Description and Characteristics: The
wildebeest is also know as the gnu, it come under the antelope familyas a
hooved mammal. They have an appearance of features much like a cross between a
cow and a horse.
The Wildebeest is native to Africa and there are 2
species: the Black Wildebeest, or white-tailed gnu and the Blue Wildebeest, or
brindled gnu. Gnus belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes,
cattle, goats, and other even-toed horned ungulates.
Female wildebeest
(cows) are smaller than the male and have both have horns.
Feeding/drinking Habits: The main food source of
wildebeests is grasses. The seasonal nature of the African grasslands forces
wildebeest to migrate. They like to drink daily when water is available, but
can go for a few days without water.
Habitat: Its habitat consists of grassy plains
and open woodlands in southern, central, and eastern Africa. They are
especially prolific in the Serengeti National Park.
Size &
Lifespan Wildebeest grow to 1.15–1.4 metres at the shoulder
and weigh between 150–250 kilograms. Wildebeest can live more than 20
years.
Reproduction: The gestation
period in a female is eight and a half months, producing one offspring. The
calf is able to stand within minutes of the birth. In a few days it is able to
keep up with the herd.
Predators and
Threats: The number of wildebeest has increased steadily over
recent years but human habitation leads to less grasslands which threaten their
long term numbers. The Wildebeests main predators lions and
hyenas.
The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania: The
Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, also known as “The Great
Migration” takes place between
Tanzania's
Serengeti National Park and
Kenya's
Masai Mara and is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet.
Thousands of wildebeest and
zebra’s
migrate between the
Serengeti
and the
Masai
Mara, constantly driven by their search for fresh grazing. The massive
herds are closely followed by predators (lion, hyena and
cheetah), making
the most of every opportunity to catch their next meal.
The precise
timing of the annual wildebeest migration depends on the rains. It is a very
unpredictable and spontaneous natural event, with calving season taking place
in the Serengeti between January and mid-March. The wildebeest migration starts
to head towards the Western Serengeti in May or June. The best time to see the
migration is generally between June and August when the wildebeest congregate
and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River.
If you are in the
Masai
Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July,
but they generally arrive between August & September and remain in the
Masai
Mara between October & November. Between the end of November and
January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration from the
Masai
Mara back towards the
Serengeti.
POPULAR MIGRATION SAFARI
ITINERARIES
Maasai
Mara Lodge Safari 3 days private safari, which can be customised to any
number of days. This short safari to Kenya's most popular wildlife sanctuary is
a great itinerary all year round and is also perfect if you are travelling late
August through to July to afford a good chance of viewing the migration
herds read
more...
The
Great Wildebeest Migration Lodge Safari This 11 day itinerary provides
you with plenty of time to really get a good chance of seeing and photographing
the Annual Migration, if your timing is right. You will revel in all the
wildlife viewing opportunities on the fabled plains of the Serengeti, around
Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Conservation Area read
more...
The
Great Serengeti Migration Trail 10 days: Private Safari: Come and see
the World's Greatest wildlife migration visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater,
Lake Manyara and Tarangire. The best time to visit is December to February and
from May to July. read
more...
Wildebeest (Wild Africa) - by
Melissa Cole, Tom Leeson (Illustrator), Pat Leeson (Illustrator) Examines
the life of the wildebeest, pointing out differences between the two species,
their odd appearance and social nature, and the impact humans have had, and
continue to have, on these African bovids. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - Europe
