April 2009 : Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

The change of seasons at Singita from a hot and wet summer to a cool dry winter is well on its way. One of the most evident indications of this change is the relentless rutting of the impala rams. The constant snorting and grunting of the dominant males herding groups of prized females into tight, easy to defend groups can be heard all day and late into the night. Males are constantly chasing each other at high speeds through the bush and occasionally facing up to each other in spectacular physical battles of horn clashing. All of this hard work of fighting, herding, mating, and displaying does not leave much time for feeding, resting or looking out for predators. As a result the predators have swapped from killing mainly the new young impala to adult rams. The rutting season will climax in early May.

As the bush gets drier and dustier and the last of the migrating birds leave us for the winter, it certainly has not affected the birding with specials including an immature Scalythroated Honeyguide, a bird not regularly seen in the area as well as great views a few days back of a group of African Quailfinch. Most exciting was a White-backed Night Heron on a night drive last week - a nocturnal heron it is found along quiet tree lined waterways and is considered vulnerable in Southern Africa according to the red data list, mostly due to habitat destruction and degradation of rivers and streams.

The Ravenscourt female, who has just given birth, is identified by the distinctive notches in her right ear. On the mammal’s side, sightings have been great. The most exciting news being that one of the resident female leopards has given birth. Although we have not had a glimpse of the cubs yet, we are waiting in anticipation and it could be any day now. Added to this is the fact that we believe she has them hidden in the rocky outcrops running to the east of Boulders Lodge!

 

 

The Ravenscourt female was hiding from a male impala who was strolling by, klipspringers spotted her and gave their nasal alarm call which sounds like a whistle. This alerted the impala who ran off. My personal favourite for the month was an action packed lion sighting on a night drive. A pride of 2 adult lionesses and 6 sub adults were on the hunt. The lionesses moved into an open area where there were a large number of impala, leaving the 6 youngsters behind to watch and learn. After more than 20 minutes of us sitting in the dark there was a commotion near to us. Upon investigation we found that a young impala had tried to evade the lionesses and run straight into the group of waiting cubs! The youngsters obviously did not expect it and were not quite sure what to do. But the unfortunate impala had no chance as the lions tackled and grabbed but did not exactly know how to administer the coup-de-grace. The adults stood back and let them make the kill themselves which is the practice they need in order to hone their skills for times when they do not have the luxury of their mothers’ efficient killing prowess.

The moment was filled with growling and grunting as the Impala struggled and eventually succumbed to the six young lions who were still confused as to exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Not even ten minutes later the night was dead still, impala were feeding not more than a few hundred meters away, the lionesses had moved on to find a meal for themselves, as two cubs struggled over the remaining leg. It happened so quickly and was over within minutes. Leaving us with mixed feelings, but fortunate to have witnessed a significant moment in the young lions’ lives, and a part of the circle of life in the constant struggle for survival.

Brett Horley Singita Sabi Sand Field Guide

 

‘One Who Does Not Recognise The Power Of His Enemy Is A Fool’

The above mentioned statement is an African proverb from the novel “ The Great Ponds ” written by well-known African series author Elichi Amadi. I find it apt to link this proverb with the typical life-style of the solid spotted cat called the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). In fact, it is universally known that the Cheetah is the fastest land mammal, but it is extremely vulnerable to being harassed or killed by other predators.

Cheetah are at the bottom of the so-called predator hierarchy. This is determined by one-on-one confrontations. Cheetah is almost always justifiably alert. Cheetahs’ cub mortality is high, that’s why from a young age cubs learn that all other large predators are to be feared, and with the constant anxious awareness of their surroundings. Compared to the other cats, the cheetah is timid, because they have small teeth and are slightly built. They also have exposed blunt claws except the dewclaw, situated higher up on the “wrist”. This reveals that this animal species have ineffective weapon to defending its life rather than running.

Cheetahs generally relinquish kills at the mere sight of an approaching predator. Even if vultures, Bateleur eagles and Tawny eagles are flying–circling around the area where it has a kill, Cheetah will often move away. It knows that the activity of these scavenging birds will attract other predators amongst others such as hyenas, lions and leopards for investigation. Cheetahs are often located lying up on termite mounds. They use these structures to scan around for prey and predators also. They also love open areas in order to stand better chance for prey and predator detecting.

By Frank Ndlovu Singita Sabi Sand Field Guide

 

The Cryptic Colouration Of This Puff Adder Allows It To Blend Into The Substrade.

During the last month a higher number of snakes have been seen, as they prepare to go into a period of torpidity over winter. The Puff Adder(Bitis arietans)is considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes in Southern Africa, as it is responsible for many of the snakebites in the region. They are widespread and common in many parts. With beautifully cryptic colouration they have the ultimate camouflage, reluctant to move away should someone approach. Stocky in shape they can grow up to 1 meter in length. Walking barefoot through the bush is definitely not advisable.

 

Black Backed Puff-Back Mobbing A Female Bookslang

One afternoon my attention was drawn to the raucous chirping of a “bird party”, loudly alarm calling. A closer inspection on foot revealed that the small seedeaters were watching a very large female Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and a black backed Puff back engaged in battle in the lower branches of a tree. The Boomslang, with her yellow throat fully inflated in treat display, was striking at the Puffback which seemed to be instigating the combat. The bird pecked the snake, relentlessly attacking the length of its body. On occasion, it actually perched on the snake, pecking and even grabbing hold of the tail and vigorously shaking and pulling. The aggressive behaviour of the Puffback suggested that it may have an active nest in the vicinity, for the Boomslang is an avid predator of bird nestlings and eggs.

