7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax)

The Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) is a large bird of prey, belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is characterized by heavily feathered legs, indicative of its membership in the subfamily Aquilinae, or booted eagles. Exhibiting a polymorphic plumage, the Tawny Eagle's coloration ranges from dark grey-brown to rufous-tawny, with a strong and bold bill, well-proportioned frame, and fierce countenance. This eagle is known for its opportunistic feeding habits, engaging in both active predation and scavenging.

The Tawny Eagle can be identified by its long neck, large bill without a deep gape, and moderately long wings with pronounced "fingers." Its tail is shortish and square-ended, resembling that of a vulture. Adults may have variably colored eyes from yellow to pale brown, with a yellow cere and feet at all ages. The species is polymorphic, with individuals varying in plumage from dark brown to rufous and buffish-yellow.

Tawny Eagles favor open dry habitats such as semideserts, deserts steppes, or savanna plains. They are seldom found in areas completely devoid of trees, as they require perches for hunting and nesting.

The Tawny Eagle has a discontinuous breeding range across much of the African continent and the Indian subcontinent, with rare residency in the southern Middle East.

The Tawny Eagle is largely sedentary and non-migratory, though it may exhibit nomadic tendencies in response to environmental conditions. It spends much of its day perched, taking flight intermittently to hunt or scavenge.

Generally silent, the Tawny Eagle may occasionally vocalize with a harsh, hollow-sounding bark. Males are more vocal, especially during displays of courtship.

Tawny Eagles are resident breeders, laying one to three eggs in a stick nest typically located in the crown of a tree. They often pair for life and are territorial.

The Tawny Eagle can be confused with the Steppe Eagle, but differs in size, gape, and plumage. It also shares its range with various other booted eagles, but can be distinguished by its unique tail shape, bill size, and flight profile.

The Tawny Eagle has a highly variable diet, including live prey such as small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as carrion. It is also known for kleptoparasitism, stealing food from other raptors.

The Tawny Eagle is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population has declined significantly due to habitat loss, persecution, and other anthropogenic factors.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SMITH'S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraderus Cepapi)

Smith's bush squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi), also known as the yellow-footed squirrel or tree squirrel, is an African bush squirrel which is native to woodlands of the southern Afrotropics.

It is found in Angola, Botswana, the DRCongo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a common rodent which is diurnal by nature.

Its total length is 350 mm, half of which is tail. This species only weighs 200 g. The coat colour varies throughout the region. In the western and arid parts of its range, it is pale grey, and in the eastern localities, more brown. Its head and legs are a rusty colour. Colouration on the chest varies from yellowish to buff in the east, to white in the west. This squirrel's belly is white. These alert and ever busy creatures carry their long tails extended backwards.

Smith's bush squirrels are primarily vegetarian, but like most rodents, they take insect prey and use their front feet to manipulate food items when feeding. They scatter-hoard seeds next to tree trunks or grass tufts, thereby facilitating tree regeneration.

Essentially arboreal animals, they also spend a great deal of time on the ground, foraging for food. When disturbed, Smith's bush squirrels always seek the refuge of trees. At night, territorial family groups nest together in holes in trees. Offspring become sexually mature between six and nine months old, when they are forcibly evicted by the breeding pair. The males are mainly responsible for territorial defense, although females also chase intruders when they care for dependent pups. To promote group cohesion, a common scent is shared by mutual grooming, which is an important facet of the social fibre of this species. Smith's bush squirrels are diligent in their grooming and a mother tree squirrel holds her offspring down with her fore legs while grooming it with licks, nibbles, and scratches with her claws.

A conspicuous feature of their behaviour when under threat is 'mobbing': all the members of the colony make harsh clicking sounds while they flick their tails, building up momentum and gradually getting louder. In some areas, they are solitary, or are found in small family groups; a lone tree squirrel relies on its wits when in danger and always keeps a branch or the trunk of a tree between it and the enemy. Smith's bush squirrels are always alert, and when alarmed, run away with great speed, making for the nearest tree where they lie motionless, flattened against a branch.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SAVANNA ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (11,000–15,000 lb); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (23,000 lb). The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.

