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Bull |
Cow |
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| Mass (adult) | 230 - 270 kg |
160-200 kg |
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| Shoulder height | ± 150 cm |
± 135 cm |
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| Life expectancy | ± 20 years |
± 20 years |
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| Trophy Records | ||
Minimum |
Record |
|
| Rowland Ward | 28 -1/2" |
33 -7/8" shot in 1982 |
| SCI | 70" |
94 -6/8" shot in 1985 |
| SCI Bowhunting | 60" |
87 -6/8" shot in 1990 |
| Identification | |
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The forequarters of this large cattle-like antelope are higher than the hindquarters and the head is large with a broad snout. The overall body colour is dark-grey with a brown to blueish sheen. Several darker, vertical stripes are present from the neck to the front of the hindquarters; hence the alternative name of Brindled Gnu. A mane of longish black hair extends down the back of the neck on to the shoulders, and a beard of black hair grows from the throat. Populations in the north-east are generally paler in colour and the beard is dirty white. Both sexes have horns, superficially similar to the Buffalo's, although those of the bull are more robust than the female's. The tail is black and horse-like. Calves are rufous-fawn in colour with a darker face. The males are larger than the females. |
| Habitat | |
The Blue Wildebeest is an antelope
of open savannah, especially thorn and tambotie woodland. It prefers
short grass plains in valleys and floodplains. Seasonal movements take
place to areas with short grass if the grass in the particular area
becomes to tall. The Blue Wildebeest is dependant on water. |
|
| Habits | |
| Herds of up to 30 individuals are typical although much larger temporary groupings are common in some areas. Smaller herd units maintain their identity during these temporary congregations. Territorial bulls control "mobile" territories in which they hold up to 150 cows and their young while on the move. However, nursary herds may move through the territories of several bulls and mate with more than one bull. Outside the mating season the cow herds are not herded by territorial bulls and move unhindered. It grazes when it is cool and rests during the hottest part of the day in the shade. | |
| Food | |
| Blue Wildebeest are grazers and feeds mainly on short grass of up to 15 cm but may sometimes eat bark and leaves. | |
| Vocalisation | |
| Blue Wildebeest snorts, bellows and grunts. The small ones bleat and the young ones make a "hunn" sound. | |
| Breeding | |
| One (occasionally two) young are born between November and February after a gestation period of ± 8 months. Cows have one pair of groin mammae. | |