Tag: black

Duet

The common tsessebe is a close relative of the bontebok. It is somewhat comical in appearance; with high, sloped shoulders that descend to a small rump that does not look particularly strong. In fact, its entire body looks more clumsy than agile. However, when threatened, this has proven to be one of the fastest antelope in the bushveld of Africa. They can reach a running speed of up to 80 kilometres per hour. This is no mean feat when one considers that its peers are the mighty wildebeest and the elegant springbok. The common tsessebe is brown (adult males are darker than juveniles and female adults) with white or darker brown markings. The long, slender legs and chest are black, and there is a black line running from their forehead to the tip of their nose. The belly is white, and their muzzles are narrow and elongated. For the tsessebe, the horns play an important role in determining their age and in establishing dominance (by means of horning the ground). These horns are S-shaped and ringed. They wear down over the years, so older animals can be distinguished by their well-worn horns.
Info source: https://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/wildlife_tsessebe.php
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The photo was taken during February 2019 at Mabula Private Game Reserve, Rooiberg, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.

Duet

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Dribble

The red-knobbed coot has all-black plumage with a white bill and frontal shield. 2 red knobs are found on the head, at the top of the shield. This bird has grey legs and a red eye. These red knobs are more conspicuous during the breeding season. As a swimming bird, its toes are partially webbed. The female is around the size of a small chicken, 39 cm long. The male is larger in size. The red-knobbed coot feeds mainly on plant matter, but will occasionally take insects. Monogamous, the red-knobbed coot builds a floating nest on a mound of vegetation. Lays up to 8 eggs. The coot is a highly territorial species and will try and bully any intruders, even geese up to twice their size. This coot is often seen running across the water, without flying. Found throughout South Africa, in a wide range of freshwater bodies. Absent from arid areas.
Info source: http://southafrica.co.za/red-knobbed-coot.html
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The photo was taken during July 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Dribble

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Reprimand

Zebra mares may give birth to one foal every 12 months. The birthing peak is during the rainy season. A mare gives birth within the vicinity of her group and while laying down on her side. The newborn foal weighs 30–35 kg (66–77 lb) and the afterbirth is rarely consumed. A newborn is capable of standing almost immediately and starts to eat grass within a week. At the moment of birth, a mother zebra keeps any other zebra away from her foal, including the stallion, the other mares, and even the previous offspring. Later, though, they all bond. Within the group, a foal has the same rank as its mother. The stallion is generally intolerant of foals that are not his and zebras may practice infanticide and feticide.
Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plains_zebra
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The photo was taken during November 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Reprimand

Picture of the day, Wildlife