habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
Blue Wildebeest are most predominantly associated with savannah woodland and short grasslands, with the availability of shade and drinking water essential habitat requirements (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Estes 2013). Blue Wildebeest are grazers, but 10â20% of their diet can consist of browse (Gagnon & Chew 2000). In general Blue Wildebeest prefer short grass areas with grass less than 100-150 mm in height (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Blue Wildebeest tend to follow localized rainfall on shorter migrations (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Bulls are territorial and will maintain the territory year round unless drought forces the territories to be abandoned. Breeding herds consisting of females and associated young will move into maleâs territories resulting in a territorial male associated with breeding herds. Rutting takes place from April to June and births occur in November and December. The natural population growth rate is approximately 20% / annum. Long term population trends of wildebeest appear to be correlated negatively with minimum temperature and positively with dry season rainfall, an artefact of population trends being related to the forage quantity and quality (Seydack et al. 2012).Blue Wildebeest are a preferred prey species of lions (Panthera leo) and exhibit cyclical predation patterns depending on the current climatic conditions. Short grass areas (grazing lawns and recently burnt patches) are targeted for nutrients, but also appear to offer wildebeest protection from predators (Burkepile et al. 2013; Yoganand & Owen-Smith 2014). During wetter cycles, predation by Lions on Blue Wildebeest increases, whereas predation often declines during drier periods characterised by shorter grass (Mills et al. 1995). The increased predation on wildebeest during wet periods is expected to be the result of increased cover provided to stalking Lions and a fragmentation of the wildebeest herds (Smuts 1978).
With global temperature fluctuations becoming more apparent, understanding the implications that changing climate has on ungulates is important. In response to high temperatures Blue Wildebeest have a tendency to remain heat stressed throughout the year, which will influence their daily movement patterns (Shrestha et al. 2014). In addition, with the artificial southward spread of the species, individuals are being exposed to longer and colder winters which are considered sub-optimal for African antelopes (Shrestha et al. 2012). Although it is doubtful that these temperature-mediated impacts will influence wildebeest in their natural range, populations outside of their natural range may be compromised resulting in an artificial sink. However, within the assessment region, this is unlikely to have a severe impact on the local, wild population, and may only be a cause for concern for the long-term farming of this species.
Ecosystem and cultural services: The Blue Wildebeest is considered a keystone species in certain ecosystems such as the Serengeti where their migrations are the major draw-card for tourism revenue, as well as conserving the Serengeti ecosystem. Although large scale migrations occurred in the past, which included regions in the assessment areas, this aspect is not relevant for the assessment area. Within the assessment region, the Blue Wildebeest constitutes an important prey species for many large predators, including Spotted Hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), Lion (Hayward 2006), Leopard (Panthera pardus) (Hayward et al. 2006a), African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) (Hayward et al. 2006c) and Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Hayward et al. 2006b).
According to local folklore stories the wildebeest is a combination of the discarded parts of Zebra, Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and Lion. The combination of the leftover stripes from the Zebra, the Warthog shape to its head, the neck shaped like that of a Buffalo and the left over Lionâs mane was used to create the wildebeest. Alternate stories suggest the wildebeest is composed of the face of a mule, the beard of a goat, the horns of a cow and the body of a horse. Despite the conglomeration of parts, legend has it that the wildebeest was happy to be in the new world and had a personality of its own.
