22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - CRAWSHAY'S ZEBRA (Equus quagga ssp. crawshayi)

Crawshay's zebra (Equus quagga crawshayi) is a subspecies of the plains zebra native to eastern Zambia, east of the Luangwa River, Malawi, southeastern Tanzania, and northern Mozambique south to the Gorongoza District. Crawshay's zebras can be distinguished from other subspecies of plains zebras in that its lower incisors lack an infundibulum. Crawshay's zebra has very narrow stripes compared to other forms of the plains zebra.

Crawshay's zebra (Equus quagga crawshayi) is a distinctive plains zebra subspecies from East Africa (Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique), known for its narrow, dense black stripes that cover the entire body down to the hooves, with no shadow stripes. Named after Captain Richard Crawshay, they are found in grasslands and savannas, are vital to ecosystems as grazers, and have seen conservation success in places like Gorongosa National Park, demonstrating strong population recovery. 

Key Facts

Subspecies: A subspecies of the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga).

Appearance: Narrow, closely spaced black stripes, no light "shadow stripes," and stripes extend all the way to the hooves.

Habitat: Open savannas, grasslands, and woodlands in eastern Zambia, Malawi, southeastern Tanzania, and northern Mozambique.

Diet: Primarily grazers, eating grasses, with other herbivores often following to eat the shorter grass.

Conservation: Considered rare but populations are recovering, especially in areas like Gorongosa National Park and Zambeze Delta Safaris.

Naming: Named after Captain Richard Crawshay, who presented a specimen to the British Museum in 1896.

Ecological Role: Their grazing helps maintain short, nutritious grass, benefiting other grazers like wildebeest. 

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - PEREGRINE FALCON (JUVENILE) (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon, known scientifically as Falco peregrinus, is a large falcon roughly the size of a crow. It boasts a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a distinct black head. This raptor is celebrated for its incredible speed, often exceeding 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop, making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom. The highest recorded speed for a Peregrine Falcon is an astonishing 389 km/h (242 mph).

Adult Peregrine Falcons have a blue-black to slate grey back with indistinct darker barring. Their underparts are white to rusty, barred with thin, clean bands of dark brown or black. The tail is similarly colored but with thin, clean bars. A notable feature is the black "moustache" that sharply contrasts with the pale sides of the neck and white throat. The cere and feet are yellow, while the beak and claws are black. Juveniles are browner with streaked underparts and a pale bluish cere.

Peregrine Falcons are found along mountain ranges, river valleys, coastlines, and increasingly in urban settings, where they utilize tall buildings as nesting sites.

The Peregrine Falcon's breeding range is extensive, spanning from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. It is nearly ubiquitous across the globe, save for extreme polar regions, very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests.

Peregrine Falcons are known for their high-speed hunting stoops. They are territorial during the breeding season, with nesting pairs spaced widely apart. They are adaptable and can thrive in urban environments, taking advantage of the abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks.

The Peregrine Falcon's vocalizations include a series of loud, sharp "kek-kek-kek" calls, particularly during nesting or when intruders approach the nest.

Peregrine Falcons reach sexual maturity between one and three years of age and mate for life. They nest in a scrape, usually on cliff edges or, in urban areas, on tall structures. They lay a clutch of three to four eggs, which are incubated for about a month.

ly distinguishing features.

The diet of the Peregrine Falcon consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, but it may also hunt small mammals, reptiles, or insects. Urban Peregrines often feed on pigeons and other city birds.

The Peregrine Falcon was once endangered due to pesticide use but has recovered remarkably well following the ban on DDT and concerted conservation efforts. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SWAINSON'S SPURFOWL (Pternistis swainsonii)

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - LILIAN'S LOVEBIRD (Agapornis lilianae)

Lilian's lovebird (Agapornis lilianae), also known as the Nyasa lovebird, is a small African parrot species of the lovebird genus. It is mainly green and has orange on its upper chest and head. It is 13 cm (5 inches) long and is the smallest parrot on mainland Africa. In captivity, it is uncommon and difficult to breed.

