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Statistics
The black wildebeest (or Connochaetes gnou) is a large ungulate species native to Southern Africa, also known as the white-tailed gnu after the distinctive noise they make when alarmed.
The species is recognisable by a brown-black coat and L-shaped horns, and distinctive white tail. Both sexes have thick, bushy manes.
Males tend to be slightly darker and larger than females, standing 1.11m to 1.21m tall at the shoulder and weighing 147kg to 193kg. Females stand 1.06m to 1.16m tall and weigh 120kg to 160kg.
- The horns of the black wildebeest are significantly larger and heavier than those of the blue wildebeest.
- Both male and female wildebeest have horns, but the males' horns are longer and thicker than the females'.
- During the mating season, dominant male wildebeests do not eat or sleep as they are so intent on mating and defending their mates from rival males.
- Black wildebeest can run up to 80km/h when running from predators such as lions and hyenas.
- Female groups of black wildebeest are strongly bonded and will be hostile to unknown females trying to join their group.
Habitat
Minimum habitat requirements
Planned population
Space
Barrier
Terrain
Environment
Preferred group ranges
Social
Black wildebeest live in large herds comprised of groups of related females and their young offspring; bachelor herds of young males; and dominant bulls who establish territory in the foraging grounds, guarding females moving through his range.
Barrel Feeder - Hanging
Barrel Feeder - Small
Grazing Ball Feeder
Hanging Grazer Feeder
Melon Feeder
Scarecrow Feeder
Veggie Jelly Cake
Grab Ball
Herb Scent Marker
Large Ball
Mud Bath
Plant Screen
Rubbing Pillar
Suspended BallThriving relationships
11i
Neutral relationships
2i
Release
Release requirements
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Mixed Group
Male Bachelor Herd
Female Group
Conservation
Today a species of Least Concern, the black wildebeest has a dark past. Once widespread across the grasslands of Southern Africa, it was almost driven to extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries due to uncontrolled hunting. Open grassland conversion into farmland restricted migration paths, and the remaining fragmented and isolated populations were highly vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks, disease and predation. While the population has stabilised somewhat, they are still threatened by poaching and vehicle collision today.
Black wildebeest are fully protected in several Southern African countries, and populations are reintroduced to National Parks, private reserves and conservancies. Using wildlife corridors and large unfenced areas, populations are connected to maintain genetic diversity. Additionally, captive breeding programs in reserves and zoos reinforce populations and safeguard against extinction.
Together, legal protection and conservation measures have helped black wildebeest recover from near-extinction, turning them into a conservation success story, though ongoing management is essential to sustain their long-term survival.
Research
| Level | Unlocks | Bonus | Research gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thriving Requirement 1: at least 5 objects or plants with the Bushes tag | ||
| 2 | Black Wildebeest Fact Sheet | ||
| 3 | Thriving Requirement 2: Water Surface Area | ||
| 4 | Thriving Requirement 3: Food Grade 2; Fertility Level 1 | Fertility (+15%) | Before this level: an Observation Network (Observation Platform) in Great Rift Valley Reserve and this species released in Great Rift Valley Reserve |
| 5 | Thriving Requirement 4: at least 15 objects or plants with the Grass tag | ||
| 6 | Thriving Requirement 5: African Savannah Social Group; Fertility Level 2 | Fertility (+30%) |
Conservation topics
Life
Reproduction
Lifecycle
Body
1.1 m
1.05 m 170 kg 140 kgBreeding
During the breeding season from February to April, dominant bulls gather harems of receptive females on their territories. The male determines if a female is in oestrus by sampling her urine and mates with her, if receptive. Males will defend their harems from rivals, and spend little time grazing during this time, leaving them weakened at the end of the season.
A pregnancy lasts for 8.5 months before the female gives birth to a single calf. Unlike other herding species, black wildebeest calves are born directly in the herd and are not hidden away. The calf remains close to its mother for about a year and nursed for 6 to 8 months, though it will begin eating solid food as early as 1 month old. When the mother gives birth to her next calf a year later, the young become independent from her.
Females remain with their natal herd, and males join bachelor herds. Sexual maturity is reached at about 3 years old.