The Great Migration is one of nature's most spectacular phenomena, occurring annually in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem between Tanzania and Kenya. Here are the key aspects of this remarkable wildlife event:

The migration involves roughly 2 million animals, primarily wildebeest (around 1.5 million), along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other antelope species. These animals travel in a circular pattern covering approximately 1,000 kilometers throughout the year.

The movement is driven by the search for fresh grazing lands and water. The pattern typically follows:

During the wet season (December to May), the herds gather in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, where nutritious grass grows in the volcanic soils. This is also when most wildebeest calves are born, with about 500,000 calves being born within a two to three-week period.

As the dry season approaches (June to July), the herds begin moving northward through the Serengeti and into Kenya's Masai Mara. This journey includes the famous river crossings of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where crocodiles lie in wait.

In the Masai Mara (July to October), the herds spread out across the plains, taking advantage of the fresh grass that grows after the rains there. Around November, they begin their journey south again as the rains return to the Serengeti.

Throughout the migration, the herds face numerous challenges:
- Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the herds
- The treacherous river crossings claim many lives
- Disease and exhaustion take their toll

The Great Migration is essential to the ecosystem's health, as the moving herds fertilize the soil, maintain grass levels, and support predator populations. It's considered one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders and attracts thousands of tourists annually.

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