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wildebeest predators

[36] During courtship, urination and low-stretch are common activities, and the male soon attempts to mount the female. This may be evidence that the animal used to occur in North Africa and was associated with the ancient Egyptians. Few days after birth, babies can run with the rest of the herd. [1] A study of the factors influencing wildebeest populations in the Maasai Mara ecosystem revealed that the populations had undergone a drastic decline of around 80% from about 119,000 individuals in 1977 to around 22,000 twenty years later. Overland migration as a biological process requires large, connected landscapes, which are increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly over the long term, when human demands on the landscape compete. [2], The blue wildebeest is a herbivore, feeding primarily on short grasses. Phosphorus is a crucial element for all life forms, particularly for lactating female bovids. They are also prone to outbreaks of disease, which may also lead to a decline in numbers. They can also spread ticks, lungworms, tapeworms, flies, and paramphistome flukes. [40], The total number of blue wildebeest is estimated to be around 1,550,000. The black wildebeest is native to the southernmost parts of the continent. Homepage links (not deep links) are allowed in the 'Website' field only - if you would like to advertise, please They are also alert to the warning signals emitted by other animals such as baboons. You say that the migration is vital for the health of the ecosystem. Around 90% of the male calves join the bachelor herds before the next mating season. [23] Major human-related factors affecting populations include large-scale deforestation, the drying up of water sources, the expansion of settlements and poaching. Wildebeest and zebra rely on each other. They start walking after just 2-3 minutes after birth and take short period of time to get better and strong. [7] The common name "blue wildebeest" refers to the conspicuous, silvery-blue sheen of the coat,[8] while the alternative name "gnu" originates from the name for these animals used by the Khoikhoi people, a native pastoralist people of southwestern Africa. Most territories are of a temporary nature and fewer than half of the male population hold permanent territories. [58] The silky, flowing tail of the black wildebeest is used to make fly-whisks or chowries. Today, it is extinct in Malawi, but has been successfully reintroduced into Namibia. Fossil records suggest these two species diverged about one million years ago, resulting in a northern and a southern species. Wildebeest females breed seasonally and ovulate spontaneously. C. t. mearnsi (Heller, 1913) [8] Both subspecies possess a creamy white beard, whereas the beard is black in both the Nyassaland wildebeest and the common wildebeest. The herds will hang about in one area during the birthing period and until the calves can stand, thereafter moving northwards in a clockwise direction. [21][22], The diploid number of chromosomes in the wildebeest is 58. [27], Both species of wildebeest are even-toed, horned, greyish-brown ungulates resembling cattle. When grass is scarce, it will also eat the foliage of shrubs and trees. [13] The name Connochaetes was given by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. But we realize that a … This is one of the techniques behind their success in multiplying in numbers amidst high concentration of predators in Serengeti national park. So, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources rates the blue wildebeest as being of least concern. Predators Main predators of wildebeest include lions, spotted hyenas, painted dogs, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Timing of migration is determined by weather conditions, but it usually takes place during the May and June. [36], The blue wildebeest is native to eastern and southern Africa. In one study, blue wildebeest were found to be hosts to 13 species of nematodes, one trematode, larvae of five oestrid flies, three species of lice, seven ixodid tick species, one mite, and the larvae of a tongue worm. Pregnancy lasts 8.5 months and it ends with a single baby. The calving peak period lasts for 2–3 weeks, and in small subpopulations and isolated groups, mortality of calves may be as high as 50%. of Young:     1, rarely 2, The blue wildebeest is also called the brindled gnu. I realized that wildebeest was a keystone. Diseases of domestic cattle such as sleeping sickness can be transmitted to the animals and take their toll. Lifespan Michael Flanders wrote a humorous song called "The Gnu", which was very popular when he performed it, with Donald Swann, in a revue called At the Drop of a Hat, which opened in London on 31 December 1956. Name (required) A wonderful symbiotic relationship exists between zebras and wildebeest, which enables the harmonious grazing and survival of both species. The blue wildebeest which is the most commonly seen in Serengeti national park has stringy-haired chests. Today, it is extinct in Malawi, but has been successfully reintroduced in Namibia. A receptive female holds her tail to one side and stands still while copulation takes place. However, variations existed among different age and sex groups. [20] Fossil evidence suggests that blue wildebeest were quite common in the Cradle of Humankind in the past. Without the natural balance of migration and consumption, the broader Maasai Mara and Serengeti landscape would not look and function as it should. contact us for details and we will be happy to help. lions prefer to target wildebeest calves. Main predators of wildebeest are lions, hyenas, cheetahs and African wild dogs. If you would like to witness one of the most amazing wildlife phenomena on earth, follow the herds across Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara . [13] The differences in social behaviour and habitats have historically prevented interspecific hybridisation, but it may occur when both species are confined within the same area, and the offspring are usually fertile. Winner of ‘Best Travel Blog’ in the Travelmole Web Awards. Calves (babies) are able to walk as soon as they are born. In some hybrid animals, the auditory bullae are highly deformed, and in others, the radius and ulna are fused. Its on record that over 2 million blue wildebeest annually cross the Mara river to the Maasai Mara national reserve. When you read that wildebeest calves learn to run in 2 minutes it does make you wonder how the human race, which takes so long to develop, has not only survived but come to be the dominant species on the planet.

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