Wildebeest Black

The Black Wildebeest or White-tailed gnu (Connochaetes gnou) is one of two gnu species. The natural populations of this species has been reintroduced widely, both in private areas and nature reserves throughout most of Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Namibia and Kenya.

Black wildebeest are dark brown to black in colour possesing a bushy beard and mane that stands up from its neck. This bristly mane is cream to white in color and black at the tips. The beard is black and stretches only along the lower jaw. The males are darker in colour than females. Both sexes coates become lighter in the summer months and develop shaggier coats in the winter. Additionally, black wildebeest have an area of longer, dark hair between the forelegs, covering the chest, and another patch of bristly black hair along the bridge of the nose.

A male Wildebeast can weigh up to 180kg (400lbs) and stands up to 1.5m (5ft) high and 2m (6.5ft) in length, females are slightly smaller. Paired horns curve down, forward, and up and can be in the region of 78cm in length. The base of the horns is widened and flattened to form a protective shield. Male wildebeest determine dominance through classic head-ramming and front-pressing behaviors exhibited in most bovids, however the females maintain their rank primarily through head-nods and head-shakes. The white tail is lashed or waved in most interactions, signalling anything from dominance to submission, and possibly serving as an auditory signal, as it can be heard up to half a kilometer away.