Tag: ears

Perked

The blue wildebeest is identified by its long black mane and beard hanging from the neck and throat. Its dark silver-grey body is marked by dark vertical streaks running down the front quarters. The horns of adult bulls are heavily bossed, and both cows and bulls grow these short, curved horns. Bulls measure about 1.5m at the shoulders and weigh 250 kg. Naturally, cows are slightly smaller and measure 1.4m at the shoulder, with a mass of about 180 kg. The blue wildebeest breeds seasonally. After a gestation period of nine months, single calves are born during the summer months. Just a few minutes after birth, the calves are able to run with the rest of the herd. Blue wildebeest herds migrate seasonally. This is an effective survival strategy during both the wet and dry seasons, allowing the consumption of resources over large areas and curtailing over-utilisation. Blue wildebeests are social animals, living in herds ranging from ten to a few thousand. When the herd is stationary, the bulls maintain and protect the territory. The blue wildebeest is distributed in large parts of Southern Africa but is concentrated in the northeastern regions of South Africa. Population numbers are drastically decreased due to fencing, which inhibits the blue wildebeest’s instinctive migration.
Info source: http://southafrica.co.za/blue-wildebeest.html
=========
The photo was taken during June 2017 at De Kleine Serengeti Game Lodge, Cullinan, Gauteng, South Africa.

Perked

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Clipped

The African buffalo can be found in South Africa. This large wild bovine reaches up to 1.5 meters in shoulder height and can weigh up to 750 kg. While both sexes have horns, bulls are equipped with a heavier boss and upward curving horns. The African buffalo are bulk grazers and convert long grasslands to shorter grassy environments in the bushveld plains of South Africa. As a result, the African buffalo herds have an important impact on the ecological environment in South Africa. The African buffalo is a very sociable animal and can live in herds of up to 100 individuals. These large herds break into smaller groups when drought occurs in South Africa. With a gestation period of 330 days, 1 calf is born at a time. Peak breeding season occurs between March and May, with calves being born between January and April.
The African buffalo are frequently preyed upon by lions. African buffalo are known to rush to the defence of another herd member if it is under attack from a predator. In a large group, they are also able to ward off a pride of preying lions. The African buffalo is a member of the Big Five animals in South Africa, as a wounded buffalo is known to be extremely dangerous. Mainly found in woodland savannas across South Africa, the Kruger National Park has the highest concentration of African buffalo. Smaller populations can be found in Kwazulu Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. The African buffalo have very stern appearances, and have a tendency to look upon you as if you owe them money!
Info source: http://southafrica.co.za/african-buffalo.html
=========
The photo was taken during September 2017 near Skukuza, Kruger National Park Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Clipped

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
=========
The photo was taken during November 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Reprimand

Picture of the day, Wildlife