Overview
The black wildebeest is a large, dark brown antelope. The shoulders are massive and somewhat higher than the slender hindquarters. The head is large, with a long face that is covered by a brush of stiff hairs pointing upward. There is a beard under the throat, a tuft of hairs between the front legs, and a stiff buff-and-black mane on the neck and shoulders. The tail is long and white, nearly reaching the ground. The horns (both sexes) form bosses, grow outward and downward, then bend forward and sharply upward. Females are similar to males, though a little smaller, and their horns are slimmer.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Connochaetes
Habitat
Open grasslands. Distribution- Black wildebeests were once found throughout the entire central plateau of South Africa in vast numbers; however, they were nearly exterminated from overhunting and agricultural development by the beginning of this century. Today, through the efforts of government and private individuals, the species is out of danger, and has been re-established on reserves and private ranches in many parts of South Africa. Also introduced outside its natural range on private ranches in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Diet
Mainly a grazer, often kneeling to do so. Will browse on chary bushes in winter. Dependent on water.
Behavior
Gregarious. Females and juveniles form herds of up to 20-30, which are herded by territorial males during the rut but disregarded at other times. Territorial males are attached to their territories year-round, becoming aggressive during the mating season and fighting other males fiercely. Bachelor males form their own loose associations. A seasonal breeder, with births taking place during the summer after 8-1/2 months gestation. The single calf stays with the mother until the birth of the next one. Active morning and afternoon, resting in the open during the day and not seeking shade. Eyesight and hearing are excellent, sense of smell is good. Can run at a good speed. Defends itself bravely when attacked. At times, will snort, buck, kick and caper about in a demented manner-has been called the clown of the animal kingdom. Black wildebeests have the reputation of being untrustworthy and dangerous in captivity. Their call is a loud bellow that sounds like genu.
Hunting
As they live on open plains, black wildebeests are not hard to locate, but approaching them and determining sex and horn size may be difficult, especially in areas where they are regularly hunted. Often there is little cover, and long shots may be required.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN, however some conservationists worry about the rate of hybridization with Blue Wildebeest and associated population problems for Black Wildebeest as a result.