Tag Archives: nature

Red-billed Spurfowl

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Pternistis adspersus

The Red-billed Spurfowl is a game bird that is found in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and only marginally in South Africa’s North West and Northern Cape Provinces. They inhabit dry savanna habitats, often near water courses, and feed mainly on seeds and berries, with insects and other invertebrates making up a lesser percentage of their intake. They are generally very confiding around humans, especially in camp sites.

Outside of the breeding season Red-billed Spurfowls can be found in groups of up to 20. They nest in shallow scrapes among bushes or clumps of grass and may breed at anytime of year, often in response to rainfall. The female incubates the clutch of 3-10 eggs over a 3 week period. Fully grown they weigh up to half-a-kilogram and measure about 37cm in length.

The IUCN considers the Red-billed Spurfowl to be of least concern.

Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl
Red-billed Spurfowl

Striped Skaapsteker

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Psammophylax tritaeniatus

The Striped Skaapsteker is a diurnal snake that is found over much of northern and central South Africa, where it inhabits grassland and savanna and takes shelter in burrows, termite mounds or under rocks and logs. It uses its mild venom to subdue to its preferred prey – rodents, frogs and lizards – but the venom has virtually no effect on humans. These snakes are exceptionally quick but rather meek when handled. Females lay 5-18 eggs in summer. Fully grown they measure almost a metre in length.

The name Skaapsteker (Afrikaans meaning “Sheep Stinger”) is entirely undeserved as this snake’s venom is unlikely to have any effect on a sheep.

Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker
Striped Skaapsteker

Millipedes

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Millipedes are among the most ancient of animals in all of Creation, and more than 12,000 species populate the planet. Only one known species actually has a thousand (or more) feet as the translation of their name from Latin would imply, with most boasting anywhere between 40 and 400 legs – still a number huge enough to be deserving of all the jokes told of them being late for some event or another due to the time it takes to tie their shoelaces…

Millipedes feed on a wide range of decaying organic material, playing a massively important role in the nutrient cycle of the ecosystems in which they occur, ranging from tropical forests to deserts. Depending on the species females may lay up to 300 eggs, which hatch after a few weeks. The tiny hatchlings usually have only 6 legs, adding more segments and legs to their body every time they moult. Some species of millipede may live for up to 10 years.

The most endearing trait exhibited by most species of Millipede, and also the primary protection measure they employ, is to roll into a tight coil that protects their legs and undersides. Others again may start wriggling manically to imitate a snake! Many species also excrete a noxious substance that make them unpalatable for almost all predators.

Millipedes range in size from tiny 2mm midgets to giants of 35cm in length.

Millipede
Millipede
Shongololo (large millipede)
Millipede
Millipede
Millipede
Giant Millipede
Millipede
Millipede disappearing down a burrow
Millipede
Millipede
Millipede
Millipede
Millipede

Knob Thorn

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Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens

The Knob Thorn is a well-known tree, thanks to its characteristic spines, occurring in the low-lying areas of northern Kwazulu-Natal, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and along the Limpopo River Valley. Beyond our borders it is found as far north as Tanzania. It may grow up to 18m tall and is very drought resistant.  Many animals, particularly giraffes and elephants, love browsing on the leaves and pods of the Knob Thorn.

Knob Thorn in bloom
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn leaves
Knob Thorn leaves
Knobthorn flowers

Spotted-necked Otter

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Hydrictis (Lutra) maculicollis

The Spotted-neck Otter inhabits freshwater habitats with good water quality and well vegetated margins. They feed mainly on fish, crabs, frogs and occasionally waterbird chicks. These otters hunt by sight and are consequently mainly diurnal and most active at sunrise and sunset. By night they sleep in tunnels in river banks, in dense vegetation or among logs and rocks.

Spotted-necked Otters live in family groups of 2-6 individuals consisting of an adult pair and their latest offspring. They’re very intelligent, curious and playful. Cubs are born after a two month gestation, with births in South Africa peaking in the summer months. The babies stay in their den for up to 3 months and have to be taught to swim, a task undertaken mostly by their mother. The little ones remain with their parents until the next litter is born. Fully grown Spotted-necked Otters weigh between 3 and 6kg, with males being considerably bigger than the females. They’re about a metre long.

The IUCN considers the Spotted-necked Otter to be near-threatened, concerned by the degradation of the otter’s habitat throughout its wide distribution over most of sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, Spotted-necked Otters occur mainly on the highveld of the Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga and in adjacent parts of the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal. In our country their population is estimated at a maximum of 10,000 animals and they’re considered to be vulnerable to extinction, with habitat destruction being the major threat. Our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Pretoria is one of the best places to see these endearing creatures, and all the following photographs were taken there.

Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otters
Spotted-necked Otter on the run
Spotted-necked Otters
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-neck Otter
Spotted-necked Otter

August ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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I can’t believe how quickly August has flown past but I am very grateful that tomorrow represents the start of the Spring season in South Africa!

