There is nothing to say ....... it is just majestic watching these awesome giants cross of the bushveld plains on his way to send young males packing!
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Flies were disturbing these giraffes, and it was the funniest thing to watch how the youngsters were trying to get rid of them. Here are some interesting things about flies.
Flies can be like tiny nuisances at times, but they play a crucial role in the ecosystem:
1. Pollination: Many flies, like hoverflies, help plants reproduce by transferring pollen between flowers, much like bees do. This supports biodiversity and food production.
2. Decomposition: Fly species like blowflies and houseflies are nature's cleanup crew. They help break down and recycle organic matter, including dead animals, waste, and decaying plants, turning it into nutrients for the soil.
3. Food Source: Flies form a critical part of the food chain, serving as prey for many animals such as birds, chameleons, spiders, and frogs. Without them, many smaller predators would struggle to survive.
4. Waste Management: Fly larvae (maggots) efficiently consume waste, and certain species are even being used in modern waste-recycling technologies.
So think twice before you swat a fly! 😁
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What a fun filled few days with some great sightings!
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We encountered our older female cheetah resting up in the grass. The current age is between 11 and 14 years.
In the wild, cheetahs typically live up to about 12 to 16 years, though many do not reach this due to various challenges.
Cheetah cubs (up to 90%) don’t survive their first year due to predation by lions, hyenas, and other predators. Cheetahs are considered non-dominant predators. They often lose their kills to stronger carnivores. This can lead to starvation or make them vulnerable to attacks.
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching significantly reduce their lifespan. Cheetahs often face risks when venturing into areas with humans from a farming perspective or their skin for traditional ceremonies.
The cheetah population is low, and this causes a low genetic variation, which makes them more susceptible to diseases and reduces their resilience to environmental changes.
In captivity, with protection from predators and reliable food sources, cheetahs can live up to 17 years or more. Conservation efforts aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting habitats are important to increasing their lifespan in the wild.
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It is always such a treat to watch lions, especially when just going about their natural behavior. The lions had killed a Blue Wildebeest during the night, and the next morning, once done with the kill, it was time to find water and move on to the next hunting grounds.
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Cheetahs pick up a scent, look at their attention, and how they check the surrounding area.
The territorial debate between lions and cheetahs shows how predator species interact and compete within shared ecosystems. These interactions are influenced by factors such as resource availability, population density, and the hierarchical dominance of predators.
Lions, being apex predators and highly social animals, establish large territories that they defend aggressively. Their territories often overlap with those of smaller predators, such as cheetahs and leopards. The lions generally dominate in these territorial disputes due to their size, strength, and social structure. This dominance can have profound effects on cheetahs.
Cheetahs are solitary or semi-solitary animals (except for mother-cub groups and male coalitions) and are less aggressive. They rely on speed rather than strength for survival and are thus less likely to directly challenge lions. When their territories overlap, cheetahs typically avoid confrontations by operating in external areas of lion territories or by being active at different times of the day.
Furthermore, lions’ presence can push cheetahs into less optimal hunting grounds, leading to increased competition with other predators like leopards and hyenas. This displacement can affect cheetahs’ hunting efficiency and reproductive success, highlighting how dominant predators like lions indirectly influence the population dynamics of other animals.
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What a morning!
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Lions have captivating features that draws people in, making them a favorite among the "Big Five" animals. There are many reasons for this such as lions being referred to as the "King of the Jungle" due to their majestic appearance, their powerful build, impressive manes, and regal demeanor creates an image of strength and nobility.
Lions are the only big cats that live in groups known as prides. The social structure is complex with social interactions, cooperation in hunting, and strong family bonds.
Lions have a significant place in various cultures and mythology around the world. They are often symbols of courage, power, and royalty. Their presence in art, literature, and folklore has cemented their status as iconic animals.
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Spending the week with big cats has brought us some luck. The female cheetah with her cubs are getting more comfortable with the vehicles being around, and it won't be long before she is out there teaching them the skills of speed and hunting. The Cheetah is being a great mom and managing to avoid any confrontations with lions so great for survival.
The young males you can see coming into their breeding age, starting to mark territory, and you never know, will their possibly be a change in leadership soon.
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All out for a morning stroll, junior don't mind the traffic look both ways if clear ........then cross.
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A great sighting, lioness, and her wildebeest kill.
Lions, like many other predators, have a good reason for removing hair from their prey. The hair and fur of animals can be tough and difficult to digest. By pulling it off, lions make it easier for them to consume the meat and reduce the chance of digestion problems such as furballs. Their rough tongues, covered in tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae, help in scraping off the hair from the prey's body, making the process efficient. This behavior helps in their digestion and ensures they get the maximum nutrition from their meal.
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What a fun sighting watching the female giraffe absolutely demolish a young acacia/vachelia bush in the hopes of stopping that irritating itch. Giraffe and many animals will rub against trees and bushes to help with the removal of ticks and parasites.
My personal thoughts are any animal that can use a thorn bush like that needs a lot of respect and can do some damage if they attack you. Love ❤️ Giraffe!
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