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Camouflage

The water monitor is one of the most striking members of the Reptile family and is second in size only to the Nile crocodile. Including the tail, large adults can reach lengths of up to nearly 2.5 meters. Its body is adorned with beautiful yellow patterning, aiding it to be well camouflaged in its preferred habitat close to bodies of water and reed beds. Although usually found close to water, these monitors are not water dependent and will actively forage for food on land, travelling large distances from water if need be. They are also capable of climbing trees but are usually found basking on riverbanks.

16 March 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Shy

The Bushbuck is a close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala. The rams are very elegant in appearance, sporting dark greyish-brown fur, with white spots on the flanks and prominent white socks. In height they are 700 mm at the shoulders, and have a maximum mass of 54 Kg’s. Ewes are smaller and adult ewes are lighter in colour than rams, with more pronounced white spots and stripes. Both males and females have geometrically shaped white patches or spots on the most mobile parts of their body, namely the ears, chin, tail, legs and neck, as well as a band of white at the base of the neck. On males these markings become more visible during their displays when they arch their backs and slowly circle one another, walking in a tense, high-stepping gait. These highly ritualized displays usually make fighting unnecessary and alongside this, a rigid age-based hierarchy among keeps males in check.

15 March 201815 March 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Solitary

Common warthogs are not territorial, but instead occupy a home range. Common warthogs live in groups called sounders. Females live in sounders with their young and with other females. Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range. Sub-adult males associate in bachelor groups, but live alone when they become adults. Adult males only join sounders with estrous females.

13 March 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife