Description Blue wildebeest

1 description

1.1 colouration
1.2 horns
1.3 diseases , parasites

description

male c. t. taurinus, 1-2 months old

the blue wildebeest exhibits sexual dimorphism, males being larger , darker females. blue wildebeest typically between 170–240 cm (67–94 in) in head-and-body length. average height of species 115–145 cm (45–57 in). while males weigh 290 kg (640 lb), females seldom exceed 260 kg (570 lb). characteristic feature long, black tail, around 60–100 cm (24–39 in) in length. features , markings of species bilaterally symmetrical both sexes. average life span 20 years in wild, , 21 years in captivity. oldest known captive individual lived 24.3 years.

colouration

this broad-shouldered antelope has muscular, front-heavy appearance, distinctive robust muzzle. young blue wildebeest born tawny brown, , begin take on adult colouration @ age of 2 months. adults hues range deep slate or bluish gray light gray or grayish brown. , flanks lighter ventral surface , underparts. dark brown vertical stripes mark area between neck , of ribcage, giving name brindled gnu . manes of both sexes appear long, stiff, thick , jet black, same colour tail , face well. while manes of western , eastern white-bearded wildebeest lank, of nyassaland wildebeest , common wildebeest stick up. scent glands, secrete clear oil, present in forefeet , larger in males females.

in terms of skull length, smallest subspecies of blue wildebeest western white-bearded wildebeest. darkest subspecies, eastern white-bearded wildebeest being lightest race. both these subspecies possess creamy white beard, whereas beard black in both nyassaland wildebeest , common wildebeest. longest muzzles found in nyassaland wildebeest, , shortest in female western white-bearded wildebeest.

horns

resting blue wildebeest in namibia

both sexes possess pair of large horns shaped parentheses. these extend outward side, , curve upward , inward. in males, horns can 83 cm (33 in) long, while horns of females 30–40 cm (12–16 in) long. despite being antelope, blue wildebeest possesses various bovine characteristics. instance, horns resemble of female african buffalo. further, heavy build , disproportionately large forequarters give bovine appearance.

diseases , parasites

the blue wildebeest susceptible foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, sarcoptic mange , hoof gangrene. herpesvirus first isolated blue wildebeest in 1960 veterinary scientist walter plowright. although causes of death vary year year, in 1 drought in botswana, young calves , aged females die. on occasion estimated 47% of deaths caused disease, 37% due predation , remainder result of accidents.

the animal can host number of different parasites. in 1 study, blue wildebeest found hosts thirteen species of nematode, 1 trematode, larvae of 5 oestrid flies, 3 species of lice, 7 ixodid tick species, 1 mite , larvae of tongue worm. of these, more prevalent @ times of year others. generally, larvae of gedoelstica , oestrus occur in nasal passages , respiratory cavities of blue wildebeest, , migrate brain. compared other bovids, blue wildebeest resistant infestations several species of tick.