Africa’s wildebeest: Those that can’t migrate are becoming genetically weaker – new study

Recent research underscores the critical importance of migratory routes for wildebeest populations across Africa, highlighting the severe threats these migrations face from human development, including roads, railways, and urban expansion. The Serengeti-Mara migration, the last significant wildebeest migration, is under threat, with studies showing that non-migratory populations suffer from reduced genetic health due to inbreeding and genetic isolation. This not only affects the wildebeest populations, leading to lower survival rates and fertility, but also has broader ecological impacts on vegetation, other species, and local tourism. The article also discusses the dramatic decline of the Kalahari wildebeest population in Botswana, which has decreased by over 94.2% since the 1970s due to fencing that blocks their migratory paths. Conservation strategies are proposed, including protecting migration routes and critical habitats, to ensure the survival of these crucial animal migrations.