Jump to content

Wildebeest: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by 187.172.167.207 (talk) to last revision by 71.83.80.210 (HG)
No edit summary
Line 24: Line 24:
The '''wildebeest''' (plural '''''wildebeest''''', '''''wildebeests''''' or '''''wildebai'''''), also called the '''gnu''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˈ|n|uː}} {{respell|noo|'}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|juː}} {{respell|new|'}})<ref>[http://www.answers.com/gnu Gnu] Answers.com</ref> is an [[antelope]] of the [[genus]] '''''Connochaetes'''''. It is a hooved ([[ungulate]]) mammal. Wildebeest is [[Dutch language|Dutch]] for "wild beast" or "wild cattle" in [[Afrikaans]] (beest = cattle), while ''Connochaetes'' derives from the Greek words ''konnos'' ("[[beard]]") and ''khaite'' ("flowing hair").<ref>[http://placentation.ucsd.edu/gnu.html Comparative Placentation: Wildebeest, Gnu]</ref> The name "gnu" originates from the [[Khoikhoi]] name for these animals, "gnou".
The '''wildebeest''' (plural '''''wildebeest''''', '''''wildebeests''''' or '''''wildebai'''''), also called the '''gnu''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˈ|n|uː}} {{respell|noo|'}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|juː}} {{respell|new|'}})<ref>[http://www.answers.com/gnu Gnu] Answers.com</ref> is an [[antelope]] of the [[genus]] '''''Connochaetes'''''. It is a hooved ([[ungulate]]) mammal. Wildebeest is [[Dutch language|Dutch]] for "wild beast" or "wild cattle" in [[Afrikaans]] (beest = cattle), while ''Connochaetes'' derives from the Greek words ''konnos'' ("[[beard]]") and ''khaite'' ("flowing hair").<ref>[http://placentation.ucsd.edu/gnu.html Comparative Placentation: Wildebeest, Gnu]</ref> The name "gnu" originates from the [[Khoikhoi]] name for these animals, "gnou".


Gnus belong to the family ''[[Bovidae]]'', which includes antelopes, [[cattle]], [[goat]]s, and other even-toed horned ungulates. ''Connochaetes'' includes two species, both native to [[Africa]]: the [[black wildebeest]], or white-tailed gnu (''C. gnou''), and the [[blue wildebeest]], or brindled gnu (''C. taurinus''). Fossil records suggest that these two species diverged about one million years ago resulting in a northern and a southern species. The blue wildebeest changed very little from the ancestor species, while the black wildebeest took on more morphological changes to adapt to a habitat of open grassland in the south. Today there are five subspecies of the blue wildebeest while the black wildebeest has no living subspecies.<ref name=ackermann>{{cite journal|last=Ackermann|first=Rebecca|coauthors=James S. Brink, Savvas Vrahimis, Bonita de Klerk|title=Hybrid Wildebeest (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) Provide Further Evidence For Shared Signatures of Admixture in Mammalian Crania|journal=South African Journal of Science|year=2010|volume=106|issue=11/12|pages=90–94|doi=10.4102/sajs.v106i11/12.423}}</ref> In East Africa, the wildebeest is the most abundant big game species, both in population and biomass.<ref name=ulfstrand>{{cite book|last=Ulfstrand|first=Staffan|title=Savannah Lives: Animal Life and Human Evolution in Africa|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=OXford}}</ref>
Gnus belong to the family ''[[Bovidae]]'', which includes antelopes, [[cattle]], [[goat]]s, and other even-toed horned ungulates. ''Connochaetes'' includes two species, both native to [[Africa]]: the [[black wildebeest]], or white-tailed gnu (''C. gnou''), and the [[blue wildebeest]], or brindled gnu (''C. taurinus''). Fossil records suggest that these two species diverged about one million years ago resulting in a northern and a southern species. The blue gnu changed very little from the ancestor species, while the black gnu took on more morphological changes to adapt to a habitat of open grassland in the south. Today there are five subspecies of the blue gnu while the black gnu has no living subspecies.<ref name=ackermann>{{cite journal|last=Ackermann|first=Rebecca|coauthors=James S. Brink, Savvas Vrahimis, Bonita de Klerk|title=Hybrid Wildebeest (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) Provide Further Evidence For Shared Signatures of Admixture in Mammalian Crania|journal=South African Journal of Science|year=2010|volume=106|issue=11/12|pages=90–94|doi=10.4102/sajs.v106i11/12.423}}</ref> In East Africa, the wildebeest is the most abundant big game species, both in population and biomass.<ref name=ulfstrand>{{cite book|last=Ulfstrand|first=Staffan|title=Savannah Lives: Animal Life and Human Evolution in Africa|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=OXford}}</ref>


==Physiology==
==Physiology==
[[File:Drink From Mom Wildebeest.ogv|thumb|left|Video of wildebeest feeding its foal, South Africa]]
[[File:Drink From Mom Wildebeest.ogv|thumb|left|Video of wildebeest feeding its foal, South Africa]]
A full grown wildebeest can be {{convert|4|ft|2|in|abbr=on}} to {{convert|4|ft|10|in|abbr=on}} at the shoulder and weigh {{convert|265|-|600|lb|abbr=on}}. They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of [[Africa]], especially the [[Serengeti]] National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, [[Masai Mara]] Game Reserve in Kenya and [[Liuwa Plain National Park]] in Zambia. Wildebeest can live more than 30 years, though their average lifespan is around 20 years.<ref name="National geographic">{{cite web|title= Wildebeest |url= http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/wildebeest/ | publisher= [[National Geographic]] |accessdate= December 16, 2010}}</ref> The wildebeest have a broad muzzle shaped like a lawnmower which helps it with eating short grass.<ref name=ulfstrand />
A full grown gnu can be {{convert|4|ft|2|in|abbr=on}} to {{convert|4|ft|10|in|abbr=on}} at the shoulder and weigh {{convert|265|-|600|lb|abbr=on}}. They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of [[Africa]], especially the [[Serengeti]] National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, [[Masai Mara]] Game Reserve in Kenya and [[Liuwa Plain National Park]] in Zambia. Gnu can live more than 30 years, though their average lifespan is around 20 years.<ref name="National geographic">{{cite web|title= Wildebeest |url= http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/wildebeest/ | publisher= [[National Geographic]] |accessdate= December 16, 2010}}</ref> The gnu have a broad muzzle shaped like a lawnmower which helps it with eating short grass.<ref name=ulfstrand />
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===Differences between blue and black wildebeest===
===Differences between blue and black wildebeest===
The main differences between the black and blue wildebeest are the amount of horn curvature and the color of fur. The blue wildebeest is the bigger of the two species, standing taller and weighing more than the black wildebeest.<ref name=ackermann /> In males, the blue wildebeest stand 150&nbsp;cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 250&nbsp;kg<ref name=safari1>{{cite web|first=African Sky Hunting Safaris|title=Trophy Hunting Blue Wildebeest in South Africa|url=http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/trophies/bluewildebeest-hunting.html}}</ref> while the black wildebeest stands 111 to 120&nbsp;cm tall<ref>{{cite web|last=Lundrigan|first=Barbara|title=Connochaetes gnou|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Connochaetes_gnou.html.|accessdate=29 April 2011}}</ref> and weighs about 180&nbsp;kg.<ref name=safari2>{{cite web|title=Trophy Hunting Black Wildebeest in South Africa|url=http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/trophies/blackwildebeest-hunting.html}}</ref> In females, the blue wildebeest have a shoulder height of 135&nbsp;cm and weigh 180&nbsp;kg<ref name=safari1 /> while the black wildebeest females stand 108&nbsp;cm at the shoulder and weigh 155&nbsp;kg.<ref name=safari2 /> The horns of blue wildebeest protrude to the side then curve downwards before curving up back towards the skull while the horns of the black wildebeest curve forward than downward before curving at the upwards at the tips. Blue wildebeest tend to be a dark grey color with stripes, but may have a shiny blue color. The black wildebeest has brown colored fur with a mane that ranges in color from cream to black, and a tail that is cream colored at the end. The blue wildebeest lives in a wide variety of habitats that includes woodland and grassland while the black wildebeest tends to reside exclusively in open grassland areas.<ref name=ackermann /> The blue wildebeest migrates over long distances in the winter, whereas the black wildebeest does not.<ref name=hoffman>{{cite journal|last=Hoffman|first=Louw|title=Effect of Season and Gender on the Physical and Chemical Composition of Black Wildebeest (Connochaetus Gnou) Meat|journal=South African Journal of Wildlife Research|year=2009|volume=39|issue=2|pages=170–174|doi=10.3957/056.039.0208|last2=Schalkwyk|first2=Sunet van|last3=Muller|first3=Nina}}</ref> The milk of the female black wildebeest contains higher protein, lower fat, and lower lactose content than the milk of female blue wildebeests <ref name=Osthoff>{{cite journal|last=Osthoff|first=G.|coauthors=A. Hugo, M. de Wit|title=Comparison of the Milk Composition of Free-ranging Blesbok, Black Wildebeest and Blue Wildebeest of the Subfamily Alcelaphinae (family: Bovidae)|journal=Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology|year=2009|volume=154|issue=1|pages=48–54|doi=10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.04.015}}</ref>
The main differences between the black and blue gnu are the amount of horn curvature and the color of fur. The blue gnu is the bigger of the two species, standing taller and weighing more than the black gnu.<ref name=ackermann /> In males, the blue gnu stand 150&nbsp;cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 250&nbsp;kg<ref name=safari1>{{cite web|first=African Sky Hunting Safaris|title=Trophy Hunting Blue Wildebeest in South Africa|url=http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/trophies/bluewildebeest-hunting.html}}</ref> while the black gnu stands 111 to 120&nbsp;cm tall<ref>{{cite web|last=Lundrigan|first=Barbara|title=Connochaetes gnou|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Connochaetes_gnou.html.|accessdate=29 April 2011}}</ref> and weighs about 180&nbsp;kg.<ref name=safari2>{{cite web|title=Trophy Hunting Black Wildebeest in South Africa|url=http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/trophies/blackwildebeest-hunting.html}}</ref> In females, the blue gnu have a shoulder height of 135&nbsp;cm and weigh 180&nbsp;kg<ref name=safari1 /> while the black gnu females stand 108&nbsp;cm at the shoulder and weigh 155&nbsp;kg.<ref name=safari2 /> The horns of blue gnu protrude to the side then curve downwards before curving up back towards the skull while the horns of the black gnu curve forward than downward before curving at the upwards at the tips. Blue gnu tend to be a dark grey color with stripes, but may have a shiny blue color. The black gnu has brown colored fur with a mane that ranges in color from cream to black, and a tail that is cream colored at the end. The blue gnu lives in a wide variety of habitats that includes woodland and grassland while the black wildebeest tends to reside exclusively in open grassland areas.<ref name=ackermann /> The blue gnu migrates over long distances in the winter, whereas the black gnu does not.<ref name=hoffman>{{cite journal|last=Hoffman|first=Louw|title=Effect of Season and Gender on the Physical and Chemical Composition of Black Wildebeest (Connochaetus Gnou) Meat|journal=South African Journal of Wildlife Research|year=2009|volume=39|issue=2|pages=170–174|doi=10.3957/056.039.0208|last2=Schalkwyk|first2=Sunet van|last3=Muller|first3=Nina}}</ref> The milk of the female black gnu contains higher protein, lower fat, and lower lactose content than the milk of female blue gnu <ref name=Osthoff>{{cite journal|last=Osthoff|first=G.|coauthors=A. Hugo, M. de Wit|title=Comparison of the Milk Composition of Free-ranging Blesbok, Black Wildebeest and Blue Wildebeest of the Subfamily Alcelaphinae (family: Bovidae)|journal=Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology|year=2009|volume=154|issue=1|pages=48–54|doi=10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.04.015}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Wildebeest calves are mostly born at the same time (90% are born in a three week timeframe) and this also provides the young with protection. The numbers of wildebeest calves are so vast that each individual’s survival chances are much greater than if a calf was born outside the three week birthing period. Immediately after they are born, wildebeest calves start following their mothers. However, these young calves suffer from high mortality and only those with the best genetic endowments and who have experienced mothers survive through the first few years of life.<ref name=ulfstrand />
Gnu calves are mostly born at the same time (90% are born in a three week timeframe) and this also provides the young with protection. The numbers of gnu calves are so vast that each individual’s survival chances are much greater than if a calf was born outside the three week birthing period. Immediately after they are born, gnu calves start following their mothers. However, these young calves suffer from high mortality and only those with the best genetic endowments and who have experienced mothers survive through the first few years of life.<ref name=ulfstrand />


==Behavior==
==Behavior==
===Migration===
===Migration===
[[File:Wbeest Mara.jpg|thumb|thumb|right|Wildebeest herding and following a few leading zebra in the [[Masai Mara]], [[Kenya]]]]
[[File:Wbeest Mara.jpg|thumb|thumb|right|Wildebeest herding and following a few leading zebra in the [[Masai Mara]], [[Kenya]]]]
Wildebeest are known for their annual [[wikt:migration|migration]] to new [[pastures]]. Wildebeest usually begin their migration in the months of May or June when drought forces them to go on the move. However, if it is a particularly dry year, they may begin their migration earlier than usual because of the decrease in vegetation. The reason that the wildebeest is a migratory animal is because the grass that it feeds on is not a very good provider of energy and minerals, so it has to move around in order to get adequate nutrition. Factors that affect migration include food, water, predators, and also phosphorus level. Phosphorus is a crucial element that is necessary for all life forms, and it has been found that grass during the dry season has a very low phosphorus composition, and at an insufficient level for the wildebeest’s survival if it remained stationary. As a result, the wildebeest migrates to other grazing areas to feed on grass that has higher phosphorus.<ref name=ulfstrand /> A 1992 study by Ben-Shahar and Coe found that besides phosphorus, wildebeest also migrated to areas where the grass had higher nitrogen levels <ref name=benshahar>{{cite journal|last=Ben-Shahar|first=Raphael|coauthors=Malcolm J. Coe|title=The Relationships between Soil Factors, Grass Nutrients, and the Foraging Behaviour of Wildebeest and Zebra|journal=Oecologia|year=1992|volume=90|issue=3|pages=422–428|doi=10.1007/BF00317701}}</ref> Ecologists have found that the main reason that wildebeest migrate is to find high quality food during the whole year, although the reduction of predation is another positive benefit.<ref name=ulfstrand />
Gnu are known for their annual [[wikt:migration|migration]] to new [[pastures]]. Gnu usually begin their migration in the months of May or June when drought forces them to go on the move. However, if it is a particularly dry year, they may begin their migration earlier than usual because of the decrease in vegetation. The reason that the gnu is a migratory animal is because the grass that it feeds on is not a very good provider of energy and minerals, so it has to move around in order to get adequate nutrition. Factors that affect migration include food, water, predators, and also phosphorus level. Phosphorus is a crucial element that is necessary for all life forms, and it has been found that grass during the dry season has a very low phosphorus composition, and at an insufficient level for the wildebeest’s survival if it remained stationary. As a result, the wildebeest migrates to other grazing areas to feed on grass that has higher phosphorus.<ref name=ulfstrand /> A 1992 study by Ben-Shahar and Coe found that besides phosphorus, wildebeest also migrated to areas where the grass had higher nitrogen levels <ref name=benshahar>{{cite journal|last=Ben-Shahar|first=Raphael|coauthors=Malcolm J. Coe|title=The Relationships between Soil Factors, Grass Nutrients, and the Foraging Behaviour of Wildebeest and Zebra|journal=Oecologia|year=1992|volume=90|issue=3|pages=422–428|doi=10.1007/BF00317701}}</ref> Ecologists have found that the main reason that gnu migrate is to find high quality food during the whole year, although the reduction of predation is another positive benefit.<ref name=ulfstrand />


In 1974, high concentrations of wildebeest decreased green biomass on the Serengeti Plains by close to 400&nbsp;grams per square meter. However, this grazing was good for the grassland because it kept the net productivity up. There was a significant association of [[Thomson's Gazelle]] grazing in areas that had been already frequented by wildebeest<ref name=McNaughton>{{cite journal|last=McNaughton|first=S.J.|title=Serengeti Migratory Wildebeest: Facilitation of Energy Flow by Grazing|journal=Science|year=1975|volume=191|issue=4222|pages=92–94| doi=10.1126/science.191.4222.92|pmid=17834943 }}</ref> Numerous [[documentaries]] feature wildebeest crossing [[river]]s, many being eaten by [[crocodiles]] or drowning in the attempt. While having the appearance of a frenzy, recent research has shown that a herd of wildebeest possesses what is known as a "[[swarm intelligence]]", whereby the animals systematically explore and overcome the obstacle as one.<ref>{{cite web|title= Wildebeest Migration – Must See on African Safari Vacation |url= http://tanzanear.com/blog/wildebeest-migration-must-see-on-african-safari-vacation/ |publisher= Tanzenar |date=June 4, 2009 |accessdate= December 16, 2010}}</ref> Major predators that feed on wildebeest include the [[lion]], [[hyena]], [[cheetah]], [[leopard]], and [[crocodile]], which seem to favor the wildebeest.<ref name="National geographic"/> Wildebeest, however are very strong and can inflict considerable injury to even a lion. Wildebeest have an apparent maximum running speed of around {{convert|64|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title= Wildebeest - Speed of Animals |url= http://www.speedofanimals.com/animals/wildebeest |publisher=Speed of Animals |accessdate=December 16, 2010}}</ref> The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older larger ones while the herd runs as a group. Typically the predators attempt to cut out a young or ill animal and attack without having to worry about the herd. Wildebeest have developed additional sophisticated cooperative behaviors, such as animals taking turns sleeping while others stand guard against a night attack by invading predators. Scientists are unsure how much is learned behaviorally and how much is hard wired into the DNA of the animal.{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} Wildebeest migrations are closely followed by vultures, as wildebeest carcasses are an important source of food for these scavengers. The vultures consume about 70% of the wildebeest carcasses available. Decreases in the number of migrating wildebeest have also had a negative effect on the vultures.<ref name=Virani>{{cite journal|last=Virani|first=Munir Z.|coauthors=Corinne Kendall, Peter Njoroge, Simon Thomsett|title=Major Declines in the Abundance of Vultures and Other Scavenging Raptors in and around the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2011|volume=144|pages=746–752|doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2010.10.024|issue=2}}</ref> In recent years, Botswanan authorities placed thousands of kilometers of fences across the Kalahari. These fences prevented wildebeests from reaching watering holes and grazing grounds, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals, and dropping the wildebeest population to less than ten percent of its previous size. For the blue wildebeests, although the majority of the population migrates, there are some populations that do not migrate and live a sedentary lifestyle. These groups can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, Hwange, and Esotha.<ref name=ulfstrand />
In 1974, high concentrations of gnu decreased green biomass on the Serengeti Plains by close to 400&nbsp;grams per square meter. However, this grazing was good for the grassland because it kept the net productivity up. There was a significant association of [[Thomson's Gazelle]] grazing in areas that had been already frequented by gnu<ref name=McNaughton>{{cite journal|last=McNaughton|first=S.J.|title=Serengeti Migratory Wildebeest: Facilitation of Energy Flow by Grazing|journal=Science|year=1975|volume=191|issue=4222|pages=92–94| doi=10.1126/science.191.4222.92|pmid=17834943 }}</ref> Numerous [[documentaries]] feature gnu crossing [[river]]s, many being eaten by [[crocodiles]] or drowning in the attempt. While having the appearance of a frenzy, recent research has shown that a herd of gnu possesses what is known as a "[[swarm intelligence]]", whereby the animals systematically explore and overcome the obstacle as one.<ref>{{cite web|title= Wildebeest Migration – Must See on African Safari Vacation |url= http://tanzanear.com/blog/wildebeest-migration-must-see-on-african-safari-vacation/ |publisher= Tanzenar |date=June 4, 2009 |accessdate= December 16, 2010}}</ref> Major predators that feed on gnu include the [[lion]], [[hyena]], [[cheetah]], [[leopard]], and [[crocodile]], which seem to favor the gnu.<ref name="National geographic"/> Gnu, however are very strong and can inflict considerable injury to even a lion. Gnu have an apparent maximum running speed of around {{convert|64|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title= Wildebeest - Speed of Animals |url= http://www.speedofanimals.com/animals/wildebeest |publisher=Speed of Animals |accessdate=December 16, 2010}}</ref> The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older larger ones while the herd runs as a group. Typically the predators attempt to cut out a young or ill animal and attack without having to worry about the herd. Gnu have developed additional sophisticated cooperative behaviors, such as animals taking turns sleeping while others stand guard against a night attack by invading predators. Scientists are unsure how much is learned behaviorally and how much is hard wired into the DNA of the animal.{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} Gnu migrations are closely followed by vultures, as gnu carcasses are an important source of food for these scavengers. The vultures consume about 70% of the gnu carcasses available. Decreases in the number of migrating gnu have also had a negative effect on the vultures.<ref name=Virani>{{cite journal|last=Virani|first=Munir Z.|coauthors=Corinne Kendall, Peter Njoroge, Simon Thomsett|title=Major Declines in the Abundance of Vultures and Other Scavenging Raptors in and around the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2011|volume=144|pages=746–752|doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2010.10.024|issue=2}}</ref> In recent years, Botswanan authorities placed thousands of kilometers of fences across the Kalahari. These fences prevented gnu from reaching watering holes and grazing grounds, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals, and dropping the gnu population to less than ten percent of its previous size. For the blue gnu, although the majority of the population migrates, there are some populations that do not migrate and live a sedentary lifestyle. These groups can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, Hwange, and Esotha.<ref name=ulfstrand />


===Interactions with Non-predators ===
===Interactions with Non-predators ===
[[Zebra|Zebras]] and wildebeest group together in open savannah environments when there is a high chance of predation. This grouping strategy reduces predation risk because larger groups decrease each individual’s chance of being hunted, and also because predators are more easily seen in open areas.<ref name=Thaker>{{cite journal|last=Thaker|first=Maria|coauthors=Abi T. Vanak, Cailey R. Owen, Monika B. Ogden, Rob Slotow|title=Group Dynamics of Zebra and Wildebeest in a Woodland Savanna: Effects of Predation Risk and Habitat Density|journal=PLoS ONE|year=2010|volume=5|issue=9|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0012758|editor1-last=Getz|editor1-first=Wayne M.|pages=e12758|pmid=20862216|pmc=2942830}}</ref>
[[Zebra|Zebras]] and gnu group together in open savannah environments when there is a high chance of predation. This grouping strategy reduces predation risk because larger groups decrease each individual’s chance of being hunted, and also because predators are more easily seen in open areas.<ref name=Thaker>{{cite journal|last=Thaker|first=Maria|coauthors=Abi T. Vanak, Cailey R. Owen, Monika B. Ogden, Rob Slotow|title=Group Dynamics of Zebra and Wildebeest in a Woodland Savanna: Effects of Predation Risk and Habitat Density|journal=PLoS ONE|year=2010|volume=5|issue=9|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0012758|editor1-last=Getz|editor1-first=Wayne M.|pages=e12758|pmid=20862216|pmc=2942830}}</ref>


Wildebeest can also listen in on the alarm calls of other species, and by doing so can reduce their risk of predation. One study showed that along with other ungulates, wildebeests responded more strongly to the baboon alarm calls compared to the baboon contest calls even though both types of calls had similar patterns, amplitudes, and durations. The alarm calls were a response of the baboons to lions, and the contest calls were recorded when there was a dispute between two males.<ref name=Kitchen>{{cite journal|last=Kitchen|first=Dawn M.|coauthors=Thore J. Berman, Dorothy L. Cheney, James R. Nicholson, Robert M. Seyfarth|title=Comparing Responses of Four Ungulate Species to Playbacks of Baboon Alarm Calls|journal=Animal Cognition|year=2010|volume=13|issue=6|pages=861–870|doi=10.1007/s10071-010-0334-9|pmid=20607576}}</ref>
Gnu can also listen in on the alarm calls of other species, and by doing so can reduce their risk of predation. One study showed that along with other ungulates, gnu responded more strongly to the baboon alarm calls compared to the baboon contest calls even though both types of calls had similar patterns, amplitudes, and durations. The alarm calls were a response of the baboons to lions, and the contest calls were recorded when there was a dispute between two males.<ref name=Kitchen>{{cite journal|last=Kitchen|first=Dawn M.|coauthors=Thore J. Berman, Dorothy L. Cheney, James R. Nicholson, Robert M. Seyfarth|title=Comparing Responses of Four Ungulate Species to Playbacks of Baboon Alarm Calls|journal=Animal Cognition|year=2010|volume=13|issue=6|pages=861–870|doi=10.1007/s10071-010-0334-9|pmid=20607576}}</ref>


===Breeding and Reproduction===
===Breeding and Reproduction===
Due to their migratory ways, the wildebeest do not form permanent pair bonds or defend a set territory. The wildebeest mating season is called [[rut]], and during this time the males establish temporary territories and try to attract females. These small territories are about 3000 square meters, with up to 300 territories in a square kilometer. The males defend these small territories from other males while trying to lure in females that are ready to mate. The males entice females into their territories with grunts and distinctive antics. Wildebeest usually breed at the end of the rainy season when the animals are most fit.<ref name=ulfstrand /> The mating season usually occurs between May to July and the birthing period usually takes place between January to March, at the start of the wet season. The gestation period is about 8 to 9 months, and the average [[estrous cycle]] is about 23 days. Wildebeest females breed seasonally and ovulate spontaneously.<ref name=Clay>{{cite journal|last=Clay|first=A. Moss|coauthors=R.D. Estes, K.V. Thompson, D.E. Wildt, S.L. Monfort|title=Endocrine Patterns of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy of Wildebeest in the Serengeti Ecosystem|journal=General and Comparative Endocrinology|year=2010|volume=166|issue=2|pages=365–371|doi=10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.005|pmid=20036667}}</ref> Groups of wildebeest females and young live in the small areas established by the male. When groups of wildebeest join together, there is a larger female to male ratio as the females flock to the areas held by fewer males.<ref name=Thaker /> It has also been suggested that this female dominated sex ratio may be due to illegal hunting and human disturbance. Higher male mortality has been attributed to illegal hunting.<ref name=Nidablema>{{cite journal|last=Ndibalema|first=Vedasto G.|title=A Comparison of Sex Ratio, Birth Periods and Calf Survival among Serengeti Wildebeest Sub-populations, Tanzania|journal=African Journal of Ecology|year=2009|volume=47|issue=4|pages=574–582|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.2008.00994.x}}</ref>
Due to their migratory ways, the gnu do not form permanent pair bonds or defend a set territory. The gnu mating season is called [[rut]], and during this time the males establish temporary territories and try to attract females. These small territories are about 3000 square meters, with up to 300 territories in a square kilometer. The males defend these small territories from other males while trying to lure in females that are ready to mate. The males entice females into their territories with grunts and distinctive antics. Gnu usually breed at the end of the rainy season when the animals are most fit.<ref name=ulfstrand /> The mating season usually occurs between May to July and the birthing period usually takes place between January to March, at the start of the wet season. The gestation period is about 8 to 9 months, and the average [[estrous cycle]] is about 23 days. Wildebeest females breed seasonally and ovulate spontaneously.<ref name=Clay>{{cite journal|last=Clay|first=A. Moss|coauthors=R.D. Estes, K.V. Thompson, D.E. Wildt, S.L. Monfort|title=Endocrine Patterns of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy of Wildebeest in the Serengeti Ecosystem|journal=General and Comparative Endocrinology|year=2010|volume=166|issue=2|pages=365–371|doi=10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.005|pmid=20036667}}</ref> Groups of gnu females and young live in the small areas established by the male. When groups of gnu join together, there is a larger female to male ratio as the females flock to the areas held by fewer males.<ref name=Thaker /> It has also been suggested that this female dominated sex ratio may be due to illegal hunting and human disturbance. Higher male mortality has been attributed to illegal hunting.<ref name=Nidablema>{{cite journal|last=Ndibalema|first=Vedasto G.|title=A Comparison of Sex Ratio, Birth Periods and Calf Survival among Serengeti Wildebeest Sub-populations, Tanzania|journal=African Journal of Ecology|year=2009|volume=47|issue=4|pages=574–582|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.2008.00994.x}}</ref>


