Western white-bearded wildebeest
An individual within a confusion (group or herd)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Subfamily: Alcelaphinae
Genus: Connochaetes
Species:
C. taurinus
Subspecies:
C. t. mearnsi
Trinomial name
Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi
Heller, 1913
C. t. mearnsi range is marked in yellow

The western white-bearded wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) also known as Mearn's white-bearded wildebeest, Mearn's wildebeest,[1] Serengeti white-bearded wildebeest, or the Serengeti wildebeest,[2] is a subspecies of the blue wildebeest being the smallest, and lightest subspecies of the species. It is one of the only subspecies of the blue wildebeest to have a sustainable population in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with over one million individuals. They are known for one of the greatest migrations to travel between Tanzania and Kenya.[3]

Description

The western white-bearded wildebeest on average reaches 1.30-1.42 m (4.26-4.65 feet) tall, and weighs 180-225 kg (396-496 pounds) at its maximum weight. It has a long white beards, black front face, and a darker colored body, smaller horns, and a swaying dark black tail. It is 50 kg (110 pounds) lighter than the main subspecies, Connochaetes taurinus taurinus, and 10 cm (3.93 inches) shorter.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The western white-bearded wildebeest is native to northwestern Tanzania, and southwestern Kenya.[2] [3]In Tanzania, its populations cover Serengeti National Park, being a very common sight there. They are also seen in the Masai Mara in Kenya.[3]

Habitat

Its habitat is mostly made up of savanna, grassland, and some scattered dry forests. The western white-bearded wildebeest range is entirely within the tropics zone.[2][3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "Western White-bearded Wildebeest (Subspecies Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  2. 1 2 3 "Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi (Heller, 1913)". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Western white-bearded wildebeest | mammal | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  4. ↑ "Map of Africa - it's states, climates, vegetation, populations". www.victoriafalls-guide.net. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
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