The blue wildebeest is a large antelope native to the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa, recognized by its robust, cow-like build, curved horns present in both sexes, and a grey-blue coat marked with darker vertical stripes on the shoulders and forequarters. It is best known for its role in one of the largest large-mammal migrations on Earth, in which vast herds move seasonally across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem between Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing and water, often accompanied by zebras and gazelles. Blue wildebeest live in large herds for protection against predators such as lions and hyenas, and despite significant predation and the challenges of migration, the species remains abundant and is classified as being of least concern.
Facts
Classification
Population Trend System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThis broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive, robust muzzle. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish-gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved horns. 1 Scientific Name Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Blue Wildebeest (Wikipedia)
In Ecosystem
Source World Wildlife Fund
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Africa, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Russia, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: South Africa, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Ukraine, found in there.
Sources
1. Blue Wildebeest (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead sentence, scientific name in parentheses
The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also called the common wildebeest, white-bearded gnu or brindled gnu, is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest.
Description section, physical appearance sentences
This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive, robust muzzle. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish-gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved horns.
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 279235
Traditionally, blue wildebeest have been hunted for their hides and meat, the skin making good-quality leather, though the flesh is coarse, dry, and rather tough.
- In Biome: Savanna, Wikipedia intro: "oins a juvenile herd. Blue wildebeest are found in short-grass plains bordering bush-covered acacia savannas in southern and eastern Africa, thriving in areas t..."
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: Blue wildebeest
population-trend (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
5 million, and the population trend is stable.
diet-classification (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
The blue wildebeest is an herbivore, feeding primarily on short grasses.
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
The southern limit of the blue wildebeest range is the Orange River, while the western limit is bounded by Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya.
Speciesbox infobox, conservation status parameter
status = LC
View the Source3. Blue Wildebeest (Wikidata)
WikidataStatements section, conservation status (P141)Quote, Statements section, conservation status (P141)
IUCN Red List conservation status (Wikidata property P141): least concern.
Wikidata: Blue Wildebeest
Wikidata Q328809, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: ArtiodactylaView the Source World Wildlife Fund
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