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.
The Great
Wildebeest Migration - Lodge Safari 11 days: Private safari giving
you the opportunity to witness the very best of Tanzania. You will revel in all
the wildlife viewing opportunities on the fabled plains of the Serengeti,
around Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Ngorongoro. Spend four nights at the lodge
in Serengeti and spend the days on game drives tracing the direction of the
wildebeests migration. This itinerary can be customised to suit you. Click to
view full itinerary
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.
Click
to view full itinerary
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
