Coat color: Wildebeests have a striking black or dark brown coat with contrasting pale undersides and rump. Their shoulders and front legs are often darker, while the face, throat, and chest can be lighter in color.
Horns: Both male and female wildebeests have distinctive horns, but the males generally have more robust and curved horns. The horns start from a broad base at the forehead and extend upwards and outwards, often forming a "V" shape. The horns can be up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) long in some species.
Size and Build: Wildebeests are large animals with powerful builds. They stand about 1.5 to 2 meters (4.9 to 6.6 feet) tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 150 to 250 kilograms (330 to 550 pounds). They have a compact body with relatively short legs and a broad chest.
Facial Features: Wildebeests have elongated, rectangular faces with large, dark eyes and a prominent nose. Their noses have an elongated nasal septum, which helps in regulating their body temperature and enables them to cool down during hot weather conditions.
Body Shape and Marking: Wildebeests have strong, muscular bodies that allow them to be agile runners and jumpers. Their hindquarters are well-developed, giving them the ability to bound and leap high while fleeing predators. They also have distinctive white markings on their faces and buttocks.
Mane: Some species of wildebeests, such as the black wildebeest, have manes that run down the back of the neck and along the spine. These manes are typically erect and provide a majestic appearance to the animals.
Scent Glands: Wildebeests have scent glands located in different areas of the body, including near the eyes and on their legs. These glands secrete scents used for marking territory and communicating with other wildebeests.
In summary, wildebeests are characterized by their striking color patterns, distinctive horns, large size, facial features, scent glands, and overall athletic build, which allows them to navigate the African savannah's challenges.