Tag: black

Scruffy

The hyena is a shaggy, untidy and opportunistic carnivore with a distinctive, sloping back. It weighs around 60 kg (males can be heavier) and stands about 80 cm at the shoulder. Almost all hyena in Kruger is the spotted hyena. They are found throughout Kruger and the best places to see them are south-west Okavango, Savuti and Linyanti. The brown hyena found in southern Africa’s more arid environments. The spotted hyena hunts and scavenges by night and is closely connected in African folklore with the supernatural world. Anyone who has heard the sound of hyenas in full cry around midnight would understand the animal’s association with the dark arts. Unlike the honest, authoritarian roar of the lion which resonates with purity and strength, the “laughing” hyena’s utterances are hysterical and mocking, an eerie human-like giggling shriek that would not be out of place in a mental asylum. It’s body parts command a premium price on the local muti market, particularly the tail, ears, whiskers, lips and genitals.
Info source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_National_Park_Wildlife-travel/kruger-park-wildlife-hyenas.html
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Afsaal Picnic Spot, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Scruffy

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Eject

The vivid black-and-white markings of the African sacred ibis certainly ensure that this bird stands in stark contrast to the greens, browns and blues of the South African landscapes. They have the same silhouette as their hadeda relatives but are undoubtedly set apart by their plumage. The sacred ibis’ body is almost completely white, with black feathers on its rump. The wings are edged with a black outline, which is only really visible when the birds extend their wings in flight. These wings also have some bare areas, in which the pink skin shows, both on the top and on the bottom. The neck and head are bald and black, as are the legs and feet. A long curved beak gives the bird a dramatic appearance. Young birds have a smaller beak and their white plumage still looks a little dirty, in comparison with the adults. In addition, they retain some feathers on their necks.

Info source: https://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/birds_sacred_ibis.php

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The photo was taken during June 2017 at De Kleine Serengeti, Dinokeng, Gauteng, South Africa.

Eject

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Ballooning

The Burchell’s Zebra lives in small family units, which typically consist of one stallion and one mare with their foals. Non-breeding stallions occur in bachelor groups. Herd stallions are between four to 12 years old. Water holes in conjunction with favoured grazing areas attract family groups which collectively congregate in large numbers. They are often seen in close association with Wildebeest, other plains Antelope and Baboons. Non-seasonal breeders, foals may be born in any month. However, under optimal conditions, more foals are born during summer. After a gestation period of 360-390 days, a single foal is born, which weighs 30-35 Kg. Foals are weaned at the age of 11 months.
Info source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_burchells_zebra.html
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The photo was taken during July 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Ballooning

Picture of the day, Wildlife