Basic behavior:


- Blue wildebeest are bulk feeders and feed on a wide variety of grasses, but mainly go for short green grasses. They squared muzzle is specifically adapted to a lifestyle of constant grazing. The Serengeti herds are the biggest in existence today, therefore, large densities of wildebeests can during favorable times create their own types of pastures by grazing it constantly. Being this specialized means and having to drink daily requires wildebeests to constantly be on the move if their water or food supply runs out. The sight of rainfall in the distance may trigger loners and herds to travel to that area because it confirms the availability of food in that location. Wildebeests manage their time between grazing, resting, and socializing during a whole day cycle, being more active during the morning and evening, and resting in the afternoon. Resting is predominant during the hottest hours of the hottest days and also during night time, with the presence of grazing during short periods and limited movements during night time.

- Blue wildebeest can live in large or small-sized herds, depending on whether they are a migratory population or a resident one. These herds are generally leaderless, and generally only need to have one or two members starting to move to have the rest following behind. These antelopes exhibit three different types of herding structures:

1. Resident herds are composed of a few females and their calves below a year old. These herds generally don't migrate and prefer to stay in a defined home range, while herding with other resident herds, bachelor groups and territorial bulls as long as food and water are plentiful in it. This dynamic of resident herds, therefore, loosens when resources are plentiful and makes calves around 8 months join up subgroups in these large aggregations.

2. Migratory herds represent almost 90% of the entire population in the Serengeti NP,  where food and water is most plentiful, they migrate towards it and stay as long as they can before going back on the move. Because of their large density, these herds usually cannot stay in the same area for more than a few hours, since all resources are being eaten away, so they must move constantly. These herds exhibit all genders and have a very loose social structure exchanging their members amongst other migratory herds and the only real lasting bond between two individuals is between mother and calf. (Migratory routes are mentioned down below, also to be considered a migratory herd, the numbers of wildebeest must exceed 25)

3. Bachelor herds are generally young or non-territorial bulls joining together in a herd. After being pushed out by their natal resident herds, the males look for company for their remaining young years and become very active, and playful.

- The rutting season for all wildebeest usually happens at the start of the dry season when adult males are in peak condition to fight, the calving season on the other hand happens in the middle of the wet season. Amazingly 80 % to 90% of all calves are born in 3 week period, having some exceptions of females falling in estrus before the rut.

- When a predator is spotted or after a chase, Wildebeests will stare directly at the predator to make sure it doesn't try to take it or it's herd by surprise, some individuals may proceed and follow the predator close by to make sure it doesn't try and hunt again. If the chase was failed the animals will readily follow the predator for a reasonable period at a good distance in order to make sure it leaves. When taken by surprise by Lions, groups of hyenas, Leopards, packs of Painted wolves, and Cheetahs, Wildebeests will run away, though it has been noted that adult bull wildebeests can sometimes turn back and face a lioness if they are being targetted or charge at lone hyenas getting too close to the herd. If they survive the chase they will again turn back and stare at the threat. These antelopes do not protect each other from threats. (Remember that if the predator fails it's a hunt you don't need to stay miles away from it, and can get close to it). Other predators such as jackals, Caracals, and servals are generally ignored or chased off if they come too close to an individual wildebeest that decides they are entering its personal space.

- Blue Wildebeests are very tolerant of other animal species, such as zebras, topis, ostriches, warthogs ... etc. As long as they don't invade personal space the wildebeest will not show signs of aggression, however, if the animal invading it is bigger it will evidently back off.