Sunday, 15 May 2022
18-4-2022 KARTONG, GAMBIA - AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)
The African jacana (Actophilornis africanus) is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It has long toes and long claws that enables it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, its preferred habitat. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. For the origin and pronunciation of the name, see Jacanidae.
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Saturday, 14 May 2022
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Friday, 13 May 2022
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17-4-2022 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - WEST AFRICAN HONEY BEE ( Apis mellifera ssp. adansoni)
Physical Characteristics
Size & Color: Workers are slightly smaller than European bees, typically measuring around 12 mm to 15 mm in length. They are easily recognized by an orange-yellow abdomen with distinct dark bands.
Morphology: Features short hair and a low cubital index (typically 1.72 to 2.16).
Habitat & Distribution
Native Range: Spans widely across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal and Nigeria in the west to regions of East Africa.
Adaptability: Thrives in diverse ecosystems, from savannas and woodlands to tropical and coastal zones.
Nesting: Often prefers to nest in ground cavities, though they will readily occupy tree holes and man-made hives.
Temperament & Behavior
High Defensiveness: It is renowned as one of the most defensive and aggressive subspecies. When the hive is threatened, guards respond in greater numbers and pursue perceived threats over much longer distances than European bees.
Absconding & Migrating: Highly prone to abandoning their hives (absconding) entirely in response to nectar shortages, predator attacks, or severe weather conditions.
Swarming: Tends to swarm and multiply more frequently to adapt to tropical climates.
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