The Lilian's lovebird is 13 cm (5 inches) long and is mainly green with white eyerings. It has orange on its head, neck and upper chest and has a green rump. Male and female are identical in external appearance.

The Lilian's lovebird is often mistaken for the slightly larger Fischer's lovebird, which has an olive-green hood and a blue rump. It is also broadly similar to the rosy-faced lovebird, which has more clearly demarcated orange colouration, and lacks a white eyering.

Lilian's lovebirds feed on grass seeds, millet, wild rice, flowers, and the seeds and fruit of other species.

The breeding season for Lilian's lovebirds is from January to March and in June and July. They make a roofed nest in tree crevices. In captivity the clutch consists of three to eight white eggs, which are incubated for about 22 days, and the chicks leave the nest after about 44 days from hatching.

Lilian's lovebirds are endemic to Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 2004 its numbers in the wild were estimated to be less than 20,000 individuals. It currently inhabits Liwonde National Park (LNP) and a few cluster groups occur in the surrounding forests outside LNP. Its distribution is rapidly becoming restricted to LNP because their feeding and breeding habitats are being exploited over for agricultural purposes. The extent of habitat loss outside LNP has not been determined scientifically although remaining habitat outside the LNP are fragmented Miombo Forest Reserves.

Liwonde National Park is located in the southern region of Malawi, which has the highest human population density in the country approximating 100-115 inhabitants per km2 (FAO, 1997). LNP is greatly impacted by population growth and agricultural activities than any other national park in the country. Recently, cases of Lilian's lovebird poisoning have intensified although it is not known why poachers are poisoning the birds. Lilian's lovebird researchers assume poachers mean to poison larger mammals and lovebirds fall victims.

The lifespan for Lilian's lovebirds is 10–12 years. The major health concern for these species is loneliness. These birds mate for life.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - BUSHVELD HELMETED GUINEA FOWL (Numida meleagris ssp. mitratus)

The Bushveld Helmeted Guineafowl is a social, ground-dwelling bird known for its loud calls, black-and-white speckled plumage, and a distinctive bony "helmet" on its head, forming large flocks that forage for insects, seeds, and ticks in savannas, preferring to run from danger rather than fly, though capable of short bursts of flight. They are highly adaptable, roost in trees at night for safety, and are valued in farming for pest control, eating ticks and rodents. 

Appearance & Characteristics

Plumage: Dark gray-black with fine white spots, resembling pearls or beads.

Head: Features a hard, bony knob (casque) and bare skin that can be red, blue, or white/yellow, depending on subspecies.

Size: About 53-58 cm long, with a round body. 

Behavior & Habitat

Social & Gregarious: Forms large flocks (25-40+ birds) outside breeding season, often seen in Kruger National Park and similar savanna areas.

Terrestrial: Spends most of its day on the ground, walking and scratching for food.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - GREY GO AWAY BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor)

The grey go-away-bird (Crinifer concolor), also known as grey lourie, grey loerie, or kwêvoël, is a bold and common turaco of the southern Afrotropics. They are present in arid to moist, open woodlands and thorn savanna, especially near surface water. They regularly form groups and parties that forage in tree tops, or dust bathe on the ground. Especially when disturbed, they make their presence known by their characteristically loud and nasal "kweh" or "go-way" calls, with the last syllable typically a descending drawl. Within their range, their unique appearance and habits preclude confusion with other bird species.

The grey go-away-bird was formally described in 1833 by the Scottish zoologist Andrew Smith from specimens collected inland from Port Natal (now Durban) in South Africa. He coined the binomial name Corythaix concolor. The specific epithet concolor is Latin meaning "uniform", "similar in colour" or "plain". The grey go-away-bird is now placed in the genus Crinifer that was introduced by the Polish zoologist Feliks Paweł Jarocki in 1821.

