Tag: white

Curvature

The nyala is also a very unique species with regards to its extreme sexual dimorphism (i.e. the differences between males and females). The male is dark brown in colour while the female is a bright orange colour. Males are born the same colour as females, but as they mature they will gradually change from orange to a dark brown. In the larger antelope species, the male is known as a bull and the female is known as a cow. With smaller antelope, the male is known as a ram and the female is known as a ewe. The nyala is used as a marker to distinguish between the names given to the males and females of other antelope species. This is because of the drastic difference in size between the male and female nyala. The male nyala is classified as a bull, while the female is classified as a ewe. Any male antelope smaller than the nyala bull is classified as a ram, and any female antelope bigger than the nyala female is classified as a cow. The species is also unique in the way males compete for females. The males will display what is called a lateral display. This is when the fringe fur on the backs and bellies of the males will become rigid and stand up straight, giving them a bigger and bolder appearance. This display of size can settle a dominance dispute the majority of the time, but on rare occasions when two bull nyala are well matched, they will lock horns and fight for breeding and dominance rights. The displays are spectacular to see.
Info source: https://arathusa.co.za/a-unique-antelope-species/
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Nkuhlu Picnic Spot, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Curvature

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Eject

The vivid black-and-white markings of the African sacred ibis certainly ensure that this bird stands in stark contrast to the greens, browns and blues of the South African landscapes. They have the same silhouette as their hadeda relatives but are undoubtedly set apart by their plumage. The sacred ibis’ body is almost completely white, with black feathers on its rump. The wings are edged with a black outline, which is only really visible when the birds extend their wings in flight. These wings also have some bare areas, in which the pink skin shows, both on the top and on the bottom. The neck and head are bald and black, as are the legs and feet. A long curved beak gives the bird a dramatic appearance. Young birds have a smaller beak and their white plumage still looks a little dirty, in comparison with the adults. In addition, they retain some feathers on their necks.

Info source: https://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/birds_sacred_ibis.php

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The photo was taken during June 2017 at De Kleine Serengeti, Dinokeng, Gauteng, South Africa.

Eject

Picture 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.

Ballooning

Picture of the day, Wildlife