====Hybrids====
====Hybrids====
Due to their confinement in small areas in South Africa, the two species of wildebeest, the black wildebeest and the blue wildebeest have interbred, resulting in fertile hybrid young. These two species are brought into close contact with each other on game farms and reserves in South Africa. The resulting hybrid young may include characteristics of both species and even some intermediate traits. The hybrids also tended to have strange dental, horn, and skull shapes.<ref name=ackermann />
Due to their confinement in small areas in South Africa, the two species of gnu, the black gnu and the blue gnu have interbred, resulting in fertile hybrid young. These two species are brought into close contact with each other on game farms and reserves in South Africa. The resulting hybrid young may include characteristics of both species and even some intermediate traits. The hybrids also tended to have strange dental, horn, and skull shapes.<ref name=ackermann />


==Human Uses==
==Human Uses==
Wildebeest are killed for food, especially for [[biltong]], which is dried game meat. Biltong is a delicacy and an important food item in Africa.<ref name=ulfstrand /> It has been found that the meat of females is more tender than that of males, and that meat was the most tender during the autumn season.<ref name=hoffman /> Wildebeest are a regular target for illegal meat hunters because they are relatively easy for hunters to kill. When preparing the wildebeest, the carcass is usually cut into 11 pieces. The estimated price for wildebeest meat is about 47 cents{{Clarify|date=July 2011}} per kilogram.<ref name=Nidabelema1>{{cite journal|last=Ndibalema|first=Vedasto G.|coauthors=Alexander N. Songorwa|title=Illegal Meat Hunting in Serengeti: Dynamics in Consumption and Preferences|journal=African Journal of Ecology|year=2008|volume=46|issue=3|pages=311–319|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00836.x}}</ref>
Gnu are killed for food, especially for [[biltong]], which is dried game meat. Biltong is a delicacy and an important food item in Africa.<ref name=ulfstrand /> It has been found that the meat of females is more tender than that of males, and that meat was the most tender during the autumn season.<ref name=hoffman /> Gnu are a regular target for illegal meat hunters because they are relatively easy for hunters to kill. When preparing the gnu, the carcass is usually cut into 11 pieces. The estimated price for gnu meat is about 47 cents{{Clarify|date=July 2011}} per kilogram.<ref name=Nidabelema1>{{cite journal|last=Ndibalema|first=Vedasto G.|coauthors=Alexander N. Songorwa|title=Illegal Meat Hunting in Serengeti: Dynamics in Consumption and Preferences|journal=African Journal of Ecology|year=2008|volume=46|issue=3|pages=311–319|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00836.x}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:43, 1 September 2011

This article is about the animal. For other uses, see Wildebeest (disambiguation).
"Gnu" redirects here. For other uses, see Gnu (disambiguation).

Wildebeest
Blue Wildebeest, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Artiodactyla
Family:
Bovidae
Subfamily:
Alcelaphinae
Genus:
Connochaetes

Species

Connochaetes gnou – black wildebeest
Connochaetes taurinus – blue wildebeest

The wildebeest (plural wildebeest, wildebeests or wildebai), also called the gnu (/[invalid input: 'icon']ˈnuː/ noo or /ˈnjuː/ new)[1] is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. It is a hooved (ungulate) mammal. Wildebeest is Dutch for "wild beast" or "wild cattle" in Afrikaans (beest = cattle), while Connochaetes derives from the Greek words konnos ("beard") and khaite ("flowing hair").[2] The name "gnu" originates from the Khoikhoi name for these animals, "gnou".

Gnus belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, and other even-toed horned ungulates. Connochaetes includes two species, both native to Africa: the black wildebeest, or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the blue wildebeest, or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). Fossil records suggest that these two species diverged about one million years ago resulting in a northern and a southern species. The blue gnu changed very little from the ancestor species, while the black gnu took on more morphological changes to adapt to a habitat of open grassland in the south. Today there are five subspecies of the blue gnu while the black gnu has no living subspecies.[3] In East Africa, the wildebeest is the most abundant big game species, both in population and biomass.[4]

Physiology

Video of wildebeest feeding its foal, South Africa

A full grown gnu can be 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m) to 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) at the shoulder and weigh 265–600 lb (120–272 kg). They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia. Gnu can live more than 30 years, though their average lifespan is around 20 years.[5] The gnu have a broad muzzle shaped like a lawnmower which helps it with eating short grass.[4]

Differences between blue and black wildebeest

The main differences between the black and blue gnu are the amount of horn curvature and the color of fur. The blue gnu is the bigger of the two species, standing taller and weighing more than the black gnu.[3] In males, the blue gnu stand 150 cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 250 kg[6] while the black gnu stands 111 to 120 cm tall[7] and weighs about 180 kg.[8] In females, the blue gnu have a shoulder height of 135 cm and weigh 180 kg[6] while the black gnu females stand 108 cm at the shoulder and weigh 155 kg.[8] The horns of blue gnu protrude to the side then curve downwards before curving up back towards the skull while the horns of the black gnu curve forward than downward before curving at the upwards at the tips. Blue gnu tend to be a dark grey color with stripes, but may have a shiny blue color. The black gnu has brown colored fur with a mane that ranges in color from cream to black, and a tail that is cream colored at the end. The blue gnu lives in a wide variety of habitats that includes woodland and grassland while the black wildebeest tends to reside exclusively in open grassland areas.[3] The blue gnu migrates over long distances in the winter, whereas the black gnu does not.[9] The milk of the female black gnu contains higher protein, lower fat, and lower lactose content than the milk of female blue gnu [10]

Early life

Gnu calves are mostly born at the same time (90% are born in a three week timeframe) and this also provides the young with protection. The numbers of gnu calves are so vast that each individual’s survival chances are much greater than if a calf was born outside the three week birthing period. Immediately after they are born, gnu calves start following their mothers. However, these young calves suffer from high mortality and only those with the best genetic endowments and who have experienced mothers survive through the first few years of life.[4]

Behavior

Migration

Wildebeest herding and following a few leading zebra in the Masai Mara, Kenya

Gnu are known for their annual migration to new pastures. Gnu usually begin their migration in the months of May or June when drought forces them to go on the move. However, if it is a particularly dry year, they may begin their migration earlier than usual because of the decrease in vegetation. The reason that the gnu is a migratory animal is because the grass that it feeds on is not a very good provider of energy and minerals, so it has to move around in order to get adequate nutrition. Factors that affect migration include food, water, predators, and also phosphorus level. Phosphorus is a crucial element that is necessary for all life forms, and it has been found that grass during the dry season has a very low phosphorus composition, and at an insufficient level for the wildebeest’s survival if it remained stationary. As a result, the wildebeest migrates to other grazing areas to feed on grass that has higher phosphorus.[4] A 1992 study by Ben-Shahar and Coe found that besides phosphorus, wildebeest also migrated to areas where the grass had higher nitrogen levels [11] Ecologists have found that the main reason that gnu migrate is to find high quality food during the whole year, although the reduction of predation is another positive benefit.[4]

In 1974, high concentrations of gnu decreased green biomass on the Serengeti Plains by close to 400 grams per square meter. However, this grazing was good for the grassland because it kept the net productivity up. There was a significant association of Thomson's Gazelle grazing in areas that had been already frequented by gnu[12] Numerous documentaries feature gnu crossing rivers, many being eaten by crocodiles or drowning in the attempt. While having the appearance of a frenzy, recent research has shown that a herd of gnu possesses what is known as a "swarm intelligence", whereby the animals systematically explore and overcome the obstacle as one.[13] Major predators that feed on gnu include the lion, hyena, cheetah, leopard, and crocodile, which seem to favor the gnu.[5] Gnu, however are very strong and can inflict considerable injury to even a lion. Gnu have an apparent maximum running speed of around 64 km/h (40 mph).[14] The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older larger ones while the herd runs as a group. Typically the predators attempt to cut out a young or ill animal and attack without having to worry about the herd. Gnu have developed additional sophisticated cooperative behaviors, such as animals taking turns sleeping while others stand guard against a night attack by invading predators. Scientists are unsure how much is learned behaviorally and how much is hard wired into the DNA of the animal.[citation needed] Gnu migrations are closely followed by vultures, as gnu carcasses are an important source of food for these scavengers. The vultures consume about 70% of the gnu carcasses available. Decreases in the number of migrating gnu have also had a negative effect on the vultures.[15] In recent years, Botswanan authorities placed thousands of kilometers of fences across the Kalahari. These fences prevented gnu from reaching watering holes and grazing grounds, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals, and dropping the gnu population to less than ten percent of its previous size. For the blue gnu, although the majority of the population migrates, there are some populations that do not migrate and live a sedentary lifestyle. These groups can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, Hwange, and Esotha.[4]

Interactions with Non-predators

Zebras and gnu group together in open savannah environments when there is a high chance of predation. This grouping strategy reduces predation risk because larger groups decrease each individual’s chance of being hunted, and also because predators are more easily seen in open areas.[16]

Gnu can also listen in on the alarm calls of other species, and by doing so can reduce their risk of predation. One study showed that along with other ungulates, gnu responded more strongly to the baboon alarm calls compared to the baboon contest calls even though both types of calls had similar patterns, amplitudes, and durations. The alarm calls were a response of the baboons to lions, and the contest calls were recorded when there was a dispute between two males.[17]

Breeding and Reproduction

Due to their migratory ways, the gnu do not form permanent pair bonds or defend a set territory. The gnu mating season is called rut, and during this time the males establish temporary territories and try to attract females. These small territories are about 3000 square meters, with up to 300 territories in a square kilometer. The males defend these small territories from other males while trying to lure in females that are ready to mate. The males entice females into their territories with grunts and distinctive antics. Gnu usually breed at the end of the rainy season when the animals are most fit.[4] The mating season usually occurs between May to July and the birthing period usually takes place between January to March, at the start of the wet season. The gestation period is about 8 to 9 months, and the average estrous cycle is about 23 days. Wildebeest females breed seasonally and ovulate spontaneously.[18] Groups of gnu females and young live in the small areas established by the male. When groups of gnu join together, there is a larger female to male ratio as the females flock to the areas held by fewer males.[16] It has also been suggested that this female dominated sex ratio may be due to illegal hunting and human disturbance. Higher male mortality has been attributed to illegal hunting.[19]

Hybrids

Due to their confinement in small areas in South Africa, the two species of gnu, the black gnu and the blue gnu have interbred, resulting in fertile hybrid young. These two species are brought into close contact with each other on game farms and reserves in South Africa. The resulting hybrid young may include characteristics of both species and even some intermediate traits. The hybrids also tended to have strange dental, horn, and skull shapes.[3]

Human Uses

Gnu are killed for food, especially for biltong, which is dried game meat. Biltong is a delicacy and an important food item in Africa.[4] It has been found that the meat of females is more tender than that of males, and that meat was the most tender during the autumn season.[9] Gnu are a regular target for illegal meat hunters because they are relatively easy for hunters to kill. When preparing the gnu, the carcass is usually cut into 11 pieces. The estimated price for gnu meat is about 47 cents[clarification needed] per kilogram.[20]

References

  1. ^ Gnu Answers.com
  2. ^ Comparative Placentation: Wildebeest, Gnu
  3. ^ a b c d Ackermann, Rebecca (2010). "Hybrid Wildebeest (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) Provide Further Evidence For Shared Signatures of Admixture in Mammalian Crania". South African Journal of Science. 106 (11/12): 90–94. doi:10.4102/sajs.v106i11/12.423. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Ulfstrand, Staffan (2002). Savannah Lives: Animal Life and Human Evolution in Africa. OXford: Oxford University Press.
  5. ^ a b "Wildebeest". National Geographic. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Trophy Hunting Blue Wildebeest in South Africa". {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  7. ^ Lundrigan, Barbara. "Connochaetes gnou". Retrieved 29 April 2011.
  8. ^ a b "Trophy Hunting Black Wildebeest in South Africa".
  9. ^ a b Hoffman, Louw; Schalkwyk, Sunet van; Muller, Nina (2009). "Effect of Season and Gender on the Physical and Chemical Composition of Black Wildebeest (Connochaetus Gnou) Meat". South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 39 (2): 170–174. doi:10.3957/056.039.0208.
  10. ^ Osthoff, G. (2009). "Comparison of the Milk Composition of Free-ranging Blesbok, Black Wildebeest and Blue Wildebeest of the Subfamily Alcelaphinae (family: Bovidae)". Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 154 (1): 48–54. doi:10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.04.015. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Ben-Shahar, Raphael (1992). "The Relationships between Soil Factors, Grass Nutrients, and the Foraging Behaviour of Wildebeest and Zebra". Oecologia. 90 (3): 422–428. doi:10.1007/BF00317701. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ McNaughton, S.J. (1975). "Serengeti Migratory Wildebeest: Facilitation of Energy Flow by Grazing". Science. 191 (4222): 92–94. doi:10.1126/science.191.4222.92. PMID 17834943.
  13. ^ "Wildebeest Migration – Must See on African Safari Vacation". Tanzenar. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  14. ^ "Wildebeest - Speed of Animals". Speed of Animals. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  15. ^ Virani, Munir Z. (2011). "Major Declines in the Abundance of Vultures and Other Scavenging Raptors in and around the Masai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya". Biological Conservation. 144 (2): 746–752. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2010.10.024. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b Thaker, Maria (2010). Getz, Wayne M. (ed.). "Group Dynamics of Zebra and Wildebeest in a Woodland Savanna: Effects of Predation Risk and Habitat Density". PLoS ONE. 5 (9): e12758. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012758. PMC 2942830. PMID 20862216. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  17. ^ Kitchen, Dawn M. (2010). "Comparing Responses of Four Ungulate Species to Playbacks of Baboon Alarm Calls". Animal Cognition. 13 (6): 861–870. doi:10.1007/s10071-010-0334-9. PMID 20607576. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Clay, A. Moss (2010). "Endocrine Patterns of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy of Wildebeest in the Serengeti Ecosystem". General and Comparative Endocrinology. 166 (2): 365–371. doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.005. PMID 20036667. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Ndibalema, Vedasto G. (2009). "A Comparison of Sex Ratio, Birth Periods and Calf Survival among Serengeti Wildebeest Sub-populations, Tanzania". African Journal of Ecology. 47 (4): 574–582. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.2008.00994.x.
  20. ^ Ndibalema, Vedasto G. (2008). "Illegal Meat Hunting in Serengeti: Dynamics in Consumption and Preferences". African Journal of Ecology. 46 (3): 311–319. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00836.x. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Connochaetes.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Wildebeest&oldid=447834603"