The sexes are similar. They measure 47–51 cm from bill tip to tail tip, and weigh some 200 to 300 g. They have an almost uniform smoky-grey plumage with long tails and (similar to mousebirds) a wispy, back-swept crest of some 6 to 7 cm in length. The crest can be raised almost vertically when excited. The strong, decurved beak is black and the gape and tongue strikingly pink. The plumage is darkest grey on the chin and throat, and palest around the eyes and on the belly. The breast plumage is washed slightly olive like that of its near relative, the bare-faced go-away-bird.

It is native to southern Angola, southern DRC, Zambia, southern Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini. It occupies any arid to moist, and relatively open savanna woodlands, especially where Acacia trees are present. They frequent the edges of miombo woodland, and occur commonly along water courses, dry riparian forest and in Acacia woodland on alluvium. It also occurs commonly on farms and in suburban gardens and parks. They require water, and disperse along tributaries of desert rivers when water flows. It is absent from areas that lack suitable fruiting trees, and seems to desert areas where woody plant encroachment occurs. They have no regular migrations, but wander about irregularly in search of food and water.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiaca, is a striking bird, native to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. This species is unique in its appearance, resembling a goose more than a duck when in flight, with a heavy and robust stature. Adults typically measure between 63 to 73 centimeters in height.

Both sexes of the Egyptian goose display identical plumage, though males are generally larger. Plumage tones can vary from grey to brown, not necessarily indicative of age or sex. Mature birds boast a significant white patch on their wings, concealed by wing coverts when at rest but prominently displayed when the bird is agitated or in flight.

The Egyptian goose favors open or semi-open environments, often found near freshwater sources. Its habitat ranges from lowlands to high altitudes, such as the Ethiopian Highlands, up to 4,000 meters above sea level. It avoids dense forests and deserts.

This species is widespread and common in its native range, though numbers have dwindled in the northern Nile Valley. Historically found in southeastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, its presence in these areas has diminished.

The Egyptian goose is largely terrestrial, capable of perching on trees and buildings. It is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, and is not hesitant to engage in aerial combat with intruders. The species is monogamous, with both parents caring for their offspring.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)

The impala or rooibok (Aepyceros melampus, lit. 'black-footed high-horn' in Ancient Greek) is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The only extant member of the genus Aepyceros, and tribe Aepycerotini, it was first described to Europeans by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. 

Two subspecies are recognised—the grassland-dwelling common impala (sometimes referred to as the Kenyan impala), and the larger and darker black-faced impala, which lives in slightly more arid, scrubland environments. The impala reaches 70–92 cm (28–36 in) at the shoulder and weighs 40–76 kg (88–168 lb). It features a glossy, reddish brown coat. The male's slender, lyre-shaped horns are 45–92 cm (18–36 in) long.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON IMPALA (FEMALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - BANDED GOLD TIP BUTTERFLY (Colotis eris)

Colotis eris, the banded gold tip or black-barred gold tip, is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It is found in the Afrotropical realm. The wingspan is 40–45 mm. The adults have fly year-round in warm areas, peaking from March to June. The larvae feed on Boscia albitrunca and Boscia oleoides. Wikipedia

Conservation status: Least Concern Encyclopedia of Life

Rank: Species

Scientific name: Colotis eris

The Banded Gold Tip is a common and widespread butterfly that can be found in corners of all South Africa’s provinces. While reaching their highest densities in forest and savanna, they have a wide habitat tolerance, avoiding only succulent karoo, fynbos and mountain grasslands. They’re very fond of settling on flowers, fluttering rapidly around them before landing, are fast fliers and usually don’t fly higher than 2m off the ground. Adults have a wingspan of between 4 and 5cm and are on the wing year-round, their numbers peaking in autumn. The larvae feed on the leaves of shepherd’s bushes.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - MEVES'S STARLING (Lamprotornis mevesii)

Meves's starling (Lamprotornis mevesii) or Meves's glossy-starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Its common name and Latin binomial commemorate the German ornithologist Friedrich Wilhelm Meves. 

