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]
| 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: | |
| Subspecies: | C. t. mearnsi |
| Trinomial name | |
| Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi Heller, 1913 | |
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| C. t. mearnsi range is marked in yellow | |
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]