Wildebeest

Wildebeests, also called gnus, are antelopes in the genus Connochaetes. They
belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and
Wildebeest (Lawton’s ñu)
other even-toed hornedungulates. Connochaetes includes two species, both native Temporal range: 2.5–0 Ma
↓

to Africa: the black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the blue PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K PgN
wildebeest or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). Fossil records suggest these two species Early Pleistocene – present
diverged about one million years ago, resulting in a northern and a southern
species. The blue wildebeest remained in its original range and changed very little
from the ancestral species, while the black wildebeest changed more as adaptation
to its open grassland habitat in the south. The most obvious way of telling the two
species apart are the differences in their colouring and in the way their horns are
oriented.

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 Blue wildebeest, C. t. albojubatus
wildebeest is merely nomadic. Breeding in both takes place over a short period of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
time at the end of the rainy season and the calves are soon active and are able to
move with the herd, a fact necessary for their survival. Nevertheless, some fall
prey to large carnivores, especially the spotted hyena. Wildebeest often graze in
mixed herds with zebra which gives heightened awareness of potential predators.
They are also alert to the warning signals emitted by other animals such as
baboons. Wildebeest are a tourist attraction but compete with domesticated
livestock for pasture and are sometimes blamed by farmers for transferring
diseases and parasites to their cattle. Some illegal hunting goes on but the
Black wildebeest, C. gnou
population trend is fairly stable and some populations are in national parks or on
Krugersdorp Game Reserve, South
private land. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists both as
least-concern species. Africa

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Contents Phylum: Chordata
Etymology
Class: Mammalia
Classification
Taxonomy and evolution Order: Artiodactyla
Genetics and hybrids
Family: Bovidae
Characteristics of the species
Distribution and habitat
Subfamily: Alcelaphinae
Migration Genus: Connochaetes
Ecology Hinrich Lichtenstein ,
Interactions with nonpredators
1812
Breeding and reproduction
Threats and conservation Species
Uses and interaction with humans Connochaetes gnou – black wildebeest
Cultural depictions
Connochaetes taurinus – blue wildebeest
References
External links
Etymology
The wildebeest (/ˈwɪldɪbiːst/ WIL-dih-beest,[1][2][3] /ˈvɪl-/ VIL-,[3] plural
wildebeest, wildebai, or wildebeests, wildebeesties (juv)), also called the gnu
(/njuː/ NEW)[4][5][6][4][6] is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. Wildebeest is
Dutch for "wild beast" or "wild cattle" in Afrikaans (bees "cattle"), while
Connochaetes derives from the Greek words κόννος, kónnos, "beard", and χαίτη,
khaítē, "flowing hair", "mane".[7] Some sources claim the name "gnu" originates
from the Khoikhoi name for these animals, t'gnu.[8] Others contend the name and
its pronunciation in English go back to the word !nu: used for the black Range map:
wildebeest by the San people.[9]
Black wildebeest shown yellow
Blue wildebeest shown blue
Classification Overlapping range shown brown

Taxonomy and evolution

The wildebeest, genus Connochaetes, is placed under the family Bovidae and subfamily Alcelaphinae, where its closest relatives are
the hartebeest (Alcelaphus spp.), the hirola (Beatragus hunteri), and species in the genus Damaliscus, such as the topi, the tsessebe,
the blesbok and the bontebok.[10] The name Connochaetes was given by Germanzoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812.[10][11]

Dutch settlers first "discovered" wildebeest in about 1700, on their way to the interior of South Africa. Due to their resemblance to
wild cattle, these people called them "wild ox" or "wildebeest". The blue wildebeest was first known to westerners in the northern
part of South Africa a century later, in the 1800s.[12]

In the early 20th century, one species of the wildebeest, C. albojubatus, was identified in eastern Africa. In 1914, two separate races
of the wildebeest were introduced, namelyGorgon a. albojubatus ("Athi white-bearded wildebeest") andG. a. mearnsi ("Loita white-
bearded wildebeest"). However, in 1939, the two were once again merged into a single race, Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus. In
the mid-20th century, two separate forms were recognised, Gorgon taurinus hecki and G. t. albojubatus.[12] Finally, two distinct
types of wildebeest – the blue and black wildebeest – were identified. The blue wildebeest was at first placed under a separate genus,
Gorgon,[13][14] while the black wildebeest belonged to the genus Connochaetes. Today, they are united in the single genus
( . gnou) and the blue wildebeest (C. taurinus).[10]
Connochaetes, with the black wildebeest being named C

According to a mitochondrial DNA analysis, the black wildebeest seem to have diverged from the main lineage during the Middle
Pleistocene and became a distinct species around a million years ago.[15] A divergence rate around 2% has been calculated.[14] The
split does not seem to have been driven by competition for resources, but instead because each species adopted a different ecological
niche and occupied a different trophic level.[16]

Blue wildebeest fossils dating back some 2.5 million years ago are common and widespread. They have been found in the fossil-
bearing caves at the Cradle of Humankind north of Johannesburg. Elsewhere in South Africa, they are plentiful at such sites as
Elandsfontein, Cornelia, and Florisbad.[17] The earliest fossils of the black wildebeest were found in sedimentary rock in Cornelia in
the Orange Free State and dated back about 800,000 years.[16] Today, five subspecies of the blue wildebeest are recognized, while the
black wildebeest has no named subspecies.[18][19]

Genetics and hybrids

The diploid number of chromosomes in the wildebeest is 58.[20] Chromosomes were studied in a male and a female wildebeest. In
the female, all except a pair of very large submetacentric chromosomes were found to be acrocentric. Metaphases were studied in the
male's chromosomes, and very large submetacentric chromosomes were found there, as well, similar to those in the female both in
size and morphology. Other chromosomes were acrocentric. The X chromosome is a large acrocentric and the Y chromosome a
minute one.[11][21]

The two species of the wildebeest are known to hybridise. Male black wildebeest have been reported to mate with female blue
wildebeest and vice versa.[22] The differences in social behaviour and habitats have historically prevented interspecific hybridisation
between the species, but hybridisation may occur when they are both confined within the same area. The resulting offspring are
usually fertile. A study of these hybrid animals at Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve in South Africa revealed that many had
disadvantageous abnormalities relating to their teeth, horns, and the wormian bones in the skull.[23] Another study reported an
increase in the size of the hybrid as compared to either of its parents. In some animals, the tympanic part of the temporal bone is
highly deformed, and in others, theradius and ulna are fused.[24]

Characteristics of the species

Both species of wildebeest are even-toed, horned, greyish-brown ungulates Wildebeest
resembling cattle. Males are larger than females and both have heavy forequarters
compared to their hindquarters. They have broad muzzles, Roman noses, and shaggy
manes and tails.[25] The most striking morphological differences between the black
and blue wildebeest are the orientation and curvature of their horns and the color of
their coats. The blue wildebeest is the bigger of the two species. In males, blue
wildebeest stand 150 cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 250 kg, while the
black wildebeest stands 111 to 120 cm tall[26] and weighs about 180 kg. In females,
blue wildebeest have a shoulder height of 135 cm and weigh 180 kg while black
wildebeest females stand 108 cm at the shoulder and weigh 155 kg. The horns of Blue wildebeest
blue wildebeest protrude to the side, then curve downwards before curving up back
towards the skull, while the horns of the black wildebeest curve forward then
downward before curving upwards at the tips. Blue wildebeest tend to be a dark grey
color with stripes, but may have a bluish sheen. The black wildebeest has brown-
coloured hair, with a mane that ranges in color from cream to black, and a cream-
coloured tail. The blue wildebeest lives in a wide variety of habitats, including
woodlands and grasslands, while the black wildebeest tends to reside exclusively in
open grassland areas.[18] In some areas, the blue wildebeest migrates over long
distances in the winter, whereas the black wildebeest does not.[27] The milk of the Black wildebeest
female black wildebeest contains a higher protein, lower fat, and lower lactose
content than the milk of the blue wildebeest.[28] Wildebeest can live more than 40
[29]
years, though their average lifespan is around 20 years.

Distribution and habitat

Wildebeest inhabit the plains and open woodlands of parts of Africa south of the Sahara. The black wildebeest is native to the
southernmost parts of the continent.[30] Its historical range included South Africa, eSwatini, and Lesotho, but in the latter two
countries, it was hunted to extinction in the 19th century
. It has now been reintroduced to them and also introduced to Namibia, where
it has become well established.[31] It inhabits open plains, grasslands, and Karoo shrublands in both steep mountainous regions and
lower undulating hills at altitudes varying between 1,350 and 2,150 m (4,430 and 7,050 ft).[32] In the past, it inhabited the highveld
temperate grasslands during the dry winter season and the arid Karoo region during the rains. However, as a result of widespread
hunting, it no longer occupies its historical range or makes migrations, and is now largely limited to game farms and protected
reserves.[33]

The blue wildebeest is native to eastern and southern Africa. Its range includes Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Angola.[34] It is no longer found in Malawi but has been successfully reintroduced into
Namibia. Blue wildebeest are mainly found in short grass plains bordering bush-covered acacia savannas, thriving in areas that are
neither too wet nor too dry. They can be found in habitats that vary from overgrazed areas with dense bush to open woodland
floodplains.[32] In East Africa, the blue wildebeest is the most abundant big game species, both in population and biomass.[25] It is a
notable feature of the Serengeti National Parkin Tanzania, the Maasai Mara National Reservein Kenya and the Liuwa Plain National
Park in Zambia.[29]

Migration
Not all wildebeest are migratory. Black Migration in wildebeest
wildebeest herds are often nomadic or may have
a regular home range of 1 km2 (0.39 sq mi).
Bulls may occupy territories, usually about 100
to 400 m (328 to 1,312 ft) apart, but this spacing
varies according to the quality of the habitat. In
favourable conditions, they may be as close as
9 m (30 ft), or they may be as far apart as
1,600 m (5,200 ft) in poor habitat.[13] Female Wildebeest herding and following zebra in the Serengeti National Park
herds have home ranges of about 250 acres
(100 ha; 0.39 sq mi) in size. Herds of
nonterritorial bachelor males roam at will and
do not seem to have any restrictions on where
they wander.[35]

Blue wildebeest have both migratory and

sedentary populations. In the Ngorongoro, most
Wildebeest in Masai Mara during theGreat Migration
animals are sedentary and males maintain a
network of territories throughout the year,
though breeding is seasonal in nature. Females and young form groups of about 10 individuals or join together in larger aggregations,
and nonterritorial males form bachelor groups.[36] In the Serengeti and Tarangire ecosystems, populations are mostly migratory, with
herds consisting of both sexes frequently moving, but resident subpopulations also exist.[37] During the rutting season, the males may
form temporary territories for a few hours or a day or so, and attempt to gather together a few females with which to mate, but soon
.[36]
they have to move on, often moving ahead to set up another temporary territory

In the Maasai Mara game reserve, a no-migratory population of blue wildebeest had dwindled from about 119,000 animals in 1977 to
about 22,000 in 1997. The reason for the decline is thought to be the increasing competition between cattle and wildebeest for a
[38]
diminishing area of grazing land as a result of changes in agricultural practices, and possibly fluctuations in rainfall.

Each year, some East African populations of blue wildebeest have a long-distance migration, seemingly timed to coincide with the
annual pattern of rainfall and grass growth.[39] The timing of their migrations in both the rainy and dry seasons can vary considerably
(by months) from year to year. At the end of the wet season (May or June in East Africa), wildebeest migrate to dry-season areas in
response to a lack of surface (drinking) water. When the rainy season begins again (months later), animals quickly move back to their
wet-season ranges. Factors suspected to affect migration include food abundance, surface water availability, predators, and
phosphorus content in grasses. Phosphorus is a crucial element for all life forms, particularly for lactating female bovids. As a result,
during the rainy season, wildebeest select grazing areas that contain particularly high phosphorus levels.[25] One study found, in
[40]
addition to phosphorus, wildebeest select ranges containing grass with relatively high nitrogen content.

Aerial photography has revealed that a level of organisation occurs in the movement of the herd that cannot be apparent to each
individual animal; for example, the migratory herd exhibits a wavy front, and this suggests that some degree of local decision-making
is taking place.[41] Numerous documentaries feature wildebeest crossing rivers, with many being eaten by crocodiles or drowning in
the attempt. While having the appearance of a frenzy, recent research has shown a herd of wildebeest possesses what is known as a
"swarm intelligence", whereby the animals systematically explore and overcome the obstacle as one.[42] Major predators that feed on
wildebeest include the lion, hyena, cheetah, leopard, and crocodile, which seem to favour the wildebeest over other prey.[29]
Wildebeest, however, are very strong, and can inflict considerable injury even to a lion. Wildebeest have a maximum running speed
of around 80 km/h (50 mph).[43][44] The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older,
larger ones, while the herd runs as a group. Typically, the predators attempt to cut out a young or ill animal and attack without having
to worry about the herd. Wildebeest have developed additional sophisticated cooperative behaviours, such as animals taking turns
sleeping while others stand guard against a night attack by invading predators. Wildebeest migrations are closely followed by
vultures, as wildebeest carcasses are an important source of food for these scavengers. The vultures consume about 70% of the
wildebeest carcasses available. Decreases in the number of migrating wildebeest have also had a negative effect on the vultures.[45]
In the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania, wildebeest may help facilitate the migration of other, smaller-bodied grazers, such as
[46]
Thomson's gazelles (Eudorcas thomsonii), which eat the new-growth grasses stimulated by wildebeest foraging.

Ecology

Interactions with nonpredators

Zebras and wildebeest group together in open savannah environments with high chances of predation. This grouping strategy reduces
predation risk because larger groups decrease each individual's chance of being hunted, and predators are more easily seen in open
areas.[47] The seasonal presence of thousands of migratory wildebeests reduces local lion predation on giraffe calves, resulting in
greater survival of giraffes.[48]

Wildebeest can also listen in on the alarm calls of other species, and by doing so, can reduce their risk of predation. One study
showed, along with other ungulates, wildebeests responded more strongly to the baboon alarm calls compared to the baboon contest
calls, though both types of calls had similar patterns, amplitudes, and durations. The alarm calls were a response of the baboons to
[49]
lions, and the contest calls were recorded when a dispute between two males occurred.

Breeding and reproduction

Wildebeest do not form permanent pair bonds and during the mating season, or rut,
the males establish temporary territories and try to attract females into them. These
small territories are about 3000 m2, with up to 300 territories per km2. The males
defend these territories from other males while competing for females that are
coming into oestrus. The males use grunts and distinctive behaviour to entice
females into their territories. Wildebeest usually breed at the end of the rainy season
when the animals are well fed and at their peak of fitness.[25] This usually occurs
Play media
between May and July, and birthing usually takes place between January and March,
Video of wildebeest feeding its calf
at the start of the wet season. Wildebeest females breed seasonally and ovulate
spontaneously.[50]

The estrous cycle is about 23 days and the gestation period lasts 250 to 260 days. The calves weigh about 21 kg (46 lb) at birth[7] and
scramble to their feet within minutes, being able to move with the herd soon afterwards,[29] a fact on which their survival relies.[51]
The main predator of the calves is the spotted hyena. The calving peak period lasts for 2–3 weeks, and in small subpopulations and
isolated groups, mortality of calves may be as high as 50%. However, in larger aggregations, or small groups living near large herds,
survival rates may be over 80%.[52]

Groups of wildebeest females and young live in the small areas established by the male. When groups of wildebeest join together, the
female to male ratio is higher because the females choose to move to the areas held by a smaller number of males.[47] This female-
dominated sex ratio may be due to illegal hunting and human disturbance, with higher male mortality having been attributed to
hunting.[53]

