A Bird's Eye View: The Great Migration

Catch a glimpse of Africa's wildlife in person, and you will be touched by magic. Witness the Serengeti's Great Migration from above, and it will take your breath away. The Great Migration The Great Migration refers to the annual cyclical movement of the Serengeti's wildebeest. Wildebeest spend the rainy season (December - June) wandering and grazing in the plains below Ngorongoro Crater, slowly gathering into a large herd. The wildebeest all have their calves here - believe it or not, during a three week period.

Then, in June, when the rains have stopped and grassy plains dry up, the wildebeest begin migrating west, towards Lake Victoria, in search of water and food. From there, the wildebeest head north into the Maasai Mara where the rift wall helps capture rains, even in the driest of seasons. As the monsoon rains begin to fall, the wildebeest head back to the Serengeti to graze on its lush, nutrient-rich grasses.

Although it may seem, by description, like a phased migration, the wildebeest are actually always on the move, day and night, traveling 500-1000 miles (800 - 1600 km) each year. At times, the wildebeest travel in a long line in a slow gallop. But, when necessary, the wildebeest can run fast. Fast or slow, the movement of a million wildebeest is noisy, with the galloping of hooves sounding a bit like thunder.

Wildebeest females give birth in the middle of the herd, usually in synchronization with other females in the herd. In fact, about 80-90 percent of the females calve within the same 2-3 week period. A calf can stand and run within minutes of birth. Within days, it can run fast enough to keep up with the adult herd.

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Article by Valerie Deveraux
Photographs by $PLAYER

As many as a quarter of a million zebra join the wildebeest in their annual migration. Zebra have excellent hearing and vision and often warn wildebeest of predators.

Rising columns of warm air create dust devils on the dry plains.

Survival of the Fittest The Great Migration is no easy journey for the wildebeest. In fact, it is rare for a wildebeest to die of old age since so many threats face a wildebeest in their annual migration. Predators are, of course, one of the biggest threats to wildebeest during their migration. Thousands of predators including lions, cheetah, hyena, and hunting dogs lurk in the sidelines, hoping to snag a passing wildebeest for their next meal.

One of the most dangerous parts of the wildebeest migration is the crossing of waterways, including the Mara River. Although nothing deters the wildebeest from crossing once they feel the urge, wildebeest often hover along the shore waiting for the perfect time to cross. When the perfect crossing time arrives, the wildebeest plunge into the water - some hurling themselves off cliffs. Occasionally lives are lost to the hungry crocodiles that line the river. Others are lost either from drowning or being trampled by others. Thousands of wildebeest die in the river and on its banks, attracting vultures in search of their next meal.

The Serengeti's Renewal

While the Great Migration is a great spectacle to watch, it also plays a critical role in the Serengeti's ecosystem. The grazing of the million or more wildebeest encourages re-growth of grasses that are critical food for not only the wildebeest, but other grazers in the Serengeti, including elephants, gazelle, and zebra. At the same time, wildebeest (as a group) drop more than 400 tons (350,000 kg) of dung each day, helping fertilize the grasslands. As the wildebeest move, they trample taller grasses and small trees, reducing the risk of devastating quick-spreading fires. And, as harsh as it is, the weak, sick and unlucky wildebeest provide necessary food for predators throughout the Serengeti.

Bursting Beyond Boundaries

A bird's eye view of the annual wildebeest migration is a powerful reminder of the will of the wild. As they travel in search of food and water, wildebeest don't stop at a park or reserve's boundaries. They keep moving towards their quest. Here lies one of the greatest conservation challenges. How do we let wildlife continue to roam while coexisting with humans?

The answer is a work in progress - the focus of the world's leading biologists and conservation groups. The challenge becomes even greater as the human population continues to grow, forcing humans to encroach on wilderness, resulting in habitat loss and an increase in human-wildlife conflict. And, yet, the two, wildlife and humans, are so dependent on each other. For many Africans, the continent's extraordinary wildlife, a huge tourist attraction, holds the key to their livelihood.

Although many of the Serengeti's creatures have suffered over the years from disease, drought, poaching and hunting, the wildebeest have, in large part, thrived. Archaeologists have, in fact, discovered fossils in Olduvai Gorge that indicate that wildebeest have roamed this part of the world for many thousands of years. Perhaps these peculiar creatures should serve as the inspiration for generations to come.

Crocodiles are at home in or near water. They appear like logs when floating or washed up on shore. Crocodiles can hold their breath underwater for more than an hour. But, watch out! Crocodiles can swim up to 20 miles per hour (32 kph) and run as quickly as 11 miles per hour (18 kph)!

Vultures feed only on carrion, focusing on the soft flesh and intestines.

Camps, like this one, provide a low-impact base of operations for ecologists or tourists studying the Serengeti wildlife.

For more information, visit: Serengeti Migration - The Greatest Show on Earth Serengeti National Park - Great Migration Map of the Serengeti Migration
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