailed gnu (Connochaetes gnou) Diet They are primarily a grazer, in order of preference selecting for predominantly grass, and occasionally karroid shrubs and herbs. Blue wildebeest tend to be a dark grey color with stripes, but may have a bluish sheen. The name “wildebeest” was given to the animal in the 1700s by Dutch settlers in southern Africa. Wildebeest stay in large groups it can be up to 1000 and over. Wildebeest Facts and Information Introduction to Wildebeest. Originally, black wildebeest, or white-tailed gnus, ranged the highveld temperate grasslands during the dry winter and the arid karroo during the rains. Both wildebeest types are antelope in the Connochaetes genus. Blue wildebeest migration is the greatest wildlife event that happens in the world, this is the period when millions of blue wildebeest cross the Mara River to Masai Mara national Reserve.The wildebeest are the Stringy-haired beasts known as Gnus, sharing the same Genus with antelopes (even toed ugulates) same family of Bovidae that includes cattle, goats and sheep. This is extremely valuable to their survival because if the herd comes under the attack of predators, even the calves are able to … The Serengeti wildebeest migration is a truly spectacular event. The Black Wildebeest is only found in a small area in South Africa and is easily distinguishable by its white tail (giving it the alternative name of White-tailed Gnu). Unfortunately, there are no black wildebeest in the Kruger National Park and many now only survive through special breeding programmes on game farms and private land, having been wiped out due to farming practices. The first is the blue wildebeest, also known as the brindled gnu or white-bearded wildebeest. Both sexes have heavy, forward curving horns. The second being the black wildebeest, aka the white-tailed gnu. A male Black Wildebeest usually weighs 140 to 157 kg, while a female weighs 110 to 122 kg. Both of which are native to Africa. Black Wildebeest. A wildebeest’s horns can be measured up to 78 cm long. (110–157 kg) and grows to about 6.5 feet (2 m) in length and 3.6 to 4 feet (111 to 121 cm) tall. The lugubrious-looking blue wildebeest is the better known of two wildebeest species, the other being South Africa’s rare black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou). (The name comes from the Dutch for “wild beast”.) In some areas, the blue wildebeest migrates over long distances in the winter, whereas the black wildebeest does not.. Despite their size, the black wildebeest is a very fast runner so that they can escape from their main predators, lions, leopards, hyenas and African wild dogs. It has great strength and uses its large horns to defend itself from predators. Stands 50 to 58 inches at the shoulder. The black wildebeest is now only found in game reserves and on some farms. The wildebeest (/ˈwɪldɪbiːst/ WIL-dib-eest, /ˈvɪl-/ VIL-, /-dəb-/, plural wildebeest or wildebeests), also called the gnu (/njuː/ NEW or /nuː/ NOO), is an antelope in the genus Connochaetes. The reserve comprises of diverse vegetation and ranges, from open grassland and hillside plains to wooded gorges, marshland, and fynbos. Carry on reading to discover more about black wildebeest vs blue wildebeest. The wildebeest is gray with darker vertical stripes that look almost black from a distance. Blue Wildebeest vs Black Wildebeest Summary. A year in the life of a Tanzanian wildebeest: It’s not often that we get to tell our story to humans, but we’re going to let you in on some secrets about who we are and where you’re most likely to find us if you’re planning a Great Migration safari. Size and Appearance It is also sometimes called the common wildebeest. There are two species of wildebeest, the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), the latter often referred to as a gnu.Both species belong to the family Bovidae. Blue Wildebeest Migration. Predators also freely roam the area and on game excursions leopard, hyena, jackal and caracal. Wildebeest often fall prey to large carnivores like lions and especially the spotted hyena. The black wildebeest’s mane stands erect and is more brush-like than the blue. The black wildebeest, on the other hand, has a smaller, cow-like head and long, bent horns. Weight. The males weigh more than the females. Predators Wildebeest are the preferred prey of lions and spotted hyena. The Wildebeest is native to Africa and there are two species, the Black Wildebeest or white-tailed gnu and the Blue Wildebeest or brindled gnu. Stands 50 to 58 inches at the shoulder. Newborns are a yellowish-brown, but change to adult color at about 2 months. In East Africa, the blue wildebeest is the most abundant big-game species; some populations perform an annual migration to new grazing grounds, but the black wildebeest is merely nomadic. Browse a selection of francolin hunting trips in Namibia. The wildebeest is gray with darker vertical stripes that look almost black from a distance. Size. The ecosystem is defined by the annual migration of over 1,500,000 million wildebeest, zebras and associated predators which occurs throughout the year and extends into the game reserves, game controlled areas and conservation areas surrounding the park boundaries. There are two species – blue and black. It belongs to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned Direct offers from