Hyena enjoying tripe

We came across a giraffe recently killed by lions. After having eaten the entrails, they left the remainder of the giraffe to scavengers such as vultures and hyenas who enjoyed the rotting flesh with delight. One hyena had a particular fancy in the stomach lining left behind by the lions. It didn’t seem very appetizing to us, but the hyena thought differently. Picking up his prized meal he decided to move away from the ordeal at the kill and enjoyed his tripe in peace all by himself.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

Ground Hornbill

The Ground Hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri, is one of the more perculiar birds of the Kruger Park. Early birders referred to them as Turkey Buzzards, and they definitely have some kind of resemblance to turkeys, however, they are not related. The current population in South Africa is estimated to 1500-2000 individuals of which half of them occur in the Kruger Park and surrounding reserves. The parks population is fairly stable with some 200 breeding pairs. They don’t have to deal with the same pressures as Ground Hornbills elsewhere which are declining due to habitat loss and poisoning. Loss of large trees for nesting sites is a big problem. Several projects are in place to help the current population grow. This is done by providing artificial nesting sites in suitable areas as well as hand rearing chicks to be released back into the wild. Hornbills always lay two eggs of which only one is raised. The other youngster inevitably dies of starvation. By rescuing this chick and raising it in captivity, they can later be released in suitable areas where their numbers have been dwindling. By so doing, these slow breeding birds (it takes 9 years for a chick to be raised to adulthood) are helped to increase the wild population. Considering these threats it was great to see 6 different groups of hornbills on my last safari, a sign that things are improving for them.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

Lions feeding on black rhino

Having heard of a dead rhino at Ximangwaneni dam near Muzandzeni, I knew I had to go and investigate to see what kind of scavenger activity there will be. Surprisingly, when we got there, I realized it was a rarer black rhino carcass. The carcass was already some 4 days old, a fact which our nostrils reiterated. A pride of 10 lions were still feeding from it. As most of them have already had their share, a few individuals took turns to feed in peace without the constant aggression of other members. Vultures were also descending and tried their luck when the lions left to lie in the shade. That normally didn’t last very long as some of the lions were determined to defend their bounty. During the night the rest of the pride went back for another feeding session before leaving the rotten rhino to other scavengers. The following day we went back and were surprised at how much of the rhino has been eaten. Vultures were very active to get their fair share and we saw all five vulture species represented in the Kruger on one carcass. They are the Whitebacked Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Lappetfaced Vulture, Whiteheaded Vulture, and the endangered Cape Vulture. The scene was so engrossing that we spent several hours to enjoy the ways of the wild. It was truly something documentaries are made of.

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

Photo Gallery

I’ve added a few more photos to the blog. Winter months produce a lot more photo opportunity with some great light. Enjoy.

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

July Update

So another month ended and here are the sighting updates. This month has been pretty phenomenal. In winter the sightings increase normally, and July has not disappointed. There has been an increase in all animal sightings since April, except for wild dogs. This is due to them denning in winter and therefore not moving around all that much. I’ve been amazed at the amount of leopards and lions seen. Let’s hope that August will prove as successful.

 

Total tours: 4    Total days: 16

	Day	Elephant	Rhino	Buffalo	Lion	Leopard	Cheetah	Wilddog	Hyena	Jackal
	Tour	4	4	4	4	3	3	0	3	3
	Day	13	11	12	11	5	3	0	7	3
	Sights	Y	21	Y	21	6	4	0	14	5
	Nr	Y	30	Y	84	9	6	0	28	5

 

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za