The brindled gnu, or blue wildebeest is reasonably abundant over much of Central, East and Southeastern Africa.

The wildebeest produces 9/10th of the calf during the 3 weeks early in the rainy season. Each calf follows and depends only on its mother for survival. 

Wildebeest have a gestation period of between 8 to 8.5 months. They usually produce young once a year, usually during the calving season.

Gnu live in herds, often of large size, and stay close to water sources. When disturbed they dash away for short distances and then turn around to gaze at whatever has frightened them. In flight, they toss their heads, prance, and, and throw up their heels in a wild, erratic manner.

A loud mooing sound is common between the mother and calf. The western wildebeest produces a continuous croaking sound. 

They also produce grunting sounds while cavorting during aggression.

The wildebeest, which stands higher at the shoulder than at the rump, attains a shoulder height of 1-1.3 metres (3-4 feet).

The Southern African form, the white-tailed gnu, or black wildebeest (C.gnou), is dark brown with long black tufts on the snout, chin, throat, and chest, and it has a black mane and flowing white tail. The horns, present in both sexes, grow forward and downward, turning up at the tips.

The brindled gnu, or blue wildebeest (C.taurinus) is silvery gray with dark vertical bands on the sides and has a black mane, tail, and face; whitish cheeks; and a tuft of dark hair on chin and throat. The horns, also present in both sexes, spread sideways and turn up at the tips.