The Migration Drama - excerpt from the E-journal of Menengai Holidays Ltd
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The first herds of Wildebeests have now entered the Mara and stage is set for yet another fascinating wildlife spectacle that earned Mara the honour as the seventh wonder of the world.
It constitutes mass movement of over 1 million wildebeest (gnu) and hundreds of thousands of zebras and other antelopes, especially the Thomson's gazelles in a fascinating ecological rhythm that has made Mara the ultimate safari destination.
They start their long trek from Tanzania's Serengeti Plains in search of food and water. Their journey runs in a clockwise circle and the animals cover a distance of around 1,800 miles. It's a tough journey, and every year an estimated 250,000 wildebeest don't make it.
One of the most spectacular sights of the migration is when the herds gather to cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania and the Mara River from July through September. As the herds cross, crocodiles are lying in wait for any weak and feeble ungulates that can't cope with the strong currents or lose their mothers.
But the river crossings aren't the only spectacle. Just witnessing hundreds of animals on the plains is a sight in itself mostly because they attract hordes of large predators. Lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs stalk the herds offering safari goers awesome experience.
Thirsty Experience
This year's migration across the near dry Mara River has once again reaffirmed the need to conserve ecological processes that sustain our ecosystems; their aesthetics and economic value.
The low water volume in Mara River is ostensibly due to the prolonged drought recorded in East Africa this year. However it's also due to continued destruction of its main catchment in the Mau Forest in Central Rift over which there has been vicious debate without concrete action from the government. We need no other sign of what the country stands to lose should we lose this forest. This has implied less drama and thrill for thousands of safari enthusiasts booked in the Mara this season mainly to watch the migration.
Infact...
- Wildebeest are also called Gnu because of the grunts they make which sound like "gnu" "gnu";
- Wildebeest young are almost all born during a three week period (an estimated 400,000 each year). This overwhelming supply of potential food for predators means more of them survive;
- Wildebeest are born to run. They can run alongside their mothers just minutes after they are born;
- Zebra and wildebeest graze in harmony because each animal prefers a different part of the same grass;
- It is estimated that around 250,000 wildebeest die while on the migration circuit;
- The migration started only in the 1960's.
