Huge crocodiles attack Wildebeest in the Mara River. Massive herds of Wildebeest numbering hundreds of thousands of animals migrate around the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystem in the constant search for fresh pasture. The location of the rains and as a consequence fresh pasture drive the gigantic herds onwards. To get to the food they desperately need these animals must cross the Mara River. Tens of thousands of Wildebeest mass on the river bank with many more approaching as far as the eye can see. The crossings are fraught with danger: large numbers of huge Nile Crocodiles lie in wait. The massive herds of Wildebeest jostle for position on the river bank waiting for a few animals to take the plunge. Once this happens they all follow in a chaotic and noisy scene as thousands upon thousands of animals cross the Mara River. The crocodiles are waiting!! They will take fully grown Wildebeest but favour young calves that get swept down river away from the main herd. The hunt is over in a matter of seconds. Although they are not always successful. It can be rather distressing watching huge crocodiles attack Wildebeest in the Mara River in Tanzaia’s Serengeti.
The Lamai Wedge in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania provides a wonderful vantage point to experience this most wondrous event.
The Western White-bearded Wildebeest is one of the most numerous antelopes. It is estimated that 1.5 million are found in the Serengeti/ Maasai Mara ecosystem. These animals are grazers and prefer open grassland savanna and savanna woodlands where they have ready access to drinking water. Males stand up to 1.5m at the shoulder and can weigh up to 250kg.
Nile crocodiles have a reputation for being an aggressive and fearsome predator. They average about 680Kg in weight and are 4-4.5m long. A large part of their diet is made up of fish but they will take larger land animals including humans. Their bite force is enormous allowing them to hold onto prey and drown it.