branch Archives - Page 16 of 26

Siesta

The dark silver-grey body of the Blue wildebeest is marked with dark vertical bands on the front quarters. Blue wildebeest are characterised by a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both sexes grow short curved horns. In adult bulls, the horns are heavily bossed. Bulls weigh 250 kg and measure 1.5 m at the shoulders. Cows are slightly smaller, measuring 1.4 m at the shoulder and with a mass of 180 kg. Blue Wildebeest are seasonal breeders. Births of single calves per cow occur during summer after a gestation period of nine months. Calves can run with the herd within minutes after birth.

28 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Hidden

Although weavers are named for their elaborately woven nests, some are notable for their selective parasitic nesting habits instead. The nests vary in size, shape, the material used, and construction techniques from species to species. Materials used for building nests include fine leaf fibres, grass, and twigs. Many species weave very fine nests using thin strands of leaf fibre, though some, like the buffalo-weavers, form massive untidy stick nests in their colonies, which may have spherical woven nests within. The sociable weavers of Africa build apartment-house nests, in which 100 to 300 pairs have separate flask-shaped chambers entered by tubes at the bottom. The sparrow weavers live in family units that employ cooperative breeding. Most species weave nests that have narrow entrances, facing downward. Many weaver species are gregarious and breed colonially. The birds build their nests together for protection, often several to a branch. Usually, the male birds weave the nests and use them as a form of display to lure prospective females.

26 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Mimic

Agamas are active during the day and are often found scampering around to snatch up their favourite foods. They can tolerate greater temperatures than most reptiles, but in the afternoon when temperatures reach around 38 °C they will settle into the shade and wait for it to cool. Frequent fighting breaks out between males; such fighting involves a lot of bobbing and weaving in an attempt to scare the opponent. If it comes to blows, they lash out with their tails and threaten each other with open jaws. Many older males have broken tails as a result of such fights. Females may sometimes chase and fight one another, while hatchlings mimic the adults in preparation for their future.

19 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife