One of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth

The Great Wildebeest Migration 

This is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on the planet. It's a journey that takes place in East Africa, involving over a million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of other animals such as zebras and gazelles. This blog post will delve into the details of this incredible phenomenon, including the locations, types of wildebeest, amazing facts, and their behavior.

 

...a journey of millions! . Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Where Does It Occur

The migration occurs within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which spans the national borders of Tanzania and Kenya. The journey starts in the southern part of Tanzania's Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The animals then move in a clockwise direction, heading north through the Serengeti towards the Masai Mara in Kenya, before returning south near the end of the year.

 

...routes are incredible!. Image Courtesy of Weebly (CC) 

There are two species to see! 

The black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the blue wildebeest or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). The blue wildebeest is the larger of the two species, and the main differences between them are their coloring and the orientation of their horns.

 

Amazing Facts about Wildebeests

1. Massive Migration: More than 1.5 million wildebeests migrate every year. This migration is considered one of the most remarkable spectacles on the planet.

2. Fast Runners: Wildebeest can run as fast as 50mph.

3. Survival Instinct: Wildebeest calves can stand and run within minutes of being born. This is an adaptation to avoid predation from lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and jackals.

4. Long Lifespan: A wildebeest can live for as long as 20 years.

5. Visible from Space: With up to 1,000 animals per km², the great columns of wildebeest can be seen from space.

 

Behavior of Wildebeest

Wildebeest are sociable, territorial animals. They form herds and are often seen interacting with each other. During the migration, male bulls will challenge one another and lock horns over access to females. They are also known for their extensive migrations, moving in large herds across vast distances in search of food and water. Wildebeests often graze in mixed herds with zebras, which gives heightened awareness of potential predators.

Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in person is an experience of a lifetime. 

Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

Plan Your Trip Wisely: The migration is a dynamic event that spans throughout the year in different regions of Tanzania and Kenya. The timing can vary from year to year, so consulting with local experts or tour operators is essential.

• Choose the Right Destination: The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are the primary locations to witness this natural spectacle.
• Best Time to Visit: To witness the most dramatic encounters, plan a visit between the months of June and September. This period coincides with the wildebeest crossing the Mara River.
• Book a Safari: Booking a safari with a reputable tour operator, like Tanzania Joy Tours, can enhance your experience. These tours offer knowledgeable guides, who are passionate about wildlife and conservation, and provide comfortable and safe vehicles, ensuring a worry-free journey.
• Pack the Appropriate Gear: African safaris can involve long hours in the sun, so come prepared with all the essential gear.

...witnessing the migration. Image courtesy of Pixabay

The best time to book accommodation for the Great Wildebeest Migration is as early as possible, ideally up to a year in advance. This is because migration is peak season for camps and lodges in the Mara and the Serengeti.

If you’re hoping to witness the popular river crossings, it’s recommended to have as much time on safari as possible. The lodges and camps are small and fill up very quickly, especially during the river-crossing season.

Moreover, if you’re looking for inter-connecting tents or family suites, it’s best to book as early as possible as there are limited numbers of these available.

 

During the Great Wildebeest Migration, you can see a variety of other animals apart from wildebeest. 

Here are some of them:

1. Zebras: Around 200,000 zebras participate in the migration. Zebras and wildebeest cohabit together since they eat different parts of the same species of vegetation.

2. Gazelles: Several gazelles also join the migration.

3. Predators: The migration attracts a host of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles. These predators follow the herds, taking advantage of the abundance of prey.

4. Birds: Various bird species can also be seen during the migration. These include vultures, which are often seen circling the skies above the migrating herds, waiting to scavenge the remains of any unfortunate animals that didn't survive the journey.

5. Elephants, Giraffes, and Buffalos: While these animals do not participate in the migration, they can be seen in the Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves where the migration takes place.

Wildebeest face several challenges during their migration. 

Here are some of them:

.....predation on land or in water is common

1. Predation: Wildebeest are prey to several predators including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and leopards. One of the most hazardous moments comes when the herd must swim across the Mara River, where crocodiles position themselves nearby, picking off the animals as they flail in the water.

2. Environmental Factors: The wildebeest migration is a treacherous trip. An estimated 3 percent of the herd can't survive the clockwise circuit, whether due to predation, exhaustion, or natural elements. Over the past three years, the Mara River has been running dangerously high, in part because of deforestation in the watershed.

