SANParks.org Forums

Hi Kallis & swob9,

Following Kallis' remarks on the African wild dog topic regarding the
scarcity of wildebeest in the area north of Singwedsi, I thought it
prudent to open a discussion.

In May 2011 there were scores of wildebeest on the grassy plains
along the Capricorn Loop. Now this is only some 50- 80 km south
of the area Kallis referred too.

There were also large numbers on the grassy planes directly north
of Satara.

Kallis, can you advise if the scarcity of wildebeest north of Singwedsi
is seasonal as that might indicate a north - south migration.

I have never seen Wilderbeest near Shingwedzi either!
I think it is just the natural distribution in the park

Wildebeest are grazers, so they are most likely to be found in savannah and lightly wooded savannah. They will also seek sweet grass, not found in the northern areas.

yebo

I have seen zebra and Willies at Punda, and Mopani though. Not in high numbers at all as found in the savannah areas. Yet it seems like a little dry patch for gnu there in Shing
Made up for by lots of impala, waterbuck and nyala.

Cheetah, I do agree that ancient migrations play a role in distibution. The Wildebeest, in my mind is not the most intelligent of animals. Zebras have a much better social structure.

I have a soft spot for Willies, but they have a bad combination of any kind of intelligence. They don't have the best build, the best profile and the brightest brain.

They drop their kids anywhere. At times, one wonders if there is an awareness of birth.

However, they have survived, despite being possibly very stupid.

They must be doing something right.

True MM!
When you put it that way they sound pretty useless
I heard their strength is their good eyesight. might be wrong?

Cheetah

in terms of design.. failed Wildlife 101..

in terms of survival..

there are actualy not that many competitors.

If you stay close to "donkies" (Zebra) for protection then you can't be very intelligent.

Well MM and Cheetah there must be much more to them that what meets the eye.

Eish the English language is sometimes very difficult for me but I have just read that the Wildebeest calve is one of the most precocial (developed at birth) of all antelope species.

So there is at least one positive about the Gnu.

your English always comes out perfect friend

1. good eyesight
2. Most developed at birth
3. strength in shear numbers.

Not sounding too bad now

Oh dear, I think I have done the willies a disservice. It might have something to do with the "Blou bulle"

got the animal mixed up with the team

being a Lions supporter, it boils down to frank and bad prejudice. Wildebeest, I take it all back, please forgive me .

In regards to observed Wildebeest decline, here is an interesting article that speaks of declines in Wildebeest numbers in the KNP and in neighbouring Sabi Sand. Quite large declines too

http://www.krugertimes.com/krugernews/wildebeest.htm

I have no knowledge as to WHY the numbers are dropping so drastically but I would think it is quite worrying. To note, as I said in the Wild Dogs thread, was that Wildebeest numbers have substantially dropped in Moremi Game Reserve to...I can send a link on that too if anyone wants.

I wonder if the reasons are similar?

I don't know if this might also be a reason for the decline but, there are much more elephants in the south or in the whole park for that matter than previously.

The over population of elephants might also have an impact on the Wildebeest numbers as they might feel there is not enough room for them to breed successfully.

Could it be that they are to stressed to breed?

Interesting swob

I really don't know Dr Phil. Sounds plausible

Does indeed sound plausible DrPhil, that would certainly correlate with Botswana as the overpopulation of elephants there is well known. Would love to hear from someone in the profession