26 February 2019 - THE BLUE WILDEBEEST

THE BLUE 

WILDEBEEST

G'day folks,

Welcome to some interesting facts about another amazing creature that seems to be able to survive in harsh surroundings. 

 

These majestic animals cross vast distances in huge numbers when migrating to find food and water. Wildebeests, also called gnus, are antelopes in the genus Connochaetes. They belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates.

Amazing Facts About the Blue Wildebeest

• Blue Wildebeest got name as their coat has a blue sheen.
• There are around 1.5 million living in the Serengeti alone! They are widespread in many areas of Africa.
• Their main defence from predators is living in a group. Wildebeest stick together and move in herds to be more safe.
• They can run up to 40 mph, which is pretty fast! Although, unfortunately for them, not as fast as lions or cheetahs.

Blue Wildebeest Migration

• They migrate as many as 1000 miles each year – that’s longer than the length of Britain and around the same distance from Minnesota to Louisiana. That distance would take around 20 hours to drive.
• They have a dangerous migratory route, during their migration they cross two rivers – both of which are crocodile infested.

 

 Quick Facts

• Type: Mammal
• Size: 58 inches
• Weight: 600lbs
• Life span: 40 years
• Habitat: Savanah, grasslands
• Diet: Herbivore
• Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus

Clancy's comment: Amazing how many of them are left, eh? 

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