The African bush elephant inhabits a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. It is a mixed herbivore feeding mostly on grasses, creepers, herbs, leaves, and bark. The average adult consumes about 150 kg (330 lb) of vegetation and 230 L (51 imp gal; 61 US gal) of water each day. A social animal, the African bush elephant often travels in herds composed of cows and their offspring. Adult bulls usually live alone or in small bachelor groups. During the mating season, males go through a process called musth; a period of high testosterone levels and heightened aggression. For females, the menstrual cycle lasts three to four months, and gestation around 22 months, the longest of any mammal.

The African bush elephant has grey skin with scanty hairs. Its large ears cover the whole shoulder, and can grow as large as 2 m × 1.5 m (6 ft 7 in × 4 ft 11 in). Its large ears help to reduce body heat; flapping them creates air currents and exposes large blood vessels on the inner sides to increase heat loss during hot weather. The African bush elephant's ears are pointed and triangular shaped. Its occipital plane slopes forward. Its back is shaped markedly concave. Its sturdy tusks are curved out and point forward. Its long trunk or proboscis ends with two finger-like tips.

Average size of adults with the largest recorded individual included

The African bush elephant is the largest and heaviest living land animal. Under optimal conditions where individuals are capable of reaching full growth potential, fully grown mature males are about 3.20 m (10.5 ft) tall at the shoulder and weigh 6.0 t (6.6 short tons) on average (with 90% of fully grown males under optimal conditions being between 3.04–3.36 m (10.0–11.0 ft) and 5.2–6.9 t (5.7–7.6 short tons)). Mature fully grown females are smaller at about 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in) tall at the shoulder and 3.0 t (3.3 short tons) in weight on average under optimal growth conditions (with 90% of fully grown females ranging between 2.47–2.73 m (8 ft 1 in – 8 ft 11 in) and 2.6–3.5 t (2.9–3.9 short tons) in optimal conditions).The maximum recorded shoulder height of an adult bull is 3.96 m (13.0 ft), with this individual having an estimated weight of 10.4 t (11.5 short tons). Elephants attain their maximum stature when they complete the fusion of long-bone epiphyses, occurring in males around the age of 40 and females around 25 years of age.

Since 2021, the African bush elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened foremost by habitat destruction, and in parts of its range also by poaching for meat and ivory. Between 2003 and 2015, the illegal killing of 14,606 African bush elephants was reported by rangers across 29 range countries. Chad is a major transit country for smuggling of ivory in West Africa. This trend was curtailed by raising penalties for poaching and improving law enforcement. Poaching of the elephant has dated back to the 1970s and 80s, which were considered the largest killings in history. In human culture, elephants have been extensively featured in literature, folklore and media, and are most valued for their large tusks in many places.

The African bush elephant occurs in sub-Saharan Africa which includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, Mali, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa. It moves between a variety of habitats, including subtropical and temperate forests, dry and seasonally flooded grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural land from sea level to mountain slopes. In Mali and Namibia, it also inhabits desert and semi-desert areas.

The core of elephant society is the family unit, which mostly comprises several adult cows, their daughters, and their prepubertal sons. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, who observed African bush elephants for 4.5 years in Lake Manyara National Park, coined the term 'kinship group' for two or more family units that have close ties. The family unit is led by a matriarch who at times also leads the kinship group. Groups cooperate in locating food and water, in self-defense, and in caring for offspring (termed allomothering).[38] Group size varies seasonally and between locations. In Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, groups are bigger in the rainy season and areas with open vegetation. Aerial surveys in the late 1960s to early 1970s revealed an average group size of 6.3 individuals in Uganda's Rwenzori National Park and 28.8 individuals in Chambura Game Reserve. In both sites, elephants aggregated during the wet season, whereas groups were smaller in the dry season.

Young bulls gradually separate from the family unit when they are between 10 and 19 years old. They range alone for some time or form all-male groups. A 2020 study highlighted the importance of old bulls for the navigation and survival of herds and raised concerns over the removal of old bulls as "currently occur[ring] in both legal trophy hunting and illegal poaching".

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti)

The Striped Kingfisher, known scientifically as Halcyon chelicuti, is a member of the tree kingfisher subfamily. It is a small, robust bird, with a general length ranging from 16 to 18 cm. The upper parts of the adult are predominantly greyish brown, while the lower back, secondary flight feathers, and tail boast a striking metallic blue, which is particularly visible in flight. The underparts are off-white, with varying degrees of buff and brown streaking across the subspecies.

When perched, the Striped Kingfisher may appear rather inconspicuous, but its flight reveals a white patch at the base of the primary flight feathers and a black border along the wing linings. Males can be identified by a black bar at the base of the primaries. The head is streaked dark brown, with a buffy grey or brownish background depending on the sex. A black line runs through the eyes and around the back of the neck, sitting above a white collar. The bill is blackish above and reddish-orange below, with the lower mandible being dull red in juveniles.

The Striped Kingfisher favors woodlands, thorn scrub, dry bush, and open savannas, but it tends to avoid densely forested areas, intensive farmlands, and extreme deserts.

This species is found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with two subspecies: H. c. chelicuti occupying most of the range, and H. c. eremogiton residing in the northern desert regions from central Mali to eastern Sudan.

Highly territorial, the Striped Kingfisher defends an area that may encompass up to three hectares and contain around 100 tall trees. It is known to chase away intruders, including other kingfishers, shrikes, doves, and rollers. The bird surveys its territory from a treetop, singing from before dawn until after midday.

The call of the Striped Kingfisher is a high-pitched, piercing "cheer-cherrrrrr" or a far-carrying "KEW, kerrrrrrrrr," with the latter featuring a descending trill. This call is often part of a dusk display involving wing-opening.

Breeding pairs engage in a display of sitting opposite each other, flicking their wings while singing. They nest in disused woodpecker or barbet holes, with both sexes incubating by day and only the female by night. The male feeds the female during this period. The species is mainly monogamous, though instances of polyandry have been observed.

The northern subspecies, H. c. eremogiton, can be distinguished by its grey-brown crown and mantle and almost unstreaked underparts.

The diet primarily consists of grasshoppers, other large insects, and occasionally small lizards, snakes, and rodents. The Striped Kingfisher hunts from a perch, swooping down to capture prey, which is then beaten before being swallowed.

With an extensive range estimated at 13 million square kilometers and a large population, the Striped Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. There is no indication of significant population decline to warrant a higher threat category.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum ssp simum)

The southern white rhinoceros or southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) is one of the two subspecies of the white rhinoceros (the other being the much rarer northern white rhinoceros). It is the most common and widespread subspecies of rhinoceros.

The southern white rhinoceros is the nominate subspecies; it was given the scientific name Ceratotherium simum simum by the English explorer William John Burchell in the 1810s. The subspecies is also known as Burchell's rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum burchellii) after Burchell and Oswell's rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum oswellii) after William Cotton Oswell, respectively. However, these are considered synonyms of its original scientific name.

Ceratotherium simum kiaboaba (or Rhinoceros kiaboaba), also known as straight-horned rhinoceros, was proposed as a different subspecies (or species) found near Lake Ngami and north of the Kalahari Desert. However, it is now considered part of the southern white rhinoceros and ranges throughout southern Africa.

Lifespan is up to 50 years in the wild.

The southern white rhinoceros is one of largest and heaviest land animals in the world. It has an immense body and large head, a short neck and broad chest. Females weigh around 1,600–1,700 kg (3,530–3,750 lb) and males around 2,000–2,300 kg (4,410–5,070 lb), with specimens of up to 3,600 kilograms (7,940 lb) considered reliable, and larger sizes up to 4,500 kg (9,920 lb) claimed but not verified.[3][4][5][6][7][8] The head-and-body length is 3.35–4 m (11.0–13.1 ft) and a shoulder height of 160–186 cm (5.25–6.10 ft).[4][7] It has two horns on its snout. The front horn is larger than the other horn and averages 60 cm (24 in) in length and can reach 166 cm (65 in) in females.[9][7] Females usually have longer but thinner horns than the males, who have larger but shorter ones. The southern white rhinoceros also has a prominent muscular hump that supports its large head. The colour of this animal can range from yellowish brown to slate grey. Most of its body hair is found on the ear fringes and tail bristles, with the rest distributed sparsely over the rest of the body. The southern white rhino has a distinctive flat, broad mouth that is used for grazing. Southern white rhinos are strictly herbivores (graminivores) that feed on short grasses.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5308-Haliaeetus-vocifer

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (FEMALE) (Panthera pardus pardus)

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (MALE ) (Panthera pardus pardus)

The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is the nominate subspecies of the leopard, native to many countries in Africa. It is widely distributed in most of sub-Saharan Africa, but the historical range has been fragmented in the course of habitat conversion. Leopards have also been recorded in North Africa as well.

