March 2008 : Grumeti Reserves

The long rains have struck and the second half of March has certainly been a very muddy and wet affair. A few big storms have ensured the plains are now completely soaked and most of the grass is very tall. A severe storm down at Sabora did a fair amount of destruction on 26th – all the guest tents in the camp being damaged. Fortunately no guests were in camp and all the due to arrive new guests were moved up to Sasakwa. Updates from February include the sighting (just once) of the male lion who had his snare removed last month – good news. No further sightings of him or his 2 siblings since, means in all likelihood they are south of our areas, inside the Serengeti National Park.

Ol Doinyo Lengai continues to erupt this year and has been throwing clouds of gas and dust even higher into the air during March. The huge clouds are now believed to be at least 30 000 ft into the sky. It was even visible from Sasakwa on a few calm mornings. This very unique volcanoe is the only volcanoe of its kind in the world that erupts with carbonatite; all other volcanoes have a larva composed of silica-rich basalts. It erupts at 500 – 600 °C (very cool) and the carbonatite lava is very fluid, about as thick as water. This larva does glow orange at night but is nowhere as bright, or hot, as silica-based larva. Thanks to Tansy Glanz for the pictures.

Cheetah Battle

A very unique and interesting sighting occurred on the morning of 10th. Our dominant coalition of 2 male cheetahs was challenged by 2 rival males from a neighboring territory. In Luke Hunter and Dave Hamman’s book, Cheetah (Struik 2003), cheetah fights or serious territorial confrontations between males are described as “rarely witnessed” and “extremely stressful and energetically expensive”. Guests were hugely fortunate to witness 2 very serious physical confrontations between these 4 – quite incredible! There was an array of vocalizations including growls, hisses, churrs, yowls and yelps - all accompanied by ferocious spitting. The dominant pair (seen here as the victors – on top) managed to defend their area and did pick up a few minor injuries in battle. They have been spotted since - proudly patrolling (with a few limps) their territory. By contrast the intruders have only been seen once since, and showed signs of nervousness toward the vehicle.

The Triumphant Bulls

The numerous sightings this month of Elephant bulls, especially in the woodlands surrounding Sasakwa, have been very pleasing. These small groups of very confident and enormous pachyderms have allowed some close approaches, both on foot and in the vehicles. Obviously celebrating the good life with lots of mud pools, abundant water and plenty of food - they certainly have shown more character than the luckless South African Super 14 Rugby franchise of the same name. A special sighting on the morning of the 20th had a group joyously interacting - 2 or 3 of them intertwining trunks and tusks, having fun and communicating like only elephants can…

On the morning of the 7th we were fortunate to witness a Tawny Eagle, feasting on a snake in a tree. Even though Tawny eagles have been recorded catching and killing snakes they are also extremely efficient scavengers. The large snake would have more than likely been stolen from a Snake Eagle or Secretary Bird. The Tawny was then chased off the branch by his mate, also eager for a morsel, and the 2 were seen flying off, the first bird still with the snake firmly in its talons. With only a small section of the snake intact we could not accurately ID it, but it was presumed to be Brown House Snake.

The New Hyenas

Two brand new pups have been born to the Nyasarori clan of hyenas. These 2 dark brown youngsters will no doubt be tormented and bullied by their older clan mates. The six 8 month old pups have done exceptionally well and will be keeping the 2 new pups company at the den while the adults are out hunting. Thanks to Kerry Rademeyer for the pictures.

The Giraffe

The Maasai giraffe are some of the most photogenic animals on the savannas. The variety of colour patterns and geometric shapes is usually an indication of the different sub-species. There is a huge variety of colour and pattern though, even within a single population. Thanks to the Joseph Kibwe for the pictures.

The Bugs

We conclude this month with some miniature wildlife. The abundant rain has brought many insects out. The opportunity to catch these fascinating creatures up close with a macro lens brings out a whole new microscopic world. The beautifully coloured and very appropriately named Picasso bug is a great example. The colours appear to have been painted on by hand! It is a member of the Shield-backed Bug family (Scutelleridae).

The beautifully coloured female Red-veined Dropwing Dragonfly is another miniature beauty………..

Not all things are attractive and peaceful though as this Damselfly is observed devouring a tiny hopper (Grasshopper nymph)

We are looking forward to more rain and mud in April!

Lee Fuller