Serengeti: What is, where is, animals, great migration and ecological importance

Serengeti is one of the most famous natural regions in the world, known for its incredible biodiversity and to house one of the most impressive shows of nature: the great migration of millions of ñus, zebras and gazelles in search of water and grass. It is located in Eastern Africa, mainly in Tanzania, and a part of its extension also reaches southwest of Kenya, where it is called Masái Mara National Reserve.

This ecosystem is a vast plain that combines savannas, scattered forests and rivers that support the lives of thousands of species. When talking about their magnitude, many people ask themselves: how much does Serengeti measure? The response surprises, since the Serengeti National Park area covers about 14,750 square kilometers, which makes it a larger territory than entire countries such as Montenegro or Jamaica.

The climate of Serengeti is tropical of Sabana, with a rainy season and a very marked dry season. Temperatures usually range between 15 ° C and 25 ° C, although during the day they can exceed 30 ° C and at night it refreshes a lot.

The rains are concentrated between March and May and, to a lesser extent, in November and December. On the other hand, from June to October the dry season predominates, when animals are grouped around rivers and ponds. These cycles are those that mark life in the region and are directly linked to the great migration of Serengeti.

There are numerous animal species that live in Serengeti, but the most prominent are the following:

Lions

Here lives the largest population of these cats in freedom. Serengeti’s lions hunt in a group, which allows them to catch large dams such as buffalo or zebras. In addition, they are very social animals, since they live in herds led by hunter females and one or several dominant males. Discover the types of lions.

African elephants

They are characterized by their great ears, which help them regulate the temperature, and by their tube, a versatile tool with which they eat, drink and communicate. Its presence is vital, because by knocking down trees, they help maintain the balance of the savannah. Do not miss these curiosities of the elephants.

Giraffes

Giraffes are easy to recognize by their long neck, which allows them to reach the highest sheets of acacias. They can measure up to 6 meters and, despite their quiet appearance, they are able to defend themselves with powerful kicks against predators such as lions or hyenas.

Ñus

The ñu is the main protagonist of the migration of Serengeti. Every year, millions of them travel thousands of kilometers in search of fresh pastures, facing rivers full of crocodiles already predators that await them along the way. Its resistance and mass displacement capacity make possible one of the greatest natural shows on the planet.

Zebras

Always accompanying the ñus in migration, the zebras fulfill an important role in the ecosystem. His diet focuses on the toughest pastures, which leaves space to other herbivores to feed on the most tender grass. In addition, their unique stripes serve as camouflage and defense against predators.

The great migration is one of the most impressive natural phenomena on the planet and occurs every year in Serengeti. This is the massive displacement of more than 1.5 million Ñus, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, which travel the savanna in search of water and fresh pastures. This migratory cycle does not have a fixed end point, but is repeated following seasonal rains, which makes the landscape an always changing scenario.

During migration, animals travel more than 3,000 kilometers in a circular movement that begins in southern Serengeti, where thousands of Ñu young are born between January and March. Then, the herds advance to the north, crossing plains and rivers, until they reach the Masái Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

One of the most dramatic moments of this trip is the crossing of the Mara River, where herds must be launched into the water to cross the current while giant crocodiles wait for their opportunity. In addition, predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas closely follow the herds, taking advantage of the abundance of dams.

The Flora of Serengeti is as important as its fauna, since it supports the balance of the ecosystem and feeds the millions of animals that inhabit it. Although the savannah predominates, this park houses a surprising diversity of plants adapted to a climate that combines heavy rainfall seasons with months of drought. Let’s see some of its most important species:

Acacias

Acacias are one of the most representative trees of the African landscape. With its thorny branches and its characteristic umbrella -shaped cup, they offer shade to animals and refuge for many birds. Its leaves are the main source of food for giraffes and elephants.

Baobabs

Baobab is known as “The Tree of Life.” You can store thousands of liters of water in your spongy trunk, which allows you to survive for long periods of drought. In addition, their fruits and leaves serve as food for both animals and for nearby human communities. Discover more about the Baobabs: what are and characteristics.

Sabana herbs

During the rainy season, herbs grow in an abundant and fresh way, attracting herbivores. In dry season, they become harder and scarce, which drives the great migration to areas with better pastures.

Wild figs

Higuerons or wild figs are also part of the Flora of Serengeti. Its fruits are a key resource for monkeys, birds and bats. In addition, they contribute to the dispersion of seeds, favoring the regeneration of the forest.

Serengeti is much more than a tourist attraction: it is a key ecosystem for wildlife in Africa and the planet. Serengeti’s fauna includes some of the largest populations of lions, elephants and giraffes that still live in freedom, in addition to thousands of species of birds, reptiles and insects that depend directly on this habitat.

• One of the elements that makes it unique is the volcanic meadow of Serengeti, whose soils rich in minerals favor the growth of nutritious pastures. These grasslands support millions of herbivores and allow the natural cycle of predators and dams to remain in balance.
• Serengeti National Park, created in 1951, protects this environment against poaching and agricultural expansion. Thanks to this conservation, it is still possible to witness unique natural phenomena, such as the great migration. In fact, many visitors ask themselves: when does the great migration of Serengueti occur? Although it varies according to the rains, it usually begins between January and March, when thousands of Ñu young in the south are born, and advances north until you reach Kenya between July and September.
• The Sabana del Serengueti also fulfills a vital function in regulating the local climate and storing carbon, helping to mitigate the impact of climate change. In addition, herdas movements fertilize soils and guarantee the constant regeneration of vegetation.
• Finally, the importance of Serengeti is not limited to a single territory, since it extends through the countries of Serengeti, mainly Tanzania and Kenya. This cross -border connection demonstrates that ecosystem protection is only possible through international cooperation and the commitment to conserve it for future generations.

Yes, Serengeti is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world. The Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania, receives visitors throughout the year and offers experiences such as 4×4 safaris or flights in aerostatic globe. The best time to travel depends on what you want to observe: in the dry season the animals are concentrated in rivers and ponds, while in the rainy season the savanna looks greener. Many tourists seek to coincide with the great migration, which occurs between May and July to the north and between September and October on their return.

If you want to read more articles similar to Serengeti: what it is, where is, animals, great migration and ecological importance, we recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.