Threats and conservation

Today, many wildebeest populations are experiencing rapid declines. Overland migration as a biological process requires large,
connected landscapes, which are increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly over the long term, when human demands on the
landscape compete. The most acute threat comes from migration barriers, such as fences and roads. In one of the more striking
examples of the consequences of fence-building on terrestrial migrations, Botswanan authorities placed thousands of kilometres of
fences across the Kalahari that prevented wildebeests from reaching watering holes and grazing grounds, resulting in the deaths of
tens of thousands of individuals, reducing the wildebeest population to less than 10% of its previous size.[54] Illegal hunting is a
major conservation concern in many areas, along with natural threats posed by main predators (which include lions, leopards, African
hunting dogs, cheetahs and hyenas). Where the black and blue wildebeest share a common range, the two can hybridise, and this is
[22]
regarded as a potential threat to the black wildebeest.

The black wildebeest has been classified as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in the
IUCN Red List. The populations of this species are on an increase. Now, more than 18,000 individuals are believed to remain, 7,000
of which are in Namibia, outside their natural range, and where it is farmed. Around 80% of the wildebeest occurs in private areas,
while the other 20% is confined in protected areas. Its introduction into Namibia has been a success and numbers have increased
[31]
substantially there from 150 in 1982 to 7,000 in 1992.

The blue wildebeest has also been rated as of least concern. The population trend is
stable, and their numbers are estimated to be around 1,500,000 – mainly due to the
increase of the populations in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) to 1,300,000.
However, the numbers of one of the subspecies, the eastern white-bearded
wildebeest (C. t. albojubatus) have seen a steep decline.[37] Population density
ranges from 0.15/km2. in Hwange and Etosha National Parks to 35/km2 in
Ngorongoro Conservation Areaand Serengeti National Park.[32]

Uses and interaction with humans

Wildebeest provide several useful animal products. The hide makes good-quality
leather and the flesh is coarse, dry and rather hard.[13] Wildebeest are killed for
food, especially to make biltong in Southern Africa. This dried game meat is a
delicacy and an important food item in Africa.[25] The meat of females is more
Bag made with wildebeest skin
tender than that of males, and is the most tender during the autumn season.[27]
Wildebeest are a regular target for illegal meat hunters because their numbers make
them easy to find. Cooks preparing the wildebeest carcass usually cut it into 11 pieces. The estimated price for wildebeest meat was
about US$0.47 per kilogram around 2008.[55] The silky, flowing tail of the black wildebeest is used to make fly-whisks or
chowries.[13]

Wildebeest benefit the ecosystem by increasing soil fertility with their excreta. They are economica
lly important for human beings, as
they are a major tourist attraction. They also provide important products, such as leather, to humans.[56] Wildebeest, however, can
also have a negative impact on humans. Wild individuals can be competitors of commercial livestock, and can transmit diseases and
cause epidemics among animals, particularly domestic cattle. They can also spread ticks, lungworms, tapeworms, flies, and
paramphistome flukes.[12]

Cultural depictions
The black wildebeest is depicted on the coat of arms of the Province of Natal in South Africa. Over the years, the South African
authorities have issued several stamps displaying the animal and the South African Mint has struck a two cent piece with a prancing
black wildebeest.[57]

Movies and television shows also feature wildebeests, includingKhumba (Mama V), The Wild (Kazar and his minions),All Hail King
Julien (Vigman Wildebeest), Phineas and Ferb (Newton the Gnu), The Great Space Coaster (newscaster Gary Gnu), and The Lion
King (the wildebeest stampede that resulted in Mufasa's death).
Michael Flanders wrote a humorous song called "The Gnu", which was very popular when he performed it, with Donald Swann, in a
revue called At the Drop of a Hat, which opened in London on 31 December 1956.

The wildebeest is the mascot of theGNU Project[58] and GNU operating system.

In the Llama Llama picture-book series by Anna Dewdney, an anthropomorphized wildebeest named Nelly Gnu is the main
character, Llama Llama's best friend, and is also featured in a title of her own,Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too.[59]

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External links
The dictionary definition ofgnu at Wiktionary
Media related to Connochaetes at Wikimedia Commons
Information and Research on wildebeest movements in Masai Mara
Actual Live Wildebeest Migration
Youtube: Wildebeest loses to hyena

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