Wildebeest hunting in Namibia

Of the two Wildebeest species, the only indigenous species to Namibia is the Blue Wildebeest and the only subspecies that occurs in the country is the Southern Blue Wildebeest also known as the Typical Blue Wildebeest, Brindled Gnu or Black Tailed Wildebeest. Blue Wildebeest occur countrywide except for the very arid southern and western regions of the country. Blue Wildebeest are difficult to bring down with a single shot and for this reason known as a "Poor Man's Buffalo. In some ways they are similar to Buffalo having a similar horn shape. However they stand high on their powerful shoulders, have a long black mane and a beautiful long black tail sought after by sangomas (Zulu medicine men) and used as a fly swish. Golden Wildebeest, a colour variant of the Blue Wildebeest have been introduced to Namibia from South Africa. The very different looking Black Wildebeest was introduced to Namibia some years ago and is now well established on many game ranches in the country. Both species are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and no special hunting permits are required.