Tag: ears

Clipped

Rhino notching is a form of identification. The rhino is tranquillized and during the veterinary procedure a DNA sample is taken and provided to the RHODIS database for identification. A microchip is inserted into their horn and their ears are notched so that they are readily identifiable to park rangers and caregivers. This is also a vital step in securing the rhinos and deterring poaching. RhODIS® (Rhino DNA Index System) is a project that was initiated by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory of the University of Pretoria in order to help with the plight of the rhinos. The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory is collecting DNA samples of rhinos across the country to create a database using the unique DNA profile of individual rhinos. The goal is for all rhinos to be on the system. This will deter poachers and assist in forensic prosecutions. 

Clipped

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Prince

Cheetahs can not roar. Roaring is made possible by a special two-piece hyoid bone in the throat. All of the non-roaring cats like the cheetah have a one-piece hyoid bone. Only 4 cats can roar: the lion, tiger, leopard, and jaguar. The cheetah’s chirp can be heard a mile away! Other cheetah sounds include purrs, bleats, barks, growls, hisses and chirps. Many of their vocalisations are totally unlike those of any other cat. Some are described here:
Churring: staccato growl, high-pitched
Nyam-nyam: cubs’ sound when feeding
Ihn-ihn: mother’s call to her young
Purring: like a house cat
Staccato purr: the sound made by courting males
Bleating: like a meow – a distress call

Prince

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Grazer

Gemsbok (Oryx) are light brownish-grey to tan in colour, with lighter patches toward the bottom rear of the rump. Their tails are long and black in colour. A blackish stripe extends from the chin down the lower edge of the neck, through the juncture of the shoulder and leg along the lower flank of each side to the blackish section of the rear leg. They have muscular necks and shoulders, and their legs have white ‘socks’ with a black patch on the front of both the front legs and both genders have long, straight horns.
PS. Also known as the “Honda” antelope, due to the white markings on the face resembling the Honda logo 🙂

Grazer

Picture of the day, Wildlife