7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LEOPARD (MALE ) (Panthera pardus pardus)

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

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

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

The African leopards inhabited a wide range of habitats within Africa, from mountainous forests to grasslands and savannahs, excluding only extremely sandy desert. It is most at risk in areas of semi-desert, where scarce resources often result in conflict with nomadic farmers and their livestock.

It used to occur in most of sub-Saharan Africa, occupying both rainforest and arid desert habitats. It lived in all habitats with annual rainfall above 50 mm (2.0 in), and can penetrate areas with less than this amount of rainfall along river courses. It ranges up to 5,700 m (18,700 ft), has been sighted on high slopes of the Ruwenzori and Virunga volcanoes, and observed when drinking thermal water 37 °C (99 °F) in the Virunga National Park.

It appears to be successful at adapting to altered natural habitat and settled environments in the absence of intense persecution. It has often been recorded close to major cities. But already in the 1980s, it has become rare throughout much of West Africa. Now, it remains patchily distributed within historical limits. During surveys in 2013, it was recorded in Gbarpolu County and Bong County in the Upper Guinean forests of Liberia.

Leopards are rare in North Africa. A relict population persists in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, in forest and mountain steppe in elevations of 300 to 2,500 m (980 to 8,200 ft), where the climate is temperate to cold.

In 2014, a leopard was killed in the Elba Protected Area in southeastern Egypt. This was the first sighting of a leopard in the country since the 1950s.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - PALE EMERALD SPOTTED WOOD DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos ssp. zambesiensis)

The Pale Emerald-spotted wood dove, scientifically known as Turtur chalcospilos, is a small and plump pigeon, measuring approximately 20 cm in length. Its plumage is a pale grey-brown across the back, hindneck, wings, and tail, with the wings adorned by distinctive green metallic patches. The lower back and tail feature blackish bands. The head is a bluish-grey, transitioning to a pinkish-grey on the throat, while the underparts are a soft mauve-pink, fading to a paler hue on the belly.

To identify this species, look for the bluish-emerald wing spots and the blackish bill with a red base. Both sexes appear similar, though females may be slightly less vibrant. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller green spots and buff fringes on their feathers. When in flight, the Emerald-spotted wood dove can be distinguished from the similar Black-billed wood dove by its lack of bright chestnut underwings.

The Emerald-spotted wood dove favors open drier deciduous woodland and areas of second growth. It avoids evergreen rainforests and semi-desert regions.

This bird is a resident across eastern and southern Africa, where it can be found in suitable habitats.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN PARADISE WHYDAH (Vidua paradisaea)

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, also known as the Eastern Paradise Whydah, is a small passerine bird with a rather unassuming appearance outside of the breeding season. These birds are characterized by their short, stubby bills and are primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds that have ripened and fallen to the ground.

Distinguishing between male and female Long-tailed Paradise Whydahs can be challenging when they are not in breeding plumage. Generally, the birds resemble ordinary sparrows with short tails. Females typically have grey bills and greyish-brown feathers with blackish streaks, and their under tail feathers are more white. Males, outside of the breeding season, have browner plumage with black stripes on the crown, black facial markings, and a deeper brown chest with a creamier abdomen. During breeding, males undergo a dramatic transformation, developing black heads and backs, rusty colored breasts, bright yellow napes, and white abdomens. Their most striking feature is the elongated black tail feathers, which can grow up to 36 centimeters or more.

These birds inhabit grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands, preferring bushed grassland areas around cultivation. They tend to avoid proximity to surface waters.

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah is found across Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a resident species.

Long-tailed Paradise Whydahs are social birds, often roosting in flocks during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other songbirds without destroying the original eggs. Males have the ability to mimic the songs of their host species, which plays a role in mating.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus ssp. taurinus)

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also called the common wildebeest, white-bearded gnu or brindled gnu, is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest. It is placed in the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae, and has a close taxonomic relationship with the black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest is known to have five subspecies. This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive, robust muzzle. Young blue wildebeest are born tawny brown, and begin to take on their adult coloration at the age of 2 months. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish-gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved horns.

The blue wildebeest is an herbivore, feeding primarily on short grasses. It forms herds which move about in loose aggregations, the animals being fast runners and extremely wary. The mating season begins at the end of the rainy season and a single calf is usually born after a gestational period of about 8.5 months. The calf remains with its mother for 8 months, after which it joins a juvenile herd. Blue wildebeest are found in short-grass plains bordering bush-covered acacia savannas in southern and eastern Africa, thriving in areas that are neither too wet nor too arid. Three African populations of blue wildebeest take part in a long-distance migration, timed to coincide with the annual pattern of rainfall and grass growth on the short-grass plains where they can find the nutrient-rich forage necessary for lactation and calf growth.

The blue wildebeest is native to Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Today, it is extinct in Malawi, but has been successfully reintroduced in Namibia. The southern limit of the blue wildebeest range is the Orange River, while the western limit is bounded by Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya. The blue wildebeest is widespread and is being introduced into private game farms, reserves, and conservancies. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources rates the blue wildebeest as being of least concern. The population has been estimated to be around 1.5 million, and the population trend is stable.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa giraffa ssp. giraffa)

The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies. The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

Following Schreber's description of the South African giraffe, several specimens were described by other naturalists and zoologists since the end of the 18th century under different scientific names, which are all considered synonyms of Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa today:

G. giraffa capensis by Lesson, 1842

G. giraffa australis by Rhoads, 1896

G. giraffa wardi by Lydekker, 1904

G. giraffa infumata by Noack, 1808

19-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)

Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

Subspecies

There are four subspecies:

Psammodromus algirus algirus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Psammodromus algirus doriae Bedriaga, 1886

Psammodromus algirus nollii Fischer, 1887

Psammodromus algirus ketamensis Galán, 1931

Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).

The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.

P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.

Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.

P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.

P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.

19-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)

Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.

Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.

The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.

 Adult specimens differ from Timon lepidus by the grey or brown basic coloration with no or reduced black markings.

Juveniles and subadults of Timon nevadensis frequently show dark edges on the labial scales which lack in juvenile Timon lepidus. However, there seem to exist populations with intermediate characteristics.

Within its distribution range, Timon nevadensis cannot be confused with other lizards, due to its big size of adults and the distinct white spot pattern of the juveniles.

These lizards were a regular visitor to our garden but since the large firse in the area we have not seen them for several years. They are sorely missed.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - VINE LEAF VAGRANT BUTTERFLY (Eronia cleodora)

Eronia cleodora, the vine-leaf vagrant, is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It is found throughout Africa.

The wingspan is 45–60 mm for males and 50–62 mm for females. Adults are on wing year-round in warmer areas with peaks in spring and late summer.

The larvae feed on Capparis fascicularis.

Subspecies

Eronia cleodora cleodora (southern and eastern Africa)

Eronia cleodora dilatata Butler, 1888 (coast of Kenya and Tanzania)

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pseudanaphaeis gidica ssp. abyssinica)

Pseudanaphaeis gidica ssp. abyssinica, the African veined white or pointed caper, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found in the Afrotropical realm. The wingspan is 40–55 millimetres (1.6–2.2 in) in males and 40–53 mm (1.6–2.1 in) in females. Its flight period is year-round. The larvae feed on Boscia, Capparis, and Maerua species.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON IMPALA (FEMALE) (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.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - NYALA (FEMALE) (Tragelaphus angusii)

The nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas. They are very shy cautious creatures. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands and forage during the daylight hours. The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard, and Cape hunting dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles.