The African leopard exhibits great variation in coat color, depending on location and habitat. Coat colour varies from pale yellow to deep gold or tawny, and sometimes black, and is patterned with black rosettes while the head, lower limbs and belly are spotted with solid black. Male leopards are larger, averaging 58 kg (128 lb) with 90 kg (200 lb) being the maximum weight attained by a male. Females weigh about 37.5 kg (83 lb) on average.

The African leopard is sexually dimorphic; males are larger and heavier than females. Between 1996 and 2000, 11 adult leopards were radio-collared on Namibian farmlands. Males weighed 37.5 to 52.3 kg (83 to 115 lb) only, and females 24 to 33.5 kg (53 to 74 lb). The heaviest known leopard weighed about 96 kg (212 lb), and was recorded in South West Africa.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - LOWVELD YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior)

The Lowveld Yellow-billed Hornbill ( Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior) is a subspecies of the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas). It is a common and widespread bird found in the lowveld regions of southern Africa, particularly in dry thornveld and broad-leaved woodlands. They are known for their distinctive yellow, down-curved bill and their habit of foraging on the ground for insects, seeds, and other small creatures. 

Key characteristics:

Appearance: Medium-sized bird, predominantly black and white with a large yellow bill. 

Habitat: Dry thornveld and broad-leaved woodlands, often near roads and water courses. 

Behavior: Forages on the ground, hopping and searching for food. 

Vocalizations: Known for a continuous, rollicking call that rises to a crescendo. 

Other Names: Sometimes referred to as "flying banana" due to its bill. 

Rapid Global Warming is Driving Southern Yellow-Billed ...

Subspecies: The Lowveld Yellow-billed Hornbill is classified as Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior. This subspecies is specifically found in the lowveld areas of southern Africa. 

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE CRESTED HELMETSHRIKE (Prinops plumatus)

The white-crested helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus ), also known as the white helmetshrike, is a species of passerine bird in the Vanga family Vangidae, formerly usually included in the Malaconotidae.

It is found in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

It is a gregarious bird and is found in small, active parties that are always on the move as they forage among the foliage or on the ground. They chatter noisily to one another as they move through their territory.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/41964-Panthera-leo

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on medium-sized and large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator.

The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged throughout Africa and Eurasia, from Southeast Europe to India, but it has been reduced to fragmented populations in sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern.

One of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture, the lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in literature and films. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions have occurred worldwide, particularly has a symbol of power and royalty.

Among felids, the lion is second only to the tiger in size. The size and weight of adult lions vary across its range and habitats. 

African lions live in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa. The lion prefers grassy plains and savannahs, scrub bordering rivers, and open woodlands with bushes. It rarely enters closed forests. On Mount Elgon, the lion has been recorded up to an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) and close to the snow line on Mount Kenya. Savannahs with an annual rainfall of 300 to 1,500 mm (12 to 59 in) make up the majority of lion habitat in Africa, estimated at 3,390,821 km2 (1,309,203 sq mi) at most, but remnant populations are also present in tropical moist forests in West Africa and montane forests in East Africa. The Asiatic lion now survives only in and around Gir National Park in Gujarat, western India. Its habitat is a mixture of dry savannah forest and very dry, deciduous scrub forest.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Trithemis kirbyi ssp ordens)

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.

In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.

The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.

This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.

Lilac-breasted rollers are usually solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their aggressive defense of their nests against raptors and other birds. During the breeding season, males perform acrobatic flights, swooping and diving while emitting harsh cries.

The call is a harsh, sawing "rak rak rak," typically delivered in flight. The bird often perches to vocalize.

The lilac-breasted roller is likely monogamous, nesting solitarily. Both sexes incubate the clutch of 2–4 eggs. The nest is located in a natural hole in a tree or termite mound, and the young are altricial, becoming fully feathered after 19 days.

Their diet consists of arthropods and small vertebrates, including insects, spiders, scorpions, and small birds. They hunt from perches, swooping down to catch prey on the ground or in the air.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - THREE BANDED PLOVER (Charadrias tricollaris)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4805-Charadrius-tricollaris

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio)

The Red-backed Shrike, Lanius collurio, is a carnivorous passerine of the shrike family, Laniidae. A bird of striking contrasts, the male boasts a reddish back, a grey head, and a distinctive black eye stripe. The underparts are tinged with pink, and the tail exhibits a black and white pattern reminiscent of a wheatear. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with brown, vermiculated upperparts and buff, vermiculated underparts.

