27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - 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 (10–11 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 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.

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 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.

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).[17][18][19][20] 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). Another individual with a similar weight of more than 10 t (9.8 long tons; 11 short tons) was found in Kenya in 2025, making it one of the largest elephants ever recorded.

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.

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 African bush elephant is herbivorous. It is a mixed feeder, consuming both grasses, as well as woody vegetation (browse), with the proportions varying wildly depending on the habitat and time of year, ranging from almost exclusively grazing to near-total browsing. African bush elephants' consumption of woody plants, particularly their habit of uprooting trees, has the ability to alter the local environment, transforming woodlands into grasslands. African bush elephants also at times consume fruit and serve as seed dispersers. Adults can consume up to 150 kg (330 lb) of food per day. To supplement their diet with minerals, they congregate at mineral-rich water holes, termite mounds, and mineral licks. Salt licks visited by elephants in the Kalahari contain high concentrations of water-soluble sodium. Elephants drink 180–230 litres (50–60 US gal) of water daily, and seem to prefer sites where water and soil contain sodium. In Kruger National Park and on the shore of Lake Kariba, elephants were observed to ingest wood ash, which also contains sodium.

Populations of African bush elephants are increasing in some areas such as the Kruger National Park, where an annual growth of 4.2% was recorded between 2003 and 2015. There are estimated to be at least 17,000 elephants in the park's vicinity, as of 2015–the most of any area in South Africa. The increase in population occurred after the discontinuation of culling in the mid-1990s. This large elephant population is considered a problem to both the environment and its creatures. As such, with the use of natural processes, conservationists aim to control the ever-growing population. In other places in southern Africa, the elephant population continues to increase. Botswana in particular hosts more African bush elephants than any other country, at 130,000. In a 2019 study, populations were found to be steady, though the authors also noted an unusual increase in carcasses, possibly due to a new wave of poaching which was uncommon at the time.

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). 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".

The African bush elephant has curved skin with bending cracks, which support thermoregulation by retaining water. These bending cracks contribute to an evaporative cooling process which helps to maintain body temperature via homeothermy regardless of air temperature.

Africa bush elephants use their trunks for tactile communication. When greeting, a lower ranking individual will insert the tip of its trunk into its superior's mouth. Elephants will also stretch out their trunk toward an approaching individual they intend to greet. Mother elephants reassure their young with touches, embraces, and rubbings with the foot while slapping disciplines them. During courtship, a couple will caress and intertwine with their trunks while playing and fighting individuals wrestle with them.

Elephant vocals are variations of rumbles, trumpets, squeals, and screams. Rumbles are mainly produced for long-distance communication and cover a broad range of frequencies which are mostly below what a human can hear. Infrasonic rumbles can travel vast distances and are important for attracting mates and scaring off rivals.

Growls are audible rumbles and happen during greetings. When in pain or fear, an elephant makes an open-mouthed growl known as a bellow. A drawn-out growl is known as a moan. Growling can escalate into a roaring when the elephant is issuing a threat. Trumpeting is made by blowing through the trunk and signals excitement, distress, or aggression. Juvenile elephants squeal in distress while screaming is done by adults for intimidation.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - RED BILLED SPURFOWL (Pternistis adspersus)

The Red-billed Spurfowl (Pternistis adspersus) is a common Southern African ground bird, known for its red bill, red legs, and distinctive yellow eye-ring, found in dry savannas and bushlands, feeding on seeds, insects, and berries, and known for loud, harsh calls, often seen in groups, nesting in shallow scrapes, and breeding year-round after rain. 

Key Facts

Name: Also called Red-billed Francolin; scientific name Pternistis adspersus.

Appearance: Medium-sized, brown, barred underparts, bright red bill, red legs, and a prominent yellow eye-ring. Males are slightly larger.

Habitat: Dry savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and bushveld in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe).

Diet: Primarily seeds, berries, and insects, often foraging on the ground by scratching.

Behavior: Ground-dwelling, often confiding, forms flocks (up to 20) outside breeding season, gives loud territorial calls.

Breeding: Nests in shallow ground scrapes, breeds year-round, often triggered by rain, lays 3-10 eggs.

Identification: The yellow eye-ring and red bill/legs distinguish it from other regional francolins. 

