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

Nile Monitors are large, semi-aquatic lizards native to Africa, known as Africa's largest lizard, growing up to 8 feet long with powerful tails for swimming and sharp claws for climbing. They are opportunistic carnivores eating eggs, fish, small mammals, and more, basking by day and hiding at night, often near water. These intelligent reptiles use forked tongues for scenting, lay eggs in termite mounds, and can hold their breath underwater for up to 15 minutes, impacting ecosystems in Florida where they are invasive. 

Physical Characteristics

Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4m) long, weighing up to 44 lbs, with a long, muscular tail.

Appearance: Gray-brown or olive skin with yellowish spots or bands, creating camouflage.

Features: Strong claws for climbing, a forked tongue to "taste" the air, and a rudder-like tail for swimming. 

Behavior & Diet

Activity: Diurnal (day-active), spending time basking and hunting.

Diet: Carnivorous, eating fish, frogs, birds, eggs (including croc and turtle eggs), insects, and carrion.

Swimming: Excellent swimmers, holding breath for 12-15 minutes.

Intelligence: Show problem-solving skills, like coordinating ambushes and counting eggs. 

Reproduction & Life Cycle

Nesting: Females lay large clutches (up to 60) in termite mounds for warmth and humidity.

Hatching: Babies emerge after months, independent but vulnerable.

Mating: Males fight fiercely for mates. 

Habitat & Status

Native Range: Sub-Saharan Africa, near rivers, lakes, and swamps.

Invasive: Established in Florida, where they prey on native species like sea turtles.

Conservation: Listed as "Least Concern" by IUCN, but threatened by habitat loss and poaching in Africa. 

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTH AFRICAN HIPPOPOTAMUS (JUVENILE) (Hippopotamus amphibius ssp. capensis)

South African hippos are large, semi-aquatic mammals found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, now concentrated in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and reintroduced in the Eastern and Western Cape. They are herbivorous, spending their days in water and grazing at night, and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature, particularly when feeling threatened. 

Habitat and distribution

Current locations: Primarily found in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. 

Reintroduced areas: They have been reintroduced into the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. 

Habitat preference: They prefer deep bodies of water and slow-moving rivers with shallow banks, but are also found in lakes and mangrove swamps. 

Behavior and lifestyle

Daily routine: Hippos spend the day in the water to stay cool, emerging at dusk to graze on grass for several hours, sometimes traveling many miles from the water's edge. 

Social structure: They are gregarious, often living in groups called pods or schools of five to 20 individuals, which can increase to larger numbers in the dry season when water is scarce. 

Breeding: Calves are born in the water after a gestation period of about 240 days and can swim immediately. The mother will initially hide her newborn in reeds for a few days. 

Danger and conservation

Dangerous animals: Hippos are known to be highly aggressive and are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than most other large animals, often due to feeling threatened. 

Threats: Habitat loss and poaching for meat and ivory are the biggest threats to hippos. 

Conservation status: The hippopotamus is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash)

The Hadada ibis is a large, grey-brown bird native to sub-Saharan Africa, named for its distinctive "haa-daa-daa" call. They primarily eat insects, worms, and snails, which they find by probing the ground with their sensitive, curved bills. Hadadas live in pairs or small groups during the day, but gather in large roosts at night, and build solitary, basket-shaped nests in trees or on man-made structures. 

Habitat and distribution

Habitat: They live in a variety of habitats, including wooded streams, grasslands, savanna woodlands, and man-made environments like large gardens and sports fields.

Distribution: They are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are common in many countries in that region. 

Diet and feeding

Diet: Primarily carnivorous, they eat insects, worms, millipedes, snails, crustaceans, and small reptiles. They are also the only known ibis species to eat fruits and vegetables.

Feeding method: They use their long, curved, and sensitive beaks to probe the ground and shallow water for hidden prey, relying on touch to find food. 

Behavior and breeding

Calls: The name "Hadada" comes from their loud, raucous call, which sounds like "ha-da-da".

Nesting: They build solitary nests out of sticks, often on tree branches or telephone poles.

Parental care: Both male and female parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks by regurgitating food.

Social structure: They are monogamous and typically breed in pairs. During the day they forage in pairs or small groups, but roost in large communal groups at night. 

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - PLAIN BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys)

The plain-backed pipit or plain pipit (Anthus leucophrys) is a medium-sized passerine bird which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

It is found in open habitats, especially short grassland and cultivation. It builds its cup-shaped nest on the ground and usually lays three eggs. Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous.

