Snapshot Serengeti Talk

Zebra/wildebeeste connection

  • jean-marion by jean-marion

    I notice that the camera shots often show zebra and wildebeeste eating or moving in herds together. Is this a case of the zebra feeling safer with the wildebeests or vice versa, or is it a matter of safety for both animals?

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  • maricksu by maricksu moderator in response to jean-marion's comment.

    Feeding and moving together may benefit safety, but safety is not the main reason.

    They are both grazers and need similar grassland-areas for feeding. Both migrate in Serengeti to find the best feeding places during the year. Zebras eat also taller grass and wildebeests favour short grass. Thus they are able to, and often do feed together in same areas and are often seen moving together to the best places available 😃

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