August 2014 - Cristina Berselli Nature Photography

Crocodile trying hunting wildebeest - M5322
 (Connochaetes taurinus&Crocodylus niloticus)
Masai Mara NR , Kenya - August  2014
4/500mm
[1]

Life or death?: The annual migration of two and a half million ungulates across the Serengeti-Mara covers approximately 40,000 sq km of unspoilt countryside in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania is the largest intact ecosystem migration in Africa and provides a unique natural spectacle in the world . The cycle is divided into three distinct migratory one of which is the journey north through the Grumeti and Mara rivers towards the Masai Mara. The crossing of the Mara River to enter Kenya means death for many hundreds of animals each year. The first flocks to wade are at greater risk of being eaten, and that's why tens of thousands of wildebeest crowd on the shore. It takes 1-2 weeks before the first brave animal to enter into water, followed by the others.
This year, for the first time, I had the privilege of attending this event full of tension, but amazing at the same time. While crossing the river many wildebeest drown or fall prey to the huge crocodiles lurking in the muddy waters of the river.
Fortunately, not all wildebeest so! This wildebeest, incredibly, was saved!

If you want to see other shots about it go to ... Mammalia VII and VIII

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