Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Connochaetes

Species: Connochaetes taurinus

Life Span: 20–25 years (in the wild)

Weight: 160–270 kg (350–595 lbs)

Height: 1.2–1.4 meters (4–4.6 feet) at the shoulder

Length: 2–2.5 meters (6.5–8.2 feet) from head to tail

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Diurnal – Blue Wildebeest cows are primarily active during the day. They spend their time grazing, foraging, and resting in the cooler parts of the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, and seek shelter from the midday heat.

Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – Blue Wildebeest cows are grazers, feeding mainly on grasses, especially short grasses, which are abundant in savannas and grasslands. During dry periods, they may also browse on shrubs and woody plants. They are adapted to grazing in open, semi-arid regions, where the availability of food fluctuates seasonally.

Social Structure: Highly social – Blue Wildebeest cows live in large herds that can range from a few dozen to several thousand individuals, particularly during migrations. The herd is generally led by dominant older females or males, with a clear social hierarchy based on age, experience, and dominance. Females often stay within the same herd throughout their lives, providing stability and protection for their young.

Behavioral Traits: Blue Wildebeest cows are known for their high level of social cohesion within the herd. They move in coordinated groups, often grazing and migrating together, following the herd’s lead during the breeding season or when migrating in search of food and water. They are generally less territorial than males, with their primary focus being the safety and well-being of the group.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and open plains – Blue Wildebeest cows, like the rest of the species, thrive in wide, open spaces with access to abundant grazing and water. They are typically found in grasslands and savannas, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, such as the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Water Sources: Always near water – Wildebeests need to drink water daily, which is why they are typically found in areas with permanent or seasonal water sources. They are drawn to rivers, streams, or seasonal watering holes, especially during migrations or the dry season when water may be scarce elsewhere.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for Blue Wildebeest cows in the open plains, savannas, or floodplains with nearby water sources, especially during the migration season when herds tend to congregate in large numbers.

Tracks and Trails: Blue Wildebeest tracks are large and round with deep hoofprints. Their tracks are often found along game trails, grazing areas, and watering spots. During migration, the trails may form well-worn paths that are easily recognizable.

Signs: Look for signs of grazing in the grass, with flattened patches where the Wildebeests have fed. Their tracks can also be found in soft soil near waterholes and riverbanks, and they often leave noticeable hoofprints in sand or mud.

Hunting Time

Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – These are the times when Blue Wildebeest cows are most active, grazing and moving between feeding and drinking areas. They typically rest during the midday heat and are generally less active during the hottest part of the day.

Breeding Season: Blue Wildebeests breed seasonally, usually in the rainy season. Males fight for dominance and access to females, and females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 8–9 months. Mating occurs in large groups during the rut, which is often associated with the seasonal migration.

Trophy Quality: Trophy hunting for Blue Wildebeests often targets mature males with large, sweeping horns. While hunting females is rare, Blue Wildebeest cows are highly valued for their role in the herd, their social behavior, and the uniqueness of their dark blue-gray coloration.

Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are not commonly used for hunting Blue Wildebeests, including cows. Hunters generally rely on tracking herds along well-worn game trails or near water sources, where herds are likely to congregate in the early morning or late afternoon.

Special Notes:

Coloration and the “Blue Wildebeest Cow” Appearance: The Blue Wildebeest Cow shares the characteristic blue-gray coloration of the male Blue Wildebeest, though the coloration may be slightly duller or lighter in females. The blue-gray coat provides them with camouflage in the open grasslands and savannas. Their coat often has a bluish tint, while their legs and face tend to be darker. The overall color is not as striking as the rare Black Wildebeest variant but is still notable for its distinct appearance among other antelopes.

Rarity: While Blue Wildebeest cows are not as rare as the Black Wildebeest or certain color morphs, they are still highly prized as part of the larger herds of Wildebeests. These herds often travel in significant numbers and can be difficult to track because of their erratic movement patterns.

Social Behavior: Blue Wildebeest cows are highly social and are crucial to the herd’s cohesion. They tend to stay with the same herd, leading and protecting their young. Males, on the other hand, may leave the herd after mating and form bachelor groups or become solitary. This social structure makes the females especially important in the overall dynamics of the herd, and they often play a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the young.

Migration: Like all Wildebeests, Blue Wildebeests are migratory, and the herds of Blue Wildebeest cows move across vast distances in search of grazing and water. Their migration is often synchronized, and they can travel in large, coordinated groups. This behavior makes them one of the most iconic migratory species in Africa, with seasonal migrations drawing large crowds of observers and photographers.