One of the biggest questions we get as guides is ....
Why is Cheetah not on the Big Five list? The big five name evolved from the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.
You tell us what the Big Five is?
Cheetahs by nature are not normally very confrontational, especially with large game, other predators, and humans. In some cases, the stress related to competition and various environments will cause cheetahs to die from the related factors. Watch the video as Cheetahs tried to take on some Oryx/Gemsbok, which you can see by the long horns are no easy task, and you may find yourself in serious trouble.
#thespringboklodge #cellphotography #nambitireserve #cheetahs
Good morning, world! Welcome to the office.
We were so lucky to catch up with the Northern pride as the lions had been scarc3 for a few days, but that's all good. See our next post for the weekly lineup
#thespringboklodge #cellphotography #nambitireserve #elephantwalksa .
The secretary bird, with its beautiful appearance and unique hunting technique, stands out among the raptors. With long legs and a distinct crest of feathers, it will search out prey. Unlike most birds of prey that rely on flight to catch their victims, the secretary bird hunts on foot, striding through the grass with a deliberate pace.
Its hunting style is based on brute force. When it spots prey, which includes insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles, it doesn't swoop in from above. Instead, it stomps its prey with powerful, swift kicks. This method is particularly effective against venomous snakes, which make up about 8 to 12% of its diet. The secretary bird's strong legs and sharp claws deliver fatal blows that incapacitate or kill the prey.
Dietary-wise, the secretary bird has a diverse palate. Besides snakes, it consumes a variety of other animals, such as locusts, beetles, lizards, and small rodents. This varied diet helps it adapt to the seasonal changes in prey availability within its grassland habitat. The bird's hunting strategy ensures that it can handle dangerous prey while also exploiting a wide range of food sources from the environment.
#thespringboklodge #elephantwalksa #cellphotography #nambitireserve #birds #secretarybird
The answer is persistence, and repetition creates success!
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Lions, as predators and carnivorous animals, surprisingly, can consume grass. This behavior might seem strange at first glance, given their powerful hunting prowess and preference for meat. There are various explanations that shed light on this unusual dietary habit.
First and foremost, grass consumption in lions is often linked to digestive health. Just like domestic cats, wild lions eat grass to help induce vomiting. This natural purging mechanism can help rid their stomachs of indigestible materials, such as fur, bones, or even parasites. By eating grass, lions can alleviate discomfort and maintain a healthier digestive system.
The grass eating can aid in nutrient intake. Their primary diet consists of meat, and consuming plant matter can supplement their nutrition. Grass contains some vitamins and minerals that might not be abundant in a purely carnivorous diet. These nutrients can be calcium, selenium, and iron. This behavior highlights the lion's instinct to seek out a balanced intake of nutrients, even from unconventional sources.
Lastly, lions might eat grass to soothe an upset stomach or to alleviate mild digestive disturbances. Ingesting grass might act as a natural remedy to help settle their stomachs, especially after consuming large amounts of meat or following a successful hunt.
#thespringboklodge #elephantwalksa #lions #nambitireserve
The wild dogs at Nambiti Game Reserve have settled in nicely and are becoming active hunters. This is excellent news for their survival. They are being active in using a big area now, it a really special sighting when on the move.
Wild dogs are great hunters, relying on exceptional teamwork and stamina to bring down their prey. Their hunting style is by persistence and coordination, often involving the entire pack. Unlike solitary predators, wild dogs use a teamwork approach, where each member has a specific role, from searching and chasing to ambushing.
The hunt typically begins with a quiet approach towards the prey, usually antelopes or other medium-sized animals. Once they are close enough, the pack bursts into a high-speed chase, capable of maintaining speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour over long distances. This relentless pursuit exhausts the prey, allowing the pack to close in and make the kill.
However, this hunting style comes with stress factors, both during and after the hunt. Physically, the intense exertion required can be tiring, and injuries are common due to the rough terrain and the struggle with prey. Wild dogs also face competition from larger predators like lions and hyenas, who often attempt to steal their hard-earned kill, adding another layer of stress to their survival.
Social stress can also be significant. The intricate social structure of wild dog packs means that every member must cooperate seamlessly, and any changes to this structure such as illness, injury, or death of a pack member can impact the pack's efficiency and success rate in hunting.
#elephantwalksa #thespringboklodge #wilddog #cellphotography
Elephants love ❤️ water and playtime, but there is a deeper meaning to swimming and spending time in the water. Check out the video of them doing some of the weirdest movements in the water. Some information below on the epidermis of an African Elephant.
The epidermis of an African elephant is a thick, resilient layer of skin that plays a crucial role in protecting these majestic animals from the harsh elements of their environment. This outer layer is approximately 2-4 centimeters thick, providing a barrier against UV radiation, abrasions, and insect bites. The skin's rough texture, combined with deep wrinkles and folds, enhances heat regulation and helps in retaining moisture, which is vital for the elephant's survival in hot, arid climates. The epidermis supports various sensory receptors, aiding in the detection of environmental changes and social interactions within elephant herds. Overall, this tough yet sensitive skin is essential for the elephant's well-being and adaptation to its habitat.
#thespringboklodge #nambitireserve #cellphotography #elephantwalksa #elephants
It's not all about the BIG FIVE, their is so many interesting and cool things in the bush to see!
The rutting season for impalas, a defining period of their life cycle, typically occurs with the end of the rainy season in Southern Africa. During this time, male impalas engage in fierce competition for dominance and the right to mate. These battles, while intense, rarely lead to serious injury, as they are dramatic displays of strength and skill rather than lethal force.
As the males compete for dominance, they engage in neck wrestling and horn clashing, by a series of loud, snorting vocalizations with a variety of body language.The victorious male then establishes a harem, a group of females he will mate with throughout the season. This period is characterized by heightened activity and tension, as males continuously patrol and defend their territories from rivals.
For the females, the rutting season is a time of selection. They are drawn to the most robust and dominant males, those who have proven their genetic fitness through these displays of power. This ensures that their offspring inherit strong genes, vital for survival in the wild. Post-rut, the impala herds settle back into a more peaceful routine, with pregnant females preparing for the birth of their young in the following months. The rutting season is a captivating spectacle of nature.
#thespringboklodge #impala #elephantwalksa #nambitireserve
It has been a brilliant week not only for all the great animals seen but the people you meet. Go check out #heimanhabitat based in Australia. The team has all sorts of essential tips on survival, unique survival items such as the snake protection boots when walking and fishing. Top of the range survival kits and more...
#thespringboklodge #cellphotography #fishing
It's a CLASH OF THE TITANS. Our day just got better, and what a brilliant sighting of these three elephants sorting out the ranking amongst themselves. The one is clearly bigger, but don't underestimate how clever the small ones were standing on rocks to look larger than life.
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#elephantwalksa #elephants #nambitireserve #cellphotography
Wow, what a day, sun is out, river is flowing, and what could be more awesome than enjoying a BUSH BRUNCH BREAKFAST!
Listen to the peaceful sound of the river, see birds and animals while taking it easy, and have an adventure.
#thespringboklodge #picnic #cellphotography #nambitireserve
The season is on, and I love the question, Brent. When is the best time to come?
Anytime is great in all seasons. You will see animals, insects, fauna, and flora, which may vary according to seasons. My best time is near October, end to November. The grass is at its lowest from winter and block burning. Rains are coming in, and all the bush jumps to life, plants cleaned of dust, insects coming out, lizards, and baby season anytime now. Join us soon.
#thespringboklodge #wildlifephotography
#cellphotography #elephantwalksa #nambitireserve
