| Western white-bearded wildebeest | |
|---|---|
| |
| An individual within a confusion (group or herd) | |
Scientific 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 | |
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| 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, Serengeti white-bearded wildebeest, or the Serengeti wildebeest, 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.
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.
Distribution and habitat
The western white-bearded wildebeest is native to northwestern Tanzania, and southwestern Kenya. In Tanzania, its populations cover Serengeti National Park, being a very common sight there. They are also seen in the Masai Mara in Kenya.
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.
References
- "Western White-bearded Wildebeest (Subspecies Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi (Heller, 1913)". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "Western white-bearded wildebeest | mammal | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- "Victoria Falls guide - Map of Africa". www.victoriafalls-guide.net. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi | |