BLUE WILDEBEEST Connochaetes taurinus

Also called the Brindled Gnu.

Distribution:

They can be found in Botswana, Transvaal, Namibia, Natal and in some parts of the Cape.

Diet:

They feed on short grass.

Habitat:

They can be found in woodland as well as on open grassland.

Habits:

They are found mainly in breeding herds, bachelor herds, and herds of territorial males.

They are known to follow rain resulting in large migrations taking place in some areas.

They have a lot of hair in their nostrils which helps to filter the dust from the air when moving in mass.

Males will stay close to their territories all year round but get more aggressive closer to the breeding season.

Under severe threat from another wildebeest males may try to crawl through the dominant male's legs as a sign of submission.

Breeding:

They will normally give birth to one young after a gestation period of about 8,5 months.

Predators:

They are taken by Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Hyena, and also Crocodile.