outfitters with a Best Price Guarantee. * Both black and blue wildebeest are gregarious, living in large herds. * Black wildebeest feed on grasses and succulents and often kneel to graze. They prefer open grassland and arid plains. Black Wildebeest have a dark brown to black body, an erect mane and a long whitish tail. Available Game to hunt Limpopo Plainsgame Giraffe Blue Wildebeest Sable Antelope Hartmann’s Zebra Burchell’s Zebra Southern Impala Common Waterbuck Bushbuck Common Blesbuck Vervet Monkey Porcupine Chachma Baboon Gemsbuck White Blesbuck Southern Greater Kudu Ostrich Eland Bushpig Tsessebe Roan Antelope Red Hartebeest Nyala Pygmy Antelope Sharpe’s Grysbuck Steenbuck … Game drives at Mount Anderson Water Reserve gives guests a chance to witness an abundance of antelope such as eland, mountain reedbuck, blesbuck and black wildebeest. They can be between 4 and 5 feet tall and weigh as much as 600 pounds. The black wildebeest has a cream-coloured tail (which is the easiest way to distinguish it from the blue wildebeest) and brown-coloured hair, with a mane that ranges in color from cream to black. Habitat. WEIGHT. The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is an antelope that needs little introduction to wildlife enthusiasts. There are several types of antelope, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, zebras, and some predators roaming the savannahs. Their beard is much shorter and black in contrast to their white tail. We’re most famous for our migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania, to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Blue wildebeest often mingle with other plains animals including plains zebra. There are two species of this animal, the Blue Wildebeest, and the Black Wildebeest. The Wildebeest belongs to the animals known as antelope. The Blue Wildebeest (also known as a Brindled Gnu) differs from the Black Wildebeest in both distribution and appearance. Black wildebeest prefer areas with short grass, which they can feed on and which give them better visibility to be able to keep guard against predators. Open habitat with good visibility is also essential for reproductive behaviour; territorial males require unblocked views of their territories in … They live in somewhat arid regions and can subsist without drinking every day. The Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) is a large African ungulate featured in the Standard Edition of Planet Zoo. A wildebeest is really fast so it can escape predators. This species has a dark name and a long tail. They are very fast, agile, and powerful. However, due to hide-hunting in the 19th century, they were reduced to living on protected The blue wildebeest is the bigger than the black wildebeest. The body looks disproportionate, as the front end is heavily built, the hindquarters slender and the legs spindly. Similar to the Black Wildebeest, the Blue Wildebeest is very agile and can attain a running speed of almost 80 km/hr (50 mph). A nickname for a wildebeest is gnu. HABITAT. In addition, a Black Wildebeest has dark hairs between its forelegs that cover its chest. Black wildebeest eat the foliage of karroid bushes and shrubs. Wildebeest can reach 80 km/h (50 mph) and are one of the fastest antelope species in Africa.. Explore nature at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. Fishing Gun Rental Transfer Plains Game Small Game Predators. The wildebeest is an African ungulate that is commonly known as ‘Gnu.’ It is predominantly found in Eastern and Southern Africa. The wildebeest is also known as the gnu comes under the family of antelopes as a hooved mammal. Appearance. It has long, sturdy horns that are initially straight, but the horns widen, curve, and flatten as they age to serve as their shield from predators. Wildebeest calves are very impressively able to walk and run within minutes after birth. PREDATORS. The black wildebeest height can be up to 220 cm and can weigh up to 180 kg. SIZE. They have an appearance and features much like a cross between a cow and a horse. The black wildebeest, also called the white-tailed gnu, weighs 242 to 346 lbs. The wildebeest is gray with darker vertical stripes that look almost black from a distance. They have been measured at up to 80 kph. Population in the Wild: 18,000 The black wildebeest (or Connochaetes gnou) is a large ungulate species native to Southern Africa, also known as the 'gnu' after the distinctive noise they make when alarmed. Their mane combines both colors; white at the base and tipped with black at the ends. Black wildebeest live in herds which provides greater protection against predators. In fact, the wildebeest is better described as a reliable source of food for the truly menacing predators of the African savanna: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. Between 300 and 400 pounds. Between 300 and 400 pounds. The lugubrious-looking blue wildebeest is the better known of two wildebeest species, the other being South Africa’s rare black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou). The body looks disproportionate, as the front end is heavily built, the hindquarters slender and the legs spindly. Since then, the wildebeest has been separated into two species: the blue wildebeest, and the smaller, less-migratory, black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou).