Animal Profiles
Mammals

Wildebeest

Connochaetes

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Wildebeest are grazing African antelopes. This account focuses on the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), whose herds track changing food and water supplies.

Connochaetes taurinus (wildebeest)

Representative species: Connochaetes taurinus.

Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Blue wildebeest occupy eastern and southern African plains, savannas and some open woodland. Movement patterns differ between populations and local conditions.
Habitat
Savanna, Grassland
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Rapidly growing grasses supply most food; some browse is taken when grass is scarce.

Classification

Common name
Wildebeest
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Connochaetes
Taxon rank
genus
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Connochaetes
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Both sexes carry horns.
  • A mane and beard frame the head and neck.
  • Some populations undertake long migrations.

Habitat and range

Blue wildebeest occupy eastern and southern African plains, savannas and some open woodland. Movement patterns differ between populations and local conditions.

Appearance and adaptations

Broad shoulders, a broad muzzle and curved horns give it a distinctive outline. Dark vertical markings cross the shoulders and body.

Diet and behaviour

Rapidly growing grasses supply most food; some browse is taken when grass is scarce. Social groups change with food and water availability. Some herds move long distances, while others remain in smaller areas with reliable resources.

Sources

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