2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BROWN SNAKE EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus)

The brown snake-eagle is a large African bird of prey that specializes in hunting snakes, including venomous species like cobras and puff adders, which it kills by crushing their spine with its powerful feet. This solitary bird is found in sub-Saharan Africa in open woodlands and savannas. It has thick-scaled legs for protection against bites, hunts from an exposed perch, and typically lays only one egg per breeding season. 

Diet and hunting

Primary prey: The brown snake-eagle's diet consists mainly of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, such as cobras, puff adders, and mambas. It will also eat other prey like lizards, monitor lizards, and small mammals.

Hunting technique: It hunts by perching on a high, exposed spot and scanning the ground below for prey. When it spots prey, it will swoop down to strike, using its powerful feet and talons to crush the snake's spine before it can bite.

Venom defense: It has heavily scaled legs that provide some protection against snake bites, but it is not immune and can sometimes be killed by its prey. 

Physical characteristics

Appearance: It is a large bird with a uniform brown head and body, yellow eyes, and a black beak. Its tail has narrow white barring.

Size:

Length: 68-75 cm

Wingspan: 1.6-1.75 m

Weight: Around 2 kg 

Habitat and distribution

Range: Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Habitat: Prefers open, dense woodlands, savannas, and areas with low hills or gulleys. It avoids lowland forests and deserts.

Status: Listed as "least concern" by the IUCN due to its large range, even though it is not very common in most areas. 

Breeding and life cycle

Solitary nature: The brown snake-eagle is a solitary bird, though they may perch in pairs.

Nesting: It builds a small platform nest of sticks, sometimes reusing old nests from other birds.

Reproduction: Lays a single egg and incubates it for about 50 days. Both parents feed the chick, and the young bird fledges around 95-113 days old. 

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - ZAMBESI CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii ssp. nobilis)

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.

Crested barbets are typically observed alone or in pairs. They exhibit a preference for foraging on the ground but are also known to vocalize from exposed branches. Their flight is limited and typically consists of short bursts. These birds roost in tree cavities and are highly territorial, often aggressively defending their space against other birds and even larger threats like rats and snakes.

The male crested barbet is renowned for its continuous trill, a call that can persist for extended durations, serving as a vocal beacon within its habitat.

Crested barbets are monogamous and territorial during the breeding season. They nest in tree holes or logs, with territory size varying by habitat. Their breeding season spans from September to December, during which they may lay one to five eggs at daily intervals. Incubation, primarily by the female, lasts between 13 and 17 days starting from the second or third egg. The hatchlings are altricial, being naked and blind at birth, and are fed insects by both parents. After about 31 days, the fledglings leave the nest, and up to five broods may be raised in a single season.

The crested barbet's diet is omnivorous, consisting of insects, other birds' eggs, fruits, and occasionally small mammals like mice.

The IUCN Red List classifies the crested barbet as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)

The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.

Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.

Impalas are distributed throughout the northeastern part of South Africa, Angola, southern Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Close proximity to a water source is an important life condition for these animals. Generally, they prefer woodland with little undergrowth as well as low to medium-height grassland.

Impalas have polygynous mating system, where each male mates with a number of females. The period of peak breeding activity is March-May. During this period, pregnant females live in isolation to give birth. The gestation period lasts from 194 to 200 days, yielding a single calf, which weighs about 5kgs (11 lbs). After a few days, the calf and the female rejoin the herd. Then, after a while, the calf joins a crèche of other young impalas. They are weaned at 4-5 months old. Male impalas reach reproductive maturity at 1 year of age, while females are ready to breed when they are between 1 and 2 years old. Becoming reproductively mature, they, however, do not rush to establish territories. They typically start mating only at 4 years old.

These antelopes are both diurnal and nocturnal. They are most active just after sunrise and before sunset, socializing and moving with their herd, whereas, during the nighttime hours, impalas usually lie down and ruminate. Female impalas and their offspring gather into herds, containing from 15 to 100 individuals. The home range of each herd covers a territory, varying from 80 to 180 hectares. During the wet season, females become highly territorial, defending home ranges of their herds. On the other hand, young males form bachelor, non-territorial herds of up to 30 individuals. During the dry season, male and female herds can often be seen mixed together. Home ranges of mature breeding males vary from season to season. Thus, during the breeding season, they usually have smaller home ranges, which they fiercely defend. Males use a wide variety of methods to defend their home range, including fighting, tail-raising, chasing, roaring, erect posture as well as forehead marking and forehead rubbing.

The animals presently suffer from the fragmentation of their range due to the development of human settlements. In addition, roads such as the Serengeti Highway in Tanzania have an extremely negative effect, making it difficult for scattered migrating populations to move between parks, where the antelopes feed, mate and give birth. In addition, populations in South Africa are exposed to hunting for their meat by local people.

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus)

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus angolensis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14026-Uraeginthus-angolensis

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - GOLDEN TAILED WOODPECKER (Campethera abingoni)

The golden-tailed woodpecker (Campethera abingoni) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. Its specific name commemorates the 5th Earl of Abingdon. It belongs to a species complex that includes the Knysna woodpecker to the south of its range, and the mostly allopatric Mombasa woodpecker to the northeast, with which it perhaps hybridizes.

It is present in coastal forest, miombo, mopane and acacia woodlands. It shows a preference for riparian woodland, particularly in the dryer parts of southern Africa. It may intensively forage small areas in the lower to middle strata of trees. It establishes fairly large territories of 10 to 15 ha, and can cover some distance between foraging sites.

It obtains most food by probing and gleaning, but also hammers dead or infected wood rather more frequently than other Campethera species. It feeds mostly on arboreal ants and termites, but also takes millipedes, wood-boring larvae and leaf-feeding moth larvae. It occurs alongside the Cardinal woodpecker which to some extent exploits thinner branches.

Very widespread in woodlands or forest south of the equator, and very localized north of it. It is found in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

They nest during early summer. Both sexes excavate the nest, usually on the underside of a branch in the lower to middle level of a tree. Two to three glossy white eggs are laid, and the parents take turns to incubate them. The male incubates at night. The incubation period is about 13 days, and the chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents. Chicks leave the nest after 22 to 25 days. Their nests are parasitized by various species of honeyguide.

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BARN OWL (Tyto alba

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus)

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - NILE MONITOR (Varanus niloticus)

The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large member of the monitor family (Varanidae) found throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in drier regions, and along the Nile River and its tributaries in East Africa. Additionally, there are modern, invasive populations in North America. The population found in West African forests and savannahs is sometimes recognized as a separate species, the West African Nile monitor (V. stellatus). While it is dwarfed by its larger relatives, such as the Komodo dragon, the Asian water monitor or the crocodile monitor, it is still one of the largest lizards in the world, reaching (and even surpassing) Australia's perentie in size. Other common names include the African small-grain lizard, as well as iguana and various forms derived from it, such as guana, water leguaan or river leguaan (leguan, leguaan, and likkewaan mean monitor lizard in South African English, and can be used interchangeably).

A feral population of Nile monitors (descended from escaped or intentionally-released pets) has become established in several locations in South Florida. In addition to any illegally-released animals, it is speculated that during particularly intense hurricane seasons in Florida, many reptiles potentially escape when their enclosures are damaged or inadvertently unlocked; as Florida has a semi-tropical to tropical climate, many reptiles are housed outdoors, and poorly-secured enclosures may become damaged during bad storms. Along with Nile monitors, Florida is infamous for its feral populations of agamas, Argentine black and white tegus, Burmese pythons, green iguanas, Madagascar giant day geckos, and panther and veiled chameleons, among others. Many of these species are thought to be descendants of hurricane escapees.

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo)

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - CHOBE DWARF GECKO (Lygodactylus chobiensis)

02-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

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

12-6-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Genus Calliptamus)

Calliptamus is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Members are often considered significant agricultural pests due to their polyphagous nature and ability to form large, damaging swarms. 

Physical Appearance: These grasshoppers are typically medium-sized with a basic coloration that varies from gray to brownish-reddish, often marked with small dark spots. A key identification feature is the reddish or pinkish coloration on the hind wings and the inner side of the hind femora, which is especially visible during flight.

Sexual Dimorphism: The genus exhibits significant sexual dimorphism; females are considerably larger than males. Males typically grow up to 14–26 mm, while females can reach 21–40 mm in length.

Habitat and Distribution: Species of Calliptamus thrive in arid, sunny areas and fixed dunes. Their range extends across the northern Palearctic realm to Japan, the Mediterranean Basin, and Africa.

Diet and Pest Status: They are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a variety of plants, with a strong preference for legumes, but they also infest cereals and grapevines. Species like the Italian locust (C. italicus) can exhibit gregarious behavior and form swarms (locust plagues) under certain conditions, causing substantial economic losses to crops.

1-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - CHAPMAN'S ZEBRA (Equus quagga ssp. chapmani)

Chapman's zebra (Equus quagga chapmani), named after explorer James Chapman, is a subspecies of the plains zebra from southern Africa.

Chapman's zebra are native to savannas and similar habitats of north-east South Africa, north to Zimbabwe, west into Botswana, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, and southern Angola. Like the other subspecies of plains zebra, it is a herbivore that exists largely on a diet of grasses, and undertakes a migration during the wet season to find fresh sources of food and to avoid lions, which are their primary predator. Chapman's zebras are distinguished from other subspecies by subtle variations in their stripes. When compared to other equids in the region Chapman's zebras are relatively abundant in number, however its population is now in decline largely because of human factors such as poaching and farming. Studies and breeding programs have been undertaken with the hope of arresting this decline, with a focus on ensuring zebras bred in captivity are equipped for life in the wild, and that non-domesticated populations are able to freely migrate. A problem faced by some of these programs is that captive Chapman's zebra populations experience higher incidence of diagnosed diseases than non-domesticated populations because they live longer, and so are less likely to die in the wild from predation or a lack of food or water.

Chapman's zebras are single-hoofed mammals that are a part of the odd-toed ungulate order. They differ from other zebras in that their stripes continue past their knees, and that they also have somewhat brown stripes in addition to the black and white stripes that are typically associated with zebras. The pastern is also not completely black on the lower half. Each zebra has its own unique stripe pattern that also includes shadow stripes. When foals are born, they have brown stripes, and in some cases, adults do not develop the black colouration on their hides and keep their brown stripes.

In the wild Chapman's zebra live on average to 25 years of age, however that can live to be up to 38 years of age in captivity. Males usually weigh 270–360 kg (600–800 lb) and stand at 120–130 cm (48–52 in) tall. Females weigh about 230–320 kg (500–700 lb) and stand as tall as the males. Foals weigh 25-50 kg (55-88 lb) at birth. Adult zebras can run at up to 56 kilometres per hour (35 miles per hour) and have strong eyesight and hearing which are essential evolutionary defence mechanisms.

1-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer)

1-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta)

The Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), a medium-sized wading bird, is the sole representative of its genus and family. Its distinctive hammer-shaped head, complete with a long bill and a rear crest, has inspired its name from the Afrikaans term for "hammerhead." Exhibiting a uniform brown plumage, this bird is a familiar sight across Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Arabia.

Adult Hamerkops are characterized by their brown plumage with a subtle purple sheen on the back. The tail features faint barring of a darker brown. Both sexes appear similar, and juveniles resemble the adults. The bill, long and slightly hooked, is particularly compressed and thin, especially towards the lower mandible. Initially brown in young birds, the bill darkens to black upon fledging.

Hamerkops are found in a plethora of wetland habitats, ranging from estuaries, lakesides, and fish ponds to riverbanks and rocky coasts. They have also adapted to human-altered environments, often seen in villages and agricultural areas.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and coastal southwestern Arabia. It is generally sedentary, with some local movements observed.

Active predominantly during daylight, Hamerkops may rest during the midday heat and exhibit some crepuscular activity. They are known for their peculiar jerky walk, with their head and neck moving in sync with each step.

When solitary, the Hamerkop is relatively quiet, save for a shrill flight-call. In contrast, when in groups, it becomes more vocal, producing a variety of cackles and nasal rattles. The "yip-purr" call is a notable social vocalization, often accompanied by wing flapping.

Hamerkops are renowned for their massive nests, which are sturdy enough to support a human's weight. These nests, built by both parents, feature an internal chamber for egg-laying and are often constructed in tree forks or on human structures. Both parents share incubation duties and chick rearing.

A generalist feeder, the Hamerkop's diet includes fish, amphibians, shrimps, insects, and occasionally rodents. It hunts in shallow waters, using both sight and touch, and is known to be adaptable in its feeding strategies.

The Hamerkop is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend and widespread local abundance in its range.

1-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - PALE EMERALD SPOTTED WOOD DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos ssp. zambesiensis)

1-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus)

The Blacksmith Lapwing (or Plover) is a bold, black, white, and gray African bird named for its loud, metallic "tink-tink-tink" call, like a hammer on an anvil, used to defend its wetland territory and nest. These monogamous, territorial birds use a sharp spur on their wing for aggressive defense, dive-bombing threats, even elephants, and feed on invertebrates from mudflats and grasslands. They build simple ground nests near water and are common, widespread, and not currently threatened. 

Key Facts:

Name Origin: Its distinctive loud, metallic call sounds like a blacksmith's hammer, hence the name.

Appearance: Striking black, white, and gray patterns with bold patches, red eyes, and a sharp spur on its wrist (carpal spur) used for defense, notes Wikipedia.

The Blacksmith Lapwing (or Plover) is a bold, black, white, and gray African bird named for its loud, metallic "tink-tink-tink" call, like a hammer on an anvil, used to defend its wetland territory and nest. These monogamous, territorial birds use a sharp spur on their wing for aggressive defense, dive-bombing threats, even elephants, and feed on invertebrates from mudflats and grasslands. They build simple ground nests near water and are common, widespread, and not currently threatened. 

Key Facts:

Name Origin: Its distinctive loud, metallic call sounds like a blacksmith's hammer, hence the name.

Appearance: Striking black, white, and gray patterns with bold patches, red eyes, and a sharp spur on its wrist (carpal spur) used for defense, notes Wikipedia.

Habitat: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, favoring wetlands, mudflats, grasslands, and even artificial areas like airports and salt pans.

Diet: Eats terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, including insects, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans, often foraging by dashing or foot-trembling in shallow water.

Behavior: Very territorial and vocal, fiercely defending nests and young by diving at predators, including large mammals like elephants.

Nesting: Builds simple scrapes in the ground near water, laying 3-4 eggs, incubated by both parents.

Conservation: Common and widespread, considered of Least Concern, with range potentially expanding. 

Defense Tactics:

Loud alarm calls.

Aerial dives and swoops.

Spreading wings, extending neck, pointing bill at intruder.

Using sharp carpal spurs aggressively. 

4-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax)

9-6-2019 KWHAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN WHITE CROWNED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus angustimens)