Blue Wildebeest

Description:

Wildebeest (from Afrikaans "wild cattle") or Gnu (from the Khoikhoi "Gnou"), come in two species: Black and Blue. They differ in a number of ways but primarily in horn curvature and, not surprisingly, color. The white ones have a low chance of growing old since they are an easier target for predators. This one is probably leucistic?

Habitat:

Mkhaya game reserve, where there is a breeding programme of endangered species in Swaziland. However, there are also some natural predators in the area, such as leopard, hyena and crocodiles.

Notes:

When spotting this, the guide claimed that it was a "Golden Wildebeest" or "White Wildebeest". One thing is for sure, it is one of the following options: White: genetically white due to a recessive gene. Usually a true white; dark stripes, rings or masks usually appear the same color (or diluted) as found in the normal phenotype. The eyes are the normal color. Albino: The coat color will be a creamy white to pale yellow – the color isn't a true white. Dark markings will be expressed as gray or pale tan. Also genetic, pure albinism is due to a lack of melanin and identified by striking red eyes. Leucistic: Leucism is a genetic mutation resulting in defective pigment producing cells. Partially leucistic breeds are common in dogs, cats and horses. http://roarafrica.blogspot.com/2011_10_0...