Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Bovidae Scientific Name : Connochaetes Taurinus Size : 1.2 - 1.4m (3.9 - 4.5ft) Weight : 120 - 250kg (265 - 550lbs) Top Speed : 61km/h (38mph) Life Span : 15 - 20 years Colour : Black, Brown, Tan Skin Type : Hair Special Features : Long, thin legs and hairy face
- The Wildebeest is related to antelopes and is found in the grasslands of Africa.
- They have big heads, manes, beards and horns that are sharp and curved.
- These animals can detect thunderstorms and migrate in huge numbers following the rain.
- They are herbivores and survive on a diet of leaves, herbs, grass and shoots.
- Wildebeests live in herds as they believe that safety and protection lies in numbers.
- They have been observed to display swarm intelligence, coordinating and cooperating with one another.
- Some Wildebeests even stay awake to guard the herd while the rest sleep.
- They are social, interacting and mingling with other herbivores such as Zebras and Giraffes.
- Gestation period for Wildebeests is around 250 – 260 days approximately.
- Reproduction usually happens between February and March at the start of the rainy season.
- Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and develop quickly.
- Their predators include lions, crocodiles and humans who hunt them for skin and meat.
- Wildebeests can live for about 15 – 20 years on an average.
- They are endangered animals and conservation efforts are on to save them from extinction.