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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Facts:

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

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

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

Key Facts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense Tactics:

Loud alarm calls.

Aerial dives and swoops.

Spreading wings, extending neck, pointing bill at intruder.

Using sharp carpal spurs aggressively. 

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

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

The Southern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens) is a social, insect-eating bird of African savannas, known for its striking white crown and black mask, living in family groups that cooperatively raise young in neat cup nests, and hunting insects and small prey from conspicuous perches, often impaling them like other shrikes. They are monogamous, found in countries like Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, and have a distinctive, shrill call. 

Key Facts:

Appearance: Large-headed, bulky bird with a distinct white crown, black mask, ashy-brown back, and off-white underparts.

Habitat: Arid savannas, dry woodlands, and riverine forests in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe).

Social Behavior: Lives in family groups (pairs plus 1-6 helpers) that cooperate in nesting and chick-rearing.

Diet: Primarily insects (caterpillars, beetles, ants) but also small vertebrates, hawking them from perches or hunting on the ground.

Hunting: Perches high to watch for prey, often impaling surplus food on thorns or barbed wire.

Nesting: Builds a thick, cup-shaped nest of grass and spiderwebs in tree forks, with helpers assisting.

Reproduction: Lays 2-5 eggs, incubated for about 20 days; chicks fledge in around 3 weeks.

Vocalization: Known for a distinctive, shrill, plover-like call, "kleeew-keeuw".

Name: Called Kremetartlaksman in Afrikaans; Eurocephalus means "broad-headed" in Greek. 

6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus)

The common ostrich (Struthio camelus), the planet's largest bird, is a flightless avian native to Africa. It is a member of the ratite family, which includes other flightless birds like emus and kiwis. The ostrich is known for its impressive size, long neck, and powerful legs, which allow it to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) in short bursts. Males are typically larger than females and boast striking black and white plumage, while females are predominantly brown.

Adult males are characterized by their black feathers with white wings and tail. Females and young males are more subdued in color, displaying grayish-brown feathers. The ostrich's head and neck are sparsely feathered, revealing their skin, which can vary from gray to pinkish tones. They have large eyes, adapted for spotting predators at great distances, and long, muscular legs with two-toed feet.

Ostriches are adapted to a variety of habitats, from savannas to deserts across Africa. They are capable of surviving in extreme conditions, from the scorching heat to areas with scarce water.

Once found throughout Africa and parts of Asia, the common ostrich's range has been reduced due to hunting and habitat loss. Today, they are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, with some populations in North Africa and the Sahel region.

Ostriches are nomadic, often traveling in small groups that can range from 5 to 50 individuals. They are known for their running ability, using their speed as a primary defense mechanism. When threatened, they may lie flat against the ground to avoid detection or deliver powerful kicks to defend themselves.

The common ostrich produces distinct vocalizations, including booming calls by males during the mating season, which can be heard over long distances.

Ostriches have complex mating behaviors, with males courting females through elaborate dances and displays. They are known for their communal nesting practices, where several females may lay their eggs in a single nest for incubation.

The Somali ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes), once considered a subspecies, is now recognized as a separate species. It can be distinguished by its blue-gray neck and legs.

Ostriches are omnivores, primarily consuming plant matter such as seeds, shrubs, and fruits, but they will also eat invertebrates and small reptiles. They lack teeth and ingest pebbles to aid in grinding food in their gizzard.

The common ostrich is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though certain subspecies, like the North African ostrich, are under greater threat and are listed in CITES Appendix I, which restricts international trade.

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATTLED CRANE (Grus carunculatus)

The wattled crane (Grus carunculata) is a large, threatened species of crane found in wetlands and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa, ranging from Ethiopia to South Africa. Some authorities consider it the sole member of the genus Bugeranus.

The wattled crane occurs in eleven countries in eastern and southern Africa, including an isolated population in the Ethiopia Highlands. More than half of the world's wattled cranes occur in Zambia, but the single largest concentration occurs in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.

The wattled crane has been spotted in Uganda for the first time in 2011, seen in the Kibimba Rice region in the eastern side of the country. This sighting brings the total number of bird species in Uganda to 1040.

In April 2018, a new population of Wattled Cranes was discovered in Angola.

Wattled cranes inhabit fairly inaccessible wetlands under most conditions. It requires shallow marsh-like habitats with a good deal of sedge-based vegetation. All cranes are omnivorous. The principal food of the wattled crane is mainly aquatic eating the tubers and rhizomes of submerged sedges and water lilies. It is one of the more herbivorous of extant cranes. The other primary portion of the diet consists of aquatic insects. They will supplement the diet with snails, amphibians and snakes when the opportunity arises. Roughly 90% of foraging done by this species occurs in shallow waters. They typically forage by digging vigorously with their bill into the muddy soil. On occasion, it will eat grain and grass seed as well, but does so much less often than the other three African crane species.

There does seem to be some seasonal movements in this crane species, but they are not well-known. Movements seem to be dictated by local water conditions rather than by seasonal temperature variations. During local floods, the number of wattled cranes can increase from almost none to as much as 3,000 individuals. 

These movements, in pursuit of ideal feeding conditions, seem more opportunistic movement rather than a fixed migration pattern. On the other hand, there has been observed a migration movement from the high to the low plateaus in Mozambique for the species.

5-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer)

The Marabou Stork, Leptoptilos crumenifer, is a formidable presence in the avian world, with its massive stature and striking appearance. It stands tall at approximately 152 centimeters and can weigh up to 9 kilograms. Its wingspan is a sight to behold, stretching up to 3.7 meters, rivaling even the Andean condor in breadth. The marabou is adorned with a black back, contrasting white underparts, and a distinctive bare head and neck. Its bill is robust, and it sports a pink gular sac at its throat, a neck ruff, and white legs. Both sexes appear similar, though the female is typically smaller, and juveniles are browner with a less pronounced bill.

To identify the Marabou Stork, look for its large size, bare head, and neck, along with its black back and white underparts. The bird's enormous bill and pink throat sac are also key characteristics. When in flight, note that unlike most storks, the Marabou Stork flies with its neck retracted, resembling a heron.

The Marabou Stork is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, both wet and arid. It often resides near human habitation, particularly around landfill sites.

31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Burhinus vermiculatus)

 

30-5-2019 VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA - GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maxima ssp maxima)

28-5-2022 SOMALISA, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN BLACK TIT (Melaniparus niger)

The southern black tit or simply black tit (Melaniparus niger) is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae, which is native to woodland habitats in southern Africa.

It occurs chiefly in tropical and subtropical savanna woodland, in a semicircular arc from Angola to the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It prefers woodland dominated by broad-leaved trees, most importantly miombo, Combretum species, and Burkea africana. It is especially common in the woodlands of western Zimbabwe, where densities can reach as high as fifty birds per square kilometre.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus angolensis)

The blue waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis), also called southern blue waxbill, blue-breasted waxbill, southern cordon-bleu, blue-cheeked cordon-bleu, blue-breasted cordon-bleu and Angola cordon-bleu, is a common species of estrildid finch found in Southern Africa. It is also relatively commonly kept as an aviary bird.

The blue waxbill has powder-blue face, breast, rump, and flanks with pale brown upperparts. The female is paler than the male and the blue is confined to the rump, tail, head, and upper breast, with the rest of the underparts being buffy brown. They measure 12–13 cm in length.

The call is a soft 'seee-seee', often repeated as bird flits through the lower parts of bush and scrub.

The blue waxbill occurs in southern Africa from Cabinda and the Congo to Kenya and Tanzania in the east south to northern South Africa. It may have been introduced to the islands of São Tomé and to Zanzibar.

The blue waxbill occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers well-watered and semi-arid savanna, particularly where umbrella thorns Vachellia tortilis grow, also occupying natural growth in cultivated land, mopane Colosphermum mopane and forest edges.

25-5-2019 MANA POOLS , ZIMBABWE - EASTERN NICATOR (Nicator gularis)

The Eastern Nicator, scientifically known as Nicator gularis, is a captivating species of songbird belonging to the family Nicatoridae. This avian wonder was once referred to as the "yellow-spotted nicator," though this moniker has since been reassigned to its relative, the Western Nicator.

While observing these birds, one may note their absence of distinctive yellow spots, a feature now attributed to their Western counterparts.

The Eastern Nicator thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savannas, and moist shrublands. These habitats offer the perfect blend of cover and foraging opportunities for this species.

This bird graces the landscapes of several African countries, including Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Birdwatchers in South Africa may find it as far south as Mtunzini in northern KwaZulu-Natal, while those in East Africa can spot it in lowland areas and along the Zambezi River's inland stretches.

Diet and Feeding

The Eastern Nicator is an insectivore, skillfully hunting insects to sustain itself.

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SPINY CROSSANDRA (Crossandra spinescens)

Crossandra spinescens is a woody perennial subshrub native to parts of southern Africa that has striking flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red. The "spinescens" part of the name refers to the spiny margins on the plant's bracts, the leaf-like structures that enclose the flowers. It thrives in full sun and rocky or woodland habitats but can be cultivated in well-draining soil. 

Characteristics

Appearance: A woody perennial herb or small shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.

Leaves: Glossy, dark green, and oval- or lance-shaped.

Flowers: Tubular and very striking, with colors ranging from yellow and orange to red. They are found in terminal inflorescences.

Distinguishing feature: The flower bracts have spiny margins.

Habitat: Rocky slopes, mopane woodlands, and streamsides. 

Cultivation

Light: Prefers full sun.

Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil, such as a normal potting mix, and is often found in rocky or woodland environments.

Watering: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. 

23-5-2019 RAYA REAL, COTO DE REY - IBERIAN LYNX (Lynx pardinus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/41975-Lynx-pardinus

 

22-5-2019 HWANGE, ZIMBABWEE - THREE BANDED COURSER (Rhinoptilus cinctus)

The Three-banded Courser, Rhinoptilus cinctus, is a distinctive bird belonging to the family Glareolidae. It presents a unique appearance with its three prominent bands across its head and neck.

To identify the Three-banded Courser, look for its characteristic head pattern with three dark bands. The bird's overall plumage is a blend of earthy tones, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

This species thrives in semi-arid environments, where it can blend seamlessly with the sandy and stony terrain.

The Three-banded Courser is found across a broad range of the African continent, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Observing the behaviour of the Three-banded Courser reveals its adeptness at remaining inconspicuous within its habitat, a survival trait that serves it well against potential predators.