Adult males are easily identified by their reddish upperparts and grey heads, complemented by the black eye stripe. The underparts are subtly pink. Females and young birds can be recognized by their brown and vermiculated upperparts, with buff underparts that also show vermiculation. The tail pattern is a useful feature for identification in both sexes.

The Red-backed Shrike inhabits a variety of landscapes across Europe and western Asia, favoring open country with scattered shrubs and trees, which provide vantage points for hunting.

This migratory species breeds from Western Europe to central Russia and winters in the eastern regions of tropical Africa and southern Africa.

The Red-backed Shrike is known for its unique hunting behavior, often perching conspicuously as it scans for prey. It feeds on large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents, and lizards. A notable habit is its practice of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a "larder" for later consumption.

The call of the Red-backed Shrike is a sharp, shrill cry that has given rise to its name, derived from the Old English "sċrīc," meaning "shriek."

The Red-backed Shrike breeds across its wide range, with some populations experiencing declines. In Great Britain, where it is now a rarity, there have been sporadic breeding events, particularly in Scotland and Wales.

This species is a predator, feeding on a variety of prey including insects, small birds, and small vertebrates. Its characteristic behavior of impaling prey serves both as a food store and a display to potential mates.

Globally, the Red-backed Shrike is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there are regions where the species has suffered significant declines, leading to local conservation concerns. In the UK, it is considered a 'Red List' species due to its rarity.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - YELLOW BIĹLED STORK (Mycteria ibis)

The yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis), sometimes also called the wood stork or wood ibis, is a large African wading stork species in the family Ciconiidae. It is widespread in regions south of the Sahara and also occurs in Madagascar.

The yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis ), sometimes also called the wood stork or wood ibis, is a large African wading stork species in the family Ciconiidae. It is widespread in regions south of the Sahara and also occurs in Madagascar.

The yellow-billed stork has appeared on postage stamps in several African countries.

The yellow-billed stork is closely related to three other species in the genus Mycteria: the American woodstork (Mycteria americana), the milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) and the painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala). It is classified as belonging to one clade with these three other species because they all display remarkable homologies in behavior and morphology. In one analytical study of feeding and courtship behaviours of the wood-stork family, M.P. Kahl attributed the same general ethology to all members of the genus Mycteria, with relatively few species-specific variations. These four species are collectively referred to as the wood-storks, which should not be confused with one alternative common name (wood-stork) for the yellow-billed stork.

Before it was established that the yellow-billed stork was closely related to the American wood stork, the former was assigned to the genus Ibis, together with the milky stork and painted stork. However, the yellow-billed stork has actually long been recognised as a true stork and along with the other 3 related stork species, it should not strictly be called an ibis.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - EAST AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus ssp. typus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/516795-Polyboroides-typus-typus

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaiĺlantii)

The crested barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii, is a small, vibrantly colored bird, easily recognized by its thick bill and speckled plumage. Its face is a mosaic of yellow and red, adorned with a modest black crest. The belly mirrors the face with yellow and red speckles, while the wings are black with white dots. A striking black band encircles its neck. The bird's overall yellow hue, peppered with black and white feathers and red at the body's end, provides excellent camouflage in its natural bush habitat. The crested barbet's call is a distinctive trill.

When identifying the crested barbet, look for its unique coloration and markings. The combination of a yellow and red speckled face, a small black crest, and a broad black neck band are key features. The bird's trilling call can also serve as an auditory clue to its presence.

The crested barbet thrives in a variety of environments, including forests, savannahs, suburban gardens, woodland thickets, and areas near watercourses.

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with sightings confirmed in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

5-4-2018 THORNYBUSH KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis)

The southern black rhinoceros, southern hook-lipped rhinoceros or Cape rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis) is an extinct subspecies of the black rhinoceros that was once abundant in South Africa from the Cape Province to Transvaal, southern Namibia, and possibly also Lesotho and southern Botswana. Zoos, animal sanctuaries and conservation centers use this same scientific name as an indicating reference to the surviving south-central black rhinoceros. This former species was brought to extinction by excessive hunting and habitat destruction around 1850.

 

D. bicornis bicornis was the largest of all black rhino subspecies. While the differentiation of subspecies is mostly based on skull and body proportions, as well as details of the dentition, the external appearance of the southern subspecies is not exactly known because no photos exist. The skull was the largest of any known subspecies and proportionally large compared to the body. The limbs were short but slender and the skin folds were probably only weakly pronounced.