Maasai Mara Biodiversity: Ecological Importance

Volcanic Ecosystems: black cotton soils

Just like the surrounding areas of the SNP and NCA, volcanic soils form the foundation of the ecosystem of the MMNR. One notable volcanic soil type is the clay-rich Black Cotton Soil (also known as Vertisols).

Black cotton soil is formed when basalt (iron and magnesium rich volcanic rock) weathers and breaks down into Montmorillonite (a type of clay). This soil presents itself as a thick, sticky, and heavily waterlogged soil in the rainy seasons, while in the dry seasons it shrinks and cracks extensively. These distinctive shrinking and swelling behaviours support the productive, dense and nutritious grasses of the Mara-Serengeti migratory system. Alongside the other volcanic/alluvial soils found in the Mara, like the clay, loam, and silt-loam, Black Cotton Soils contribute to the resilience and productivity of grazing habitats. However, they can also be sensitive to ecological disturbance, making them susceptible to degradation under pressures such as overgrazing and land-use change. It is soils like these that help maintain the biological importance of the MMNR within the greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, enabling the Great Migration to continue across its lands.

The global flyway: A gateway to birdlife

Just like much of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, the rolling plains of the Mara is home to nearly 500 bird species (including 60 raptor species), and has earned the designation of an "Important Bird Area" by BirdLife International. Resident species coexist with an extraordinary variety of transient and migratory species arriving from Europe, Asia, and beyond. Endemic birds such as the Usambiro barbet (Trachyphonus usambiro) can be heard and spotted on game drives with their characteristic metallic call.

The MMNR is a crucial ‘layover’ for numerous migratory birds from across Asia and Europe as it lies on a major Flyway (historical migratory route) connecting Asia Europe and Africa. Many bird species migrate here during the rainy season to ensure food security and safety away from the colder winters of the Northern Hemisphere. The MMNR is an area of abundant insects and fresh vegetation during these times, providing a safe haven of diverse habitats, from open plains to riverine forests and wetlands, for these birds to refuel before their flight back. Observing these birds, it is easy to see how the Mara is more than a park; it is a critical link in a global network of biodiversity.

Common migratory birds to the area:

• Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) joins the Great Migration, following the large herds to eat the insects and other prey that are stirred up by their movements.

• Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), Heard singing during the months of October to March before migrating back to Europe to breed in May. This small bird (weighing only 10 grams) endures one of the longest migration for a bird of its size, some birds travel over 12,000 kilometres.

• Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), a threatened raptor, which can be spotted between November and April feeding on locusts and grasshoppers across open plains and hovering along riverbanks.

• Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a significant attraction for birdwatchers. They often migrate across broad fronts, utilising the winds for their long journeys across large bodies of water (many passing through the Strait of Messina in Italy).

• Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) which often use a loop migration around the Red Sea to travel between Eurasia and Africa and are more often seen soaring in the sky. While in the MMNR, they primarily feed on rodents, small birds, and other small animals. 

• White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) arrives in large numbers from February to April to overwinter.  The MMNR’s rolling savannahs and diverse topography make it ideal for spotting white storks, they are often seen in open plains and wetlands. The Musiara Marsh is an excellent birding spot, where you can also see other storks like the Crowned, Saddle-Billed, and Yellow-Billed Storks. The Marsh is also home to the famous Marsh Pride of Lions.  

Flora, fauna and ecological complexity

The Marsh Pride of Lions are a world famous, and long-documented, having features in many TV series over several decades including the BBC’s ‘Big Cat Diary’ and ‘Lion: The Rise and Fall of the Marsh Pride’. These Big Cats are legendary in Kenya, however such reputation has led to targeted poisonings in the past.

While the level of endemism is lower than that of the NCA’s isolated crater (which is expected due to the Mara’s dynamic and migratory nature), species such as Kirk’s Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii), Usambiro barbet (Trachyphonus usambiro), and acacia-dependent insects demonstrate adaptations specific to this landscape. The diverse flora, including the grasses adapted to clay-rich soils, further illustrate the ecosystem’s unique evolutionary pressures.

Incredible wildlife

Standing on the rolling plains of the Mara, watching flocks of storks take flight over the wetlands, lions resting under acacia trees, and the distant thunder of Zebra and Blue Wildebeest hooves during the Great Migration, it is impossible not to feel the scale, depth, and vibrancy of life around you. Every corner of the Mara pulses with life, offering an experience that is both intimate and awe-inspiring. Witnessing the Great Migration here isn’t just a safari; it’s a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles. With its unique soils, diverse flora, and thriving wildlife, the MMNR is a living testament to the resilience of its iconic landscape and ecosystems, and a reminder of why it needs protecting. And as the local saying goes, “Always check the trees,” as most leopards are hiding right above your nose! From the soaring birds and the hidden leopards above, to the thunderous herds below, the Mara invites every visitor to witness nature at its most raw, and unforgettable state.

If you want to experience a Safari that allows you to explore amazing landscapes and majestic creatures, then contact Vertical Sky today. Let us plan your next adventure.

Contact Vertical Sky Safaris