The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the grasslands of East Africa in search of fresh grazing and water. This natural phenomenon is driven by seasonal rains and is one of the largest and most impressive wildlife migrations in the world.
Where it happens:
Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve
The migration forms a continuous loop of ~1,000 km annually between Tanzania and Kenya.
When it happens:
January – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (newborn wildebeest are born).
April – May: Wildebeest start moving northwest as the southern grasslands dry up.
June – July: Herds move through central Serengeti.
July – October: The herds reach Maasai Mara in Kenya, crossing rivers like the Mara River, facing predators and crocodiles.
November – December: They return south to the Serengeti for the wet season.
Why it matters:
Ecological importance: The migration maintains grassland health, fertilizes soils, and supports predator populations.
Tourism: Millions of tourists visit each year, making it a key driver for East Africa’s economy.
Conservation: The migration highlights the importance of transboundary conservation between Tanzania and Kenya.
Key Challenges:
Habitat loss due to human activities and agriculture.
Climate change affecting rainfall patterns.
Poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
Fun Fact: The wildebeest river crossings are among the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth, with predators like lions and crocodiles waiting for the opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment