16-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

16-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ssp. ibis)

The western cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Most taxonomic authorities lump this species and the eastern cattle egret together (called the cattle egret), but some (including the International Ornithologists' Union) separate them. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century.

It is a white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. It nests in colonies, usually near bodies of water and often with other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Western cattle egrets exploit drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their feeding habitats include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands and rice paddies. They often accompany cattle or other large mammals, catching insect and small vertebrate prey disturbed by these animals. Some populations of the cattle egret are migratory and others show post-breeding dispersal.

The adult cattle egret has few predators, but birds or mammals may raid its nests, and chicks may be lost to starvation, calcium deficiency or disturbance from other large birds. This species maintains a special relationship with cattle, which extends to other large grazing mammals; wider human farming is believed to be a major cause of their suddenly expanded range. The cattle egret removes ticks and flies from cattle and consumes them. This benefits both species, but it has been implicated in the spread of tick-borne animal diseases.

The cattle egret has undergone one of the most rapid and wide reaching natural expansions of any bird species. It was originally native to parts of Southern Spain and Portugal, tropical and subtropical Africa and humid tropical and western Asia. In the end of the 19th century it began expanding its range into southern Africa, first breeding in the Cape Province in 1908. Cattle egrets were first sighted in the Americas on the boundary of Guiana and Suriname in 1877, having apparently flown across the Atlantic Ocean. It was not until the 1930s that the species is thought to have become established in that area.

17-5-2018 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE AND YOUNG) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. This duck belongs to the subfamily Anatinae of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Males have green heads, while the females (hens or ducks) have mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes have an area of white-bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers. The mallard is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds the length. The wingspan is 81–98 cm (32–39 in) and the bill is 4.4 to 6.1 cm (1.7 to 2.4 in) long. It is often slightly heavier than most other dabbling ducks, weighing 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb). Mallards live in wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social animals preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes.

The female lays 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff spotless eggs, on alternate days. Incubation takes 27 to 28 days and fledging takes 50 to 60 days. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch.

The mallard is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unlike many waterfowl, mallards are considered an invasive species in some regions. It is a very adaptable species, being able to live and even thrive in urban areas which may have supported more localised, sensitive species of waterfowl before development. The non-migratory mallard interbreeds with indigenous wild ducks of closely related species through genetic pollution by producing fertile offspring. Complete hybridisation of various species of wild duck gene pools could result in the extinction of many indigenous waterfowl. This species is the main ancestor of most breeds of domestic duck, and its naturally evolved wild gene pool has been genetically polluted by the domestic and feral mallard populations.

17-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PRIONID BEETLE (Ergates faber)

Ergates faber is a species of beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Ergates.

It is native to Europe.

The common Spanish name of capricorn is used to designate many species of beetles from the large family of Cerambycidae, which are characterized by their elongated body and, in particular, by their very long antennae.

The black ergates beetle ( Ergates faber ), with a body that can reach 6 cm in length, is, after the stag beetle ( Lucanus cervus ) , the largest beetle in European fauna. In classical Latin, the word faber means carpenter. This specific name suits it well, since E. faber actually works wood. Its larvae dig galleries under the bark of pine trees, feeding on the wood. They are not rare in Mediterranean pine forests.

17-5-2018 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - LILY BORER CATERPILLAR (Brithys crini)

Brithys crini, the amaryllis borer, crinum borer, lily borer or Kew arches, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is a garden pest in parts of its range, as their larvae damage the stems and leaves of lilies, especially lilies of the family Amaryllidaceae.

It is found in the coastal areas of Southern Europe and North Africa, south to South Africa. Furthermore, it is found in Japan and in Queensland and Northern Territory in Australia towards India and Sri Lanka.

The wingspan of the moth is about 40 mm. Its head, thorax and forewings are very dark brown, but paler toward the wingtips. Sub-basal, median and postmedial indistinct waved lines are black. A curved submarginal ochreous line with ferrous colored lunuled found on each side of it. There is a marginal black lunule series. The hindwings are practically white. Tarsi bear black and white stripes. In Europe the adults are on the wing in July.

There are several generations per year, though development slows down in cooler seasons, when the larvae sometimes overwinter by boring into the bulbs of the host plants.

The moth lays clusters of a few dozen eggs on the host plant leaves. The hatching larvae at first remain in groups and mine into the leaves. As they grow they either emerge and feed externally, or proceed down the leaves to their bases or even into the bulbs.

The larvae are aposematically coloured in pale yellows on blacks and browns. They are unpalatable to most vertebrate predators, and also poisonous, feeding as they do, on largely unpalatable and poisonous plants. They are slightly bristly, but the bristles seem to be sensory rather than irritant. Typically they grow to about 40 mm long before pupation.

The larvae feed on all species of Crinum, Clivia and Hippeastrum, including Crinum angustifolium, Haemanthus species, Hippeastrum procerum, Pancratium maritimum, Zephyranthes candida, Crocus tommasinianus, Narcissus spp., and Amaryllis belladonna. Commonly they bore into thick leaves or even into the bulbs; Mature larvae are likely to feed externally, especially on thin-leaved plants. Heavy infestations of the caterpillars may kill plants.

The most effective enemies of the larvae in Europe are the carabid (ground beetle) Scarites buparius and the tenebrionid (darkling beetles), Erodius siculus and Pimelia bipunctata.

Commercial carbaryl dusts are effective in combating the caterpillar, but they cannot reach those that have bored into the plant. The insecticide also reduces populations of predators, so that weekly applications become necessary. For small scale horticulture, or in home gardens it is better to rely on mechanical control, seeking out discoloured feeding patches on leaves and crushing the young larvae before they develop. Heavily infested leaves it often is better to cut out and destroy.

6-5-2018 CULLERA RICE FIELDS, VALENCIA - COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula)

The common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula, is a diminutive wader, with adults measuring 17–19.5 cm in length and boasting a wingspan of 35–41 cm. Its plumage is a harmonious blend of grey-brown on the back and wings, while the underparts remain a pristine white. A distinctive black neckband adorns the white breast, complementing the brown cap and white forehead. A striking black mask encircles the eyes, and the bill presents a vivid orange with a black tip. The legs are a vibrant orange, and it is worth noting that only the outer two toes exhibit slight webbing.

When identifying the common ringed plover, look for the single black neckband and the lack of webbing between the innermost toe, which sets it apart from the similar semipalmated plover. Juveniles may appear somewhat duller, with a grey-brown breast band that is often incomplete, a dark bill, and legs of a dull yellowish-grey hue.

This species favors open ground on beaches or flats for its breeding habitat, spanning across northern Eurosiberia and into Arctic northeast Canada. Some populations also breed inland, and in western Europe, they can be found nesting as far south as northern France.

The common ringed plover is a migratory bird, with wintering grounds extending to coastal regions as far south as Africa. In Norway, studies have shown that adult breeding birds migrate to West Africa, while many individuals in Great Britain and northern France remain resident throughout the year.

A clever tactician when threatened, the common ringed plover will feign a broken wing to lure predators away from its nest, only to take flight once the danger is sufficiently distant.

The calls of the common ringed plover, recorded in Norfolk, England, are characteristic of the species and can be heard along the coastlines where they reside.

These birds nest on the ground in open areas with scant vegetation. Their breeding range encompasses northern Eurosiberia and Arctic northeast Canada, with some extending their nesting grounds inland and as far south as northern France in western Europe.

The diet of the common ringed plover consists of insects, crustaceans, and worms, which they forage for on beaches, tidal flats, and fields, primarily using sight to locate their prey.

The IUCN Red List has classified the common ringed plover as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.

The common ringed plover can be confused with the little ringed plover and the semipalmated plover. However, it can be distinguished by its leg color, head pattern, and the absence of an obvious yellow eye-ring, which is present in the little ringed plover. The semipalmated plover has a slightly narrower breast band and more webbing between the toes.

16-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

16-5-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)

The Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, presents as a small wader, the most diminutive of the shanks within the Scolopacidae family. It is characterized by its fine bill, brown back, and notably longer yellowish legs, giving it a delicate appearance.

When identifying the Wood Sandpiper, look for a bird with a longer-legged stature compared to the Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus) or the Solitary Sandpiper (T. solitaria). It can be distinguished from the Green Sandpiper by its smaller and less contrasting white rump patch, while the Solitary Sandpiper lacks a white rump patch entirely.

During migration and wintering periods, the Wood Sandpiper is typically found on freshwater bodies, where it can be seen probing in shallow waters or wet mud.

The Wood Sandpiper breeds in the subarctic wetlands, ranging from the Scottish Highlands across Europe and into the Palearctic. It migrates to Africa, Southern Asia, particularly India, and Australia. Notably, vagrant birds have reached as far as the Hawaiian Islands, and it is a regular visitor to the Mariana Islands and Palau.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - GIANT LEGLESS SKINK (Acontias plumbeus)

Acontias plumbeus, the giant legless skink or giant lance skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. It is found in South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Acontias plumbei live in seasonally dry savanna, woodland humus, and forest floor leaf litter throughout South Africa ranging from Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe.

It was previously believed that acontias plumbeus had no genetic variation and existed as a monotypic species, however the genetic structure analysis has revealed that acontias poecilus are morphological variations of acontias plumbeus. Its morphological variation now appends species of different colors including uniform light brown, dark brown, black, and intermediate gray.

The giant legless skink is predominantly found in arid and semi-arid environments, including savannas and scrublands. It thrives in areas with loose soil or sandy substrates, which facilitate its burrowing lifestyle. Its diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. The skink’s hunting strategy involves lying in wait under the soil or within crevices, ambushing its prey with a swift and precise strike.

The breeding season for the giant legless skink typically occurs during the warmer months of the year, which coincides with the rainy season in Southern Africa. This species exhibits interesting reproductive behaviors, including specific courtship rituals that precede mating. The female lays several eggs, which she buries in the soil for incubation. The incubation period and specific details regarding the nesting behavior are areas of ongoing research, with variations observed across different populations.

The giant legless skink (Acontias plumbeus) is a unique and intriguing reptile. Its most distinctive feature, as suggested by its name, is the absence of legs, which gives it an appearance similar to that of a snake. This skink is found primarily in southeastern Africa, with its range extending across various regions in this part of the continent.

 

In terms of physical characteristics, the giant legless skink possesses a streamlined body adapted for burrowing underground and navigating through tight spaces. It exhibits a smooth, glossy skin, which is typically a shade of lead-grey, dark brown, or almost black. It is the largest legless skink, growing to lengths of 40 cm (15.7 in), and in rare cases 50 cm (19.7 in). Unlike snakes, this skink has eyelids and external ear openings. 

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - RUFOUS NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana)

The Rufous-naped Lark, or Rufous-naped Bush Lark, is a robust and fairly large species of lark, notable for its rufous outer wings and short erectile crest. The bird's plumage is a tapestry of hues and markings that vary both individually and geographically. It possesses a straight lower mandible and a longer, curved upper mandible, adding to its distinctive profile.

Adult Rufous-naped Larks are streaked along the upper parts, with a creamy-buff eyebrow that blends into the lore. Their rufous flight feathers are conspicuous, especially in flight. The hindcrown and nape are streaked, with the margins varying in color. The underwing coverts are rufous, and the tail is dark brown with variable outer web coloring. The throat is unmarked, while the upper breast is pale rufous with darker streaks and spots.

This lark favors bushy grassland or sparsely wooded savannah, as well as marsh fringes, woodland clearings, and the ecotone of woodland and grassland. It is found from sea level in the south to about 3,000 meters near the equator.

The Rufous-naped Lark has a vast but fragmented range across sub-Saharan Africa. It is increasingly fragmented in the north, with a declining population, while the southern African population remains stable except in heavily cultivated or urbanized areas.

The Rufous-naped Lark is sedentary, territorial, and monogamous. It is often sluggish and can be approached closely. Males are known for their bold and melodious whistled phrases, often accompanied by wing-fluttering displays from prominent perches.

The lark's song is a clear, whistled phrase of three to five syllables, which may be rendered as "tseep-tseeoo" or "teeoo-teewee." It also produces a "prrrrt" or "phrrrp" rattle when fluttering its wings between phrases. Alarm calls include "peewit" and "tweekiree."

The Rufous-naped Lark is monogamous, with males performing courtship feeding. Nests are well-concealed cups of dry grass, often with a grass dome, and contain 2 to 3 eggs. Incubation lasts about 14 to 15 days, and both parents feed the chicks.

This lark forages at the bases of grass tufts, on bare ground, and between ungulate droppings. Its diet includes various insects, spiders, solifugids, millipedes, earthworms, and occasionally seeds.

The Rufous-naped Lark is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, certain populations, particularly in the north, are experiencing declines due to habitat fragmentation.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis 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.

The South African giraffe has dark, somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour. The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of males is less developed.

The South African giraffe is found in northern South Africa, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and south-western Mozambique. After local extinctions in various places, South African giraffes have been reintroduced in many parts of Southern Africa, including in Eswatini. They are common in both in and outside of protected areas. South African giraffes usually live in savannahs and woodlands where food plants are available. Giraffes are herbivorous. They feed on leaves, flowers, fruits and shoots of woody plants such as Acacia.

South African giraffes live in a fission–fusion society system based on factors such as sex, age, season, and kinship. This allows them to adapt to environmental changes.

The South African giraffe population is estimated at 37,000 individuals, showing an increase of over 150% over the past three decades. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the body that administers the world's official endangered species list, announced in 2016 that it was moving the giraffe from a species of Least Concern to Vulnerable status in its Red List of Threatened Species report. That means the animal faces extinction in the wild in the medium-term future if nothing is done to minimize the threats to its life or habitat.

South African giraffes are uncommon in captivity. As of 2010, there are around 45 South African giraffes breeding in zoos. Approximately 12,000 privately owned farms, ranches, and national parks maintain populations of this giraffe.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - PLAINS ZEBRA (Equus quagga)

The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii) is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. Its range is fragmented, but spans much of southern and eastern Africa south of the Sahara. Six or seven subspecies have been recognised, including the quagga which was thought to be a separate species. More recent research supports variations in zebra populations being clines rather than subspecies.

Plains zebras are intermediate in size between the larger Grévy's zebra and the smaller mountain zebra and tend to have broader stripes than both. Great variation in coat patterns exists between clines and individuals. The plains zebra's habitat is generally, but not exclusively, treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands, both tropical and temperate. They generally avoid desert, dense rainforest and permanent wetlands. Zebras are preyed upon by lions and spotted hyenas, Nile crocodiles and, to a lesser extent, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs.

Plains zebras are a highly social species, forming harems with a single stallion, several mares and their recent offspring; bachelor groups also form. Groups may come together to form herds. The animals keep watch for predators; they bark or snort when they see a predator and the harem stallion attacks predators to defend his harem.

The plains zebra remains common in game reserves, but is threatened by human activities, such as hunting for its meat and hide, as well as competition with livestock and encroachment by farming on much of its habitat. The loss of open grasslands due to woody plant encroachment increases predation risk and therewith habitat. Plains zebra are listed as near threatened by the IUCN as of 2016. The species population is stable and not endangered, though populations in most countries have declined sharply.

The plains zebra's major predators are lions and spotted hyenas. Lions are most successful when targeting lone individuals, usually an old male while hyenas chase and isolate an individual from the group, usually a female or foal. Nile crocodiles also prey on zebras when they are near water. Less common predators include leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs, which mostly hunt foals. When in the presence of a lion, zebras remain alert and stand in a semi-circle at as much as 100 m (330 ft) and no less than 50 m (160 ft). Stallions sometimes try to drive lions away with bluff charges. By contrast, zebras may approach cheetahs and wild dogs and a single hyena is allowed to come within a few metres. To escape from predators, an adult zebra can run at 60–70 km/h (37–43 mph). When being hunted by hyenas or wild dogs, a zebra harem stays close together and cooperates to protect threatened members, particularly the young. The harem stallion goes on the offensive and attacks the dogs or hyenas.

The plains zebra's range stops short of the Sahara from South Sudan and southern Ethiopia extending south along eastern Africa, as far as Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi, before spreading into most southern African countries. They may have lived in Algeria in the Neolithic era. Plains zebras generally live in treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands, but can be found in a variety of habitats, both tropical and temperate. However, they are generally absent from deserts, dense rainforests, and permanent wetlands. They generally prefer Acacieae woodlands over Commiphora. They are water-dependent and live in more mesic environments than other African equids. They seldom wander 10–12 km (6.2–7.5 mi) from a water source. Zebras also live in elevations from sea level to 4,300 feet (1,300 m) on Mount Kenya.

Plains zebras primarily feed on grass; preferred species being Themeda triandra, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis superba and Cenchrus ciliaris. Zebra sometimes browse or dig for corms and rhizomes during the dry season. They appear to partial to eating scorched Colophospermum mopane and Pterocarpus rotundifolius, consuming both the leaves and twigs.

Plains zebras are adapted for grazing on both long, tough grass stems and newly emerging short grass. In some areas, it rarely feeds below 100–150 mm (3.9–5.9 in) to ground level. It ranges more widely than many other species, even into woodlands, and it is often the first grazing species to appear in a well-vegetated area. The flexible upper lip allows them to push plant material between the incisors to cut. Zebras have a less efficient digestive system than ruminants but food passage is twice as fast. Thus, zebras are less selective in foraging, but they do spend much time eating. The zebra is a pioneer grazer and prepares the way for more specialised grazers such as blue wildebeests and Thomson's gazelles.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)

The impala or rooibok (Aepyceros melampus, lit. 'black-footed high-horn' in Ancient Greek) is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The only extant member of the genus Aepyceros, and tribe Aepycerotini, it was first described to Europeans by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Two subspecies are recognised—the grassland-dwelling common impala (sometimes referred to as the Kenyan impala), and the larger and darker black-faced impala, which lives in slightly more arid, scrubland environments. The impala reaches 70–92 cm (28–36 in) at the shoulder and weighs 40–76 kg (88–168 lb). It features a glossy, reddish brown coat. The male's slender, lyre-shaped horns are 45–92 cm (18–36 in) long.

Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. Three distinct social groups can be observed: the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy. Browsers as well as grazers, impala feed on monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods (whenever available). An annual, three-week-long rut takes place toward the end of the wet season, typically in May. Rutting males fight over dominance, and the victorious male courts females in oestrus. Gestation lasts six to seven months, following which a single calf is born and immediately concealed in cover. Calves are suckled for four to six months; young males—forced out of the all-female groups—join bachelor herds, while females may stay back.

The impala is found in woodlands and sometimes on the interface (ecotone) between woodlands and savannahs; it inhabits places near water. While the black-faced impala is confined to southwestern Angola and Kaokoland in northwestern Namibia, the common impala is widespread across its range and has been reintroduced in Gabon and southern Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the impala as a species of least concern; the black-faced subspecies has been classified as a vulnerable species, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild as of 2008.

The impala is diurnal (active mainly during the day), though activity tends to cease during the hot midday hours; they feed and rest at night. Three distinct social groups can be observed – the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The territorial males hold territories where they may form harems of females; territories are demarcated with urine and faeces and defended against juvenile or male intruders. Bachelor herds tend to be small, with less than 30 members. Individuals maintain distances of 2.5–3 m (8.2–9.8 ft) from one another; while young and old males may interact, middle-aged males generally avoid one another except to spar. Female herds vary in size from 6 to 100; herds occupy home ranges of 80–180 ha (200–440 acres; 0.31–0.69 sq mi). The mother–calf bond is weak, and breaks soon after weaning; juveniles leave the herds of their mothers to join other herds. Female herds tend to be loose and have no obvious leadership. Allogrooming is an important means of social interaction in bachelor and female herds; in fact, the impala appears to be the only ungulate to display self-grooming as well as allogrooming. In allogrooming, females typically groom related impalas, while males associate with unrelated ones. Each partner grooms the other six to twelve times.

Social behaviour is influenced by the climate and geography; as such, the impala are territorial at certain times of the year and gregarious at other times, and the length of these periods can vary broadly among populations. For instance, populations in southern Africa display territorial behaviour only during the few months of the rut, whereas in eastern African populations, territoriality is relatively minimal despite a protracted mating season. Moreover, territorial males often tolerate bachelors, and may even alternate between bachelorhood and territoriality at different times of the year. A study of impala in the Serengeti National Park showed that in 94% of the males, territoriality was observed for less than four months.

The impala is an important prey species for Africa's large carnivores, such as cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs (its main predator), lions, hyenas, crocodiles and pythons. The antelope displays two characteristic leaps – it can jump up to 3 m (9.8 ft), over vegetation and even other impala, covering distances of up to 10 m (33 ft); the other type of leap involves a series of jumps in which the animal lands on its forelegs, moves its hindlegs mid-air in a kicking fashion, lands on all fours (stotting) and then rebounds. It leaps in either manner in different directions, probably to confuse predators. At times, the impala may also conceal itself in vegetation to escape the eye of the predator. The most prominent vocalisation is the loud roar, delivered through one to three loud snorts with the mouth closed, followed by two to ten deep grunts with the mouth open and the chin and tail raised; a typical roar can be heard up to 2 km (1.2 mi) away. Scent gland secretions identify a territorial male. Impalas are sedentary; adult and middle-aged males, in particular, can hold their territories for years.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, 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.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SENEGAL LAPWING (Vanellus lugubris)

The Senegal lapwing, also known as the lesser black-winged lapwing, bears the scientific name Vanellus lugubris. This bird is a member of the Charadriidae family, which is known for its diverse group of shorebirds.

A small, dour, gray-brown lapwing with a white belly and a well-defined white patch on the forehead. In flight it has a distinctive white wedge on the back of the inner wing. Small groups scurry over open dry savanna and short-grass plains below 1600 m, looking for insects. It moves to areas experiencing bush fires as it prefers breeding in recently burned grasslands. It can be surprisingly unobtrusive, but the loud two-note “chi-whoo” call often gives it away. The similar Black-winged Lapwing differs by preferring high-altitude grassland and cultivation above 1300 m and in being larger, having reddish (not dark) legs, a larger, diffuse forehead patch, and a dark edge to the back of the inner wing.

To identify the Senegal lapwing, look for its distinctive features which include a robust body, a short tail, and relatively long legs. Its plumage is generally cryptic, allowing it to blend into its grassland habitat.

The Senegal lapwing favors open grassy environments. These habitats provide the necessary conditions for foraging and nesting, away from the dense cover of forests.

This species is an intra-African migrant that may undertake regular seasonal movements or more irregular movements related to the occurrence of brush fires (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Some populations also remain largely sedentary (del Hoyo et al. 1996). It breeds in loosely colonial groups with several pairs scattered over a small area, the timing of breeding varying geographically (del Hoyo et al. 1996). The species is gregarious throughout the year (Urban et al. 1986), usually foraging in flocks of 5-10 individuals and migrating in large flocks (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Habitat The species inhabits dry, open habitats (del Hoyo et al. 1996) such as lightly wooded savannas, open grassland with bushes and scrub, patches of burnt grass in Accacia spp. woodland and sparsely vegetated short grassland (Urban et al. 1986). It shows a strong preference for burnt grassland with newly sprouted grass (del Hoyo et al. 1996) especially if this is in the vicinity of water (Hayman et al. 1986). Other habitats frequented include cultivated land, airfields (del Hoyo et al. 1996), pastures (Urban et al. 1986) and the margins of lakes and rivers (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Diet Its diet consists of adult and larval insects (especially beetles) and other small invertebrates as well as grass seeds (del Hoyo et al. 1996). Breeding site The nest is a scrape or depression positioned on burnt ground with newly sprouting grass, on bare patches in grassland or on ploughed land (del Hoyo et al. 1996).

This species has a broad range across the African continent. It can be found in countries such as Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, both Congos, Ivory Coast, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Senegal lapwing exhibits typical lapwing behaviors, which include foraging for food on the ground and displaying territorial actions during the breeding season.

The IUCN Red List has classified the Senegal lapwing as Least Concern. This indicates that, currently, there are no immediate threats to the population levels of this species that would warrant a higher level of concern.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN HINGED BACK TORTOISE (Kinixys zombensis)

Kinixys is a genus of turtles in the family Testudinidae. The genus was erected by Thomas Bell in 1827. The species in the genus Kinixys are native to Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar and commonly known as hinged tortoises or hinge-back tortoises.

Most of the Kinixys species are omnivores. They feed mainly on a wide range of different leaves, weeds, roots, flowers and fruits. However, they also eat worms, insects and other small invertebrates.

The several species of the genus Kinxys are found across much of tropical and sub-tropical sub-Saharan Africa, ranging as far south as KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and as far north as the fringes of the Sahel and Sahara. However, individuals are often very scarce within this range, and several species are threatened.

Though the species' wide geographic ranges overlap considerably, they are separated from each other by favouring different habitats within this range. Some species (such as K. belliana) favour open savannah or grasslands, others (such as K. homeana) favour rainforest.

Species of tortoises in the genus Kinixys play host to a number of ectoparasites (external) and endoparasites (internal). A survey (by Alan Probert & Clive Humphreys) of mixed captive K. spekii and K. belliana (mostly K. spekii) in Zimbabwe showed that the following parasites were known to infest/infect this species. This had been observed and published by others too. However some of the tiny roundworms (photographed under scanning electron microscope) are very likely new species and as yet remain undescribed.