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Blue Wildebeest
Blue Wildebeest
An ungainly-looking animal with a violent and obstinate disposition.
Type: Chordates
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyls
Family: Bovids
Genus: Wildebeest
Species: Blue wildebeest
General Settings
  • The habitat consists of Southern and Eastern Africa.
  • The height is about 1.4 m.
  • Weight – up to 300 kg.
  • It feeds on grass.
  • Life expectancy – up to 20 years.

Wildebeest has a unique appearance: the head and horns resemble a bull, the mane and tail – horse, but in fact they are antelopes.


Social behavior


Wildebeest are kept in herds, numbering several hundred heads. In some national parks of the herd can be combined, reaching hundreds of thousands of individuals. These animals specialize in feeding on grass and are highly dependent on the rainy and drought seasons. Therefore, they are forced to migrate twice a year: first to the north, and then back to the south in the wake of heavy rains. Migrating herds consist of both young and old animals of both sexes. The mobility of the herds keeps the savanna from being trampled and prevents it from becoming a desert.


Reproduction


The female brings one calf of brown color. He is born fully developed and already from the first minutes rises to his feet, and after 30-40 is able to run. About 9 months, during lactation, the cubs remain under the protection of the mother.


Species and people


The locals hunt antelopes. Although the meat of these animals is quite tough, but the skin is very strong and high-quality. Tails are used to drive away flies.


Interesting Facts


Wildebeest take care of their fur by brushing it on the grass and combing it on tree trunks or the horns of their relatives.

Today, wildebeest form the most numerous herds in the world. If cattle were grazed on such a territory and in the same quantity, the pastures would quickly turn into a desert.

Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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