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana) is a common, small, brownish African bird known for its loud, rattling song in savannas, feeding on insects and sometimes aloe nectar, nesting low in grass with a unique ball-shaped structure, and often living in monogamous pairs or cooperative groups that defend territories, making them key indicators of healthy open habitats. 

Appearance & Size

Look: Grey-brown upperparts, buffy browner head, rusty tail, buffy underparts.

Size: Small, about 15 cm (6 inches) long, weighing around 15-16g. 

Habitat & Diet

Habitat: Prefers open savannas, scrublands, and woodlands across Africa, from Ethiopia southwards.

Diet: Primarily insects (beetles, grasshoppers, ants), but also takes nectar from aloes. 

Behavior & Song

Vocalization: Famous for its distinctive, mechanical-sounding rattling trill, often preceded by "che" notes, used year-round.

Social: Usually seen in pairs or family groups; can be territorial.

Cooperative Breeding: Sometimes forms groups with unrelated males defending a territory together, a strategy for raising young. 

Nest & Breeding

Nest: Unique ball or oval shape with a side entrance, woven from grass and spiderwebs, often low in grass or shrubs.

Eggs: Lays 2-5 eggs, incubated by the female for about 2 weeks.

Chicks: Fledge in about 13-15 days. 

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern, considered common and widespread in its range. 

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - RUFOUS CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius)

The rufous-crowned roller, also known as the purple roller, is a large bird from sub-Saharan Africa that hunts insects and small vertebrates from perches in dry woodlands and savannas. It is distinguished by its dull purple-cinnamon color, white eyebrow stripe, and chestnut wings. It is the largest roller species, weighs about 125 to 200 grams, and is of "Least Concern" conservation status. 

Key facts about the rufous-crowned roller

Appearance:

A bulky roller, 35 to 40 cm long, with a dull purple-cinnamon body.

Features a prominent white "eyebrow" (supercilium) and a dark eye-line.

Has chestnut-colored wings, and its underparts are pink with fine white streaks.

Habitat and behavior:

Prefers dry thornveld and open savannas.

Spends much of its time perched on top of trees or poles, scanning the ground for food.

Performs an acrobatic rolling flight display, exposing blue in its wings and tail.

Diet:

Primarily eats large insects such as locusts and grasshoppers.

Also consumes scorpions, beetles, ants, small lizards, snakes, and rodents.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - 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.

Chapman's zebras have been observed to spend a large portion of their day feeding (approximately 50%), and primarily consume low-quality grasses found in savannas, grasslands, and shrublands, however they occasionally eat wild berries and other plants in order to increase protein intake. While they show a preference for short grasses, unlike some other grazing animals they also eat long grasses and so play an important role by consuming the upper portion of long grass that has grown in the wet season to then allow for other animals to feed. Young foals are reliant on their mothers for sustenance for approximately the first 12 months of their lives as their teeth are unable to properly breakdown the tough grasses that the adults eat until the enamel has sufficiently worn away.

During the dry season Chapman's zebras tend not to stray too far from a water source as they frequently have to drink. During the wet season however, the zebras will join together in large herds consisting of many harems and migrate in order to find abundant food sources to feed on after the relatively sparse dry season They also try to avoid other animal migrations so as to lower competition for food. As they only require lower-quality foraging, Chapman's zebras prefer to migrate to areas with a greater density of food, and will prioritise quantity ahead of quality. By optimising foraging density and avoiding other foraging species, Chapman's zebras are able to sustain large populations which rapidly deplete foraging areas forcing them to continue migrating. In addition, Chapman's zebras also exhibit a cyclical daily movement whereby they prefer grasslands during the day and woodlands during the night so as to avoid lions, which are their main predator.. They frequently move around and actively avoid areas where they recently observed lion activity.

Chapman's zebras are highly sociable animals that live in herds of up to tens of thousands of individuals. The larger herd is composed of harems with permanent members; consisting of one herd stallion, one to six females, and their offspring. They rarely exhibit aggressive behaviour towards each other or other species. Males without a harem have also been observed to form long term cliques of their own with other bachelor males which has been shown to improve their social skills. Stallion-stallion groups are uncommon, and in the cases where they do form they are short-lasting. The females stay in the same harems all of their lives.

Chapman's zebras spend time resting during the day and are more active at dusk. This is most likely a defensive behavioural trait as predators are more prevalent at this time of day, and so it is beneficial for members of the herd to be more vigilant at these times. On occasion a small group will rush at a potential predator in an attempt to deter it from attacking, however in general Chapman's zebras prefer to avoid any such conflicts.

