23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum simum)

The white rhinoceros, also known as the white rhino or square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), is the largest extant species of rhinoceros and the most social of all rhino species, characterized by its wide mouth adapted for grazing. The species includes two subspecies with dramatically different conservation outlooks: the southern white rhinoceros, with an estimated 17,464 individuals in the wild as of the end of 2023, and the northern white rhinoceros. The northern subspecies is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction; its last known male, Sudan, died in March 2018, leaving behind only a very small number of females in captivity. Both subspecies have faced significant threats, primarily from poaching for their horns and habitat loss, which contribute to the species' overall conservation status of Near Threatened. White rhinoceros can run up to 40 mph (64 km/h) for very short bursts. They can maintain speeds of around 30–31 mph (48–50 km/h) for a good amount of time, and they have good stamina.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SPOTTED EAGLE OWL (Bubo africanus)

The spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus), also known as the African spotted eagle-owl and the African eagle-owl, is a medium-sized species of owl, one of the smallest of the eagle owls. Its length is 45 cm (18 in) and its weight is from 454 to 907 grams (1.0 to 2.0 lb). It has a 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 in) wingspan. The facial disk is off-white to pale ochre and the eyes are yellow. It has prominent ear-tufts, and the upper body is dusky brown, the lower parts off-white with brown bars. Prior to 1999 the spotted eagle-owl was considered conspecific with the greyish eagle-owl, but now it is classed as a separate species.

Spotted eagle-owls are the most common species of owl found in Southern Africa. They have a healthy population in most parts of the region. They are often referred to as urban owls and will live in close proximity to human habitation. They occur throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They can also be found in thorn savanna and in suburban gardens, such as the outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHEAST AFRICAN CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)

The Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is the nominate cheetah subspecies native to East and Southern Africa. The Southern African cheetah lives mainly in the lowland areas and deserts of the Kalahari, the savannahs of Okavango Delta, and the grasslands of the Transvaal region in South Africa. In Namibia, cheetahs are mostly found in farmlands. In India, four cheetahs of the subspecies are living in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh after having been introduced there.

The cheetah is a medium-sized cat. An adult male cheetah's total size can measure from 168 to 213 cm (66 to 84 in) and 162 to 200 cm (64 to 79 in) for females. Adult cheetahs are 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) tall at the shoulder. Males are slightly taller than females and have slightly bigger heads with wider incisors and longer mandibles.  

The Southeast African cheetah usually lives on grasslands, savannahs, scrub forests, and arid environments such as deserts and semidesert steppes. These cheetahs can be found in open fields, where they chase and hunt herbivorous mammals such as antelopes at a very high speed. In South Africa, the cheetah also prefers woodlands (in Kruger National Park), shrublands, high mountains, mountainous grasslands, and montane areas where favorable prey are mostly available.

The Southeast African cheetah is currently the most common subspecies and was widespread everywhere in southern to central Africa, ranging from South Africa to the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga Province) and southern Tanzania. Its range is now greatly reduced, where it occurs in an area of 1,223,388 km2 (472,353 sq mi), 22% of its original range.

23-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE, MADIKWE - ELEGANT GRASSHOPPER (Zonocerus elegans)

The elegant grasshopper (Zonocerus elegans) is a brightly colored, toxic, and often sluggish insect found in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Known for its bold yellow, black, and orange coloring, it feeds on poisonous plants to deter predators, often causing significant damage to crops like cassava.

Key Characteristics and Biology

Appearance: Striking coloration with bright orange eyes, yellow bands, and a black body. 

Size: Adults are 3 to 5 cm long, with females usually larger than males.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa giraffa ssp. giraffa)

 The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies.The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)

The red-billed oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus) is a passerine bird in the oxpecker family, Buphagidae. It is native to the eastern savannah of sub-Saharan Africa, from the Central African Republic east to South Sudan and south to northern and eastern South Africa. It is more widespread than the yellow-billed oxpecker in Southern Africa, where their ranges overlap.

The red-billed oxpecker is a native of the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. It ranges across Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia to southern Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, and north-eastern South Africa.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is an African bird of the roller family, Coraciidae. It is widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It prefers open woodland and savanna, and it is for the most part absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, amphibians and small birds moving about on the ground. 

Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs are laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to a fair height (69 to 144 metres), descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes do not differ in coloration, and juveniles lack the long tail streamers of adults. This species is unofficially considered the national bird of Kenya. Alternative names for the lilac-breasted roller include the fork-tailed roller, lilac-throated roller (also used for a subspecies of purple roller), Mosilikatze's roller, and troupand.

23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops ssp. africana)

The African Hoopoe (Upupa africana) is a striking, medium-sized bird known for its cinnamon-colored body, black-and-white zebra-striped wings, long, downcurved bill, and a prominent crest. Found across sub-Saharan Africa in woodlands and savannas, they are distinct from European hoopoes due to their deeper color, lack of white in their crest, and sedentary nature. 

22-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - BUSHVELD FAMILIAR CHAT (Oenanthe familiaris ssp. hellmayri)

The Familiar Chat (Oenanthe familiaris), commonly found in the bushveld and rocky areas of sub-Saharan Africa, is a small (14–15 cm) grey-brown bird known for its fearless, curious behavior and signature habit of flicking its wings while perched on fences, rocks, or buildings. These sociable birds are often seen in pairs or family groups, foraging on the ground for insects and sometimes insects, fruit, or farmyard scraps. 

Appearance: They are dumpy, short-tailed birds with dull grey-brown upperparts, warm rufous-brown ear coverts, and a distinct rufous rump and outer tail feathers that are noticeable in flight. 

Habit/Behavior: Exceptionally tame and often called "spekvreter" (fat-eater) in Afrikaans, they used to eat fat from wagon axles, a behavior that shifted to eating lard, butter, or meat scraps around farmhouses. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN WARTHOG (Phacochoerus africanus ssp. sundevallii)

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the pig family (Suidae) found in grassland, savanna, and woodland in sub-Saharan Africa. In the past, it was commonly treated as a subspecies of P. aethiopicus, but today that scientific name is restricted to the desert warthog of northern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SABOTA LARK (Calendulauda sabota)

The sabota lark (Calendulauda sabota) is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in southern Africa in its natural habitats of dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It is generally sedentary but local movements occur in drier regions. The species name is derived from sebotha or sebothé, the Tswana generic name for a lark.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - RUFOUS NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana)

 The rufous-naped lark (Corypha africana) or rufous-naped bush lark is a widespread and conspicuous species of lark in the lightly wooded grasslands, open savannas and farmlands of the Afrotropics. Males attract attention to themselves by a bold and often repeated wing-fluttering display from a prominent perch, which is accompanied by a melodious and far-carrying whistled phrase. This rudimentary display has been proposed as the precursor to the wing-clapping displays of other bush lark species. 

They have consistently rufous outer wings and a short erectile crest, but the remaining plumage hues and markings are individually and geographically variable. It has a straight lower, and longish, curved upper mandible.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus quagga ssp. burchellii)

(Equus quagga burchellii) is a southern subspecies of the plains zebra. It is named after the British explorer and naturalist William John Burchell. Common names include bontequagga, Damaraland zebra, and Zululand zebra (Gray, 1824).[1] Burchell's zebra is the only subspecies of zebra which may be legally farmed for human consumption.

Like most plains zebras, females and males are about the same size, standing 1.1 to 1.4 metres (3 ft 7 in to 4 ft 7 in) at the shoulder. They weigh between 230 and 320 kilograms (500 and 700 lb). Year-round reproduction observed in this subspecies in Etosha National Park, Namibia, concludes synchronization of a time budget between males and females, possibly explaining the lack of sexual dimorphism.  

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - GRAYFOOT CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus ssp. griseipes)

The Grayfoot Chacma Baboon ( Papio ursinus griseipes ) is a subspecies of the Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) distinguished by its grayish hands and feet and a golden-colored coat, rather than the black limbs of the typical chacma baboon. This subspecies has a more golden fur and is generally smaller and heavier than typical black-footed chacmas. They are omnivorous primates found in Southern Africa, inhabiting diverse environments from deserts to forests. 

They are found in Southern Africa, extending from South Africa northward into Zambia and Mozambique.

Grayfoot chacma baboons have also been observed to hybridize with Kinda baboons (Papio kindae) in the Kafue River valley. 

Key Characteristics

Coloration: Grayish fur on the hands and feet, and a more golden coat than typical chacmas.

Size: Smaller and lighter than the black-footed (ursinus) subspecies.

Habitat: Occupy various habitats including coastal, mountainous, woodland, savannah, and semi-desert regions.

Diet: Omnivorous, consuming fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, small animals, and even shellfish on the coast.

Behavior: Terrestrial and diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and in trees. 

Ecological Role

As omnivores, they play a role in seed dispersal and soil aeration.

They are part of the food web as both predators and prey. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK THROATED CANARY (Crithagra atrogularis)

The black-throated canary (Crithagra atrogularis), also known as the black-throated seedeater, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.

It is found frequently in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, dry savanna, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SAVANNA ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)

The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the world's largest land animal, standing 10–13 feet tall and weighing up to 13,000 lbs. Found in sub-Saharan savanna and woodland habitats, they are social matriarchal mammals known for their large ears and versatile trunks. They are endangered, primarily threatened by habitat loss and poaching. 

Size and Appearance: They are the largest living land animals, with males (bulls) reaching up to 13 feet in height and weighing 6,000kg (approx. 13,000 lbs). They have large, Africa-shaped ears that help them radiate heat. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum simum)

 Southern white rhinos are the most abundant of the five rhino species, listed as "Near Threatened" rather than extinct, with around 18,000 living in protected, primarily South African, savannah habitats. They are massive, social grazers weighing up to 5,000 lbs, easily identified by their wide, square mouths used for eating grass. 

Key Southern White Rhino Facts:

Appearance: Despite their name, they are grey in color, not white. The name comes from a misinterpretation of the Afrikaans word wyd (wide), referring to their broad, square upper lip, which is perfectly adapted for grazing.

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Size & Speed: These are the largest of all rhino species. Males can weigh up to 5,000–6,000 lbs (2.3–2.7 tonnes) and reach 12–13 ft in length. Despite their bulk, they can run at speeds of up to to 30 to 35 mph.

Habitat & Range: They live in the grasslands and savannahs of Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Behavior: They are the most social of all rhino species, with females often seen in groups with their calves. They are notoriously fond of wallowing in mud to protect their skin from insects and the sun.

Horns: They have two horns made of keratin (the same substance as human hair and fingernails), with the front horn being longer. They use these for defense and for guiding their young.

Diet: They are grazers, which means they feed exclusively on grass, unlike black rhinos, which are browsers that eat shrubs and trees.

Threats & Conservation: While they have made a significant comeback from the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, they are still threatened by poaching for their horns.

Predators: Adult white rhinos have no natural predators, though calves can be targeted by lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - 22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - AFRICAN SAVANNAH ELEPHANT

The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the world's largest land animal, standing 10–13 feet tall and weighing up to 13,000 lbs. Found in sub-Saharan savanna and woodland habitats, they are social matriarchal mammals known for their large ears and versatile trunks. They are endangered, primarily threatened by habitat loss and poaching. 

Key Facts About African Savanna Elephants

Size and Appearance: They are the largest living land animals, with males (bulls) reaching up to 13 feet in height and weighing 6,000kg (approx. 13,000 lbs). They have large, Africa-shaped ears that help them radiate heat. 

Habitat and Range: They live across varied habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, including open savannas, woodlands, and deserts. Key countries include Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.

Diet and Eating Habits: They are herbivores, consuming up to 350 pounds of vegetation daily—including grass, leaves, and bark.

Trunks and Tusks: Their trunks have about 150,000 muscle units, used for breathing, smelling, drinking, and grasping objects. Both males and females havem tusks, which are actually elongated teeth, used for digging and defense.

Social Structure and Life Span: They live in matriarchal herds led by the eldest female. They can live 60–70 years in the wild.

Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN, their populations are declining, partly due to poaching for the ivory trade. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - FLAT BACKED MILLIPEDE (Genus Stenoniodes)

Spirostreptidae is a family of millipedes in the order Spirostreptida. It contains around 100 genera distributed in North and South America, the eastern Mediterranean, continental Africa, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

22-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE MADIKWE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Ortygornis sephaena ssp. sephaena)

The crested francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in southern Africa. One of its subspecies, Ortygornis sephaena rovuma, is sometimes considered a separate species, Kirk's francolin.

Formerly, the crested francolin was classified in its own genus Dendroperdix, but phylogenetic analysis indicates that it groups with the grey francolin (O. pondicerianus) and swamp francolin (O. gularis). As a result, all three species were reclassified into the genus Ortygornis.

Subspecies

Subspecies include:

O. s. grantii (Hartlaub, 1866)

O. s. rovuma (Gray, GR, 1867) - Kirk's francolin

O. s. spilogaster (Salvadori, 1888)

O. s. zambesiae (Mackworth-Praed, 1920)

O. s. sephaena (Smith, A, 1836)

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN BLACK BACKED JACKAL (Lupulella mesomelas ssp. mesomelas)

The black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) is a medium-sized canine native to eastern and southern Africa. These regions are separated by roughly 900 km (560 mi).

One region includes the southernmost tip of the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The other area is along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as least concern due to its widespread range and adaptability, although it is still persecuted as a livestock predator and rabies vector.

It has a reddish brown to tan coat and a black saddle that extends from the shoulders to the base of the tail. It is a monogamous animal, whose young may remain with the family to help raise new generations of pups. The black-backed jackal has a wide array of food sources, feeding on small to medium-sized animals, as well as plant matter and human refuse.

It also plays a prominent role in African folklore, often depicted as a cunning and adaptable trickster figure. Despite ongoing conflict with humans due to livestock predation, its populations remain stable thanks to its resilience and adaptability across diverse landscapes.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN LION (FEMALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita),

Panthera leo melanochaita is a lion subspecies in Southern and East Africa. In this part of Africa, lion populations are regionally extinct in Lesotho, Djibouti and Eritrea, and are threatened by loss of habitat and prey base, killing by local people in retaliation for loss of livestock, and in several countries also by trophy hunting. Since the turn of the 21st century, lion populations in intensively managed protected areas in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe have increased, but declined in East African range countries. In 2005, a Lion Conservation Strategy was developed for East and southern Africa.

Results of a phylogeographic study indicate that lion populations in southern and eastern Africa form a major clade distinct from lion populations in West Africa, Central Africa and Asia. In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group subsumed lion populations according to the major clades into two subspecies, namely P. l. leo and P. l. melanochaita. Within P. l. melanochaita three subclades are clearly distinguishable. One from northeastern Africa, another one from southwestern Africa and a third one from southeastern Africa.

The type specimen for P. l. melanochaita was a black-maned lion from the Cape of Good Hope, known as the Cape lion. Phylogeographic analysis of lion samples from Gabon and the Republic of the Congo indicate their close genetic relation to P. l. melanochaita samples from Namibia and Botswana. It has been referred to as the Southern lion, Southern African lion, East-Southern African lion and the "southern subspecies". Contemporary lion distribution and habitat quality in East and Southern Africa was assessed in 2005, and Lion Conservation Units (LCU) mapped. Between 2002 and 2012, educated guesses for size of populations in these LCUs ranged from 33,967 to 32,000 individuals. The LCUs Ruaha−Rungwa, Serengeti−Mara, Tsavo−Mkomazi and Selous in East Africa, as well as Luangwa, Kgalagadi, Okavango−Hwange, Mid−Zambezi, Niassa and Greater Limpopo in Southern Africa are currently considered lion strongholds. These LCUs host more than 500 individuals each, and the population trend is stable there as of 2012.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum simum)

The white rhinoceros, also known as the white rhino or square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), is the largest extant species of rhinoceros and the most social of all rhino species, characterized by its wide mouth adapted for grazing. The species includes two subspecies with dramatically different conservation outlooks: the southern white rhinoceros, with an estimated 17,464 individuals in the wild as of the end of 2023, and the northern white rhinoceros.

The northern subspecies is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction; its last known male, Sudan, died in March 2018, leaving behind only a very small number of females in captivity. Both subspecies have faced significant threats, primarily from poaching for their horns and habitat loss, which contribute to the species' overall conservation status of Near Threatened. White rhinoceros can run up to 40 mph (64 km/h) for very short bursts. They can maintain speeds of around 30–31 mph (48–50 km/h) for a good amount of time, and they have good stamina.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - WHITE BROWED SCRUB ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys

The White-browed Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys) is a medium-sized bird (14–16.5 cm) native to sub-Saharan African savannas, easily identified by a prominent white eyebrow, streaked breast, and a habit of singing loudly while lifting its tail. Often heard in dry woodlands, they feed on insects, live in monogamous pairs, and are known to sing for up to 40 minutes. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK (Melierax canorus ssp. canorus)

The pale chanting goshawk (Melierax canorus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. This hawk breeds in southern Africa and is a resident species of dry, open semi-desert with 75 cm or less annual rainfall. It is commonly seen perched on roadside telephone poles.

This species is approximately 55 cm in length with a wingspan of 110 cm. The adult has grey upperparts with a white rump. The central tail feathers are black tipped with white and the outer tail feathers are barred grey and white. The head and upper breast are pale grey while the rest of the underparts are finely barred in dark grey and white. The eyes are dark brown in the adult and pale yellow in the immature. The bill is red at the base and dark grey at the tip. The cere, facial skin and long legs are also red. In flight, the adult has black primary flight feathers, very pale grey (white from a distance) secondaries, and grey forewings. Immatures have brown upperparts, with a white rump and black bars on the tail. From below, the flight feathers and tail are white with black barring, the throat is dark-streaked white, and the rest of the underparts are rufous. It is larger and paler than the barred-rumped dark chanting goshawk, Melierax metabates.

Both sexes are vocal during the breeding season. The call is a tuneful whistling kleeu-kleeu-kleeu-ku-ku-ku usually given from a tree-top perch.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - LESSER GREY SHRIKE (Lanius minor)

The lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor) is a member of the shrike family Laniidae. It breeds in South and Central Europe and western Asia in the summer and migrates to winter quarters in southern Africa in the early autumn, returning in spring. It is a scarce vagrant to western Europe, including Great Britain, usually as a spring or autumn erratic.

It is similar in appearance to the great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor) and the Iberian grey shrike (Lanius meridionalis); both sexes are predominantly black, white and grey, and males have pink-flushed underparts. It is slightly smaller than the great grey shrike, and has a black forehead and relatively longer wings. This species prefers dry open lowlands and is often seen on telephone wires.

This medium-sized passerine eats large insects, especially beetles, butterflies, moths and grasshoppers. Lesser grey shrikes frequently hover when hunting on their breeding grounds, but do not do so while moulting on non-breeding grounds. Like other shrikes, it hunts from prominent perches and sometimes impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder".

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - CAPE WILD DOG (Lycaon pictus ssp. pictus)

 The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also called painted dog and Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant member of the genus Lycaon, which is distinguished from Canis by dentition highly specialised for a hypercarnivorous diet and by a lack of dewclaws.

It is estimated that there are around 6,600 adults (including 1,400 mature individuals) living in 39 subpopulations, all threatened by habitat fragmentation, human persecution and outbreaks of disease. As the largest subpopulation probably consists of fewer than 250 individuals, the African wild dog has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1990.

The African wild dog is a specialized hunter of terrestrial ungulates, mostly hunting at dawn and dusk, but also displays diurnal activity. It captures its prey by using stamina and cooperative hunting to exhaust them. Its natural competitors are lions and spotted hyenas: the former will kill the dogs where possible whilst the latter are frequent kleptoparasites. Like other canids, the African wild dog regurgitates food for its young but also extends this action to adults as a central part of the pack's social unit. The young have the privilege of feeding first on carcasses.

The African wild dog has been revered in several hunter-gatherer societies, particularly those of the San people and Prehistoric Egypt.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus ssp. taurinus)

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also called the common wildebeest, white-bearded gnu or brindled gnu, is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest. It is placed in the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae, and has a close taxonomic relationship with the black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest is known to have five subspecies. This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive, robust muzzle. Young blue wildebeest are born tawny brown, and begin to take on their adult coloration at the age of 2 months. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish-gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved horns. 

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - SNOWBUSH (Breynia disticha)

Snowbush is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the leaf-flower family (Phyllanthaceae).  Native to New Caledonia and Vanuatu in the Pacific Islands.  In its native habitat, it is often used in hedges. The original genus name refers to the merchant, Jacob Breyne, and his physician son, Johann Philipp Breyne.  The common name, Snowbush, reflects the mottled white on the green leaves.

Reaches 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. Prefers organically rich soils with consistent moisture, which is well-drained in full sun to part shade.  Grow in full sun for the best variegated foliage color.  Light pruning during the growing season will encourage new foliage. Pull out the suckers to maintain its growth.  Outside tropical areas, it should be grown in containers and overwintered in humid, cool, frost-free locations.  The leaves will drop if indoor conditions are dry.

In addition to the colorful foliage, the shrub is grown for its attractive zigzag stems. Cultivars exist with pink and white mottling on the leaves.

Grow as a houseplant or a container specimen that is overwintered inside.  In tropical climates, grow as a hedge or specimen.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - RED HARTEBEEST (Alcelaphus buselaphus ssp. caama)

The red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama), also called the Cape hartebeest or Caama, is a subspecies of the hartebeest found in Southern Africa. More than 130,000 individuals live in the wild. The red hartebeest is closely related to the tsessebe and the topi.

Alcelaphus buselaphus caama is a large African antelope of the family Bovidae, one of ten subspecies; it is sometimes treated as a separate species, A. caama. Commonly known as the red hartebeest, it is the most colorful hartebeest, with black markings contrasting against its white abdomen and behind. It has a longer face that other subspecies, with complex curving horns joined at the base. The average weight of a male is about 150 kg, and female is 120 kg. Their average shoulder height is 135 cm, and horns are 60 cm long. The life expectancy of a red hartebeest is around 19 years. Little sexual dimorphism is noted between males and females, showing no distinct identifiable physical features, but body size is slightly affected. Horn size, however, expresses more dimorphism between males and females, as males fight and defend themselves for sexual selection. Thus, male skull weight and circumference is slightly greater than that of the female. Hartebeests have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, although their sense of sight is poor. When alarmed, hartebeests flee, reaching a maximum speed of 55 km/h. Their evasion tactic is to induce confusion by running in a zigzag pattern, making it difficult for predators to catch them.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - COMMON WATERBUCK (FEMALE) (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ssp. ellipsiprymnus)

Common waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) are large, water-dependent African antelopes easily identified by their shaggy, grey-brown coats and a distinctive white ring around their rump. They live in savannas and woodlands, rarely venturing far from water, and use thick, oily, waterproof hair to stay dry. 

Here are some key facts about waterbucks:

Appearance & Size: They stand about 50 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 660 pounds. Only males have long, ringed, spiral-shaped horns that can reach 40 inches in length. 

Unique Marking: The white ring around their rump is thought to serve as a "follow me" signal to others, helping keep herds together in thick bush. 

Water Dependency: Waterbucks are rarely found far from rivers, lakes, or swamps. They are strong swimmers and will enter deep water to escape predators like lions, leopards, or crocodiles. 

Habitat & Behavior: They are not migratory and prefer to live in areas with thick cover. They are social animals found in herds (nursery herds or bachelor herds). 

Diet: Waterbucks are grazers that eat coarse grasses, typically feeding in the early morning and late evening. 

Scented Coat: Their coats secrete a musky-smelling oil that acts as a water repellent, which was once thought to deter predators. While this oil can make their meat taste unpleasant, it doesn't prevent predators from eating them. 

Lifespan: They live for roughly 11-15 years in the wild, and up to 18 in captivity. 

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - CAPE BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer caffer)

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large species of true buffalo native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is found in a number of disconnected ranges stretching from south-eastern Senegal through West and Central Africa to South Africa. The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases that form a continuous bone shield, referred to as a "boss", across the top of the head. The African buffalo is more closely related to Asian buffalo (Bubalus) species than it is to other bovids such as American bison or domestic cattle. 

Its unpredictable temperament may be part of the reason that the African buffalo has never been domesticated and has no domesticated descendants, unlike the wild yak and wild water buffalo, which are the ancestors of the domestic yak and water buffalo, respectively. Natural predators of adult African buffaloes include lions, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles. As one of the Big Five game animals, the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), the largest subspecies native to eastern and southern Africa, is a sought-after trophy in hunting.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior)

The Southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a 40–60 cm long bird, nicknamed the "flying banana" for its large yellow beak. Native to southern Africa's savannas and woodlands, it is a ground-foraging omnivore known for a unique nesting behavior where the female seals herself into a tree cavity with mud and droppings. 

Key Facts About the Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill:

Distinctive Appearance: They have a white belly, black back with white spots, long tail, and bright yellow bill with a small casque. 

Unique Nesting: Females seal themselves inside tree cavities to lay eggs, relying on the male to pass food through a small slit for up to 8 weeks. 

