Connochaetes gnou; Print; The black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu (Connochaetes gnou) is one of the two closely related wildebeest species. It is a member of the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae. It was first described in 1780 by Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann. The black wildebeest is typically 170-220 cm (67-87 in) in head-and-body length; and the typical weight is 110-180 kg (240-400 lb). Males stand about 111-121 cm (44-48 in) at the shoulder; while the height of the females is 106-116 cm (42-46 in). The black wildebeest is characterised by its white; long; horse-like tail. It also has a dark brown to black coat and long; dark-coloured hair between its forelegs and under its belly.; 1710-1792