The “Great Migration” is a very common term referring to the largest and the longest mammal migration on Earth. The Great Migration contains over 2 million animals, including, zebras, antelope such as impala, eland, and Thompson’s gazelles, also wildebeests. The migration moves in a clockwise direction through the Serengeti National Park in search of greener pastures and water.

There are fascinating facts about migration as shown below:

BIG CATS SPOTTING OPPORTUNITY :

During the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes through the Serengeti, there is enough meat to support the largest number of lions on the African continent. More than 3,000 lions live in the Serengeti ecosystem today, hence one on a safari on the Great Migration you will be able to easily spot the African predators.

SURVIVAL FOR THE FITTEST :

Because of the vast number of large herbivores in one area, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and crocodiles make their way to the waterside as the herds cross rivers or pause to drink. But it’s not just predation that kills wildebeest, zebra, and antelope; thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and drowning are other big factors. Hence, for an animal to make it through, banding together increases its rates of Survival. A careful study of this behavior each year has shown that the herd has a swarm intelligence, allowing it to solve problems or overcome obstacles.

CALVING SEASON WONDERS :

Most wildebeest calves are born during the beginning of the annual migration cycle in mid-February when 8,000 calves are being born every day for approximately three weeks in the Southern Serengeti. Their ability to walk as soon as they are born means they can keep up with the herd!

THE MIGRATION COMPANIONS NEVER FIGHT FOR FOOD :

The migration occurs since these animals follow the rains to find the best grass. And though zebra and wildebeest migrate together, they can graze in harmony since they each eat different parts of the same kind of grass.

THE “GREAT MIGRATION” IS THE LARGEST AND LONGEST OVERLAND MIGRATION ON EARTH :

As well as being the world’s largest overland migration, the Great Migration is also the longest. During each cycle, the herds travel more than 500 miles (800 km).

GREAT MIGRATION IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK :

While we enjoy the sheer size and majesty of this mega herd of various species traveling across Tanzania, we must remember that it would not be possible without the Serengeti National Park. For thousands of years, the huge Serengeti ecosystem has remained untouched. It’s a completely healthy, functioning ecosystem with the supplies to support such a vast number of gigantic creatures.

HERDS DO NOT FOLLOW A SPECIFIC TRAIL :

During their journey across the Serengeti, wildebeest break off from large herds, because they do not have a natural leader. Usually, the Great Migration is seen as one large herd surrounded by several smaller ones. Maps of the migration usually show the path of the mega-herd, but if the smaller herds are included then the migration can sometimes cover half of the Serengeti.

CIRCLE OF LIFE :

Every year, 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra die during the migration, among the causes are thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and crushes and drownings in stampedes of nervous animals. Many carnivores also participate in the Great Migration, including lions, hyenas, African wild dogs, cheetah, leopards, and crocodiles. The migration also boasts of the largest mammal birth rate per day where over 3000 calves are born in a day.

These are among a few reasons why you should be adding Tanzania to your bucket list for an epic “Great Migration Adventure”

Hope you liked the content – 8 Fascinating Facts to Know About the Great Wildebeest Migration by Safarihub experts.

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