Facts about Wildebeests



Wildebeest, also known as gnu, are large muscular antelopes that weigh 120-300kg. They have a large head, a robust muzzle and impressive horns that grow upwards and curve inwards. Their short hair is grey to dark brown in color and they also have black manes, tails and faces. They can live to around 20 years of age.

Wildebeest form small herds made up primarily of females and calves. Young males form small bachelor groups or at around 4-5 years old attempt to establish territories on their own. These territories are seldom held for long as wildebeest are engaged in a migratory cycle that keeps them on the move. During the dry season, smaller herds merge to form one of the great spectacles of the natural world, often dubbed the Great Migration. Over a million wildebeest plus half as many zebra and gazelle follow the rains northward from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara, and back again in October.


The single greatest hurdle to the animals during this journey is the Mara River. Crossing points form bottlenecks in which thousands of animals perish through trampling or drowning. Not surprisingly, hyenas, lions, leopards, crocodiles and even cheetahs capitalise on this glut of fresh meat.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Facts about Kirk's Dik Dik

Image
Physical Characteristics Kirk's dikdiks are tiny antelopes that exhibit in shades of color depending on habitat—the drier semidesert areas usually have paler individuals. Dikdiks have large dark eyes surrounded by a white ring. A black spot below the inside corner of each eye contains a preorbital gland that produces a dark sticky secretion. Dikdiks insert grass stems and twigs into the gland to scent-mark their territories. To prevent overheating while minimizing need for water, the dikdik has evolved a particular cooling mechanism. Their elongated snouts have bellows-like muscles by which blood is pumped. Airflow and subsequent evaporation cools this blood before it is recirculated to the body. However, this panting is only implemented in extreme conditions—dikdiks can tolerate temperatures of up to 104° Fahrenheit. Habitat Dikdiks live in various habitats with good cover and plentiful browse, but without tall herbage. They are known to move to different range...
Read more

WIZARA YA MALIASILI NA UTALII: VIONGOZI WAPYA WA IDARA YA IDARA YA WANYAMAPORI

Image
   Prof. Alexander Nyangero Songorwa Mkurugenzi wa Wanyamapori.   Prof.Jafari Ramadhani Kideghesho, Mkurugenzi Msaidizi, Matumizi Endelevu ya Wanyamapori Profesa Alexander Nyangero Songorwa ameteuliwa kuwa Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Wanyamapori (Wildlife Division ) kuziba nafasi iliyokuwa wazi. Kabla ya kuteuliwa Profesa Nyangoro alikuwa Profesa Mshiriki katika Usimamizi wa Wanyamapori, Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine cha Kilimo (SUA), Morogoro. Pia ndiye aliyekuwa Mkuu wa Idara hiyo ya Usimamizi wa Wanyamapori SUA. Wakati huohuo, Profesa Jafari Ramadhani Kideghesho ameteuliwa kuwa Mkurugenzi Msaidizi, kuiongoza Sehemu ya Matumizi Endelevu ya Wanyamapori (Sustainable Utilisation of Wildlife Section). Kabla ya uteuzi huo Profesa Ramadhani alikuwa Profesa Mshiriki katika Usimamizi wa Wanyamapori katika Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine cha Kilimo (SUA), Morogoro. Uteuzi huo umetekelezwa na Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Maliasili na Utalii Bibi Maimuna Tarishi k...
Read more

Precision Air Tanzania becomes the first airline to operate ATR42-600 Globally

Image
Tanzanian carrier Precision Air Services has today taken delivery of the first ATR 42-600 to go into scheduled commercial service. It is also airline’s first brand new -600 series aircraft out of 5 (4 ATR 42-600s and 1 ATR 72-600) ordered in December 2011. The official ceremony which took place earlier today at the ATR Delivery Center in Toulouse, France, was attended by Alfonse Kioko, CEO of Precision Air Services and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO. The introduction of these new series airplanes will increase its ATR fleet to 14 aircraft thus making Precision Air Services the largest ATR operator in Africa. The carrier is keen to further develop its regional network, adding new routes and frequencies to its domestic and regional markets. This fleet expansion will allow the airline to offer its passengers the advantages and comfort of the new ATR -600 series ‘Armonia’ cabin. The aircraft's first commercial flight should take place upon its arrival in Dar...
Read more