During the migration season, wildebeests are attacked by the Maasai, and fortunately, one was only pierced by a spear.
Wildebeest pierced by a spear. (Photo: Stuart Porter)
Photographer Stuart Porter captured a remarkable image of a wildebeest during a tour in Ndutu, Tanzania, at the time of their migration, as reported by Latest Sightings on July 16. “This wildebeest looks as if it is carrying a spear with it. However, in reality, it is a lucky animal that escaped an attack. This area often experiences conflicts between humans and wildlife as the wildebeests migrate in large numbers,” Porter stated.
The Maasai are often displeased with wildebeests during the migration season because they invade their grazing lands. These animals consume large amounts of grass that the Maasai need for their livestock. Additionally, wildebeests tend to give birth to many calves during migration. After giving birth, the remains, which can be toxic to livestock, are left on the ground.
“These are some reasons why the Maasai chase away, or even kill, wildebeests that come too close to their herds. This wildebeest was fortunate. The Maasai spear did not penetrate deeply; it only went through the first layer of skin and got stuck there,” Porter explained.
Wildebeests (Connochaetes) are native to Africa. In the wild, their main predators are lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and crocodiles. They graze on grass and typically travel in herds, often forming large groups with zebras.
The largest herds are concentrated in the Serengeti region of Tanzania and Kenya, where the number of migrating wildebeests can exceed 1 million. Along with hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras, their journey is one of the largest terrestrial migrations of animals.
