The Maasai Mara National Reserve has officially been included in the World Book of Records for hosting the World's Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration.
The migration involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that traverse the Maasai Mara and Serengeti reserve in Tanzania, at particular times of the year, especially in the rainy season, in search of fresh grazing lands and water.
As a result of this, millions of tourists from all over the world travel to witness the migration, which is considered a wonder of the world.
In a letter addressed to the Narok Governor, Patrick Ole Ntuntu, World Books of Records President Santosh Shukla, said that the migration was the largest and most dramatic animal migration in the world.
According to Santosh, the record reflected the reserve's contribution to wildlife conservation and sustainable eco-tourism.
"We are delighted to inform you that the Maasai Mara National Reserve has been officially included in World Book of Records under the distinguished title: 'World's Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration' for hosting the largest and most dramatic annual land animal migration on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes traversing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem," part of the letter read.
"To commemorate this prestigious inclusion, we would be honoured to present the official World Record Certificate at the campus of Maasai Mara National Reserve. We request your kind confirmation for a suitable date and time for this presentation ceremony," it added.
Welcoming the record, the governor asserted that the migration will remain fundamental in highlighting the ecological significance of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, which harbours over 25% of Kenya’s biodiversity.
Established in 1961, the national reserve has stood out as one of the key tourism hubs in the country. The reserve hosts over 95 species of wild animals and more than 570 bird species.
Ntuntu has assured that the county government will remain at the forefront in ensuring that the national reserve remains a tourist destination, especially by reinforcing its infrastructural and security capacity.
"The migration is more than just a spectacle. As the herds arrive in Kenya, they come to mate and graze, making our country a vital link in the continuity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon," he said.
"Upon assuming office two and a half years ago, my administration launched an ambitious campaign to restructure and revitalise the Maasai Mara National Reserve, to preserve and enhance this invaluable natural asset," Ntuntu said.
