The world of fauna is diverse and beautiful. One of its representatives is the wildebeest. This animal is an important part of the ecological and food chain.
Description
What does wildebeest mean? The definition of the species is this - it is a herbivore ruminant animal belonging to the order of artiodactyls, the family of bovids. In nature, there are black and blue species. This is the most common type of antelope. In the reserves there are representatives of white-tailed wildebeest.
The body of the animal is disproportionate, the body is similar to the body of a horse, and the structure of the skull resembles a bull's head. The legs are long and thin.
Has a large wide nose, small eyes and ears. Horns of medium length, very sharp, elongated and curved upwards. They are thicker at the base than at the ends.
The colors of wildebeest are gray and brown, with black transverse stripes. The mane and tail are quite long and dark gray or black in color.
The growth of the animal at the withers reaches 1.5 meters, weight - up to 300 kilograms. Despite the many threats that antelopes face, life expectancy could be in excess of twenty years.
Wildebeest are very fast animals, capable of developing great speed - up to 70 kilometers per hour.
They are curious. Closeapproach the subject of their interest for its study, but at the same time are very shy.
Habitat and reproduction
The habitats of the wildebeest are the savannahs of South and East Africa. Animals form a dense herd of many thousands, grazing on the steppes and plains.
Already figured out what wildebeest is. The definition of the herd in which the animal lives is as follows: the herd of antelopes is huge, so they have to migrate twice a year, in spring and autumn, after the rainy season. In search of juicy and fresh grass, it wanders from one place to another.
Unfortunately, such movements are not without casu alties. Some animals may be trampled by relatives.
The breeding season for antelopes does not have a clear time frame, but often occurs in spring and summer.
Male fight for females, attacking each other with sharp horns. At the same time, opponents try to get into the most vulnerable place - the neck. In such fights, animals measure their strength, it does not come to bloodshed. A strong and experienced male wildebeest receives a group of ten or more females. The weakest gets only one or two.
The female bears a cub for a little over eight months, after which one, rarely two babies are born. Capable of independent movement, five minutes after birth, like many herbivores and artiodactyls. Breastfed but also starts eating grass quite early.
Food
The wildebeest is a mammalian herbivore. Looking forabundantly covered with fresh grass plains, can overcome long distances. They are selective in food, they use certain varieties of herbs. Rarely, during times of food shortage, bush leaves serve as food.
These animals always stay near water bodies, they are very fond of fresh water. In reservoirs they can rest for hours, play with each other, take mud baths. They also need to drink plenty of water. Therefore, they never travel long distances from sources.
Danger for antelopes
During nomadic journeys, animals often need to cross a river. Often the path of the wildebeest passes along the same road. Therefore, in places near rivers, ravines form, making it difficult to cross them. The danger lies in the fact that the antelopes have to jump from a height into the water, get out of it along a steep bank. Some animals are not able to cope with such a test. The situation is complicated by the fact that the antelopes are already quite exhausted in search of grass.
Another enemy is waiting for them near the water bodies, these are crocodiles. Predatory reptiles attack wildebeest while quenching their thirst or crossing a river. The crocodile is able to grab the wildebeest with its huge mouth in a stranglehold, from which it is almost impossible to get out.
Antelopes are also enemies of predatory animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.
As a rule, lions prey on adult herbivores, one by one or by a whole pride. Cheetahs, leopards and hyenas target wildebeest cubs.
It is difficult to catch an antelope during the day, as they are able to defend themselves with sharp horns and hoof strikes, protect each other, their children, or escape by simply running away quickly. Therefore, predators attack them at night. At this time, the antelopes are shy and defenseless, a panic is created in the herd, a crush in which individuals can die. Especially defenseless in such a situation, kids.
Another danger for antelopes is local residents and poachers who hunt animals with traps and guns. Wildebeest meat and skin are highly valued. Local authorities are forced to protect animals by law.
All these facts fully reveal the answer to the question of whether wildebeest is or not.
These amazing animals have a unique body composition and an interesting lifestyle, being an important part of Africa's nature.
