What kind of animal is the blue wildebeest? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a member of the bovine family that can be seen widely in Africa, and lives a leisurely life in the savanna and scrub areas with few trees. It is a very famous animal in Africa, so we will introduce it to you.
What is a Blue Wildebeest? Basic Stats
The blue wildebeest is an even-toed ungulate mammal classified in the order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae, genus Connochaetes. Its scientific name is Connochaetes taurinus, and it is also known in English as the blinded gnu or blue wildebeest. Its body length is 150-240cm, its weight is 120-290kg, and its height is 50-90cm. A list of information about it is below.
| Japanese（和名） | オグロヌー |
| English（英名） | Blinded gnu Blue wildebeest |
| scientific name(学名) | Connochaetes taurinus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyl、 Bovidae、Connochaetes 哺乳綱、偶蹄目、ウシ科、ヌー属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 150-240cm |
| Weight（体重） | 120～290kg |
About classification
There are several subspecies of blue wildebeest.
- Connochaetes taurinus taurinus – ケープオグロヌー、クロヒゲオグロヌー Blue wildebeest
- Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus – シロヒゲオグロヌー Eastern White-bearded Wildebeest
- Connochaetes taurinus cooksoni – ザンビアオグロヌー Cookson’s wildebeest
- Connochaetes taurinus johnstoni – シロオビオグロヌー Nyassa Wildebeest
- Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi – タンザニアオグロヌー Western White-bearded Wildebeest
Habitat
The blue wildebeest is widespread across Africa.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The blue wildebeest is a type of cattle, with a body color that is gray or light brownish gray, and the front of its face is black. It has black stripes on its shoulders and back. Long white hair can be seen from the throat to the chest. Both males and females have horns that curve downward and outward, and the tips of which point upward and inward, and are about 40 cm long. The blue wildebeest is also known as the cow antelope, and lives in grasslands and savannas.
What is its personality like?
The blue wildebeest is often found with other herbivores, and can be said to be a very gentle and cooperative animal. They often live in groups, and at times they can number about 100. The blue wildebeest is known to migrate seasonally, making large migrations in search of water and grass.
What is its ecology like?
The blue wildebeest lives by eating grass such as leaves. It reproduces viviparously. It has a gestation period of 8 months. The recorded lifespan in captivity is 24 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the blue wildebeest are lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. However, the blue wildebeest is quite agile despite its large size, and is said to be able to gallop at speeds of over 65km per hour.
Are blue wildebeests an endangered species?
Blue wildebeests are not endangered. Their populations are stable across Africa at present, so it is said that there are no particular problems. However, their habitat is being fragmented due to development of farmland and ranches.
Can blue wildebeests be kept as pets?
Blue wildebeests are not endangered, but because they are so large and live in groups, they require a large amount of land, making it very difficult for ordinary people to keep them as pets.
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