Blue wildebeest

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also known as the common wildebeest, white-bearded wildebeest, white-bearded gnu, or brindled gnu, is a large antelope species and is one of the two species of wildebeest, with the other being the black wildebeest. Blue wildebeest are usually bluish-gray, light gray, or grayish-brown. Young wildebeest are tawny brown, and begin to grow their adult coloration for 2 months at age. It has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with its distinctive, robust muzzle. Both genders have a pair of large curved horns. Like other antelope, it is a herbivore, feeding mainly on short grass. They form in herds which move in loose aggregations, with the wildebeest being fast runners and is extremely wary. They are found in grasslands in eastern and southern Africa, thriving in areas that are neither too wet or too arid. The population is stable, and has been estimated to be around 1.5 million specimens.