The Mara River is located in Africa and flows through the territory of the same reserve Masai Mara. It is noteworthy in that it serves as a crossing for thousands of ungulates, which annually cross it several times in search of pasture or when moving to new places.
Geographic location
Mara is a huge river and basin in Kenya and Tanzania; it flows in the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Its source is in the central region of the state of Tanzania, then it crosses it and flows already through the territory of Kenya. The length of the river is 395 km, the basin area is more than 13.5 thousand square meters. km, of which 65% falls on Kenya and 35 - Tanzania.
This mighty river is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is the birthplace of one of the most spectacular events in Africa - the intersection of herds of animals during the Great Migration.
The course of Mary can be divided into 4 parts:
- The slopes of Mau at the confluence of the tributaries of the Amal and Nyangores.
- Pastures in Kenya, where the tributaries of the Talek, Engare, and Engito flow into the river.
- The territory of the reserve.
- The lower reaches in Tanzania.
Further, Mara flows among the swamps and then flows into the lake. Victoria, East Africa. On the border between Kenya and Tanzania, the river flows through the territory of the famous Serengeti reserve.
Fauna of the reserve
Mara is stormy and in many places has high sandy shores, and many Nile crocodiles live in its waters. They are always waiting for their prey. Hippos also live here, who are immersed in water most of their lives and prefer places protected from the hot African sun.
On the banks of the river, huge herds of bison graze here, which find pastures with green grass, as well as groups of giraffes who prefer to eat leaves in the shady groves of African acacias. Not far from the shores of Mary is a dense forest with large trees, the only one in the region.
Around the Mary River, whole flocks of birds (waterfowl and raptors) are grouped, waiting for their prey, which is available during a large migration of animals.
The river runs along the border between the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara. Safari for tourists is organized on their territory.
Animal relocation
Each year, more than 1 million wildebeests, zebras and buffaloes migrate through the reserve and the Mary River (Africa). When crossing the river, thousands of animals die: they drown in the river or they are attacked by crocodiles, which in large numbers live in the river basin. Researches of scientists are carried out in order to prove the influence of the mass death of antelopes on the ecology of Mary, which is considered a cult river for local residents.
During the year, antelopes cross the river several times, which often leads to the drowning of animals and their death from the teeth of crocodiles. Studies by scientists over the course of 5 years have shown that more than 6 thousand animals die annually, especially drowning occurred between 2001 and 2015. After the death of the animals, fish, birds and animals begin to eat the corpses of animals. The most common scavengers visiting carcasses of dead animals are Marabou storks and vultures.
Then the remaining bones slowly release various nutrients into the external environment, which serves as an environment for the growth of algae and affects the entire food chain of the river. Animal bones become a source of phosphorus.
Antelope Migration Watch
Many tourists or adventure lovers who prefer to spend time on safaris in Africa come to the nature reserves of Mara and Serengeti specifically to look at the migration of animals. Their time is largely determined by rains, that is, it cannot be predicted in advance accurately.
According to local staff, the optimal period for observation is 2 periods:
- December to March
- from May to November.
After the rains in March, the moist ground is covered with green grass, and then the antelopes begin to move in search of grassland to the southern plains. In April, animals begin their migration in a westerly direction, which often coincides with a period of prolonged heavy rains.
As a rule, the movement of antelopes, zebras and gazelles (about 1.5 million) occurs in a circle around the Serengeti ecosystem. Predators and scavengers follow animals, providing food for several months in advance.
Environmental Issues Masai Mara Reserves
In recent years, the reserve has faced problems associated with the depletion of water in the Mara River. This is due to drought in areas located upstream. People’s activities also have a negative impact on the ecosystem - over-exploitation of natural resources in the river basin. Drought occurs due to the actions of loggers and farmers who arbitrarily seize land and destroy forest plantations.
In the territories adjacent to the Mary river basin, more than 1.1 million people live, the number of which is growing every year. Population growth due to the uncontrolled arrival of immigrants can be a disaster for local residents, livestock and the whole surrounding nature.
The river annually serves many animals, giving them life and water, but it also takes millions of their lives. The mass death of antelopes and zebras during the migration season is a dramatic event and a grandiose performance against the backdrop of wildlife, which people who came to make sure of this with their own eyes can observe.