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Greetings!

1. An elephant trunk contains 40 000 different muscles.
The human body only contains 639! This gives us an idea of the immense complexity of this amazing appendage.
2. The elephant trunk is by far the most versatile appendage on the planet
It is used to breathe, drink, eat, smell, snorkel, communicate – as well as being used as a ‘hand’ to touch, feel, hold, grab, pull etc.
3. The trunk is both extremely delicate and extremely strong.
The African elephant has two finger-like tips at the end of its trunk that it uses to clasp smaller objects. The trunk is so delicate it is at times used to wipe or clean their eyes. On the other hand, the trunk is an extremely powerful tool that can pull out trees and lift up to 350 kg (770 lb).
4. Elephants are either left or right-handed.
Baby elephants are born not knowing how to use their trunks, much like baby humans are unable to use their arms and hands. They often stumble over their trunks for the first couple of days, but soon their trunks grow considerably and they gain control. Interestingly, elephants show a preference between grasping objects to the left or right, in the same way, that children are left or right-handed.
5. The elephant’s sense of smell is estimated to be four times that of a bloodhound and they can smell water from miles away.
Info source: https://www.kariega.co.za/blog/elephant-trunks-close-up-photo-and-5-interesting-facts
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Transport Dam, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

2 July 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

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

Ballooning

The Burchell’s Zebra lives in small family units, which typically consist of one stallion and one mare with their foals. Non-breeding stallions occur in bachelor groups. Herd stallions are between four to 12 years old. Water holes in conjunction with favoured grazing areas attract family groups which collectively congregate in large numbers. They are often seen in close association with Wildebeest, other plains Antelope and Baboons. Non-seasonal breeders, foals may be born in any month. However, under optimal conditions, more foals are born during summer. After a gestation period of 360-390 days, a single foal is born, which weighs 30-35 Kg. Foals are weaned at the age of 11 months.
Info source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_burchells_zebra.html
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The photo was taken during July 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

27 June 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife