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Regal

The lion’s mane is the most recognizable feature of the species. It starts growing when lions are about a year old. Mane colour varies and darkens with age; research shows its colour and size are influenced by environmental factors such as average ambient temperature. Mane length apparently signals fighting success in male-male relationships; darker-maned individuals may have longer reproductive lives and higher offspring survival, although they suffer in the hottest months of the year. The presence, absence, colour and size of the mane are associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is that a darker, fuller mane indicates a healthier animal. The main purpose of the mane is thought to be the protection of the neck and throat in territorial fights with rivals.
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Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion

7 March 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

Contorted

Giraffes give birth to live babies after 14 months of gestation. When a baby giraffe is born, it drops up to 6 feet to the ground and lands on its head. The fall does not hurt the baby giraffe at all but makes it take a deep, first breath. After an hour or so, the baby can walk on her own. When baby giraffes are born, the animals average 6 feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 150 lbs. Baby giraffes are considered fully mature, or adults, around the time they turn 4 years old. Baby giraffes will gain most of their height and weight in the first three years of life. Baby giraffes begin eating within the first hour of life. For the first four to six months, the babies drink milk from their mother. After that time, the babies begin eating leaves. Baby giraffes are cared for primarily by the mother, who normally gives birth to a single calf. So the mother giraffe usually has only one baby to take care of at a time. If a mother giraffe leaves for any reason, baby giraffes will wait in the same location until she returns. Female giraffes do, at times, create an animal daycare of sorts where one female will watch all the baby giraffes while the other females tend to other matters. Info source: https://sciencing.com/baby-giraffes-8632947.html

5 March 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

Fuzzy

The waterbuck is the largest of the kob antelopes. It is known for its trademark white ring around the hindquarters which they use as a ‘follow me’ sign. If one of the group spots a predator and runs, the rest will follow to avoid becoming prey. Only the males have horns which are handsome, long and prominently ringed, sweeping backwards and up. The eyes and nose of the Waterbuck have beautiful white markings and it has a noticeable white collar under the throat line. Waterbuck have a brownish–grey shaggy coat with a lot of hair around their necks. This neck hair is hollow which allows for extra buoyancy when swimming, helping them to keep their heads above water. Waterbuck give off a strong scent that can be smelt even by humans, which is believed to deter certain predators. Waterbuck prefer an open, dry countryside with savanna grassland, bushveld and even hilly areas as long as it is close to water, like rivers or dams. They are often found in reed beds near rivers and also on floodplains. They never live far from permanent water sources.

22 February 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife