Wildebeest migration is one of the most popular savannah wildlife habitat activities that attracts a lot of revelers in Kenya and Tanzania. This migration happens two times in a year and even if one catches just one of the two, they will be delighted this happened to them in their lifetime.
Well since the wildebeest migration is that popular, in this article we want to break down some of the facts about the wildebeest the give you this much celebrated spectacle. The wildebeest is a large dark African antelope with a long head, beard and mane. It also has a sloping back.
The wildebeest’s scientific name is Connochaetes taurinus from the Bovidae family genus Connochaetes. It measures between 1.5-2.5 meters (4.9-8.2 feet) in length and weighs between 150-300 kg (330-660 pounds). It has a distinctive blue-gray coat with black stripes; and both male and female wildebeest have horns.
The Wildebeest inhabit grasslands, savannas, and open plains. And are found in eastern and southern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. The Wildebeest are known for their annual migration, which can involve up to 1.5 million individuals.
Wildebeest are herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits. They are grazers and can spend up to 12 hours per day eating. Wildebeest live in large herds, typically led by a dominant male. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including grunts, snorts, and bleats.
The wildebeest breed throughout the year, but the mating season peaks during the wet season. The gestation period for wildebeest is approximately 8-9 months, giving birth to a single calf, which weighs around 15-20 kg (33-44 pounds) at birth. Wildebeest can live up to 15-20 years in the wild.
Wildebeest are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They are also threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
Wildebeest are protected in several national parks and protected areas, including the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Several conservation organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the African Wildlife Foundation, are working to protect wildebeest and their habitats.
The Wildebeest are part of the Great Migration, which involves the movement of up to 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles between Tanzania and Kenya. The wildebeest migration route spans over 1,000 km (620 miles) and takes around 6-8 months to complete. The great migration patterns are influenced by rainfall, food availability, and predator avoidance.
The Wildebeest have several predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. They are sometimes in conflict with humans, particularly when they encroach on agricultural land or compete with livestock for grazing. These animals are vulnerable to poaching, particularly for their meat and hides.
Interesting Facts about the wildebeest you should know include: –
- The name “wildebeest” comes from the Afrikaans language and means “wild beast”
- The wildebeest can run at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
- The wildebeest are excellent jumpers and can leap over 2 meters (6.6 feet) high.
- Almost half of their population is killed during the great migration
- Wildebeest require large areas of grasslands and savannas to graze.
- Wildebeest require access to clean water for drinking and bathing.
- Wildebeest can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F).
You can see the wildebeest in Kenya and Tanzania whole year round and the great usually migration happens between the months of October to July, but of course the peak migration you have to consult your tour operator to let you know, when that is.
