Tag: eye

Snarl

Like normal cheetahs, king cheetahs also have tall and slim bodies. Although they look similar, the king cheetah has a fur pattern mutation (caused by lack of genetic diversity) which results in its large connected black patches – differing from the smaller and more plentiful spots found on the common cheetah. Communicates mainly through high- pitched chirping calls, marking territory through urine or saliva (through cheek rubbing). Female cheetahs are solitary, unless when raising young where mothers usually stay close together, otherwise they only come into contact with other cheetahs when mating. Males will, however, form coalitions (mostly between brothers) of about 2-3 to defend more territory. They are not territorial towards each other but are towards other male coalitions. Cheetahs prefer to live in open grassland and savanna-type regions. This habitat type accommodates their way of hunting, which is running to capture prey. Cheetahs’ claws do not retract and remain exposed. Their claws protract with every step in order to assist with grip. The ridges on the pads allow efficient movement by preventing slipping. They have digitigrade foot posture, where the heel and instep are raised so that only the digits touch the ground.
Info source: https://hesc.co.za/species-hesc/king-cheetah/
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The photo was taken during November 2017 at Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, De Wildt, Gauteng, South Africa.

Snarl

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Curved

The oryx can be considered a symbol of the Namibian Desert, being thoroughbred to the vast hot spaces spotted scantily with thorn trees. The oryx has great strength, endurance, and can survive on sparse desert grass. It minimises its water needs by allowing its body temperature to rise from its normal 35.7°C to 45°C, then cooling itself down through evaporation, nasal panting and sweating. It concentrates its urine and absorbs all moisture possible. Bulls measure about 1.2 m at the shoulders and can have a mass of 240 kg. This species has prominent black stripes on the flanks, a long black tail and white and black markings on the face and legs. Both sexes carry horns, the bulls’ being shorter and thicker than that of the cows.
Info source: http://southafrica.co.za/oryx.html
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The photo was taken during February 2017 at Mabula Private Game Reserve, Rooiberg, Limpopo, South Africa.

Curved

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Flaming

The Southern Red Bishop is 10–11 centimetres long and has a thick, conical bill. The breeding males are brightly coloured with red (occasionally orange) and black plumage. The forehead, face and throat are black and the rest of the head is red. The upperparts are red apart from the brown wings and tail. The upper breast and under tail coverts are red while the lower breast and belly are black. The non-breeding male and female have streaky brown plumage, paler below. The females are smaller than the males, the bill, legs and feet are pale pinkish. The eyes are dark brown. Southern Red Bishops have various twittering calls and a nasal contact call; the male has a buzzing song.
Info source: https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/southern-red-bishop/
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The photo was taken during November 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Flaming

Picture of the day, Wildlife