The coat of the nyala is rusty or rufous brown in females and juveniles. It grows a dark brown or slate grey in adult males, often with a bluish tinge. Females and young males have ten or more white vertical stripes on their sides. Other markings are visible on the face, throat, flanks, and thighs. Stripes are very reduced or absent in older males. Both males and females have a white chevron between their eyes and a bushy tail white underside. Both sexes have a dorsal crest of hair running right from the back of the head to the end of the tail. Males have another line of hair along the midline of their chest and belly. Only the males have horns. Horns are 60-83 cm (24-33 in) long and yellow-tipped. There are one or two twists. The spoor is similar to that of the bushbuck, but larger. It is 5-6 cm (2-2.4 in) long. The nyala has hairy glands on its feet, which leave their scent wherever it walks.

Nyala are found across southeast Africa from the Lower Shire Valley in Malawi through Mozambique and Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa and Swaziland. They inhabit dense lowland woodlands, thickets, and lush green river country. They choose places with good quality grasslands as well as the provision of fresh water.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - TUSSOCK MOTH CATERPILLAR (Subfamily Lymantriinae)

The Lymantriinae (formerly called the Lymantriidae) are a subfamily of moths of the family Erebidae. The taxon was erected by George Hampson in 1893.

Many of its component species are referred to as "tussock moths" of one sort or another. The caterpillar, or larval, stage of these species often has a distinctive appearance of alternating bristles and haired projections. Many tussock moth caterpillars have urticating hairs (often hidden among longer, softer hairs), which can cause painful reactions if they come into contact with skin.

The subfamily Lymantriinae includes about 350 known genera and over 2,500 known species found in every continent except Antarctica. They are particularly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. One estimate lists 258 species in Madagascar alone. Apart from oceanic islands, notable places that do not host lymantriines include the Antilles and New Caledonia.

The larvae are also hairy, often with hairs packed in tufts, and in many species the hairs break off very easily and are extremely irritating to the skin (especially members of the genus Euproctis. This highly effective defence serves the moth throughout its life cycle. The hairs are incorporated into the cocoon. An emerging adult female of some species collects and stores the hairs at the tip of the abdomen and uses them to camouflage and protect the eggs as they are laid. In other species, the eggs are covered by a froth that soon hardens or are camouflaged by material the female collects and sticks to them. In the larvae of some species, hairs are gathered in dense tufts along the back and this gives them the common name of tussocks or tussock moths.

Lymantria means "destroyer", and several species are important defoliators of forest trees, including the spongy moth Lymantria dispar, the Douglas-fir tussock moth Orgyia pseudotsugata, and the nun moth Lymantria monacha. They tend to have broader host plant ranges than most Lepidoptera. Most feed on trees and shrubs, but some are known from vines, herbs, grasses, and lichens.

28-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BREASTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris talatala)

The White-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris talatala, also known as the White-breasted Sunbird, is a vibrant member of the Nectariniidae family. The male of the species is particularly striking with its iridescent plumage.

Males can be identified by their glossy, metallic green upperparts and white underparts, while females are more subdued with greyish-brown tones. Both sexes have a slender, curved bill designed for nectar feeding.

This sunbird favors semi-arid savanna woodlands, thriving among Acacia and Combretum trees, as well as in riparian thickets and mixed miombo woodlands.

The species is widespread across southern Africa, from Angola to Tanzania, and southward to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa.

White-bellied Sunbirds are active foragers, often seen in mixed-species flocks. They exhibit aerial hawking for insects and glean invertebrates from foliage in the late afternoon.

The male's song is a melodious series of high-pitched notes, while the female's call is a softer chatter, often heard in the tranquility of botanical gardens.

Females construct oval-shaped nests adorned with leaves and bark, lining them with plant down. Nesting sites are cleverly chosen near protective wasp nests. The breeding season peaks from September to December, with females incubating 1-3 eggs for about two weeks.

While distinct in its white belly, the White-bellied Sunbird may be confused with other sunbird species, but its habitat and behavior provide good distinguishing factors.

A diet rich in nectar from a variety of flowers, including Aloe, Protea, and exotic plants, is supplemented with insects and spiders. This bird is a vital pollinator in its ecosystem.

The White-bellied Sunbird is currently classified as Least Concern, showing resilience and even benefiting from certain environmental changes in its habitat.

Known predators include the Domestic Cat and Slender Mongoose, while it also falls prey to brood parasitism by the Klaas's Cuckoo.

3-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON WARTHOG (Phacochoerus Africus)

The Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the pig family (Suidae) found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only pig species that has adapted to grazing and savanna habitats.

Common warthogs are found in sub-Saharan Africa. They live in grasslands, savanna, open bushlands, and woodlands. These animals prefer open areas and avoid rainforests, thickets, cool montane grasslands, and severe deserts.

A warthog has two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth and curving upwards. The lower pair, which is far shorter than the upper pair, becomes razor-sharp by rubbing against the upper pair every time the mouth is opened and closed. The upper canine teeth can grow to 25.5 cm (10.0 in) long and have a wide elliptical cross-section, being about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) deep and 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide. A tusk will curve 90° or more from the root, and will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backward as it grows. The tusks are not used for digging, but are used for combat with other hogs and in defense against predators - the lower set can inflict severe wounds. Common warthog ivory is taken from the constantly growing canine teeth. The tusks, particularly the upper set, work in much the same way as elephant tusks with all designs scaled down. Tusks are carved predominantly for the tourist trade in eastern and southern Africa. The head of the Common warthog is large, with a mane down the spine to the middle of the back. Sparse hair covers the body. Its color is usually black or brown. Tails are long and end with a tuft of hair. Common warthogs do not have subcutaneous fat and the coat is sparse, making them susceptible to extreme environmental temperatures.

Common warthogs are social animals and live in groups called sounders. Females live in sounders with their young and with other females. Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range. Subadult males associate in bachelor groups but live alone when they become adults. Adult males only join sounders during the breeding season. Common warthogs are not territorial but instead occupy a home range. They have two facial glands: the tusk gland and the sebaceous gland. They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes. Common warthogs use tusk marking for courtship, antagonistic behaviors, and to establish status. They are powerful diggers and use both their snouts and feet. Whilst feeding, they often bend their front feet backward and move around on the wrists. Although they can dig their own burrows, they usually occupy abandoned burrows of other animals. When temperatures are high Common warthogs enjoy wallowing in the mud in order to cool themselves and will huddle together to get warm when the temperatures get low. Although capable of fighting, the Common warthog's primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. However, if a female has any piglets, she will defend them very aggressively.

Common warthogs are polygynandrous (promiscuous), which means that both males and females have multiple mates. They are seasonal breeders and rutting begins in the late rainy or early dry season. Males have two mating strategies during the rut. First is the "staying tactic", when a male stays and defends certain females. In the "roaming tactic", males seek out ready-to-mate females and compete for them. A dominant male will displace any other male that also tries to court his female. When a female leaves her den, the male will try to demonstrate his dominance and then follow her. When females are about to give birth, they temporarily leave their families to farrow in a separate hole. The gestation period is 5-6 months and the litter is 2-8 piglets, with 2-4 typical. The female will stay in the hole for several weeks, nursing her piglets. Common warthog females may also nurse foster piglets if they lose their own litter. This behavior is called allosucking and makes them cooperative breeders. Piglets begin grazing at about 2-3 weeks and are weaned by 6 months. Young quickly attain mobility and stay close to their mothers for defense. They become reproductively mature at 18-20 months of age.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulas)

The European roller, Coracias garrulus, is a bird of arresting beauty, the only member of its family to grace the European continent with its presence. It is a stocky bird, comparable in size to the Eurasian jay, measuring 29–32 cm in length with a wingspan of 52–58 cm. The plumage is predominantly a vivid blue, with an orange-brown back, making it a sight to behold as it takes to the skies.

In flight, the European roller is unmistakable. Its brilliant blue plumage contrasts sharply with the black flight feathers. Both sexes are similar in appearance, while juveniles are somewhat less colorful. When perched, its hooked bill and robust body are notable.

The European roller favors warm, dry, and open country with scattered trees. It thrives in lowlands but can be found up to 1,000 m in Europe and 2,000 m in Morocco. Ideal breeding habitats include oak and pine woodlands with open areas, as well as farms and orchards.

This species has a broad range, extending from northern Africa through southern and east-central Europe, into the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Maghreb. Its distribution once spanned further across Europe, but has seen a decline in the north and west.

The European roller is a solitary bird, often seen perched conspicuously as it scans for prey. It is known for its acrobatic flight during courtship displays, which include a variety of twists and turns.

The call of the European roller is a harsh, crow-like sound, particularly when the bird feels threatened. It emits a raucous series of calls that can be quite jarring to the listener.

Nesting typically occurs in tree holes, with both sexes sharing incubation duties, though the female takes on the majority of this task. The clutch consists of 2 to 6 white eggs, and the young are cared for by both parents. Fledglings leave the nest after about 26 to 27 days.

The European roller is a sit-and-wait predator, often perching in the open as it looks for large insects, small reptiles, rodents, and frogs. Adult rollers favor beetles, while nestlings consume mostly Orthoptera, such as grasshoppers and bush crickets.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN GREEN PIGEON (Treron calvus)

The African green pigeon, Treron calvus, is a charming bird with a predominantly grayish-green to yellowish-green plumage. Adults boast distinctive maroon patches atop their wings, while juveniles display a more olive hue. Their thighs are a striking yellow, and they have red feet and bills, the latter tipped with white, adding a dash of contrast to their colorful appearance.

To identify the African green pigeon, look for its greenish plumage which blends seamlessly with the foliage. The maroon wing patches in adults are a key feature, along with their yellow thighs. The red bill with a white tip is also distinctive. Juveniles may be recognized by their more olive-toned feathers.

These pigeons are arboreal, favoring the canopies of riparian forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are particularly associated with fruiting trees, such as various wild fig species and the ornamental Chinese banyan, which provide their primary food source.

The African green pigeon has a wide range across Sub-Saharan Africa, with around 17 accepted races. Their distribution spans from Angola to South Africa and includes many countries in between, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

These pigeons exhibit parrot-like climbing abilities, allowing them to deftly maneuver through tree canopies in search of fruit. While they primarily forage above ground, they may occasionally descend to the ground. Their diet includes fruits from trees like the Saffron, Jacket plum, Buffalo thorn, Water berry, and Jackalberry, and they may also consume exotic fruits like Loquats and Mulberries or even carrion on rare occasions.

The call of the African green pigeon is a melodious series of flowing whistles, which can be phonetically rendered as 'thweeeloo, thweeeoo,' adding a musical backdrop to their habitat.

Breeding can occur at any time of the year, though it is most common in the summer months. Nests are constructed in tree forks, providing a good view of the surroundings. The male collects sticks while the female arranges them into a rather flimsy platform. Typically, 1-2 eggs are laid, hatching after 13-14 days, with chicks fledging at about 12 days of age.

While there are other green pigeon species within the Afrotropics, the African green pigeon can be distinguished by its unique coloration and the specific maroon patches on the wings of adults.

The African green pigeon's diet consists mainly of fruits from various indigenous and exotic trees. They have adapted to a life in the trees, rarely needing to forage on the ground.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the African green pigeon as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its overall population.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU (FEMALE) (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros)

The range of the greater kudu extends from the east in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea and Kenya into the south where they are found in Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Other regions where greater kudu are located are Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, and Uganda.[8] They have also been introduced in small numbers into New Mexico, but were never released into the wild. Their habitat includes mixed scrub woodlands (the greater kudu is one of the few largest mammals that prefer living in settled areas – in scrub woodland and bush on abandoned fields and degraded pastures, mopane bush and acacia in lowlands, hills and mountains. They will occasionally venture onto plains only if there is a large abundance of bushes, but normally avoid such open areas to avoid becoming an easy target for their predators. Their diet consists of leaves, grass, shoots and occasionally tubers, roots and fruit (they are especially fond of oranges and tangerines).

During the day, greater kudus normally cease to be active and instead seek cover under woodland, especially during hot days. They feed and drink in the early morning and late afternoon, acquiring water from waterholes or roots and bulbs that have a high water content. Although they tend to stay in one area, the greater kudu may search over a large distance for water in times of drought, in southern Namibia where water is relatively scarce they have been known to cover extensive distances in very short periods of time.

Predators of the greater kudu generally consist of lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs. Although cheetahs and leopards also prey on greater kudus, they usually target cows and calves rather than fully grown bulls. There are several instances reported where Nile crocodiles have preyed on greater kudus, although based on records, the larger mammalian carnivores statistically are much more dangerous to the kudu and comparable large ungulates, or at least those with a preference for dry, upland habitats over riparian or swamp areas. When a herd is threatened by predators, an adult (usually a female) will issue a bark to alert the rest of the herd. Despite being very nimble over rocky hillsides and mountains, the greater kudu is not fast enough (nor does it have enough endurance) to escape its main predators over open terrain, so it tends to rely on leaping over shrubs and small trees to shake off pursuers. Greater kudus have excellent hearing and acute eyesight, which helps to alert them to approaching predators. Their colouring and markings protect kudus by camouflaging them. If alarmed, they usually stand still, making them very difficult to spot.

6-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba ssp. melanorhynchos)

The African Great Egret (Ardea alba melanorhynchos or Casmerodius albus melanorhynchos) is found in the wetlands of tropical Africa.

The African Great Egret has all white feathers, and a long, thin, yellow beak, which may become darker in the breeding season. It has a fine black line from its beak to beyond its eye (like eye-liner underneath the eye). It has black legs and feet.

It grows to 100 centimetres (39 inches) tall, with a wingspan up to 170 centimetres (67 inches).

It flys slowly, with its neck retracted into an S-shape (not out-stretched). Storks, cranes, spoonbills, and ibises fly with their necks out-stretched, but egrets, herons, and bitterns fly with their heads retracted into their neck.

It is a wetland bird. It is a wading bird.

The African Great Egret feeds in shallow water on fish, frogs, insects, and small reptiles. It spears its prey with its long beak when they come near to it. It can stand still in the water, or wade slowly in the water, silently looking for its prey.

The African Great Egret lives in colonies. Pairs mate for life. Females lay 2-6 blue-green eggs in a stick nest made by the male. Both parents sit on the eggs for 23-26 days before they hatch. Both parents feed the chicks. The chicks can fly after about 6-7 weeks.

16-5-2018 CULLERA CAMPO , VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

Behaviour the White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

White Wagtails are monogamous breeders, with both sexes contributing to nest building. The nest is often placed in crevices or holes near water or in human-made structures. The species lays three to eight cream-colored, speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and continue to be fed for a week thereafter.

The diet of the White Wagtail primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, including beetles, dragonflies, flies, and crustaceans. It continues to feed on insects even in winter, unlike many other insectivorous birds in temperate climates.

16-5-2018 ALBUFERA , VALENCIA - AUDOUIN'S GULL (Ichthyaetus audouinii)

The Audouin's gull, Ichthyaetus audouinii, presents itself as a large gull species, predominantly inhabiting the Mediterranean, the western coast of Saharan Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. Its name pays homage to the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin. Resembling a small European herring gull, the adult Audouin's gull is distinguished by its short, stubby red bill and the unique "string of pearls" white wing primary tips. The legs of this bird are a subtle grey-green, and it takes a full four years for the gull to don its adult plumage.

When observing the Audouin's gull, one should note the red bill and the distinctive pattern of white spots along the wingtips, which contrast with the larger "mirrors" seen in other gull species. These features are key to distinguishing it from its relatives.

This gull favors coastal and pelagic environments, strictly adhering to regions where it can pursue its specialized diet.

The Audouin's gull is found in the Mediterranean, along the western Saharan African coast, and on the Iberian Peninsula. It breeds on small islands, either colonially or in solitude.