The wildebeest gather in large numbers below the Ngorongoro Crater on the Serengeti at the beginning of the year. The land is nourished during the rainy season from November to December, which causes short grasses to sprout up. These shorter grasses are healthier for the wildebeest as they contain higher levels of protein, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. Since female wildebeest give birth at the beginning of the year, they especially benefit from the nutrient-rich food. The grasses usually last during a brief dry spell from January to March, and then the rains pick up in the spring. During this time, the wildebeest follow the rains and the flourishing grass southwest.
However, when the dry season sets in starting in June, the grasses on the eastern Serengeti die. The wildebeest then head north as taller grasses in the northwestern portion of the Serengeti don’t have the same nutritional quality as those in the southeast, but they’re better than no grass at all. From June to October, the herds of wildebeest trek north into Kenya, curving back down south when the rainy season approaches again in November. Once they return to the southeast, the plain is lush with the desirable short grasses, and the cycle begins again.
The wildebeest are anatomically well-suited for the migratory life. They have special flaps in their nostrils to block dust kicked up by the herds. If they feel threatened by a predator along the way, wildebeests are nimble on their feet, able to gallop in short bursts as fast as 40 miles per hour. Their high-set shoulders and lower hindquarters allow them to run for extended periods of time at a steady pace. Even their calves are specially equipped for survival, as they can learn to walk and run on their spindly legs in as little as four minutes after birth.
Unfortunately, the numbers of wildebeest in Africa have declined in recent years. The population in the Serengeti has remained the most stable, but the expansion of farmland threatens their livelihood. Human encroachment in wildebeest migration grounds led to the extermination of a herd in Botswana in 1983. The government there erected a fence that inadvertently blocked the herd’s escape from a dry, grassless area, killing 65,000 head of wildebeest. Fortunately, much of the land in the Serengeti is federally protected from poaching and settlement. Otherwise, the African wildebeest’s circle of life might be stamped out.
For more information on wildebeest, readers can refer to the related HowStuffWorks articles on Gnu, How Animal Migration Works, How Evolution Works, How Animal Camouflage Works, How Butterflies Work, Are frogs on the brink of extinction?, and How did the bald eagle get delisted as an endangered species? They can also check out the National Geographic: Wildebeest and African Wildlife Foundation: Wildebeest websites.
The sources listed include articles and books about the Serengeti ecosystem and its wildlife, including wildebeests. One article from National Geographic News reports on a mass drowning of 10,000 wildebeests, while another from Natural History Magazine discusses the relationship between wildebeests and fences. The New York Times article explores the endangerment of migration for wildlife, while the book “Serengeti II” provides a comprehensive look at the ecosystem. “Africa Overland” is a travel book that includes information on the Serengeti, and finally, “Water, Migration and the Serengeti Ecosystem” is an article from American Scientist.
FAQ
1. What is wildebeest migration?
Wildebeest migration is an annual movement of wildebeests between Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing pastures.
2. How long does wildebeest migration last?
Wildebeest migration lasts for approximately 9 months, starting from January and ending in September.
3. Why do wildebeests migrate?
Wildebeests migrate in search of fresh grazing pastures and water. They follow the rains and go where the grass is greenest.
4. Why do wildebeests migrate in a circle?
Wildebeests migrate in a circle to follow the rains and fresh grass. They start from Tanzania, move to Kenya, and then turn back to Tanzania. This circular movement ensures that they always have fresh grazing pastures.
5. How many wildebeests migrate each year?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeests migrate each year, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles.
6. What are the dangers faced by wildebeests during migration?
Wildebeests face many dangers during migration, including crocodile-infested rivers, predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, and exhaustion due to the long journey.
7. How do wildebeests navigate during migration?
Wildebeests navigate during migration using their sense of sight, smell, and memory. They follow the animals in front of them and use their sense of smell to locate water sources.
8. How does wildebeest migration affect the ecosystem?
Wildebeest migration is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps to maintain the balance between grazing and predators. It also helps to fertilize the soil and spread seeds, which encourages new growth.
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