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Crusted

During the heat of the day, rhinos will rest up in shade or find a mud wallow. The mud not only cools them down but protects the skin against parasites and the sun. Rhinos tend to move around more during the night when it is cooler and more bearable. They will also drink water whenever available. Rhinos sleep standing up or lying down and can sleep up to 8 hours a day at intervals. They can be found dozing under a tree during a hot day, but when they take a deep sleep, they lie down with their feet curled up slightly to the one side. They sleep very deeply and can easily be approached. These mammals are easily recognised by their prehistoric features and the horns on their forehead. Rhinos are bold and have been seen to graze right next to Lions, with the Lions being equally unfazed. Poachers are greatly responsible for the decreasing Rhino population.
Info source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/faq-on-rhino.html
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Malelane Gate, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

28 June 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

Poser

Impala occur throughout South Africa however historically they were found mainly in the northern, northeastern and eastern parts of the country. They occur in large numbers in the Kruger National Park. Impala are also found in other parks and reserves and also on Game Farms and Private reserves throughout certain areas of South Africa. In many of these areas they have been reintroduced for game farming and breeding. Impala prefer savannah woodland and Acacia thornveld, preferably near water. Although mainly active during the day they can be active during periods of feeding at night. Rams are bigger than ewes and have horns while ewes do not grow horns.
Info source: http://www.wildlifesouthafrica.com/blog/mammals-of-south-africa/impala-fact-file
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Tshokwane Picnic Spot, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

25 June 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

Rounded

Rounded
The African wild dog also called Cape hunting dog or painted dog, typically roams the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. The dog’s Latin name means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal’s irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. African wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. The female has a litter of 2 to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations. African wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of 6 to 20 (or more) animals. Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. Packs hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey, such as wildebeests, particularly if their quarry is ill or injured. The dogs supplement their diet with rodents and birds. As human settlements expand, the dogs have sometimes developed a taste for livestock, though significant damage is rare. Unfortunately, they are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their domestic animals. African wild dogs are threatened by shrinking space to roam in their African home. They are also quite susceptible to diseases spread by domestic animals.
Info source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/african-wild-dog/
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The photo was taken during October 2017 at Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

24 June 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife