Its habits are very similar to those of the common gnoo, but it is altogether a heavier and duller animal, and still more eccentric and ungainly in its form.
The third species (_Catoblepas taurina_) is the "ko-koon" of the natives.

It approaches nearer to the brindled gnoo in form and habits; but as it is not found except in the more central and less-travelled portions of Africa, less is known about it than either of the others.
It is, however, of the same kind; and the three species, differing widely from any other animals known, are entitled to form a distinct and separate genus.
They have hitherto generally been classed with the antelopes, though for what reason it is hard to tell.

They have far less affinity with the antelope than with the ox; and the everyday observations of the hunter and frontier boor have guided them to a similar conclusion--as their name for these animals (wild-oxen) would imply.

Observation of this class is usually worth far more than the "speculations" of the closet-naturalist.
The gnoo has long been the favourite food of the frontier farmer and hunter.

Its beef is well flavoured, and the veal of a gnoo-calf is quite a delicacy.