Wildebeest (Gnu) 
Afrikaans name : Swartwildebees, (Black wildebeest), Blouwildebees, (Blue wildebeest).
Scientific name : Family Bovidae. (order Artiodactyla). They make up the genus Connochaetes. 
Black wildebeest - Connochaetes gnou, Blue wildebeest - Connochaetes taurinus.
The white-bearded wildebeest is a subspecies of the blue wildebeest - (C. t. albojubatus).

Region : Black wildebeest ( white-tailed gnu) is found exclusively in South Africa :Blue wildebeest (brindled gnu) is found on grassy plains of Africa from Kenya to South Africa.
Description : The Wildebeeste are large African antelope with ox-like heads, horns, and shoulders; bristly facial hair and mane; and a horse-like tail. One of Southern Africa's fastest residents. The Black wildebeest is dark brown with long black tufts on the snout, chin, throat, and chest, and it has a black mane and flowing white tail.  Blue wildebeest are larger than the black wildebeest. It is silvery gray with dark vertical bands on the sides and has a black mane, tail, and face; whitish cheeks; and a tuft of dark hair on chin and throat. They are the most abundant of all the wild grazing animals in eastern Africa. In dry seasons herds may migrate in vast congregations.
Habitat : Native to the open woodlands and grasslands, the short grass plains, and acacia savannas.
Weight : max. 275 kg.
Height : max. 145 cm at the shoulders.
Horns : The horns, which are present in both sexes, grow up to 80 cm in a forward and downward direction, turning upward again at the ends.
Food : A pure grazer which lives on the short green grasses and scrub of open plains. They need water every second day at least.
Habits : Wildebeest are active during the day and at night. They live in large herds which are on the move almost continually. Congregating herds of many as 100 000 have been found. Males form bachelor herds. 
Young : A single Calf is born. Mothers all calve at the same time to reduce by numbers the chances of their extremely vulnerable young being taken as prey. generally eat the afterbirth, as well as the dung and urine of the young, thus helping to prevent discovery of the young by predators.  The wildebeest calf rises within five minutes of birth then follows its mother in another five minutes, and can run as fast as an adult in 24 hours. Maturity on 3 years. Gestation period 9 months. Calves accompany mothers immediately.
Predators : Favorite prey of the Lion. Also, Hyena, Jackal, Leopards and wild dogs.