How smart is a wildebeest?

How smart is a wildebeest?

While having the appearance of a frenzy, recent research has shown a herd of wildebeest possesses what is known as a “swarm intelligence”, whereby the animals systematically explore and overcome the obstacle as one.

What’s special about wildebeest?

Wildebeest are unique from other African animals in that they calve within the same short span of time, during the month before or start of peak rainy season. Female wildebeest give birth to one calf in the center of the herd, rather than finding an isolated place, as many antelope species do.

Do Zebras like wildebeest?

One reason is that Zebras love to eat the taller grass and Wildebeest the shorter grass – it’s a kind of symbiosis. There is no competition regarding food and everyone is happy.

How far can a wildebeest travel in a day?

about 6 miles a day
They travel at the pace of about 6 miles a day. They move in large herds and some will break into smaller herds all following the same migration pattern. In May and June the wildebeest will head North and arrive at edge of the Mara river. At the Mara river the great Nile crocodiles are awaiting their crossing.

What is the lifespan of a wildebeest?

20 years
Wildebeest/Lifespan

What grass do wildebeest eat?

Blue wildebeests rely heavily on grasses for their meals. Colonial grasses are a particular favorite for them. In times of scant available grasses, they usually subsist on foliage from trees and shrubs.

Why do zebra migrate with wildebeest?

The herd of zebra joins the wildebeest migration as they are great in looking at any threat. The wildebeest have a good sense of hearing and smell that helps both to protect from the predator and searching in food. The zebra has a great eye sight to see any threat.

How do wildebeest survive?

Due to their diet, wildebeest are always traveling. They constantly look for water (which they drink twice per day) and grass. When the weather is dry they graze on fresh grass and then travel back home before the rainy season begins. At the end of the rainy season, they return to the area and graze again.

Do wildebeests eat meat?

Are Wildebeest herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores? Wildebeest are Herbivores, meaning they eat plants.

How many wildebeest are killed each year?

(Read how wildebeest know when to migrate.) So for the first time, scientists have estimated how many wildebeest actually die each year: An average of 6,250, equivalent to the mass of 10 blue whales.

Which is better a zebra or a wildebeest?

Zebras have excellent eyesight, being able to see well during the day and at night, while wildebeest, which have poor eyesight, have a good sense of hearing and smell. Scientists believe that zebra may even be able to see in colour. A combination of their good eyes, ears and noses increases their chances of sensing danger.

What do you need to know about the wildebeest?

Wildebeest Facts and Information. Introduction to Wildebeest. The Wildebeest belongs to the animals known as antelope. They are very fast, agile, and powerful.

What’s the difference between a GNU and a wildebeest?

Wildebeest is an Afrikaans name that means “wild beast.”. Gnu is a derivation of the name used by native Africans. The names are used interchangeably. A gathering of gnus is called a herd.

Is the wildebeest part of the Antelope family?

What are wildebeest? Also known as the gnu, the wildebeest is a member of the antelope family. They have a large, box-like head with curving horns. The front end of their body is heavily built, while the hindquarters are slender with spindly legs.