3. Human Activities: With human populations booming in East Africa, some scientists have expressed concern that the pressures of development, deforestation, and poaching could challenge the wildebeest. Artificial barriers such as roads and fences also pose a threat.

4. Climate Change: Some experts fear that climate change could pose a significant threat to the wildebeest migration.

5. Loss of Migration Routes: Researchers have found extreme declines in the numbers of migrating wildebeest and loss of most migration routes in Kenya and Tanzania.

These challenges highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect the wildebeest and their migration routes. However, it’s noteworthy that wildebeest have developed several adaptations to overcome the challenges. These adaptations have allowed wildebeest to survive and thrive despite the numerous challenges they face during their annual migration. These include:

1. Sensing Rainfall: Wildebeest possess a unique ability to sense rainfall and detect lush grass from long distances. This uncanny intuition enables them to navigate the ever-changing landscape for greener pastures.

2. Group Strategy: It is believed that due to the repetition of the same cycle of migrations for thousands of years, the wildebeests developed an intelligence mechanism of systematically identifying, exploring, and overcoming all the obstacles encountered on their way as a single group rather than on individual bases.

3. Robust and Sturdy: Wildebeests, or gnus, are robust and sturdy animals well-suited for endurance.

4. Increased Access to Food: By moving among seasonal areas, migratory wildebeest increase their access to food and therefore avoid being regulated by its availability at the local scale.

5. Natural Rotational Grazing System: The natural rotational grazing system inherent in the annual migration facilitates compensatory growth in the grasses.

6. Order and Timing of Migration: Wildebeest follow a specific order and timing during their migration. This is influenced by factors such as fire and rain.

Contributing to wildebeest conservation is a noble cause.

 Here are some ways one can help:

....conservation is noble cause. Image courtesy of pixabay

1. Support Conservation Organizations: Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and Smithsonian's National Zoo are working to ensure the survival of wildebeest. They engage with communities, provide resources for sustainable agricultural growth, and work with governments to propose solutions to habitat fragmentation.

2. Participate in Research: Some organizations use GPS collars to study the movements of wildebeest across East Africa's grassland savannas. By understanding how wildebeest are impacted by changes to the landscape, they can prioritize areas for conservation.

3. Promote Sustainable Tourism: When visiting the Serengeti or Masai Mara, choose eco-friendly lodges and tour operators that support local conservation efforts.

4. Raise Awareness: Share information about the wildebeest migration and its importance to the ecosystem. This can help garner support for conservation initiatives.

5. Support Local Communities: Community involvement plays a crucial role in successful conservation initiatives. Support local communities that live alongside wildlife and are involved in conservation efforts.

 

...attaining sustainable ecosystem. Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Did you know that several other animals exhibit similar migration patterns to the wildebeest. These migrations, like the wildebeest's, are driven by a variety of factors, including changes in the availability of food, breeding requirements, and climatic changes. Here are a few examples:

1. Monarch Butterflies: Known for their striking orange and black wings, these migratory animals undertake an astonishing long-distance journey each year, covering thousands of miles. They travel from North America to central Mexico, a journey that spans multiple generations of butterflies.

2. Arctic Terns: These seabirds travel an awe-inspiring 25,000 miles annually from their Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back. This extensive migratory route ensures they experience two summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on Earth.

3. Humpback Whales: These ocean giants travel up to 5,000 miles annually, moving between their feeding grounds in polar waters and breeding grounds in tropical or subtropical seas.

4. Caribou: In the Arctic region of Alaska and Canada, Caribou undertake significant migrations, often traveling thousands of miles between their winter and summer habitats.

5. Burchell’s Zebras: In Africa, Burchell’s zebras undertake a long-distance migration that is similar to the wildebeest migration.

6. Atlantic Sturgeon and Atlantic Salmon: These fish move from the ocean into freshwater rivers to spawn.

7. Emperor Penguins: Instead of long-distance travel, these Arctic inhabitants undertake a remarkable journey on foot and belly-sliding across the ice.

Important things to remember:

The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round journey, and the popular river crossings cannot be predicted. Therefore, planning your trip with flexibility in mind can enhance your experience.

The exact animals you'll see can depend on many factors, including the time of year and the specific location within the migration route.

Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is not just about the animals, it’s also about understanding the ecosystem and contributing to sustainable tourism practices.

In conclusion, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a testament to the wonders of nature. It's a spectacle that showcases the resilience and strength of these incredible creatures as they undertake a perilous journey in search of greener pastures. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the marvels of the natural world, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a phenomenon that truly deserves our admiration and respect.