At Londolozi, we are lucky enough to enjoy a remarkable diversity of wildlife, this includes 10 different antelope species, each occupying their own distinct terrain on the reserve that is perfectly adapted to their grazing or browsing needs. Hopefully, during your time at Londolozi, you will, I’m sure, get the chance to spend some time with each of these animals and gain an understanding, through your ranger of how each species has uniquely adapted to surviving and thriving in the wild.
One of the most impressive characteristics that grab most people’s attention first is the grand horns, ranging from small and straight to towering structures adorned with twists and turns, that mostly the males of each species sport. This is the easiest way to distinguish males from females in each antelope species. However, amid this norm lies a few exceptions: with the wildebeest being a common one. Both male and female wildebeest proudly display horns, blurring the lines between genders and prompting a fundamental question: Why do female wildebeest have horns?
This, as I have found out, is quite a complex topic, and there are only theories out there that researchers have proposed as possible answers. In this blog, we explore some of these theories and the advantages behind this unique trait.
1. Genetic Coding and Natural Selection:
Evolutionary biologists propose that the genetic coding governing horn development in wildebeest may also be linked to the gene for another characteristic. One that may be beneficial for female wildebeest to possess. It could also be linked to broader genetic traits or adaptations that provide other survival advantages.
2. Sexual Selection and Dominance:
Horns are often associated with dominance and sexual selection among males, facilitating competition for mates or establishing hierarchies within herds. For females, possessing horns might similarly convey social status and help with establishing a hierarchy within the herd or aid in securing resources that are needed for nurturing offspring. Through natural selection, it is obvious that male wildebeest have and still do choose to mate with female wildebeest that possess horns.
3. Protective Function:
In the bush an animal’s anti-predator defense mechanism is crucial. The smaller antelope are better off trying to run and hide than trying to confront the predator head-on. This strategy however would be hard for the wildebeest to adopt as it is one of the larger antelopes. Wildebeest are best suited to open grassland terrains; which unfortunately do not offer many good options to conceal a wildebeest. Wildebeest therefore rely on the herd mentality and rather outnumber the threat as a team. The horns on the female wildebeest could play a crucial role in firstly a more formidable appearance to a predator as well as used as protection when fighting a predator off.
A lioness from the Sparta tries an unorthodox tactic and approaches a wildebeest and some impala across the short grass of Carcass Clearing. Not expecting anything to happen, we were amaxzed when she burst into a full charge, kicking up incredible puffs of dust as the herbivores fled for their lives. She didn’t catch anything and soon returned to the pride to spend the day in the shade.
Despite these three probable theories, the definitive reason why female wildebeest have horns remains a mystery. Extensive research and observations have led to valuable insights. So stay tuned for another blog in the future on some of these insights.
The enigma around why though continues to challenge our understanding of evolutionary biology and the complexities of natural selection. One thing is certain: nature does not make mistakes. Every trait, however perplexing, serves as a survival strategy that is required out here in the wild.
Hi Megan, I’m so glad you joined Londolozi to stay with people too and show them the animals lives! Wildebeest are large and possess formidable hooves besides horns, like buffalo and other big antelope (oryx for example). They are often a target, but I see mothers are excellent in protecting their calves, they remind the buffalo with their young ones. This has been observed since long in other species like musk ox. As a consequence, horns do the main part here. Then to compete, if the hierarchy is strictly required, then a female that is stronger and has imposing horns may become the leader and also maybe chosen by male ( in the animal reign it is more common that female choose males anyway). I think that their strong mother instinct along with their tight relationship might be a reason , supported by genetic data….
Thanks for the information Megan. All three are probably in some combination to explain the reason for female horns. My bet is self defense is one of the strongest reasons.
Dear Megan, thanks for that informations, interesting.
It certainly would look odd if the females do not have horns, we are so used to seeing them with horns standing next to the males with horns. Maybe they have horns to be able to protect themselves and their calves from predators.
Great blog on Wildebeest, Megan.
I’ve always thought the wildebeest was a curiously constructed animal anyway, so horns on females don’t seem out of place. If only evolutionary scientists could unlock the mysteries of so many members of the flora and fauna world that are fascinating, but then we’d have nothing to stimulate our curiosity or create our own hypothesis.
Now you’ve got me wondering about all the antelope species. I could count six that I knew of as being local to Londolozi, but I’m still missing four.