Wildebeests, also known as gnus, are famous for their annual Great Migration, one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on Earth. The migration involves millions of wildebeests and zebras moving across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya in a continuous clockwise loop. While it may seem that they are spending their whole lives migrating in a circle, the reasons for their migration are not as straightforward as they might appear.
Here are some of the primary reasons why wildebeests migrate:

1. Food and Water: The primary driving force behind the migration is the search for fresh grazing and water. Wildebeests follow the rain patterns, moving from their calving grounds in the Serengeti to areas with better pastures and water sources. As the wet season progresses, they follow the retreat of the rain, which moves northward through the year.
2. Calving Season: The migration is timed to coincide with the calving season, which typically occurs during the short rainy season in the Serengeti. This synchronized calving increases the survival rate of the young, as there are fewer predators in the vast herds, and the calves can learn to flee from danger more quickly due to the large numbers.
3. Avoiding Predators: By moving in large herds, wildebeests can minimize the risk of predation. Predators have a harder time targeting individual animals in the midst of a massive herd. The migration also takes them away from areas where predators may have established territories or den sites.
4. Nutritional Requirements: Wildebeests need to consume large amounts of food to maintain their energy for the long journey. The migration allows them to access the quantity and quality of grass they need to sustain themselves and their young.
5. Breeding Grounds: The migration is also influenced by the need to find suitable breeding grounds. Males compete for mates in areas with higher concentrations of females, which often occurs near water sources.

While the migration is a circular route, it is not a perfect circle, and the route can vary from year to year based on environmental factors such as rainfall patterns, the distribution of food and water, and the presence of predators. The migration is a complex behavior that has evolved over time to ensure the survival of the species in a challenging environment. It’s a testament to the adaptability and resilience of nature.