The black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), also known as the white tailed wildebeest, is the smallest species of wildebeest on the planet. Like the blue wildebeest, the black wildebeest is a mammal that belongs to the Artiodactyla order, to the Ruminantia suborder, to the Bovidae family and to the Antelopes subfamly.
The main picture is a photo that I took at the Madrid zoo.
Where does the black wildebeest live?
The black wildebeest lives only in Africa. More precicely in Kenya, Namib, Southafrica, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Map link: https://www.wild-about-you.com/GameBlWildebeest.htm
How big is the black wildebeest?
The black wildebeest is smaller than the blue wildebeest:
- Length: 1,70-2,20 m.
- Heigth: 1,11-1,21 m (males) and 1,06-1,16 m (females).
- Weigth: 140-157 kg (males) and 110-120 kg (females).
Picture link: https://www.dimensions.com/element/blue-wildebeest-connochaetes-taurinus
What makes the black wildebeest unique?
The black wildebeest is very different from its bigger relative. Like its name suggests, the fur is blackish. However, the color of the fur can change during the seasons: while its blackish in winter, it turns brown during the summer.
The young ones have a very different colour: light brown-gray.
The light coloration is present in the adult specimens only at the base of the mane which is found on the neck and on the tail which is whitish (like its second name suggests).
Another difference from the blue wildebeest lies in the horns: in the black wildebeest, the horns point forward and up.
The legs of the black wildebeest are thin with broad, pointed hooves and large side hooves.
Is the black wildebeest a social or a solitary animal?
The black wildebeest is a social animal. However, it does not form large herds like the blue wildebeest: males are territorial and group in herds of 15 individuals while females and calves form groups of up to 30 individuals.
The black wildebeest mates between March and April and the females give birth to 1 young after 8-8.5 months.
This is a photo that I took at Madrid zoo.
What does the black wildebeest eat?
Like all other antelopes, the black wildebeest is a herbivorous animal. His favorite vegetables are low grasses.
However, it also feeds on tall grasses when low ones are scarce.
Who are the black wildebeest's natural enemies?
The black wildebeest is a highly coveted prey for most African predators: the big cats (lions, leopards and cheetahs), spotted hyenas, wild dogs and Nile crocodiles.
What relationship has the black wildebeest with humans?
Along with the blue wildebeest, the black wildebeest also landed on Africa's Ugly 5 list. That is the ugliest animals in Africa: in addition to the 2 wildebeest species, this list also includes hyenas, vultures, marabou storks and warthogs.
In the 19th century the black wildebeest was ferociously hunted by men for the following reasons:
- It has been considered harmful to domestic livestock as it transmits rinderpest and spreads ticks, lungworms, flies, tapeworms and paraphystomas.
- The meat of the black wildebeest is highly sought after.
- The tail is used to make fly swatters.
Since 1997, its species has been introduced to some parks such as Etosha Park and has been protected and recovering ever since.
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