Within their harems there has been observed hierarchical social structures which dictate things such as the movements of the group, through to how they care for their offspring. High-ranking mares in particular exert pressure on the group in order to promote the survival of their own foals. When foraging, Chapman's zebras rely on the dominant member of the harem to lead them to water and food sources. The success of high-ranking harem members at leading the group to food and water determines whether they maintain leadership into the future, and shows how the zebras value stability in their respective groups. Leadership roles can change over time however. Older mares often have a higher social rank than younger harem members. Lactating females are also able to initiate movement within a harem which in turn can sometimes influence the movements of the whole herd. When a pregnant mare gives birth her foal assumes the same social status within the harem as her.

From a young age foals are able to recognise the scent and sound of their mother and form bonds together that last into adulthood. This ability to recognise other zebras does not diminish into adulthood where they are able to differentiate amongst other group members. This is essential for creating stability within groups, which lowers inter-group competition for resources and thus improves survival. In captivity has been shown that Chapman's zebras form unique relationships with different keepers and that they alter their behaviour depending on which keeper is interacting with them.

Males will typically fight one another in front of a group of females before they mate with them, with the highest-ranking mare in the harem the first to mate. The gestation period for Chapman's zebras is around 12 months, after which time the female will give birth to a single foal. The foal is soon able to walk with the rest of the group. This is essential for its survival, as it ensures that the mother does not have to leave it behind for the good of the other members of the harem. Each subsequent pregnancy follows a shorter period between births than the one before it as the mare become more adept at raising her foals. Male zebras that are members of the harem but not the father of the foal have been reported to practise infanticide. This has been observed in particular in captivity where zebras from different social groups are kept in close proximity. It is also possible for Chapman's zebras to be bred via an equine surrogate, as was first done in 1984.

5-7-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. 

A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri ssp. transvaalensis)

Meyer's parrot (Poicephalus meyeri), also known as the brown parrot, is a species of parrot native to Africa. A Meyer's parrot has grey feathers, turquoise belly, blue rump, and bright yellow markings on the carpal joint of the wings. Most subspecies have some yellow on the top of the head as well. Forshaw (1989) recognizes six subspecies of P. meyeri which vary in home range, size and in markings, including the extent of yellow markings to the head and wings, and the intensity of turquoise markings on the belly and rump.

Taxonomy

German physician and ornithologist Philipp Jakob Cretzschmar described Meyer's parrot in 1827. The name commemorates the German ornithologist Bernhard Meyer.

The six subspecies are:

P. m. meyeri (Cretzschmar, 1827) — s Chad to w Ethiopia

P. m. saturatus (Sharpe, 1901) — Uganda and w Kenya to w Tanzania

P. m. matschiei (Neumann, 1898) — c Tanzania, se Congo, Zambia and n Malawi

P. m. reichenowi (Neumann, 1898) — c Angola to s Congo

P. m. damarensis (Neumann, 1898) — n Namibia, s Angola and nw Botswana

P. m. transvaalensis (Neumann, 1899) — Botswana, Zimbabwe and n South Africa

Subspecies P. m. damarensis and P. m. reichenowi lack yellow markings on the head, while P. m. transvaalensis may have little to no yellow on the head. Belly and rump colours vary according to subspecies from turquoise to blue.

Meyer's parrots are native to the plateau woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa where they occur in several woodland types including miombo, savanna woodlands, wooded grasslands and forests bordering watercourses or agricultural land. They are found in high densities in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana. They are also found in southern and central Africa (Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia.

Their wild diet includes fruit, seeds, nuts, berries and cultivated crops. Seeds of the various leguminous trees of the African woodlands are especially favoured, providing their staple food in some areas. Although they normally travel in pairs or small flocks, wild Meyer's parrots may gather in much larger numbers where food is plentiful. In drought years they wander in search of food.

The Meyer's parrot nests in tree cavities. The eggs are white and there are usually three or four in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days and the chicks leave the nest about 60 days after hatching.

Meyer's parrots are still common in the wild, although numbers have decreased locally following destruction of woodlands. It is generally not considered to be at risk, as their large population, limited pressure from trade and hunting, and 6,000,000 km2 home range make these birds unlikely to face extinction in the near future. Trade in Meyer's parrots that have been bred in aviculture is legal. Meyer's parrots are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Appendix II listing means the species can also be taken from the wild and traded in 'limited' numbers.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - MARICO FLYCATCHER (Bradornis mariquensi)

A large flycatcher with upright posture, plain brown upperparts with warm edges to flight feathers, and diagnostic and strongly contrasting bold white underparts. Juveniles are heavily streaked brown and white. Pairs and small groups inhabit arid scrub, favoring thorn trees, where they sit conspicuously on low perches, sallying or pouncing onto the ground to subdue prey. All other brown flycatchers in the same range have brown or buffy underparts.

The Marico flycatcher or Mariqua flycatcher (Bradornis mariquensis) is a passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae that is found in areas of southern Africa.

The Marico flycatcher was previously placed in the genus Bradornis but was moved to Melaenornis based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010.

It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Its natural habitat is dry savanna.

This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca)

The magpie shrike (Lanius melanoleucus), also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa, where its natural habitats are dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It has a very wide range and is common in places, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".

The magpie shrike is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.[1] It inhabits open savannah with scattered acacia trees, close-grazed turf and bare ground, in parts of southern and central Africa where precipitation mainly occurs between November and April. Arid areas are avoided but semi-arid areas may be favoured. It also occurs in woodland, particularly riparian areas, and in the Kruger National Park is found in river valleys with thorny mopane trees.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The Lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a beautifully colored African bird known for its acrobatic aerial displays during the breeding season. The sexes look similar, and juveniles lack the long tail streamers of adults. This species is unofficially considered the national bird of Kenya.

These large-headed birds are almost unmistakable with their colorful plumage tones. The lilac throat of the nominate subspecies C. c. caudatus deepens into a darker lilac breast. The crown to the mantle is olive, and the cheeks and ear coverts a lilac-rufous. In subspecies C. c. lorti however, the crown to mantle is greenish blue instead of olive, and the breast azure. The throat is lilac, and some Lilac-throated rollers have a lilac patch or rufous-brown tinges on the lower abdomen. Both subspecies have long, black outermost tail streamers that are absent in juveniles. The males and the females look alike though males may be slightly larger than females. Juveniles, immatures, and adults have the largest alula feather dark blue, but the primary coverts and rest of the alula are azure. The proximal half of the remiges are also a brilliant azure, and the distal half is black on the inner web, and dark purple-blue on the outer webs. Juveniles have the throat and breast rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks with mauve margins on some feathers. Immatures have the breast buffy with occasional lilac feathers and diffuse pale streaking. Unique to rollers (family Coraciidae) are syndactyl feet, in which the second and third digits are fused.

Lilac-breasted rollers are found throughout eastern and southern Africa. Their range extends from the Red Sea coast of Eritrea through East Africa (including Zanzibar) to southern Africa, where they occur commonly in Namibia (excluding the Namib Desert), Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northeastern South Africa. Some populations are non-migratory, while others migrate from northeast Kenya to northwest Somalia to breed from late April to mid-September. Lilac-breasted rollers live in open savannah habitats with scattered trees and shrubs. Less often they frequent riverine vegetation and light forest and may enter sub-desert steppe or open grassland where any elevated perches may be used. In protected areas, these birds frequent the verges of roads, especially during fires, but generally, they try to avoid other human-influenced areas and are not found in urban or rural areas.

Lilac-breasted rollers are active during the day and are usually found alone or in pairs. They perch conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles, or other high vantage points from where they can spot insects, lizards, or other prey moving about on the ground. Lilac-breasted rollers hunt from a perch and scout from a higher vantage point (including from atop large herbivorous mammals) before swooping in and grabbing prey with their beaks. If their prey is small, they will swallow it on the ground. These aggressive birds will carry larger prey back to a perch and beat it until it is dismembered. Outside of protected areas such as national parks, Lilac-breasted rollers may often be seen when farmers burn land for agricultural use. Such brush fires stir up insects and other invertebrates, and birds can be seen swooping in for easy prey. In East Africa, they join other perch hunters like Taita fiscals and Pale flycatchers to make opportunistic use of grassland fires. In South Africa, they are also seen in association with kites, storks, swallows, and bee-eaters when the burning of firebreaks drives small animals onto roads. The call of these acrobatic fliers is a harsh, sawing 'rak rak rak' that is given during flight. They also produce loud raucous calls during flight displays and will perch to sing.

Lilac-breasted rollers are monogamous birds believed to mate for life. Pairs nest solitary and are protective of their nest and one of the pair will fly in a rolling pattern as a territorial display against intruders or distract nest predators. During courtship, a Lilac-breasted roller will fly upwards and then tip forward with the wings closed, before flapping to gain speed towards the ground. While leveling out at the highest speed the bird will roll to the left and right a few times, uttering a harsh, raucous 'kaaa, kaarsh', before swooping up again. The display may end with a harsh chuckling. The breeding season occurs at various times of the year, depending on the location; in Somalia, these birds breed from late April to mid-September.

They build flat nests of grass in a baobab, dead coconut, casuarina, or Terminalia tree. The nest is situated in a hollowed-out tree cavity some 5 meters (16 ft) off the ground, or even on the side of a termite mound. Lilac-breasted rollers do not create the cavities themselves but take over nest spaces that have been previously hollowed out by woodpeckers or kingfishers. Females lay 2-4 eggs per breeding season and both partners will take turns incubating the eggs for 22 to 24 days. Hatchlings are born altricial (helpless), becoming fully feathered after 18-20 days. They will remain dependent on their parents for up to another month and will be ready to breed at the age of 2 years.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - BUSHVELD HELMETED GUINEA FOWL (Numida meleagris ssp. mitratus)

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

Appearance & Characteristics

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

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

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

Behavior & Habitat

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

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

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - GUINEAFOWL BUTTERFLY (Hamanumida daedalus)

The genus Hamanumida comprises of a single species – daedalus, which is popularly known as the Guineafowl due to its colour and pattern which resembles that of the guineafowl bird.

Hamanumida daedalus is widespread across Africa including Madagascar. It also occurs in the Arab states.

This is a grassland / savannah species found at altitudes between sea level and about 800m. It is associated mainly with dry, rocky grassland where there are scattered bushes and trees, but also rapidly colonises abandoned agricultural land.

The primary larval foodplant is Combretum, but Terminalia and Tectona (teak) are also used.

The butterflies are normally seen singly or in two’s and three’s. Males will mud-puddle at the edges of fords and small streams, but both sexes are more commonly seen aggregating at the top of hills where courtship and copulation take place. They fly very low over the ground, and frequently settle to bask on bare ground or on rocks or boulders. At all times they remain very alert, taking flight at the slightest disturbance.

Hamanumida daedalus, the guineafowl butterfly, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae and only member of the genus Hamanumida.

It is found in the Afrotropical realm (Natal, Eswatini, Transvaal, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, tropical Africa (dry lowland areas) and southwest Arabia).

The wingspan is 55–65 mm for males and 60–78 mm for females. Adults are on wing year-round, with peaks in midwinter and summer.

The larvae feed on Combretum and Terminalia species.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN GREY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus)

The African grey hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) is a member of the hornbill family of mainly tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World. It is a widespread resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa and the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula.The African grey hornbill has escaped or been deliberately released into Florida, USA, but there is no evidence that the population is breeding and may only persist due to continuing releases or escapes.

At 45–51 cm (18–20 in) in length, the African grey hornbill is a large bird, although it is one of the smaller hornbills. Its plumage is grey and brown, with the head, flight feathers and long tail being of a darker shade. There is a white line down each side of the crown and another down the back which is only visible in flight. Their long curved bills feature a small casque along the upper culmen, which is more prominent in males than females. A dark upper mandible with creamy-yellow mark or horizontal stripe is diagnostic of males, whereas females have tricoloured, red-tipped mandibles. The plumage of the male and female is similar. That of juveniles doesn't differ much from adults, but their bills are initially uniformly blackish. The flight is undulating. The similarly sized red-billed hornbills occur in similar savannah habitats but have pied plumage.

This conspicuous bird advertises its presence with a piping pee-o pee-o pee-o call.

African grey hornbill is widespread over much of sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers open woodland and savannah.

The female lays two to four white eggs in a tree hollow, which is blocked off during incubation with a cement made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp. There is only one narrow aperture, just large enough for the male to transfer food to the mother and the chicks. When the chicks and female outgrow the nest, the mother breaks out and rebuilds the wall, after which both parents feed the chicks.

The African grey hornbill is omnivorous, taking insects, fruit and reptiles. It feeds mainly in trees.