Wildebeests live in large herds that can number in the thousands. These herds are typically composed of females and their young, with males only joining during the mating season. Herds are led by a dominant male, who is responsible for defending the herd from predators and competing males.
Migration
Wildebeests are known for their annual migrations, which are one of the largest and most impressive migrations in the world. During the dry season, wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This migration covers a distance of over 1,000 miles and involves over 1.5 million animals.
Feeding
Wildebeests are grazers and feed primarily on grasses. They use their long tongues to strip the leaves from the stems of grass. Wildebeests are also known to eat leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Reproduction
Wildebeests typically give birth to one calf per year. The calves are born during the rainy season and are weaned after about 6 months. Wildebeests reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age.
Predators
Wildebeests are preyed upon by a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles. Wildebeests use a variety of strategies to avoid predators, such as living in large herds, staying vigilant, and running away when threatened.
Communication
Wildebeests communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations and body language. They use low-pitched grunts to communicate with members of their herd and high-pitched bleats to communicate with other herds. Wildebeests also use body language to communicate, such as stomping their feet, shaking their heads, and arching their backs.