Diet: They are opportunistic foragers, eating insects (termites, beetles), scorpions, seeds, and small vertebrates. 

"Flying Banana": This nickname is derived from their long, curved, yellow bill. 

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - COMMON SCREWPINE (Pandanus utilis)

Screw pines (Pandanus spp.) are tropical, palm-like plants recognized by their spirally arranged leaves, large pineapple-shaped fruits, and stilt roots that anchor them in sandy coastal soils. Native to the Old World Tropics, they are highly versatile plants used for food, medicine, and fiber, and they are essential for coastal erosion control. 

Key Facts About Screw Pines

Appearance and Growth: Despite the name, they are not pines, but monocots related to palms and bromeliads. They feature long, sword-shaped leaves with spiny margins and striking prop roots (stilt roots) that grow down from the trunk to stabilize the tree in sandy, windy coastal habitats. 

"Screw" Name Origin: They get their name from the distinct, upward twisting, helical pattern of their leaves as they grow. 

Fruit and Edibility: The large, segmented fruit looks like a pineapple and turns orange-red when ripe. It is highly prized, with some varieties having edible, starchy, sweet-scented seeds or pulp that can be cooked or eaten raw. 

Useful Fibers: The long leaves are strong and widely used in tropical regions for weaving baskets, mats, hats, and for thatching roofs, largely because they are water-resistant. 

Fragrant Flowers: Male plants produce small, highly fragrant yellow-white flowers, which are sometimes used to create perfume or perfume food. 

Environmental Utility: They are exceptionally useful in stabilizing coastal areas, as their extensive root system binds sand and helps reduce coastal erosion from ocean waves. 

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - ROSE RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri)

The Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is one of the few parrot species that have successfully adapted to living in disturbed habitats. As a popular pet species, escaped birds have colonized a number of cities around the world, including Northern and Western Europe. These parakeets are also capable of living in a variety of climates outside their native range and are able to survive low winter temperatures in Northern Europe. The species is not threatened, but its popularity as a pet and unpopularity with farmers have reduced its numbers in some parts of its native range.

The Rose-ringed parakeet is a medium-sized parrot. The adult male sports a red and black neck ring, and the hen and immature birds of both sexes either show no neck rings or display shadow-like pale to dark grey neck rings. Both sexes have a distinctive green color in the wild, and captive-bred ringnecks have multiple color mutations including blue, violet, and yellow. 

Rose-ringed parakeets are social birds. They are active during the day spending their time, foraging, flying about, and resting in the shades of tree canopy during midday hours. They often gather in flocks that fly several miles to forage in farmlands and orchards. Rose-ringed parakeets are very noisy and have an unmistakable squawking call.

Rose-ringed parakeets are herbivores and usually feed on buds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. In India, they eat cereal grains, and during winter also pigeon peas. In Egypt during the spring, they feed on mulberry, and in summer they feed on dates and eat from sunflower and corn fields.

Rose-ringed parakeets are serially monogamous; they do not have life mates and often breed with another partner during the following breeding season. In northwest India, Rose-ringed parakeets form pairs from September to December. During this cold season, they select and defend nest sites, thus avoiding competition for sites with other birds. The female lays 1 to 7 eggs and incubates them alone for about 3 weeks. The chick hatch altricial meaning they are helpless and depend on their parents for feeding and protection. The young fledge at 7 weeks of age and become independent when they are 2 years old. Reproductive maturity is usually reached at the age of 3 years.   

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)

The white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the most common vulture species in the continent of Africa.

The white-backed vulture is a typical vulture, with only down feathers on the head and neck, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff. The adult's whitish back contrasts with the otherwise dark plumage. Juveniles are largely dark. This is a medium-sized vulture; its body mass is 4.2 to 7.2 kg (9.3–15.9 lb), it is 78 to 98 cm (31 to 39 in) long and has a 1.96 to 2.25 m (6 ft 5 in to 7 ft 5 in) wingspan.

The white-backed vulture occurs from Senegal, Gambia and Mali in the west, throughout the Sahel region to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, through East Africa into Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa in the south.[1] It is the most widespread and common vulture in Africa with an estimated range of 24,300,000 km2 (9,400,000 sq mi), but has undergone rapid population declines in recent years.