Black wildebeest

Scientific name: Connochaetes gnou

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Dark brown to black coat with a distinctive white or pale tail; males are notably darker and more robust than females. Both sexes carry heavy, forward-curving horns; males weigh heavier and stand taller at the shoulder.

Size and weight

Males: 150–180 kg, body length 200–240 cm. Females: 110–150 kg, body length 190–210 cm.

Habitat

Black wildebeest inhabit open grasslands, semi-arid plains, and sparse scrubland from sea level to 2,500 m elevation. They prefer areas with short to medium grass and access to water.

Distribution

Endemic to southern Africa, primarily South Africa with smaller populations in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Restricted to grassland and open savanna habitats.

Diet

Primarily grazes on short grasses; diet shifts seasonally toward shrubs and forbs during dry periods when grass quality declines.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious, moving in herds of 10 to several hundred individuals; most active during early morning and late afternoon. Males are territorial and may be aggressive; herds perform characteristic running and bucking displays.

Hunting tips

Look for tracks in soft ground near water sources and grazing areas; droppings are clustered and relatively large. Approach from downwind using terrain folds and sparse vegetation for cover; herds are alert and fast-moving, so careful stalking and positioning is essential. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light and activity windows.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.