Migrating wildebeest move between two distinct habitats: open plains and wooded grasslands. Whereas, their predators are largely residents and are restricted to fixed territories. Their movements are also limited by their young which remain dependent, if not helpless, for months. By migrating, wildebeest avoid the intense [G 39 / predation] pressure that the resident wildebeest and other ungulate populations are constantly exposed to.
Predation accounts for about one percent of the migrating wildebeest's mortality, in contrast to over 10 percent for the resident wildebeest populations. However, because the wildebeest has reached its [G 08 / carrying capacity] in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, predation helps maintain the population at a level below where starvation and disease reduce the population by great numbers. It also reduces the number of sick and injured animals and keeps the herds alert.
