Wildebeests found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area belong to the Bovidae family, which also includes cattle. A group of wildebeests is called a herd, just like cattle. Female wildebeests are usually slightly brighter in color than the males. Wildebeests have long hair along their backs and shoulders, which helps protect them from weather and insects.
The name wildebeest comes from the words “wild beast,” a term first used by Dutch settlers in southern Africa. There are two main types of wildebeests. The western white bearded wildebeest is found in the Serengeti-Mara region. The eastern white bearded wildebeest is found around the Gregory Rift. The wildebeests in Ngorongoro belong to the eastern white bearded group.
Wildebeests live mainly in savanna and woodland areas. They are territorial animals and also very social. Because of this, they live in large herds that can have more than 100 members. Each herd usually occupies a territory of about two square kilometers. Within the herd, animals move together and rely on each other for safety.
During the dry season, usually from August to October, wildebeests move in search of water and greener grazing areas. They use sound and smell to communicate with each other. Their calls can travel for more than two kilometers, helping keep the herd together even when spread out. Wildebeests are alert animals and react quickly to danger.
The gestation period of a wildebeest is about eight months and two weeks. This leads to one of the most important events in the Ngorongoro ecosystem, known as the calving migration.
When people think about the great wildebeest migration, they often imagine large herds crossing rivers and open land. However, before this main movement, a smaller but very important migration takes place within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The calving season happens when wildebeests move to the southern parts of Ngorongoro to give birth. This usually takes place between January and March. During this time, the plains are covered with fresh grass due to the rains. Wildebeests spread out across these open areas to give birth.
Zebras and gazelles also follow the wildebeests during this period. The short grass makes it easy for young animals to feed and makes it harder for predators to hide. This season plays a key role in supporting the larger migration later in the year and is an important time to see wildebeests in Ngorongoro.
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