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Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou)
Also called the "white-tailed gnu" in English. These are the true clowns of the plains often seen cavorting around to the extent that it may distract the hunter. found only in South Africa and nowhere else, and naturally occur only south of the Vaal river.
It gets its alternative common name of ‘white-tailed gnu’ from its white tail and from the male’s ‘ge-nu’ call (which it shares with the blue wildebeest). Both male and female black wildebeest have horns but those of the male are larger and are expanded at the base.
Unlike the blue wildebeest, the black wildebeest does not undertake long migrations.
The black wildebeest was nearly exterminated in the 19th century due to its good meat, but now there are healthy populations around.
Being an open plains animal living in small herds getting close enough for a perfect heart shot is always a challenge. The hunter must consciously prevent placement of his shot above the one-third line from the bottom of the breast bone. Shots are rarely under 200 yards. Bullets certainly not lighter than 160 gr and of good construction is the hunter's best choice, so a .308W / 30-06 / 7x57 / 7x64 / 7mm Rem Mag (the latter with the heaviest bullets to keep impact velocity low), are the popular choices.