BRINDLED GNU 89 
BRINDLED GNU (Connochetes taurinus). 
The Blue Wildebeeste stands somewhat taller than its congener the 
White-tailed Gnu—a good bull measuring about 4 feet 4 inches at the 
withers, as against 4 feet. It is, too, of a much less fantastic and more 
sober habit. The general colour is a slaty dun, variegated upon the 
neck and fore-quarters by the dark stripes or brindles from which the 
animal takes its English name. The head, which is disproportionately 
large, is rendered yet more heavy-looking by the thick black hair and 
mane with which it is covered. The tail is long, black, sweeping, and 
very equine. Despite its cumbrous aspect, the Brindled Gnu can 
gallop at a great pace, and, even when severely wounded, or with but 
three legs to go upon, will often escape from the mounted hunter. 
Formerly extremely abundant from the Orange River northwards, the 
Blue Wildebeeste has been practically exterminated from the country 
south of the Limpopo. A few troops are, however, found to the west- 
ward of British Bechuanaland. In Khama’s Country and Rhodesia, 
and thence northward, right away through Central and East Africa, the 
Brindled Gnu is still fairly plentiful. 
Distribution—South Central Africa ; unknown south of the Orange 
River, and ranges to the north-east as far as Lake Nyassa. 
