Wildebeest Migration | National Geographic

Summary

Each year, the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania witness one of the greatest animal migrations on Earth, with around 2 million wildebeest and other animals traveling nearly 2,000 miles. The migration begins early in the year when the wildebeest gather and give birth. Despite the dangers of predators and the challenges of the trek, the herd pushes forward, with around 200,000 animals dying from exhaustion or disease. They eventually reach Kenya's Masai Mara, where they graze until the November rains signal it's time to return to the Serengeti.

Takeaways

• 🦓 Each year, the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania host one of the largest animal migrations on Earth.
• 🐃 Approximately 2 million animals, including wildebeest and zebras, travel nearly 2,000 miles during this migration.
• 🌍 Fossil evidence suggests wildebeest have grazed the Serengeti for over a million years.
• 👶 At the start of the year, wildebeest gather in the Serengeti and give birth simultaneously, with calves able to run within two days.
• 🌬️ The migration appears to begin without a clear signal—just a few animals start moving, and the rest follow.
• 💀 During the migration, about 200,000 animals die from starvation, disease, or exhaustion, leaving carcasses behind.
• 🏞️ Migrating animals pause at swollen streams to rest and regroup before continuing their arduous journey.
• 🐆 Predators like cats struggle to take down adult wildebeest but may target calves separated from their mothers.
• 🌧️ In Kenya's Masai Mara, the herds find well-watered grazing areas created by rains and stay until November.
• 🔄 By November, short rains signal the animals to regroup and head back south to the Serengeti.

Q & A

What is the Serengeti known for each year?

The Serengeti is known for hosting one of the greatest animal migrations on Earth, involving around 2 million animals.

How far do the migrating animals travel during the migration?

The animals travel almost 2,000 miles during their migration.

What fossil evidence suggests about the history of wildebeest in the Serengeti?

Fossil evidence suggests that modern wildebeest have been grazing the Serengeti plains for over a million years.

When do the wildebeest congregate at the Serengeti, and why?

The wildebeest congregate at the Serengeti at the beginning of each year to give birth, with most calves being born in the same month.

How quickly do wildebeest calves adapt after birth?

Wildebeest calves can run as fast as their mothers within two days of being born.

Is there a known trigger for the migration to begin?

No, there is no discernible signal that triggers the migration. It seems to start when a few wildebeest sense that the time is right to leave.

How many animals are estimated to die during the migration, and why?

Around 200,000 of the weakest wildebeest and zebras die from starvation, disease, or overexertion during the migration.

How do predators like cats hunt during the migration?

Predators like big cats find it difficult to bring down a full-grown wildebeest, but they have a chance if they can separate a calf from its mother.

What attracts the migrating herds to Kenya’s Masai Mara?

The migrating herds arrive at Kenya’s Masai Mara due to the rains, which create a large, well-watered grazing area.

What signals the wildebeest to return southwards towards the Serengeti?

The smell of the short November rains signals the wildebeest to regroup and begin their journey back south towards the Serengeti.