A medium-large, iridescent glossy starling with a very long and graduated tail. The color of the iridescence is blue and purple in most of the range, but the southwestern Angola population shows yellowish bronzy gloss. Pairs, groups, and flocks are resident in open savanna, preferring broadleaf woodland like Brachystegia (miombo) and areas with baobabs. The species feeds on the ground, walking with long strides, and sits low in trees, searching mostly for insects to eat. The similar Burchell’s Starling differs from Meves’s Starling by being greener and larger, with a less graduated tail that is proportionately shorter.

15-7-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR,, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

13-7-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

15-7-2019 PALMA DE GANDIA, VALENCIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

15-7-2019 LAKE PALMA DE GANDIA,, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON WATERBUCK (FEMALE) (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ssp. ellipsiprymnus)

The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. It is in the genus Kobus of the family Bovidae. It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. Its 13 subspecies are grouped under two varieties: the common or ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck. Their coat colour varies from brown to grey. The long, spiral horns, present only on males, curve backward, then forward, and are 55–99 cm (22–39 in) long.

Waterbucks are rather sedentary in nature. As gregarious animals, they may form herds consisting of six to thirty individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of five years, but are most dominant from six to nine. 

The waterbuck cannot tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. Predominantly a grazer, the waterbuck is mostly found on grassland. In equatorial regions, breeding takes place throughout the year, but births are at their peak in the rainy season. The gestational period lasts 7–8 months, followed by the birth of a single calf.

Waterbucks inhabit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes, and valleys. Due to their requirement for grasslands and water, waterbucks have a sparse ecotone distribution. The IUCN lists the waterbuck as being of least concern. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of least concern, while the defassa waterbuck is near threatened. The population trend for both is downwards, especially that of the defassa, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of poaching and human disturbance.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON WATERBUCK (MALE) (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ssp. ellipsiprymnus)

The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. It is in the genus Kobus of the family Bovidae. It was first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. Its 13 subspecies are grouped under two varieties: the common or ellipsiprymnus waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck. Their coat colour varies from brown to grey. The long, spiral horns, present only on males, curve backward, then forward, and are 55–99 cm (22–39 in) long.

Waterbucks are rather sedentary in nature. As gregarious animals, they may form herds consisting of six to thirty individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of five years, but are most dominant from six to nine. The waterbuck cannot tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. Predominantly a grazer, the waterbuck is mostly found on grassland. In equatorial regions, breeding takes place throughout the year, but births are at their peak in the rainy season. The gestational period lasts 7–8 months, followed by the birth of a single calf.

Waterbucks inhabit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes, and valleys. Due to their requirement for grasslands and water, waterbucks have a sparse ecotone distribution. The IUCN lists the waterbuck as being of least concern. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of least concern, while the defassa waterbuck is near threatened. The population trend for both is downwards, especially that of the defassa, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of poaching and human disturbance.

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - TROPICAL CAPE TURTLE DOVE (Streptopelia capicola ssp. tropica)

Streptopelia capicola ssp. tropica is a subspecies of the ring-necked dove, also known as the Cape turtle dove, found in tropical and subtropical forests from southern Africa to South Sudan. This subspecies is paler than other ring-necked doves, with a more pronounced mauve-pink hue on its neck and breast. Characteristics and identification Name: The subspecies name, tropica, refers to its tropical distribution. The common name for the species is the ring-necked dove or Cape turtle dove.Coloration: It is paler than other subspecies, with a distinctive, strongly tinged mauve-pink on its neck and breast. The face has less grey and the crown is washed with pink.Size: Adult ring-necked doves are around \(25\) cm long and weigh between \(106\) and \(200\) grams. Distribution Range: This subspecies is found in tropical and subtropical woodlands across a large range, from southern Africa to the southern parts of South Sudan. It also extends into parts of Kenya and Angola, according to some sources.Habitat: It inhabits a variety of open habitats, including savannas, bush, farmlands, and woodlands. Behavior Diet: Like other ring-necked doves, S. c. tropica is a seed-eater but will also eat berries, insects, and invertebrates.Social behavior: While often seen alone or in pairs, they can form large flocks, especially around water sources or feeding grounds. 

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN AFRICAN CROCODILE (Crocodylus niloticus ssp. cowiei)