Wildebeest – also known as gnu – are best known for their role in the Great Migration, one of nature’s most iconic spectacles. But there’s far more to these hardy herbivores than epic river crossings.
- Gob-smacking BBC footage shows young wildebeest faced with a lethal almost suicidal cliff-face drop – does he jump?
- Jaw-dropping videos of a million wildebeest migrating across Africa – and the infamous Mara River crossing where hungry, deadly crocodiles await
From their crucial role in maintaining ecosystems to their surprising speed and herd instincts, here are the wildest facts about one of Africa’s most underrated animals.
Wildebeest facts
Wildebeest are large antelopes
Also known as gnu, wildebeest are large, muscular antelopes that weigh between 120 and 300kg. Despite this immense weight, an adult lion can eat almost a fifth of this in a single sitting.
Scientists aren’t sure why female wildebeest have horns
Male wildebeest grow distinctive horns to fight off competitors during the mating seasons, but scientists are confused by the presence of horns on their female counterparts. So far, the question of why female wildebeest have horns remains a bit of an unknown. It could be that the gene coding for horns is linked to the gene for another characteristic, or that horns are a way to defend against predators – although wildebeest rarely fight a predator head on.
Wildebeest defend themselves against predators as a group
Wildebeest outnumber the threat as a herd, protecting themselves as a group rather than fighting them off one by one.
Most female wildebeest give birth around the same time
About 80 percent of female wildebeest calve within the same two to three-week period. This power in numbers allows more calves to survive during these early weeks.
They are continually on the move
Wildebeest are believed to travel thousands of kilometres per year, as they’re constantly on the move, looking for grass and water. The Serengeti population is particularly nomadic, migrating distances of between 800 to 1,610km each year. Wildebeest migrations are some of the great spectacles of the natural world – and one of the most amazing mammal migrations. They travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya, and back again in time for the rainy season.
The lethal Mara River is one of the most dangerous parts of a wildebeest’s migration
Crossing points at the Mara River create bottlenecks for the wildebeest. This has devastating effects, including crushes and drownings. Predators such as lions, hyenas and crocodiles often flock to these wildebeest crossings to capitalise on the increased prey.
The largest known herd has over one million wildebeest
The largest herd of wildebeest is associated with the Great Migration in East Africa, the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. Over a million wildebeest move constantly through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of grass and water, along with zebras, gazelles and other animals.
Wildebeest can’t survive without water
Like humans, wildebeest can’t survive without drinking water. They need to drink almost every day, so finding water sources is a vital part of their survival.
They’re vital for the ecosystem of eastern Africa
Wildebeest are vital for the savannahs and grassland of Kenya and Tanzania, as their grazing reduces overgrown vegetation, which in turn limits the threat of wildfires. Their migration also helps aerate the soil, which is then enriched by their dung.
Their population was decimated in the early 20th century – and their absence was felt
The Serengeti population of wildebeest consume more than 4,500 tonnes of grass a day – helping keep vegetation low and limit the threat of wildfires. When the population was decimated by disease transmission from domestic cattle in the early 20th century, the impact was felt on the Serengeti-Mara. 80 per cent of the area was impacted by wildfires during this time. Populations recovered from as few as 200,000 in the late 1950s to 1.5 million in the late 1970s, thanks to disease management and anti-poaching efforts.
Their name comes from the term “wild beast”
The name “wildebeest” is Afrikaans for “wild beast”, referring to their beastly appearance.
Herds of wildebeest are particularly noisy
Wildebeest are social animals, living in large herds. They moo and grunt like cows, and are especially noisy. During the mating season (rut) in May and June, wildebeest are even louder, with males bellowing to attract females and stave off the threat of competitors.
Wildebeest can run extremely fast
They can run up to 50mph in short bursts, fast enough to evade many predators.
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Top image: The Great Migration in Northern Serengeti in Tanzania: Zebras and wildebeest crossing the Mara river (credit: Getty Images)