In the Maasai Mara game reserve, a non-migratory population of blue wildebeest had dwindled from about 119,000 animals in 1977 to about 22,000 in 1997. The reason for the decline is thought to be the increasing competition between cattle and wildebeest for a diminishing area of grazing land as a result of changes in agricultural practices, and possibly fluctuations in rainfall.
iN thE maaSAi mara Game reSErvE, a nOn-MIgrAtory pOpuLaTioN of Blue wIldeBeESt hAD dWIndleD fRom about 119,000 aNImals IN 1977 To ABout 22,000 iN 1997. THE rEaSoN for tHE DeCLIne Is thOuGht tO be thE iNcreAsing compeTition beTwEeN Cattle AND wildeBeESt foR a diMINiShing area of gRAZIng laNd as a rESult of chAngES In agricUltUraL practicES, and possibly flUctuaTiOnS in rAinfall.