BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Wildebeest that survive the Grumeti River crossing in Tanzania, head to Kenya where another river awaits. This time it’s the Mara River, filled with thousands of hungry crocodiles.
Kenya’s Mara River, and no way around.
Hundreds of ravenous crocodiles are lying in wait for the wildebeest to take the plunge.
A fierce fight is inevitable.
After travelling for several weeks, the thirsty wildebeest have only one thing on their minds. They’re completely unaware of the danger lying in water. Crocodiles are waiting for the right moment. This one is getting impatient.
Crocodiles are very fast over short distances, even out of water. Their sharp teeth can tear and hold onto flesh. Their jaws have the strongest bite of any animal.
A crocodile will grab and hold onto the prey, dragging it into water and drowning it first.
Then other crocodiles will come along and share the meal.
Each year, an estimated 25,000 wildebeest don’t complete the long migration. One major reason is the crocodiles of the Mara River, which claim hundreds of wildebeest each year.
Crocodiles go back to the time of dinosaurs. Their very slow metabolism allows them to go long periods without food. The river crossing normally lasts two weeks. During this period, the crocodiles can store as much as 150 thousand calories, enough to survive until the next migration season.
Calm returns to the Mara River. But for the wildebeests, the danger continues. On the other side are hundreds of other predators. They must run the gauntlet of hyenas, lions, jackals, leopards and wild dogs before reaching home.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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