It’s time for another update from our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve where I’ve guided several drives this past month. Early in the month the reserve suffered a terrible fire that started along a public road on its eastern border and was then pushed into the reserve by a strong wind. Thankfully no infrastructure was damaged and no animals killed, and the grasslands of the highveld are very resilient to fire – already the green growth is sprouting!

Shortly after the fire we found this African Hoopoe searching for charred insects, with some success!

African Hoopoe searching for burned insects on charred grassland
African Hoopoe searching for burned insects on charred grassland
African Hoopoe searching for burned insects on charred grassland
African Hoopoe searching for burned insects on charred grassland
African Hoopoe searching for burned insects on charred grassland

The warmer weather has encouraged mating behaviour in the reserve’s Ostriches and we’ll have a boom in their population pretty soon!

Ostrich male “dancing” for the female
Ostrich male “dancing” for the female
Ostrich male “dancing” for the female
The female relents…
Mating ostriches
Mating ostriches

Rietvlei’s bird population as always provided wonderful viewing and photography opportunities. I ticked 83 species in August.

African Snipe
Bokmakierie
Cape Longclaw
Capped Wheatear
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen
Common Dikkop (aka Thick-knee)
Crimson-breasted Shrike
Crowned Lapwing
Crowned Lapwings and Pied Starlings at an ants nest
Karoo Thrush
Levaillant’s Cisticola
Long-tailed Widowbird
Ostrich face
Reed Cormorant
Rufous-naped Lark
Southern Red Bishop
Southern Red Bishop female
Southern Boubou
Speckled Mousebirds
Swainson’s Spurfowl
Swainson’s Spurfowl
Wattled Lapwing

The fact that Rietvlei sustains healthy populations of large African mammals within sight of the capital city’s southern suburbs is a wonderful boon to residents of Pretoria and surrounding towns and cities.

Blesbok
Buffalo family
Buffalo cow
Eland
Eland
Eland
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Black-backed Jackal
Slender Mongoose
Spotted-necked Otter
Spotted-necked Otter
White Rhinos walking in the road
White Rhinoceros ear
White Rhinoceros tail
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Black Wildebeest
Plains Zebra and Blesbok
Plains Zebra foal

Along with Hannes Rossouw Photography we’re presenting an introductory wildlife photography session for new photographers early in September at Rietvlei and interest has been so healthy that we’ll soon organise another session or two – get in touch if you’d like to be added to the mailing list!

List of mammals I’ve seen on Rietvlei in August 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros
Connochaetes gnou Swartwildebees Black Wildebeest
Cynictis penicillata Witkwasmuishond Yellow Mongoose
Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok Blesbuck
Equus quagga Bontsebra Plains Zebra
Herpestes sanguineus Swartkwasmuishond Slender Mongoose
Hydrictis maculicollis Kleinotter Spotted-necked Otter
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland

List of birds I’ve seen on Rietvlei in August 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Accipiter ovampensis Ovambosperwer Ovambo Sparrowhawk
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Asio capensis Vlei-uil Marsh Owl
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Certhilauda semitorquata Grasveldlangbeklewerik Eastern Long-billed Lark
Ceryle rudis Bontvisvanger Pied Kingfisher
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Curruca subcoerulea Bosveldtjeriktik Chestnut-vented Warbler
Dendropicos fuscescens Kardinaalspeg Cardinal Woodpecker
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Falco peregrinus Swerfvalk Peregrine Falcon
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Halcyon albiventris Bruinkopvisvanger Brown-hooded Kingfisher
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Kleinglansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lybius torquatus Rooikophoutkapper Black-collared Barbet
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Megaceryle maxima Reusevisvanger Giant Kingfisher
Microcarbo africanus Rietduiker Reed Cormorant
Mirafra africana Rooineklewerik Rufous-naped Lark
Motacilla capensis Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail
Netta erythrophthalma Bruineend Southern Pochard
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Oenanthe pileata Hoeveldskaapwagter Capped Wheatear
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer domesticus Huismossie House Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Platalea alba Lepelaar African Spoonbill
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Psittacula krameri Ringnekparkiet Rose-ringed Parakeet
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Riparia paludicola Afrikaanse Oewerswael Brown-throated Martin
Sagittarius serpentarius Sekretarisvoel Secretarybird
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Hamerkop
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Spilopelia senegalensis Rooiborsduifie Laughing Dove
Stenostira scita Feevlieevanger Fairy Flycatcher
Streptopelia capicola Gewone Tortelduif Cape Turtle Dove
Streptopelia semitorquata Grootringduif Red-eyed Dove
Struthio camelus Volstruis Common Ostrich
Tachybaptus ruficollis Kleindobbertjie Little Grebe
Tadorna cana Kopereend South African Shelduck
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Trachyphonus vaillantii Kuifkophoutkapper Crested Barbet
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Turdus smithi Geelbeklyster Karoo Thrush
Upupa africana Hoephoep African Hoopoe
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye

If you’d like to join me on a guided tour of Rietvlei – on a hike or on an open vehicle drive – you can book through melanie@rietvleicoffee.co.za / +27(0)74-820-9926.

 

 

 

Black-striped Hairtail Butterfly

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Anthene amarah

The Black-striped Hairtail is a tiny (wingspan less than 3cm) butterfly with a wide distribution across southern, eastern and northern South Africa and a special fondness for thorn trees – adults relish the flowers while caterpillars subsist on the leaves. Adults can be seen year-round though they’re much more numerous in summer when they can sometimes be seen together in groups numbering several dozen.

Black-striped Hairtail
Black-striped Hairtail
Black-striped Hairtail
Black-striped Hairtail
Black-striped Hairtail
Black-striped Hairtail

Red-capped Lark

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Calandrella cinerea

The Red-capped Lark is a common bird species that occurs throughout South Africa, with greatest population densities on the Highveld, in the Karoo and in the Fynbos-biome, indicating their preference for open grasslands and shrublands. They’ll also utilise recently burned or ploughed fields to search for food, which consists mainly of seeds and insects. Beyond our borders they occur over most of the continent south of the equator.

Red-capped Larks breed on the ground, usually just before the first spring or summer rains, using natural hollows – often hoofprints – lined with soft plant material gathered mostly by the female as a nest. The female incubates a clutch of 2-4 eggs for around 2 weeks, with the male providing her with food. Once hatched the chicks are reared by both parents and leave the nest before they’re 3 weeks old. Outside of the breeding season they may form flocks of up to 30 individuals.

Citing a widespread and increasing population, the IUCN considers the Red-capped Lark as being of least concern.

Red-capped Lark
Red-capped Lark
Red-capped Lark
Red-capped Lark
Red-capped Lark
Red-capped Lark (photo by Joubert)
Red-capped Lark (photo by Joubert)

 

Manyeleti Magic 2024: Magnificent Lion Encounters

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Whenever we tour our country’s premier conservation areas the magnificent Lion is usually at or near the top of our guests’ wish lists, and in this respect our Manyeleti Magic photographic safari at the end of June certainly did not disappoint. We can reflect on some terrific encounters with the King of Beasts!

Lions after dark, surveying a nearby herd of wildebeest using a termite mound as a lookout point.

Being out of camp at first light gave us and our guests the best chance of finding lions on the move; still active before the warmer parts of the day lulls them into a sleepy mood which doesn’t provide the best photographic opportunities. As an added bonus the golden light of early morning, just as the sun rises above the tree tops of the savanna, really shows the lions off in a most regal glow!

Sunrise catches the royal family of lions
Magnificent Male Lion
Young male Lion
Young male Lion
Lioness on the move
Lioness on the move
Lioness on the move
Magnificent Male Lion
Magnificent Male Lion

On our final excursion from Buffelshoek, on the day that our 2024 Manyeleti Magic photographic safari concluded, we were treated to one of the most memorable lion sightings you could ever hope for. In a large clearing we came across a notorious group of lions consisting of three brothers with a very close bond, their half-brother and a half-sister which had broken away from a pride in neighbouring Sabi Sands and were now roaming across Manyeleti and adjacent reserves resulting in some nervous tension with the prides currently staking claim to those territories. The beautiful males and their very imposing female sibling gave us a show that we will all be thinking about for a long time to come!

One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
Two of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
The female from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males and the female from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
The female from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
Three of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
Two of the Kambula Lions at Manyeleti
Two of the Kambula Lions at Manyeleti
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
Three of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride with a very affectionate bond
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride

It is experiences like this that will continue to call us back to Manyeleti and we’re already taking bookings for our 2025 Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari and Workshop, to be conducted out of Buffelshoek Camp again in June of next year in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography. Contact us if you’d like to join this one, or if you and a group of family and friends are keen to do something similar on other dates we’d be very glad to accommodate you!

Manyeleti Magic 2024: Hunting with Painted Wolves

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One of the absolute highlights (yes, another one!) of our 2024 Manyeleti Magic photographic safari and workshop was the time we got to spend with three hunting African Wild Dogs – or, to translate their Latin scientific name, Painted Wolves – and a bunch of opportunistic Spotted Hyenas who had much trouble keeping up. We followed along for many, many kilometers and were astounded not only by the dogs’ fascinating behaviour but also by how well our guide Beckson knew the Manyeleti’s roads and tracks and how expertly he anticipated the dogs’ movements, time and again putting us (Hannes Rossouw and myself) and our guests in perfect position to photograph the frenetic action!

African Wild Dogs in playful mood before starting their hunt
African Wild Dogs in playful mood before starting their hunt
African Wild Dogs in playful mood before starting their hunt
African Wild Dogs in playful mood before starting their hunt
African Wild Dog, or Painted Wolf
African Wild Dog, or Painted Wolf
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Painted Wolves on the hunt
Spotted Hyena looking a little winded from trying to keep up with the dogs
Spotted Hyena
Spotted Hyena

We’re already taking bookings for our 2025 Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari and Workshop, to be conducted out of Buffelshoek Camp again in June of next year in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography. Contact us if you’d like to join this one, or if you and a group of family and friends are keen to do something similar on other dates we’d be very glad to accommodate you!