The plain-backed pipit is a large pipit at 17 cm, but is otherwise an undistinguished looking species, faintly streaked grey-brown above and pale below with light breast streaking. It has a strong white supercilium, and dark moustachial stripes. It has long legs and tail, and a long dark bill. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have warmer brown upperparts.

Some care must be taken to distinguish this species from wintering tawny pipits, Anthus campestris. The plain-backed pipit is sturdier and darker than the Tawny, and stands more upright. Perhaps the best distinction is the characteristic "ssissik" call, quite different from the tawny pipit's "tchilip".

The plain-backed pipit is a medium-sized, insectivorous bird found in open habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including short grasslands, cultivated land, and savannas. It has a plain, dark olive or grey-brown back, buffy underparts with streaking, and a cup-shaped nest built on the ground. Its diet consists mainly of insects like moths and grasshoppers, though it also eats seeds. 

Identification

Size: About 17cm long and weighs around 28g.

Plumage: Has uniform dark olive or grey-brown upper parts with streaked or mottled crowns. The breast and flanks are buff with dark streaks, and the belly is whiter.

Features: Has buffy outer tail feathers and a white eyebrow. Its legs are pink and its bill is strong with a yellowish, rather than pink, base, differentiating it from similar species. 

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COPPERY TAILED COUCAL (Centropus cupreicaudus)

The Coppery-tailed Coucal, a member of the cuckoo family, is a striking bird approximately 48 cm in length. It boasts a distinctive curved beak and a long, broad tail that is characteristic of its species. The adult's plumage is a study in contrasts, with a glossy black head and upperparts, and a contrasting white or cream underbelly. The rump glistens with a coppery sheen, while the tail is a dark brownish-black. In contrast, the immature birds display pale streaks on their heads and barred flight feathers, hinting at their youth.

When identifying the Coppery-tailed Coucal, look for its sizeable curved beak and the long tail. The adult's black and white plumage with a coppery rump is distinctive, while the immature bird can be recognized by the streaks on its head and the barring on its flight feathers. Males are marginally smaller than females, a subtle difference that may aid in identification.

This species is most commonly found in the swamplands and dense vegetation that flourish near rivers. It also inhabits inundated floodplains and areas adjacent to seasonal lakes, thriving in these wetland environments.

The Coppery-tailed Coucal's range extends across south-central Africa, from Angola in the west to southwestern Tanzania, and includes northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. Its territory spans an impressive 1,750,000 square kilometers.

A territorial bird, the Coppery-tailed Coucal is most active in the early morning and evening. It forages on land, preying on a diverse diet that includes amphibians, fish, small birds, reptiles, and rodents, as well as invertebrates like grasshoppers, crabs, and snails. Remarkably, it also scavenges for carrion and consumes some plant matter. During the breeding season, it exhibits monogamous behavior, with both parents contributing to nest building and care for the young.

The vocalizations of the Coppery-tailed Coucal are composed of deep, bubbling notes that resonate through its wetland habitats.

Breeding season for this species occurs from January to March. The Coppery-tailed Coucal is believed to be monogamous, with both parents involved in nesting activities. They construct a domed nest out of grasses, reed fragments, and twigs, lining it with leaves. Nesting may begin even before the structure is complete. The clutch typically consists of two to four eggs, which are incubated immediately after the first egg is laid. The eggs hatch at intervals, and both parents are diligent in caring for the young, feeding them on frogs and locusts. The fledglings leave the nest at about seventeen days old, sometimes before they are fully capable of flight.

The Coppery-tailed Coucal can be confused with the Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis), but careful observation of the coppery sheen on the rump and the size of the bird can help distinguish between the two.

The diet of the Coppery-tailed Coucal is varied, including amphibians, fish, small birds, reptiles, rodents, grasshoppers, crabs, snails, and occasionally green plant material. It also displays opportunistic behavior by scavenging for dead fish and other edible detritus.

17-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE AND YOUNG) (Anas platyrhynchos)

Whilst laying, the female needs a lot of nutrition so will leave the nest, sometimes for longer periods of time to feed and rest. Once all her eggs are laid she will rarely leave the nest; unlike osprey, the male does not bring food to the female whilst she incubates. This means that when she does require a short break to feed, toilet and stretch her legs the eggs are left alone. Whilst she is away, the nest is it at risk to predators such as crows, jays, mink, foxes and rats. The female will always cover her nest with vegetation such as leaves and grass to hide the eggs. One of the reasons which mallards lay so many eggs, is because there is a significant chance not all the young will reach maturity. This way there is hope that one or two of her chicks will survive. Mallards will also often lay more than one clutch in a season to increase the chances of their offspring reaching maturity.

The chicks hatch after 23-30 days, and despite being laid separately, they will all hatch around the same time. The chicks are mobile and ready to feed very soon after hatching, they will stay in the nest for just 10 hours to learn how to use their legs. Once ready to leave the nest the female will lead them to the nearby water body.

17-6-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

A great tit clutch can be anything from five to 11 eggs, with the female doing all the incubation.

The cock helps the female with feeding the brood: the chicks usually leave the nest around 20 days after hatching.

Though great tits living in oakwoods rarely have a second brood, it's not uncommon for them to do so in pinewoods.

Most individuals are sedentary, rarely moving far from where they hatched, but there is a tendency for them to move more in years when the beech crop fails.

It is becoming increasingly rare for British-ringed great tits to be recovered abroad. This is thought to be because of the increase in the amount of food available in gardens.

The most widespread of all the species of tit, it is found across almost all of Europe and east to Japan and south to Indonesia. It is also found in North Africa.

Though widely distrubuted throughout the British Isles, the great tit is a rarity in the Hebrides and Shetlands.

There are no fewer than 30 different races of great tit, many of which are predominately grey and black and lack the bright yellow of European birds.

Britain's population of around 2 million pairs puts it in 8th place in Europe. Germany has the most: an estimated 8 million pairs.

The great tit owes much of its success to its adaptability, while increasing numbers in Britain may well be because it is an enthusiastic user of garden feeding stations.

Because of its wide range and the fact that it often lives in close proximity to man, it is one of the most intensely studied of all birds.

The readiness of great tits to use nest boxes is one of the reasons they are such popular birds to study.

The longest running study started in Wytham Wood near Oxford in the 1930s and continues to this day. The university manages it.

The male's distinctive double-note song is one of the most familiar sounds of spring.

There are, however, a huge number of variations of the song, and a typical cock great tit will use around 40 variations.

If you hear a bird song that you can't identify, then there’s a good chance it will be a great tit.

It has been found that the individual birds with the greatest repertoire of songs enjoy the most success with the girls.

Many old country names for this species reflect its song. One of the best is sharp-saw, from Norfolk.

The most successful and dominant cocks tend to have the thickest black stripes down the center of the underparts.

In the 1960s, when sparrowhawk numbers had been decimated by pesticide poisoning, the most dominant great tits were also the heaviest. However, these fatter birds are the most vulnerable to sparrowhawks, so once the latter's population recovered, the dominant males lost their excess weight.

Great tits invariably nest in holes, but here they can be remarkably inventive, often using manmade sites such as post boxes.

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis ssp rudis)

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking water kingfisher, known for its black and white plumage and distinctive crest. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 25 cm in length, with a white face featuring a black mask and a white supercilium. The male is characterized by a double band across the breast, while the female sports a single, often broken, breast band.

When identifying the pied kingfisher, look for its unique black and white barred pattern and prominent crest. The male's double breast band and the female's single broken band are key differentiators between the sexes. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with some having larger bills or reduced white in their plumage.

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

The pied kingfisher is often seen bobbing its head and flicking its tail while perched. It is a sociable bird, known to form large roosts at night. Its flight is direct and rapid, sometimes reaching speeds close to 50 km/h.

This species is quite vocal, emitting sharp "chirruk chirruk" notes that contribute to its presence being easily detected.

Breeding season for the pied kingfisher typically occurs from February to April in India. They nest in holes excavated in vertical mud banks above water. The nests are tunnel-like, leading to a chamber where a clutch of three to six white eggs is laid. Cooperative breeding is observed in this species, with non-breeding offspring from previous broods assisting in raising the young.

The pied kingfisher can be confused with other black and white kingfishers, but its size, habitat preference, and behavior make it distinctive.

Primarily piscivorous, the pied kingfisher feeds on fish, crustaceans, and large aquatic insects. It employs a unique hunting technique of hovering over water before diving headfirst to catch prey. It is capable of consuming its catch mid-flight, allowing it to hunt over large bodies of water.

The pied kingfisher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (FEMALE) (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.

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SAVANNAH 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 (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (11.5 short tons). 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.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED BUFFALO WEAVER (Bubalornis niger)

The Red-billed Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis niger) is a robust bird, the largest within the Ploceidae family, with males averaging a body mass of 82.1 grams and females slightly lighter at 70.7 grams. The species exhibits a modest sexual dimorphism; males are adorned with dark chocolate brown plumage, accented with white flecks on the wing edges and tips, and a distinctive red bill. Females share the same rich brown coloration but lack the white wing markings and feature broad white hems on their chin and throat feathers. Juveniles present a paler brown hue as they mature.

To identify the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, look for its red bill, which sets it apart from its cousin, the White-billed Buffalo Weaver. The male's red bill contrasts with his dark plumage and reddish-brown feet, while the female's lighter brown legs and white throat markings are key distinguishing features.

This species thrives in the dry savannas and sparse woodlands, often in areas influenced by human activity and grazing livestock.

The Red-billed Buffalo Weaver is found across eastern and southern Africa, where it has adapted well to environments altered by humans.

These birds are social, living in colonies, and can be seen in small family units or large flocks. Males are polygamous, with a hierarchy where dominant males control more nest chambers and females. Aggressive displays and loud calls are used for defense, while some males may cooperate in nest building and chick rearing.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - PLAINS ZEBRA (Equus quagga)

The Plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii) is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. It is the most recognizable grazing animal on the African continent. Their closest relatives are donkeys and horses. The sparkling coat of zebras reflects more than 70% of incoming heat, which is likely to help them survive under the scorching African sun. Each of these animals has its own unique stripe pattern, which helps identify individuals. Additionally, the striped coat is used as ideal camouflage, allowing zebras to remain unspotted by predators in the grass.

The Plains zebra is dumpy bodied with relatively short legs and a skull with a convex forehead and a somewhat concave nose profile. The neck is thicker in males than in females. The ears are upright and have rounded tips. As with all wild equids, the Plains zebra has an erect mane along the neck and a tuft of hair at the end of the tail. It is boldly striped in black and white and no two individuals look exactly alike. Compared to other species, the Plains zebra has broader stripes. The stripes are vertical on the fore part of the body and tend towards the horizontal on the hindquarters. Northern zebra populations have narrower and more defined striping; southern populations have varied but lesser amounts of striping on the under parts, the legs, and the hindquarters. Southern populations also have brown "shadow" stripes between the black and white coloring. These are absent or poorly expressed in northern zebras. The natal coat of a foal is brown and white and the brown darkens with age.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (/ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/; pl.: hippopotamuses; often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females). Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances.

Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Territorial bulls each preside over a stretch of water and a group of five to thirty cows and calves. Mating and birth both occur in the water. During the day, hippos remain cool by staying in water or mud, emerging at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos typically do not display territorial behaviour on land. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory (canine teeth).

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HELMETED GUINEA FOWL (Numida meleagris)

The helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) is the best known of the guineafowl bird family, Numididae, and the only member of the genus Numida. It is native to Africa, mainly south of the Sahara, and has been widely introduced, as a domesticated species, into the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia and Europe.

The helmeted guineafowl is a large, 53 to 58 cm (21 to 23 in) bird with a round body and small head. They weigh about 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). The body plumage is gray-black speckled with white. Like other guineafowl, this species has an unfeathered head, which in this species is decorated with a dull yellow or reddish bony knob, and bare skin with red, blue, or black hues. The wings are short and rounded, and the tail is likewise short. Various subspecies are proposed, differences in appearance being mostly a large variation in shape, size, and colour of the casque and facial wattles.

This is a gregarious species, forming flocks outside the breeding season typically of about 25 birds that also roost communally. Guineafowl are particularly well-suited to consuming massive quantities of ticks, which might otherwise spread Lyme disease. These birds are terrestrial, and prone to run rather than fly when alarmed. Like most gallinaceous birds, they have a short-lived, explosive flight and rely on gliding to cover extended distances. Helmeted guineafowl can walk 10 km and more in a day. Their bodies are well-suited for running and they are remarkably successful in maintaining dynamic stability over rough terrain at speed. They make loud harsh calls when disturbed.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN LION (JUVENILE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)

Males living in the Kenyan highlands develop heavier manes than lions in the more humid and warmer lowlands of eastern and northern Kenya. White lions have occasionally been encountered in and around South Africa's Kruger National Park and the adjacent Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Their whitish fur is a rare morph caused by a double recessive allele. It has normal pigmentation in the eyes and skin. They were removed from the wild in the 1970s, thus decreasing the white lion gene pool.

The Southern lion is a lion subspecies from Southern and East Africa. In this region, lion populations were referred to by several regional names, including Katanga lion, Transvaal lion, Kalahari lion, Southeast African lion, Southwest African lion, Masai lion, Serengeti lion, Tsavo lion, and Uganda lion. It has also been referred to as 'Eastern-Southern African lion', 'Southern lion', and as 'southern subspecies'.

The fur of Southern lions varies in color from light buff to dark brown. They have rounded ears and a black tail tuft. Mane color varies from sandy, tawny, isabelline, and light reddish yellow to dark brown and black. Mane length varies from short to extending to knee joints and under the belly. Lions without a mane were observed in the Tsavo area. Mane development is related to age: older males have more extensive manes than younger ones; manes continue to grow up to the age of four to five years, long after lions become reproductively mature. 

Southern lions are found in East and Southern Africa. They are grouped into three clades. Lions, which can be grouped into the North East African clade are found in Somalia, Northern Kenya, and Ethiopia. Lions, which can be grouped into the South East African clade are found in Southern Kenya, Western DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, southern Namibia, and South Africa, with a larger hybridization zone to the southwestern lion clade in the Kruger National Park area (Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park). Lions, which can be grouped into the South West African clade are found in Angola, Northern Namibia, Northern Botswana, and western Zimbabwe, extending southeast into the Tuli block. There is a larger hybridization zone in the southeastern clade around the Kruger National Park.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - 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". Lions usually hunt in groups and prey foremost on ungulates such as gemsbok (Oryx gazella), Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), common eland (Tragelaphus oryx), greater kudu (T. strepsiceros), nyala (T. angasii), roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), sable antelope (H. niger), plains zebra (Equus quagga), bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), hartebeest (Alcephalus buselaphus), common tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), kob (K. kob) and Thomson's gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii). 

Their prey is usually in the range of 190–550 kg (420–1,210 pounds). In the Serengeti National Park, lions were observed to also scavenge on carrion of animals that were killed by other predators, or died from natural causes. They kept a constant lookout for circling vultures, apparently being aware that vultures indicate a dead animal.[80] Faeces of lions collected near waterholes in Hwange National Park also contained remains of climbing mice (Dendromus) and common mice (Mus).

In Botswana's Chobe National Park, lions also prey on young and subadult African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana). They successfully attacked 74 elephants between 1993 and 1996, of which 26 were older than nine years, and one bull over 15 years old. In October 2005, a pride of up to 30 lions killed eight African bush elephants that were between four and eleven years old.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SAVANNAH 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 (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (11.5 short tons). 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.

5-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WHITE BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus)

The white-browed coucal or lark-heeled cuckoo (Centropus superciliosus), is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits areas with thick cover afforded by rank undergrowth and scrub, including in suitable coastal regions. Burchell's coucal is sometimes considered a subspecies.

The white-browed coucal is a medium-sized species growing to 36 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in) in length. The sexes are similar, adults having a blackish crown and nape, a white supercilium, rufous-brown back, chestnut wings, blackish rump and black tail, glossed with green, with a white tip. The underparts are creamy-white, the eyes red, the beak black, and the legs and feet greyish-black or black. Juveniles have rufous streaking on the crown, a faint buff supercilium, barred upper parts and darker underparts.

5-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica)

The lesser striped swallow is a denizen of wooded, primarily lowland areas. It shows a preference for less open environments and is commonly found in proximity to human settlements.

This swallow measures between 15 to 19 cm in length. It boasts dark blue upperparts, a striking red rump, and a rufous-chestnut crown, nape, and sides of the head. The underparts are white, adorned with dark streaking. The wings are blackish-brown, with tawny underwing coverts. The tail is blackish with elongated outer feathers, which are marginally longer in males. Juvenile birds present a duller brown plumage with less contrast and shorter tail feathers.

Look for the heavy streaking on the underparts, the rufous ear coverts, and the deep red rump to distinguish the lesser striped swallow from its relatives. These features are more pronounced than those of the greater striped swallow.

The lesser striped swallow breeds across Sub-Saharan Africa, from Sierra Leone and southern Sudan down to eastern South Africa. It exhibits partial migratory behavior, with South African populations moving north during the winter, and West African birds vacating the northern part of their range in the dry season.

This species is known for its erratic flight as it hunts for flying insects, although it occasionally consumes small fruits. Its call is a distinctive nasal "zeh zeh zeh zeh zeh."

The lesser striped swallow constructs a bowl-shaped mud nest with a tubular entrance, often on the underside of a structure such as a building, bridge, or culvert. The nest, which may be reused in subsequent years, is lined with soft materials for comfort. The species tends to select elevated sites for nesting. Typically, a clutch comprises three glossy white eggs, sometimes speckled with brown. Incubation is carried out by the female for 14 to 16 days, followed by both parents feeding the chicks. Fledging occurs after another 17 to 19 days, though the young may return to the nest to roost for a short period post-flight.

The greater striped swallow is similar in appearance but can be differentiated by its larger size, lighter head color, and less extensive underpart streaking.

The lesser striped swallow primarily feeds on flying insects, supplementing its diet occasionally with small fruits.

5-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri)

The southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is one of two species of ground hornbill, both of which are found solely within Africa, and is the largest species in the hornbill order worldwide. It can be found in the southern regions of Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa. Within these regions, they inhabit both woodlands and savannas. The other species of the genus Bucorvus is the Abyssinian ground hornbill, B. abyssinicus.

Southern ground hornbills are carnivorous and hunt mostly on the ground. Their food ranges from insects to small vertebrates. Their nests are often found in high tree cavities or other shallow cavities, such as rock holes in cliff faces. These birds are a long-lived species, having lifespans in the range of 50–60 years, and up to 70 in captivity. In relation to their long lives, they do not reach sexual maturity until 4–6 years old, and begin breeding around 10 years old. Their sex can be identified by the colour of their throats: the male's is pure red and the female's is a deep violet-blue.

Southern ground hornbills are a culturally pervasive and important species in southern Africa. Kruger National Park, located within South Africa, lists southern ground hornbills as one of their 'Big Six' bird species.[6] However, their numbers have been declining, due in part to persecution, habitat destruction, cultural beliefs, and other factors. They are listed globally as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN as of 2018, and as 'Endangered' in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini.

Southern ground hornbill groups are very vocal: contact is made by calls in chorus which can usually be heard at distances of up to 3 kilometres (1.86 mi). The calls allow each group to maintain its territory, which must be as large as 100 square kilometres (40 sq mi) even in the best habitat.

Southern ground hornbills can be found from northern Namibia and Angola to northern South Africa and southern Zimbabwe to Burundi and Kenya. They require a savanna habitat with large trees for nesting and dense but short grass for foraging.

This is a large bird, at 90 to 129 cm (2 ft 11 in to 4 ft 3 in) long. Females weigh 2.2 to 4.6 kilograms (4.9 to 10.1 lb), while the larger males weigh 3.5 to 6.2 kilograms (7.7 to 13.7 lb).[citation needed] The average weight of eight females was 3.34 kg (7.4 lb) whilst that of eight males was 4.2 kg (9.3 lb); thus they average around 35% percent heavier than any Asian hornbill species.[9] Wingspan is from 1.2 to 1.8 m (3 ft 11 in to 5 ft 11 in). The wing chord is 49.5 to 61.8 cm (19.5 to 24.3 in), the tail from 29 to 36 cm (11 to 14 in), the tarsus from 13 to 15.5 cm (5.1 to 6.1 in) and the culmen from 16.8 to 22.1 cm (6.6 to 8.7 in). Stevenson and Fanshawe report that the Abyssinian ground hornbill is the larger species on average, at 110 cm (43 in), than the southern species, at 102 cm (40 in), but published maximum weights and standard measurements indicate the southern species is slightly larger. Average weights are not known for the Abyssinian species.

The southern ground hornbill is black with vivid red patches of bare skin on the face and throat (yellow in juvenile birds)—as well as being one of few birds with eyelashes—which are believed to keep dust out of the birds' eyes while they forage during the dry season. The white tips of the wings (primary feathers) seen in flight are another diagnostic characteristic. The beak is black and slightly curved and presents a casque, more developed in males. Female southern ground hornbills are smaller and have violet-blue skin on their throats. Juveniles to six years old lack the prominent red pouch, having a duller patch of grey in its place.