What is wildebeest migration?
What is wildebeest migration?
The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
What is connochaetes Taurinus natural prey?
In general, blue wildebeest rest in groups of a few to thousands at night, with a minimum distance of 1–2 m (3–7 ft) between individuals (though mothers and calves may remain in contact). They are a major prey item for lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, and crocodiles.
Why do wildebeests migrate?
Why do the animals migrate? What the animals are in essence doing is following the rains in search of lush new grass. Taking advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions, the wildebeest are spending the wet season on the plains in the south-east, and the dry season in the woodlands of the north-west.
What is a blue wild beast?
The blue wildebeest is a member of the antelope family, although its heavy build and disproportionately large forequarters make it look more bovine. Blue wildebeests can reach 8 feetin length, stand 4.5 feet tall at the shoulders and weigh up to 600 pounds. Both males and females grow horns.
Where does the wildebeest migration start?
Serengeti
The journey for the key players in the Great Migration, the roughly two million wildebeest, starts in the south of the Serengeti, with the birth of half a million calves between January and March. A favourite season for many of the seasoned Serengeti guides: the air during these months is full of new life and action.
Where is the wildebeest migration now?
The great wildebeest migration, also known as ‘the greatest show on earth is happening right now in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
What do wildebeests do?
Wildebeest will also follow herds of other grazers that eat dry, longer grasses. In addition to grasses, these creatures also eat succulent plants and browse on karoo bushes. They begin grazing soon after sunrise, rest briefly at midday, and continue feeding until sunset. Wildebeest need water almost daily.
Why do wildebeest migrate from Kenya to Tanzania?
The Great Wildebeest Migration – the annual migration of giant herds of grazers across Northern Tanzania and Kenya is a truly spectacular event. Over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture, in a regular pattern.
What do wildebeest use their horns for?
Males use their horns in shoving matches and disputes over territory. Only males with territory have access to breeding females. During the dry season, divisions between groups break down and massive migratory herds form. They follow rain storms in search of sprouting grasses, their preferred food.
What is a herd of wildebeest called?
gnus
Wildebeest is an Afrikaans name that means “wild beast.” Gnu is a derivation of the name used by native Africans. The names are used interchangeably. A gathering of gnus is called a herd.
How do wildebeest know where to migrate?
It is unclear how the wildebeest know which way to go, but it is generally believed that their journey is dictated primarily by their response to the weather; they follow the rains and the growth of new grass.
What is Connochaetes taurinus?
^ Geraci, G. ” Connochaetes taurinus : blue wildebeest”. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 22 January 2014. ^ von Richter, W. (1974). “Connochaetes gnou”.
How did the Connochaetes get its name?
The name Connochaetes was given by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Dutch settlers first discovered wildebeest in about 1700, on their way to the interior of South Africa. Due to their resemblance to wild cattle, these people called them “wild ox” or “wildebeest”.
Is the population density of the Connochaetes taurinus decreasing?
In South Africa, the population density of the Connochaetes taurinus and, mainly, of the Connochaetes gnous is substantially decreasing, due to a bigger interference of the human activity towards the Kenyan and Tanzanian parks.
What kind of animal is a Connochaetes?
It shares the genus Connochaetes with the black wildebeest ( C. gnou ), and is placed in the family Bovidae, ruminant animals with cloven hooves. The generic name Connochaetes derives from the Greek words κόννος, kónnos, “beard”, and χαίτη, khaítē, “flowing hair”, “mane”.