 

 

Dramatic Dazzle

The short grasses of the open plains in the Southern sections of the reserve, have been attracting plentiful numbers of plains game. For a period of about a week, I counted a dazzle of 50 plus Zebra’s (Equus burchellii) at one waterhole. Plenty of hostility amongst the stallions, whom were showcasing beautiful displays of kicks and bites as they competed amongst each other for the mares. The vicinity has also attracted a number of Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) towering above the rolling plains. A truly majestic sight!

 

 

Bright Eyes Of The Furure

As the morning mist rose over the Sand River, and for the first time the comforting hot water bottles and big jackets appeared. As we crossed the river the hippo’s (Hippopotamus amphibious) yawned in delight and the sun broke the horizon. On the other side we had no idea what was to be found, after some reports that a female leopard (Panthera pardus) was in a river bed not far from the crossing we went off to investigate, Shadrack my tracker found some fresh male leopard tracks, as I was getting off the vehicle to investigate he told me to wait….‘They too fresh… the animal must be right here he said’. Looking to our left, then right, the eyes of a massive male leopard appeared through the now colour changing grasses. Following him as he marked his territory in the first light was fantastic.

After some time we continued to investigate the riverbed to see if the female was possibly still around. Peering through the Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus)at the base of one of my favourite tree’s a Red Bushwillow (Combretum apiculatum),almost completely strangled by a Straggler Fig, overlooking the Sand River was the female, whom had successfully killed and tree’d an impala ram. What a sight, all the textures and colours, with the most elusive cats now focused on us. She became rather anxious and started to call persistently.

As she was calling frantically, we decided we should rather leave her in peace, but as we started to leave… a bundle of fluff, with bright eyes, peered through the grass and started to move towards the base of the tree. Climbing up and eventually re-united with its mother for a loving welcome. Now the female a little more relaxed, was still constantly looking towards the river with intent eyes. Trying to see what was bothering her we discovered that there was in fact a Pride of lions, laying on the opposite bank amongst the reeds. The leopards were safe with the flowing river a natural barrier.

 

Cat And Dog?

Rather a common sight in the suburbs, a dog chasing a cat up the tree… quite the contrary in the bush. Often miss-named a ‘genet cat’, this spotted eature is far from a cat, but rather part of the Viverridae family. Genets are closely related to mongooses. They are primitive ‘cats’ (in the broad sense of the word), feeding on a wide range of small vertebrates and invertebrates as well as taking fruit and nectar. The large spotted Genet(Genetta tigrina)is a nocturnal creature, with beautiful black and gold aposematic colouration, and characteristic black tipped tail, which can be spotted on a night drive.

To see one of the magnificent African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) chase the panicked genet up the tree was unbelievable!!

 

 

Interview With Field Guide, Scott Dyson

Q: How long have you been a field guide for? And how long at Singita? A: I have been guiding for 2 years and was privileged to start my career here at Singita.

Q: If you could be an animal what would you choose to be and why? A: That’s a tough one, but I would probably choose the Crowned Eagle. I have chosen a bird because flying is something I really love and getting           my pilots license in the future is an aspiration of mine. The reason for choosing the Crowned Eagle is because it is one of the ultimate       raptors, with a wingspan of over 2 meters and a fierce yet beautiful appearance. The habitat they occur in is also usually beautiful, often dense forest and riverine areas, where they ambush their prey through the tree tops, vervet monkeys being one of their favourites.

Q: Your most embarrassing moment as a field guide was when? A: During a sundowners break I went for a short walk to go and fetch some Devils Thorn, a plant that can be used as a soap, to show my guests. I was walking back to the Land Rover in a dry riverbed when I heard the reeds along the bank start rustling, I didn’t know what it was but it was coming straight for me. I thought it was a buffalo bull, which are renowned for spending time in riverbeds and being extremely dangerous, so I started bolting towards the Land Rover. All the guests were now watching, and just then 2 mongooses popped out the reeds! My guests were hysterical, seeing their guide being ‘chased’ by two tiny banded mongooses!

Q: What makes your heart beat a little faster? A:        Tracking big cats on foot, you know the potential danger if and when you find them. It is one of the most rewarding activities I have ever experienced tracking a leopard for hours and eventually finding it.

Q: What’s your charity of choice & why? A: Any orphaned children’s charity, growing up without parents must be unbelievably challenging, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my upbringing so would be great to give others a similar opportunity.

Q: You know you’re in Africa when? A: You are in the shower at 5 am and hear lion roaring, you grab your towel quickly and dash outside to try and pinpoint the location of the call so you can follow up there with your guests in the next half an hour.

Q: What’s been your favourite sighting? A: Seeing a leopard kill.

 

The Savage Sand River Brings Life To The Scavengers

A Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)headed towards the river for a drink, unfortunately things went wrong after slipping, and eventually drowning. The second giraffe, to drown in the Sand River this year. The carcass was feed on by multiple clans of hyenas’(Crocuta crocuta)over a period of two days. At the scene were about 100 vultures including: Hooded, White Backed, White headed and Lappet Faced. A fascinating scene as they all competed for food, hyenas have powerful jaws and modified teeth for crushing (not slicing) bones to get the marrow. Spotted hyenas generally dominate all other predators except lion, for whom they show the greatest respect, with good reason as many an individual has lost its life by venturing too close to lions.

The lions have not yet picked up on the scent, so next month I will be able to let you know how the story ends. Competing predators are never friendly as the vultures tried their hardest to grab a snack amongst the hyenas’.

This entry & all photographs were submitted by Nicky Silberbauer All photographs were taken on location 30 April 2009 Singita Sabi Sand