16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN LION (MALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

Panthera leo melanochaita is a lion subspecies in Southern and East Africa. In this part of Africa, lion populations are regionally extinct in Lesotho, Djibouti and Eritrea, and are threatened by loss of habitat and prey base, killing by local people in retaliation for loss of livestock, and in several countries also by trophy hunting. Since the turn of the 21st century, lion populations in intensively managed protected areas in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe have increased, but declined in East African range countries. In 2005, a Lion Conservation Strategy was developed for East and Southern Africa.

Results of a phylogeographic study indicate that lion populations in southern and eastern Africa form a major clade distinct from lion populations in West Africa, Central Africa and Asia. In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group subsumed lion populations according to the major clades into two subspecies, namely P. l. leo and P. l. melanochaita. Within P. l. melanochaita three subclades are clearly distinguishable. One from northeastern Africa, another one from southwestern Africa and a third one from southeastern Africa.

Lions usually hunt in groups and prey foremost on ungulates such as gemsbok (Oryx gazella), Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), common eland (Tragelaphus oryx), greater kudu (T. strepsiceros), nyala (T. angasii), roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), sable antelope (H. niger), plains zebra (Equus quagga), bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), hartebeest (Alcephalus buselaphus), common tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), kob (K. kob) and Thomson's gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii). Their prey is usually in the range of 190–550 kg (420–1,210 pounds).[89] In the Serengeti National Park, lions were observed to also scavenge on carrion of animals that were killed by other predators, or died from natural causes. They kept a constant lookout for circling vultures, apparently being aware that vultures indicate a dead animal. Faeces of lions collected near waterholes in Hwange National Park also contained remains of climbing mice (Dendromus) and common mice (Mus).

In Botswana's Chobe National Park, lions also prey on young and subadult African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana). They successfully attacked 74 elephants between 1993 and 1996, of which 26 were older than nine years, and one bull over 15 years old.[91] In October 2005, a pride of up to 30 lions killed eight African bush elephants that were between four and eleven years old.

Several cases of lion attacking people have been documented:

In the 1890s, two Tsavo Man-Eaters attacked workers during the building of the Uganda Railway. Their skulls and skins are part of the zoological collection of the Field Museum of Natural History. The total number of people killed is unclear, but allegedly 135 people fell victim to these lions in less than a year before Colonel Patterson killed them.

The Njombe lions were a lion pride in Njombe in former Tanganyika, which are thought to have preyed on 1,500 to 2,000 people. They were killed by George Gilman Rushby.

Between 1990 and 2004, lions killed more than 560 people in Tanzania, mostly during harvest season in crop fields and in areas where natural prey is scarce.

In February 2018, lions killed a suspected poacher near Kruger National Park.

In February 2018, Kevin Richardson took three lions for a walk at Dinokeng Game Reserve in South Africa. A lioness pursued an impala for at least 2 km (1.2 mi), and killed a young woman near her car.

In July 2018, human remains were found in the lion enclosure of a privately owned reserve in South Africa. They were suspected to have been rhino poachers, as they had a high-powered rifle with a silencer, an axe and wire cutters.

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - VERVET MONKEY (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ZOROPSIS SPIDER (Zoropsis spinimana)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/127112-Zoropsis-spinimana

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - COMMON WARTHOG (Phacochoerus Africus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - VERVET MONKEY (JUVENILE) (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), or simply vervet, is an Old World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. The five distinct subspecies can be found mostly throughout Southern Africa, as well as some of the eastern countries. These mostly herbivorous monkeys have black faces and grey body hair color, ranging in body length from about 40 cm (16 in) for females, to about 50 cm (20 in) for males.

In addition to behavioral research on natural populations, vervet monkeys serve as a nonhuman primate model for understanding genetic and social behaviors of humans. They have been noted for having human-like characteristics, such as hypertension, anxiety, and social and dependent alcohol use. Vervets live in social groups ranging from 10 to 70 individuals, with males moving to other groups at the time of sexual maturity. Studies done on vervet monkeys involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically in regard to kin and group recognition, and particular predator sightings.

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to 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 has a symbol of power and royalty.

Among felids, the lion is second only to the tiger in size. The size and weight of adult lions vary across its range and habitats. 

African lions live in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa. The lion prefers grassy plains and savannahs, scrub bordering rivers, and open woodlands with bushes. It rarely enters closed forests. On Mount Elgon, the lion has been recorded up to an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) and close to the snow line on Mount Kenya. Savannahs with an annual rainfall of 300 to 1,500 mm (12 to 59 in) make up the majority of lion habitat in Africa, estimated at 3,390,821 km2 (1,309,203 sq mi) at most, but remnant populations are also present in tropical moist forests in West Africa and montane forests in East Africa. The Asiatic lion now survives only in and around Gir National Park in Gujarat, western India. Its habitat is a mixture of dry savannah forest and very dry, deciduous scrub forest.

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - DOUBLE BANDED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles bicinctus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The double-banded sandgrouse, Pterocles bicinctus, presents itself as a moderately-sized bird with a quail-like appearance. Its plump body is adorned with light brown plumage, featuring darker mottling and rows of whitish specks. The species is characterized by a small, pigeon-like head, elongated wings, and a lengthy tail.

Males can be readily identified by a striking black-and-white band across the forehead and a chestnut throat bordered by another black-and-white band. Both sexes boast an area of bare, yellow skin encircling the eye, while the male's beak is tinged with orange. Females are generally smaller and exhibit a more subdued brown coloration. Juveniles resemble the female in appearance.

These birds show a preference for habitats with short, trampled grass beside roads and tracks, gravel patches, tussocky grasslands, and recently burned scrub areas with emerging green shoots. They are also found beneath scattered Terminalia sericea and Burkea africana trees and within scrubby mopane woodlands.

The double-banded sandgrouse is native to southern Africa, with sightings in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Typically observed in small groups, these monogamous birds often form pairs or family units. They forage in dry areas during the morning and congregate near water sources in the afternoon and after dark. Their presence fluctuates seasonally, with absences noted during wetter periods.

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MORNING GLORY PLUME MOTH (Emmelina monodactyla)

Emmelina monodactyla (also known as the T-moth or morning-glory plume moth) is a moth of the family Pterophoridae found in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

The moths fly nearly year-round. They are pale russet in colour, with a wingspan of 18–27 millimeters. The colouration is extremely variable, ranging from off-white with indistinct markings to a strong rust brown. The markings may vary considerably in size. The second and third segments are elongate. The caterpillars are greenish-yellow with a broad green band on the back, and a narrow broken yellow line running down the center. Some specimens may also have a wine-red marking on the back. The colour of the pupae may range from green to reddish brown, sometimes with black markings.

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCARCE FOOTMAN MOTH (Eilema complana)

Manulea complana, the scarce footman, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. It is found throughout the Palearctic region.

Larva

Technical description and variation

The wingspan is 28–35 mm. It is very like Eilema morosinum (Herrich-Schäffer, [1847]) but the forewing not so elongate, and the angles not so accentuated, the costal streak broader and brighter yellow, the hindwing duller, not so transparent; the apex of the abdomen brighter yellow. On the underside the disc is very blackish iron grey, and contrasts vividly with the orange-yellow costa and the broad pale yellow marginal area. Hindwing beneath pale yellow, the costa deeper yellow; below costa a grey streak from the base.

The moth flies from June to August depending on the location.

Larva blackish dorsally, with narrow lighter lines; subdorsal lines composed of small reddish yellow and white spots; lateral line interrupted, reddish yellow. The larvae feed on lichen and mosses, but also leaves of low growing plants on occasion.

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUMPING SPIDER (Menemerus semilimbatus)

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PLANTHOPPER (Superfamily Fulgoroidea)

A planthopper is any insect in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, a group exceeding 12,500 described species worldwide. The name comes from their remarkable resemblance to leaves and other plants of their environment and that they often "hop" for quick transportation in a similar way to that of grasshoppers. However, planthoppers generally walk very slowly. Distributed worldwide, all members of this group are plant-feeders, though few are considered pests. Fulgoromorphs are most reliably distinguished from the other Auchenorrhyncha by two features; the bifurcate (Y-shaped) anal vein in the forewing, and the thickened, three-segmented antennae, with a generally round or egg-shaped second segment (pedicel) that bears a fine filamentous arista.

Planthoppers are laterally flattened and hold their broad wings vertically, in a tent-like fashion, concealing the sides of the body and part of the legs. Nymphs of many planthoppers produce wax from special glands on the abdominal terga and other parts of the body. These are hydrophobic and help conceal the insects. Adult females of many families also produce wax which may be used to protect eggs.

Planthopper (Fulgoridae: Pterodictya reticularis) with abdominal filaments of ketoester wax.

Planthopper nymphs also possess a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs, which keeps the legs in synchrony when the insects jump. The gears, not present in the adults, were known for decades before the recent description of their function.

Planthoppers are often vectors for plant diseases, especially phytoplasmas which live in the phloem of plants and can be transmitted by planthoppers when feeding.

A number of extinct planthopper taxa are known from the fossil record, such as the Lutetian-age Emiliana from the Green River Formation (Eocene) in Colorado.

Both planthopper adults and nymphs feed by sucking sap from plants; in so doing, the nymphs produce copious quantities of honeydew, on which sooty mould often grows. One species considered to be a pest is Haplaxius crudus, which is a vector for lethal yellowing, a palm disease that nearly killed off the Jamaican Tall coconut variety.

16-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

5-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea ostrinaria)

Idaea ostrinaria (Hübner, 1813)

Nomenclature

Original Post

Idaea ostrinaria (Hübner, 1813). Samml. eur. Schmett. [5]: pl. 83, f. 430

Basionym

Geometra ostrinaria Hübner, 1813 Samml. eur. Schmett. [5]: pl. 83, f. 430

Classification

Domain Eukarya , Supergroup Amorphea , Phylum Arthropoda , Subphylum Hexapoda , Class Insecta , Order Lepidoptera , Superfamily Geometroidea , Family Geometridae , Genus Idaea

Pretty characteristic Idaea varying little but with a rare all-purple form ( purpuraria ). It is a Mediterranean, ranging from Spain to the Balkans. It lives in the south of France, from Ardèche to the coast and in the Southern Alps. Often common in dry wastelands, steppe areas. The caterpillar, certainly polyphagous, has mainly been observed on the dry leaves of Thymus .

No protection and/or heritage status for this species.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicoides) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops nubicoides, is a vibrant avian spectacle. Its plumage is predominantly a rich carmine, with a contrasting blue crown and undertail, creating a striking visual display.

To identify this species, look for its vivid carmine red coloring, which is complemented by a blue crown and undertail. The bird's slender and streamlined body, typical of bee-eaters, aids in its agile flight.

These birds are commonly found in low-altitude river valleys and floodplains. They show a preference for vertical banks, which are essential for their breeding habits, as they tunnel into these banks to create their nests.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater graces the skies from KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia to Gabon, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. It is a migratory bird, breeding in Zimbabwe and Zambia from August to November, then moving to South Africa during the summer months, and finally migrating to Equatorial Africa from March to August.

This species is highly sociable, often seen in large flocks. They roost communally in trees or reedbeds and disperse widely during the day. Their agility is showcased as they hawk flying insects from perches or even while following large animals or vehicles to catch prey disturbed by these moving entities.

Breeding occurs at the end of a 1 to 2-meter long burrow in an earthen bank, where they lay a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs. These birds are known for their communal nesting habits, often seen digging vertical burrows in the level surface of small salt islands.

Their diet primarily consists of bees and other flying insects. They employ a hunting strategy known as hawking, where they catch insects in flight from a perch. They are also known to follow wildfires and larger animals to feed on insects that are flushed out in such scenarios.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BLUE CHEEKED BEE-EATER (Merops persicus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus, is a near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This slender and richly coloured species is predominantly green, with distinctive blue cheeks framed by a black eye stripe. A yellow and brown throat complements its striking face, and a black beak punctuates its elegant profile. Adults can reach a length of 31 cm (12 inches), with elongated central tail feathers adding an extra 7 cm (2.8 inches). Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females have slightly shorter tail streamers.

When identifying the blue-cheeked bee-eater, look for its vibrant green plumage and the characteristic blue on the sides of its face. The black eye stripe and contrasting yellow and brown throat are also key features. In flight, observe for the long central tail feathers that trail behind.

This bird favors sub-tropical semi-desert regions dotted with sparse trees, such as acacias, for breeding. During the winter, it can be found in open woodlands or grasslands.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater breeds across Northern Africa and the Middle East, from eastern Turkey to Kazakhstan and India. It is a highly migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa, with some populations residing year-round in the Sahel. Occasionally, this bird appears as a rare vagrant north of its usual range, particularly in Italy and Greece.

This species may choose to nest solitarily or in small, loose colonies of up to ten individuals. It is also known to share colonies with European bee-eaters. The blue-cheeked bee-eater excavates long tunnels in sandy banks or embankments to lay its eggs, which range from four to eight in number, typically six or seven. Both parents tend to the eggs, with the female incubating them at night. The incubation period lasts between 23 to 26 days.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater's call is distinctive, sounding 'flatter' and less 'fluty' than that of the European bee-eater.

Nesting sites are often located in sandy banks, embankments, or low cliffs, and occasionally on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The nests consist of tunnels ranging from 1 to 3 meters in length.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater is closely related to the blue-tailed bee-eater, M. philippinus of East Asia, and the olive bee-eater of Africa, with which it has been considered conspecific in the past.

While bee-eaters are known to feed on flying insects, particularly bees, wasps, and hornets, the blue-cheeked bee-eater shows a preference for dragonflies. It typically hunts from an open perch, often using telephone wires when available.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

4-6-2018 GENOVES, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

4-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSY TABBY MOTH (Endotricha flammealis)

Endotricha flammealis, the rose-flounced tabby, is a species of snout moth, family Pyralidae.

The proposed subspecies carnealis and several supposed varieties seem to be indistinguishable from typical individuals found in Austria.

This species can be found in western, central and southern Europe and nearby regions. Its range extends to Turkey, Crimea, Cyprus, Iran (via the Caucasus), to Lebanon and Syria, and to Algeria and Tunisia.

These moths inhabit grassland, heathland, woodland, fens, scrub and gardens.

Endotricha flammealis has a wingspan of 18–23 mm. The forewings are oblong, rather pointed at the tip. The antennae of males are pubescent. The basic colour of the wings is extremely variable. It is usually ochre in colour, brown or pale brown, but it may also be pinkish brown. On the edge of the forewings there are characteristic darker brown markings and bright or pinkish lines. The front edge of the forewings shows also a series of small white spots. Sometimes the moths may be light coloured without almost no markings. These moths have usually a distinctive resting posture, with the head and the front part of the body raised on its forelegs and with bottom of wings touching the surface. The caterpillars are brownish.

The moths fly from July to August in the temperate parts of its range (e.g. in the British Isles) and are attracted to light. They mainly feed on nectar of Calluna vulgaris, Tanacetum vulgare, Chamerion angustifolium, Buddleja davidii, Heracleum sphondylium and Jacobaea vulgaris.

The females lay their eggs in summer on the underside of leaves. The caterpillars typically feed on common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) and bilberries (Vaccinium), as well as on various plant remains and on dry leaves of willows (Salix) and oaks (Quercus).

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - COPPERY TAILED COUCAL (Centropus cupreicaudus)

The Coppery-tailed Coucal, a member of the cuckoo family, is a striking bird approximately 48 cm in length. It boasts a distinctive curved beak and a long, broad tail that is characteristic of its species. The adult's plumage is a study in contrasts, with a glossy black head and upperparts, and a contrasting white or cream underbelly. The rump glistens with a coppery sheen, while the tail is a dark brownish-black. In contrast, the immature birds display pale streaks on their heads and barred flight feathers, hinting at their youth.

When identifying the Coppery-tailed Coucal, look for its sizeable curved beak and the long tail. The adult's black and white plumage with a coppery rump is distinctive, while the immature bird can be recognized by the streaks on its head and the barring on its flight feathers. Males are marginally smaller than females, a subtle difference that may aid in identification.

This species is most commonly found in the swamplands and dense vegetation that flourish near rivers. It also inhabits inundated floodplains and areas adjacent to seasonal lakes, thriving in these wetland environments.

The Coppery-tailed Coucal's range extends across south-central Africa, from Angola in the west to southwestern Tanzania, and includes northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia. Its territory spans an impressive 1,750,000 square kilometers.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - ALLEN'S GALLINULE (Porphyrio alleni) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Allen's gallinule, formerly known as the lesser gallinule, is a diminutive and vibrant waterbird belonging to the Rallidae family. It exhibits a striking combination of colors with a short red bill, a greenish back, and rich purple upperparts. The legs are a vivid red, equipped with long toes, and the tail is short, displaying a white underside with a contrasting dark central bar.

Adult Allen's gallinules can be identified by their red bill and legs, and the males are distinguished by a blue frontal shield during the breeding season, which turns green in females. Immature birds are sandy brown with a buff undertail, while the downy chicks are uniformly black, a common trait among rails. When swimming, these birds exhibit a characteristic nodding of the head.

The preferred breeding habitat for Allen's gallinule is marshes and lakes within the Sub-Saharan African region, where they find the dense swamps particularly conducive to their secretive lifestyle.

This species is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being seemingly weak fliers, they have astonishingly reached Great Britain twice and have been recorded as vagrants in several other European countries.

Allen's gallinules are notably secretive during the breeding season, often heard rather than seen. They are known for their sharp nasal "pruk" call. The species is partially migratory, engaging in seasonal movements which may render them more visible during migration or in their wintering grounds.

In the breeding season, these gallinules construct a floating nest within marshes and swamps, laying a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs. Their secretive nature is most pronounced during this time, making them elusive to observers.

Allen's gallinules forage by probing in mud or shallow water and are also adept at spotting and picking up food visually. Their diet primarily consists of insects and aquatic animals.

The IUCN Red List has classified Allen's gallinule as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face an immediate threat of extinction.

31-5-2018 ESTANY DE ALMENARA, VALENCIA - PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria)

2-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEAL MOTH (Pyralis farinalis)

Pyralis farinalis, the meal moth, is a cosmopolitan moth of the family Pyralidae. Its larvae (caterpillars) are pests of certain stored foods, namely milled plant products.

It is the type species of the genus Pyralis, and by extension of its entire tribe (Pyralini), subfamily (Pyralinae) and family. Its synanthropic habits were noted even by 18th- and 19th-century naturalists, who described it using terms like domesticalis ("of home and hearth"), fraterna ("as close as a brother"), or the currently-valid farinalis ("of the flour").

At rest, adult moths (imagines) typically hold the tip of their abdomen at 90° to their body. Their upperwings are fairly colourful by moth standards, and have a wingspan of 18–30 mm. Adults fly from June to August. Adults do not live long after mating and eggs hatch quickly, which leads this moth to have a quick life cycle and be able to produce multiple generations within a single year.

In Great Britain and some other locations – particularly outside its natural range – it is mostly restricted to anthropogenic habitats of stored grain, e.g. barns and warehouses. However, it has been found in almond orchards among plant detritus and poultry farms among chicken manure.

P. farinalis is a species that is well adapted to living among humans and the urbanization that comes along with them. Though considered a pest to most since it can decimate grain storages, humans have found uses for the moth. In Chinese culture it is the main ingredient of "insect tea." This drink is popular enough that scientists have been studying the moth's optimum growth conditions so they can possibly cultivate it for commercial use.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - CAPE BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer caffer) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large sub-Saharan African bovine. There are five subspecies that are recognized as valid by most authorities:

Syncerus caffer caffer, the Cape buffalo, is the nominotypical subspecies, as well as the largest, found in Southern and East Africa.

S. c. nanus, the forest buffalo, is the smallest subspecies, common in forest areas of Central and West Africa

S. c. brachyceros, the Sudan buffalo, a smaller version of the Cape buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of Central and West Africa.

S. c. aequinoctialis, the Nile Buffalo, sometimes considered identical to the Sudan buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of East and Central Africa.

S. c. mathewsi, the mountain buffalo, a disputed subspecies from the Virunga Mountains in Central Africa.

The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across the top of the head, referred to as a "boss".

The African buffalo is more closely related to other buffalo species than it is to other bovids such as American bison or domestic cattle, with its closest living relative being the Asian water buffalo. Its unpredictable temperament may be part of the reason that the African buffalo has never been domesticated, which would also explain why the African buffalo has no domesticated descendants, unlike the wild yak and wild water buffalo which are the ancestors of the domestic yak and water buffalo. Natural predators of adult African buffaloes include lions, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles. As one of the Big Five game animals, the Cape buffalo is a sought-after trophy in hunting.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is a member of the Old World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys. Located primarily in southern Africa, the chacma baboon has a wide variety of social behaviors, including a dominance hierarchy, collective foraging, adoption of young by females, and friendship pairings. In general, the species is not threatened, but hunting, trapping, and accidents kill or remove many baboons from the wild, thereby reducing their numbers and disrupting their social structure.

The Chacma baboon is perhaps the longest species of monkey and it is also one of the heaviest. Adult males can in some instances be about twice as long and three times as heavy as adult females. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this baboon is its long, downward-sloping face. The Chacma baboon is generally dark brown to gray in color, with a patch of rough hair on the nape of its neck. Unlike the males of northern baboon species (Guinea, hamadryas, and Olive baboons), Chacma males do not have a mane. The three subspecies are differentiated by size and color. The Cape chacma is a large, heavy, dark-brown, and has black feet. The Gray-footed chacma is slightly smaller than the Cape chacma, lighter in color and build, and has gray feet. The Ruacana chacma generally appears to be a smaller, less darkly colored version of the Cape chacma.

Chacma baboons are found throughout southern Africa, ranging from South Africa north to Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. They live in diverse habitats from woodlands to savannas, steppes, and sub-deserts. Chacma baboons are found in the Kalahari Desert as well as on the alpine slopes of the Drakensberg. They usually sleep on hills, cliffs, or large trees and during the day, avoid arid areas with a lack of water.

Chacma baboons are diurnal, spending most of the day on the ground. They are highly sociable animals, living in troops, which consist of 20-80 individuals. The troops include males as well as females with their young. Members of a troop are in close ties with each other, sleeping, feeding, and grooming together. During the day the groups split into smaller subgroups, consisting of 4-5 females with their young and a dominant male, who leads the group and defends it from other males. They are always on the alert, living in troops for protection and watching for predators. When threatened, the baboons give out loud barks. Then the males run to attack while the females and young hide in a safe place among the trees. Chacma baboons communicate by vocalizations, using about 30 different sounds such as grunting, barking, or screaming. They also use gestures such as shoulder shrugs, yawns, or lip-smacking.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo)

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to 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.

1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN KNYSNA TURACO (Tauraco corythaix ssp corythaix)

The Knysna turaco ( Tauraco corythaix ) is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae . It is distributed in South Africa , Mozambique and Swaziland .

It was considered a subspecies of the Guinea turaco ( Tauraco persa ) of West Africa . T. schalowi , T. livingstonii and this species have also been considered to be all the same species, but vocalizations and DNA analysis have shown otherwise. Two subspecies have been described:

T. c. phoebus (Neumann, 1907) lives in northeastern South Africa and northwestern Swaziland.

T. c. corythaix (Wagler, 1827) inhabits southern Swaziland and southeastern South Africa

This is a bright green bird with a short, hooked bill and bright red wings. The bill is short and strongly curved and is orange-red in colour. The eye is brown and the eye-ring is deep red. There is a white line just above and below the eye, with the white line extending from below to the back. It has a long tail which is mainly green: the wing coverts are a darker metallic green. The primary flight feathers are also bright red in colour. It has a tall rounded green crest with a white tip which distinguishes it from other green turacos. It is not sexually dimorphic . It measures 40–42 cm in length and weighs 280–380 grams, with the female being smaller than the male.

This is a bright green bird with a short, hooked bill and bright red wings. The bill is short and strongly curved and is orange-red in colour. The eye is brown and the eye-ring is deep red. There is a white line just above and below the eye, with the white line extending from below to the back. It has a long tail which is mainly green: the wing coverts are a darker metallic green. The primary flight feathers are also bright red in colour. It has a tall rounded green crest with a white tip which distinguishes it from other green turacos. It is not sexually dimorphic . It measures 40–42 cm in length and weighs 280–380 grams, with the female being smaller than the male.

The Knysna turaco lives in a narrow strip close to the south-east coast of Africa. Its natural environment consists of tropical montane forests up to 1,800 m and plains and it also ventures into the scrubland known as fynbos .

This turaco roams the trees, jumping from branch to branch in search of fruits and seeds, which it swallows whole. They are usually territorial and live in pairs or small family groups, noisily defending their territory. In addition to fruits and seeds, they also eat insects and worms.

It nests at different times of the year depending on the area. It builds a shallow nest of sticks in the branches of leafy trees or hidden in dense vines. In this nest it will lay a pair of eggs, of which only one will eventually hatch. The eggs are incubated by the female for between 12 and 21 days. The chicks leave the nest after 18 days but will not be fully independent of their parents until another three weeks have passed.

The Knysna turaco is eaten by local birds of prey such as the black-and-white goshawk and the tachiro goshawk .

This species of turaco is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN , although its situation is expected to worsen in the coming years because the current population is known to be in decline. It is threatened by habitat loss, extreme natural phenomena resulting from climate change, the trade in exotic species, etc.