The black wildebeest (or Connochaetes gnou) is a large ungulate species native to Southern Africa, also known as the ‘gnu’ after the distinctive noise they make when alarmed. The species is recognisable by a brown-black coat and L-shaped horns, and males can be distinguished from females due to their darker colour and larger size. Both sexes have thick, bushy manes and a long horse-like tail, measuring between 1.7 and 2.2m long, 1.06 to 1.21m tall at the shoulder, and weighing 120 to 193kg.
Latin Name
Connochaetes gnou
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black-wildebeest
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Animal Facts
The horns of the black wildebeest are significantly larger and heavier than those of the common 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 50mph 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.