BLUE WILDEBEEST

  
Shoulder Height:   Male - 145 cm
Female - 135 cm
Average Weight:    Male - 250 kg
Female - 180 kg
Gestation:   8 months
Number of young:  1 calf
Longevity: 20 years
S.C.I. Min. Score:  70
S.C.I. Record Score: 94  3/8
Rowland Ward Min. Length:  28  1/2"
Rowland Ward Record Length: 33  7/8"
Habitat:   Grassland and Savannah Bushveld.
The BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connonhaetes taurinus), also known as the Brindled Gnu, is one of the most common bushveld species in South Africa.  They are found in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.  They feed on short grass and can be found in woodlands as well as open grassland.   They are found mainly in breeding herds, bachelor herds, and  herds of territorial males.  They have a lot of hair in there nostrils which helps to filter the dust from the air when moving in mass.  Males will stay close to their territories all year round but get more aggressive close to the breeding season.  When under severe threat from another Wildebeest, males may try to crawl through the dominant male`s  legs as a sign of submission.  Old bulls often dwell alone and can become a regular sight at they territory, never leaving it.  The Blue Wildebeest is a very tough animal, although it is a very timid and inoffensive animal when confronted. They can be very dangerous in captivity or when wounded.  A large Blue Wildebeest bull can be one of the most challenging hunts as they tend to be very intelligent when they get that big, and a large trophy bull is as imposing trophy to have in a trophy room.

They are preyed upon by Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Hyaena and also Crocodile.