Wildebeest

A wildebeest is a large African antelope belonging to the genus Connochaetes. Also known as a gnu, it is famous for its massive annual migration across the plains of Africa.

Wildebeest have a unique appearance, with a large, boxy head, a long black mane, and a shaggy beard. Both males and females have horns that curve outward and up, resembling the horns of a cow. There are two main species: the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest has a slate-gray coat with dark vertical stripes on its neck and shoulders, while the black wildebeest has a dark brown to black coat and a distinctive mane that hangs forward.

Wildebeest are native to the savannas and open grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. They are herbivores that primarily graze on short grasses. Their digestive systems are well-suited to process large quantities of this low-quality vegetation.

The most famous aspect of wildebeest behavior is their large-scale migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other gazelles, travel in a massive herd from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures and water. This circular journey, which can cover up to 1,000 miles, is considered one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world.