To simply put it, an Ecosystem is a group of living organisms that interact with each other and live in a specific environment together. It is a system that keeps changing and evolving.
The Serengeti Ecosystem, located in Tanzania East Africa spanning across an area of approximately 12,000 square miles (30,000 square kilometers) is one of the most biodiverse and famous wildlife regions in the world. It covers parts of North Tanzania and South Kenya.
Serengeti National Park, located in the Northern part of Tanzania is the center piece of the Serengeti Ecosystem. Known for its endless open grasslands (good for spotting wildlife during game drives), Savannah, great populations of wildlife and the world famous Great Wildebeest Migration, the park covers an area of about 5,700 square miles.
Main features of the Serengeti Ecosystem
Diversity of Wildlife:
Supporting a magnificent abundance of wildlife, the ecosystem is home to the famous African Big Five animals which include the African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant (largest land mammal), African Buffalo and the endangered Rhinoceros (rarely sighted). In addition, it is home to millions of ungulates (hooved animals) including wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, dik-diks, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, topis, hartebeests, common elands, bushbucks, reedbucks, duikers, oryx, steenbok and giraffes, predators (spotted hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, serval cats), primates and hundreds of different bird species.
See popular Serengeti animals here
Great Wildlife Migration
This great migration takes place annually in the Serengeti wilderness. It involves millions of wildebeests accompanied by other animals like hundreds of zebras, gazelles and other ungulates making a round trip from Tanzania to Kenya and the cycle continues in search of fresh grazing lands and water. Predators are always on the lookout during this period for some easy kills of the young ones or exhausted animals during the trek. The migration a great spectacle that has attracted many tourists to the Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northern part of Tanzania is a key feature in the Ecosystem of Serengeti covering an area of 14,750 square km (approximately). It hosts a wide range of animals and hundreds of birds. Offering amazing and memorable wildlife viewing chances during safari game drives in its vast open grasslands and Savannah. It also promotes the conversation of the flora and fauna with in the conservation area.
The Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara Reserve is located in Kenya, North of the Tanzania border. The Serengeti Ecosystem transitions in to Masai Mara reserve. Thus providing a continuous ecosystem which supports the wildlife across borders especially during the annual Great Wildlife Migration.
The open landscapes of the Serengeti characterized by rocky outcrops (kopjes). The open grasslands dotted with acacia trees provide an ideal habitant for the reproduction. As well as survival of the wild animals and bird species that call the Serengeti home.
The conservation of this area has helped preserve its ecosystem. The unique biodiversity and environment allowing nature to maintain its balance as it continuously changes and evolves.
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