Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration: A Natural Wonder to Behold
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world. It is a massive annual movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem in East Africa. The migration is driven by the search for food and water and is a continuous cycle that repeats every year.
The Serengeti great migration covers an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers, spanning across Tanzania and Kenya. It involves the movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles. The migration is a critical part of the Serengeti ecosystem as it helps to maintain the balance between predators and prey.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round event that can be divided into three main phases. These phases are the calving season, the rutting season, and the migration season. During the calving season, which takes place between January and February, the wildebeest give birth to their young in the southern Serengeti. This is a critical time for the wildebeest as they need to give birth to their young before the migration begins.
The rutting season takes place between May and June when the wildebeest mate and compete for mates. This is a time when the wildebeest can be seen engaging in fierce battles, with the males using their horns to fight for dominance. The migration season starts in July and lasts until October when the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move northwards in search of food and water.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a complex and fascinating event that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty and power of nature and to learn more about the Serengeti ecosystem.
Timeline of the Migration
The Serengeti great wildebeest migration is a natural phenomenon that takes place every year. The migration is a circular movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya. The migration is driven by the search for food and water, and it is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
The migration is a year-round event, but the most spectacular part of the migration happens between the months of July and October. During this time, the wildebeest and other herbivores move from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The migration is triggered by the onset of the dry season in the Serengeti, which makes it difficult for the animals to find food and water.
In December, the wildebeest start to move back to the southern Serengeti, where the rains have started and the grass is lush. The wildebeest give birth to their young in February, and by March, the young calves are strong enough to join the rest of the herd. The wildebeest continue to graze in the southern Serengeti until May when they start to move towards the western and northern Serengeti.
In June, the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River and move towards the Mara River, which they cross in July and August. The crossing of the Mara River is one of the most dramatic and dangerous parts of the migration, as the wildebeest have to avoid crocodiles and other predators. In September and October, the wildebeest start to move back to the southern Serengeti, completing the circle of the migration.
Overall, the Serengeti great wildebeest migration is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The migration is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature, and it is a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s ecosystems.
