Organism
Blue Wildebeest
TL;DR
Two million wildebeest circle the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem annually, walking 800 miles per year following the rains.
Two million wildebeest circle the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem annually, walking 800 miles per year following the rains. The migration exemplifies optimal resource-tracking: 12.5% die migrating (250,000 annually) vs estimated 60% mortality if sedentary during dry season. No wildebeest completes the loop in a single year - most die before one full circuit (average lifespan 15-20 years, ~30 migrations).
Notable Traits of Blue Wildebeest
- 800 miles annual migration following rains
- 250,000 die annually (12.5% mortality)
- Synchronized calving: 500,000 calves in 2-3 week window
- Calves walk within 10 minutes of birth
- Follow 10-15% protein grass corridors