What Predators Hunt Wildebeests During the Migration?

What Predators Hunt Wildebeests During the Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most exciting events in Africa. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel across the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. But this journey is full of danger. Many predators wait for the wildebeests, ready to hunt. These predators make the migration a battle for survival.

As a guide and safari specialist from Seko Tours, we will take you through the most common predators that hunt wildebeests during the migration. This will help you understand the true drama of nature that happens every year in Africa.

1. Lions – The Kings of the Savannah

Lions are the biggest threat to wildebeests during the migration. These big cats are strong and powerful. They hunt in groups called prides. A pride usually has several females, a few males, and cubs.

During the migration, lions wait near rivers and open plains. They are very smart hunters. Sometimes they hide in tall grass and jump on a wildebeest when it gets close. Other times, they chase a wildebeest until it gets too tired to run. When lions hunt together, they have a better chance of catching their prey.

Lions prefer to hunt weak or young wildebeests because they are easier to catch. But sometimes, even strong wildebeests fall into their trap. This is why the migration is so dangerous for them.

2. Crocodiles – The Deadly River Hunters

Crocodiles are another big danger for migrating wildebeests. When the herds reach the Mara River, they have to cross the water to get to the other side. But the river is home to giant crocodiles.

Crocodiles are patient hunters. They hide underwater and wait for a wildebeest to come close. Then, with a quick movement, they grab the wildebeest and pull it under the water. The wildebeest has no chance to escape. Crocodiles are strong and can hold their prey for a long time until it drowns.

Many wildebeests die in the river. Some get eaten by crocodiles, while others drown because the river is too deep or the current is too strong. This makes river crossings the most dangerous part of the migration.

3. Hyenas – The Clever and Fearless Hunters

Hyenas are known for their loud laughing sounds, but they are also skilled hunters. Many people think that hyenas only eat dead animals, but this is not true. Hyenas are very good at hunting, and they often target wildebeests.

Hyenas hunt in groups called clans. A single hyena is not very strong, but when they work together, they can bring down a big wildebeest. They use their sharp teeth and strong jaws to bite the wildebeest and make it weak. Sometimes, they even steal food from lions.

During the migration, hyenas follow the wildebeest herds. They wait for the right moment to attack, especially at night. Wildebeests that are sick or injured are easy targets for hyenas.

4. Cheetahs – The Fastest Predators

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals. They can run up to 120 km/h for a short distance. This speed makes them very dangerous to young wildebeests.

Unlike lions and hyenas, cheetahs hunt alone or in small groups. They do not have much strength, so they rely on speed. When a cheetah sees a wildebeest calf (baby), it runs very fast and catches it in seconds. The chase does not last long because cheetahs get tired quickly.

Cheetahs usually hunt during the day when other predators are resting. This helps them avoid fights with lions and hyenas.

5. Leopards – The Silent Stalkers

Leopards are very secretive. They are hard to see because they live in trees or thick bushes. But during the migration, they take advantage of the many wildebeests passing through their territory.

Leopards hunt alone. They are very patient and wait for the right moment to attack. They are excellent climbers and sometimes drag their prey up a tree to keep it safe from lions and hyenas.

Young wildebeests are their favorite food because they are easier to catch. But sometimes, a strong leopard can take down an adult wildebeest too.

6. Wild Dogs – The Relentless Chasers

African wild dogs are not as well-known as lions or cheetahs, but they are one of the best hunters in Africa. They hunt in packs and have an 80% success rate when they chase their prey.

Wild dogs do not have the strength of lions or the speed of cheetahs, but they have one big advantage—they never give up. They chase a wildebeest for many kilometers until it gets too tired to run. Once the wildebeest stops, the pack surrounds it and attacks.

Wild dogs use teamwork. They communicate with each other using different sounds, which helps them work together during a hunt.

7. Humans – The Unexpected Predator

Besides wild animals, humans also hunt wildebeests. In some areas, people hunt wildebeests for meat or to protect their farms. However, conservation efforts in Kenya and Tanzania help protect the migration and keep the wildebeest population safe.

Conclusion

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most dramatic events in nature. Every year, wildebeests must face many dangerous predators. Lions, crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs all see wildebeests as food. This makes the migration a fight for survival.

If you want to see this incredible event, Seko Tours can help you plan a perfect Kenya safari. We know the best places and times to watch the migration safely. Whether you want to see the Mara River crossings or the vast Serengeti plains, we can arrange a trip that fits your needs.