Wildebeest
Connochaetes taurinus
- Where
- African Savanna
- Habitat
- Grasslands, open plains, and river crossings
- Diet
- Herbivore - grasses, leaves, fruits
- Size
- Medium to large (3-4 feet tall at shoulder)
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Conservation
- Vulnerable due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching
Fun Facts
- Wildebeest migrate over 1,000 miles annually - the longest land migration of any mammal.
- They travel in huge herds, often numbering hundreds of thousands.
- Newborn calves can walk and run within hours of birth.
Learn More
Wildebeest have distinctive curved horns that grow throughout their lives.
Their coats turn from golden brown to dark gray during migrations.
They're excellent swimmers, often crossing rivers in search of food or escaping predators.