Blue Wildebeest - Eswatini

The flag of Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, is one of two countries in the world incorporating a shield in its design, the other is Kenya. The flag has a Nguni shield as its centerpiece and was designed by King Sobhuza II. The flag was carried by the Emasotsha Regiment, an Allied formation active during World War II.

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Connochactes taurinus - The blue wildebeest is a tough and hardy individual. The short grasses of the African savannah are the primary food source for the large herds. Wildebeests have formed a close association with zebras. With zebras feeding on the longer blades of grass, they expose the shorter and more nutritious grass for the wildebeest. This association also provides an additional early warning system against potential predators. Blue wildebeest numbers have remained stable; there are about 1.5 million individuals.

Blue Wildebeest - Eswatini

The annual migration of wildebeests is a gathering of over 1,000,000 individuals and an additional 500,000 other animals attaching themselves to the scattered herds: zebras, gazelles, and elands. It begins with the wildebeest cows giving birth to over 250,000 calves within a time frame of 2 to 3 weeks. This massive birthing event, the changing weather patterns, and the need to find reliable food sources combine to trigger the start of the migration. Some wildebeests are sedentary; they do not migrate.

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Eswatini derives its name from King Mswati II. Under his leadership, 1840 to 1868, the kingdom expanded  to included parts of present-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Eswatini retained its independence until 1903; it was made a British protectorate following the Anglo-Boer War. Swazi King Sobhuza II is considered as having the longest reign of any monarch in history, 1899 to 1982. He managed to successfully and peacefully devolve his kingdom from British control; Eswatini gained complete independence in 1968.