A Week in the Bush Vol. 522
on Nov 06, 2024We have enjoyed some wonderful sightings this week – even from the comfort of the lodge surrounds where elephants walked through Selati Camp, and a pride of lions were seen from the decks of Bush Lodge.
During our afternoon safari, we spotted vultures flying low, circling before landing nearby. Curious, we hurried over to see what had drawn their attention. As we approached, we saw not only a large group of vultures but also several Marabou storks mingling among them, signalling that their target might be a sizeable animal. Moving closer, we discovered it was a buffalo carcass - stripped almost to the bone, with only the head remaining.
Vultures are scavengers and always on the lookout for leftover prey from predators like lions or any recently deceased animals in the area. Their role in the ecosystem is vital, as they help keep it clean by consuming carrion.
In the early morning, a clan of hyenas gathered by a waterhole to cool themselves. The adults waded in, savouring the refreshing water, while the cubs, hesitant and wary, stood at a distance, unsure about joining in. After a brief soak, the mother hyena emerged from the water and, with a quick shake, led her cubs back toward the safety of their den.
We spotted this young leopard tortoise slowly feeding on the fresh green grass shoots emerging throughout the bush. Although leopard tortoises don’t fully hibernate, they do experience a period of reduced activity during the winter months. During this time, they feed less and focus more on regulating their body temperature in response to the cooler weather. Now, with temperatures warming and the arrival of rain, these tortoises are becoming more active, eager to catch up on much-needed feeding time.
This Tree agama was basking in the warm morning sun, soaking up heat to regulate its body temperature. These lizards are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees and only venturing to the ground to move from one tree to another. Their diet consists mainly of insects and termites, and they often seek shelter in natural cavities, where they feel safe and protected from potential threats.
In the far northwest reaches of the reserve, we came across fresh lion tracks, likely from the Msuthlu Pride. Following their path south, we reached a watering hole, where their tracks suddenly fanned out, seemingly scattering in all directions. Despite a thorough search, we found no more sign of them until, suddenly, a herd of impala burst from nearby thickets, bounding and pronking in alarm. Moments later, we spotted the Msuthlu Pride, all accounted for except the four youngest cubs, likely stashed safely in a nearby drainage line. Moving with purpose, the pride continued southeast, finally settling to rest and carefully watching another nearby herd of impala, biding their time.
A few days later, the Msuthlu Pride was scattered across an open area, each lion tucked into small patches of shade to escape the rising sun. The four youngest cubs are thriving, visibly growing each day and in excellent health. Soon, the pride will likely begin hunting more actively to sustain themselves, as sharing a single carcass can be challenging for such a large group. Larger prides often need to hunt bigger prey or increase the frequency of hunts to ensure everyone is well-fed.
Following the Msuthlu Pride and Gijima males took a sudden, thrilling turn as they neared a waterhole. Out of nowhere, a warthog appeared, moving in the same direction as the lions. Instinctively, the lions sprang into action, positioning themselves strategically for the hunt. The sub-adults stayed back, observing as the scene unfolded before them.
The pride gave chase, and within moments, they successfully brought down the warthog, providing a quick snack for the group. True to hierarchy, the males ate first, with the females claiming the leftovers and quickly finishing them off. Within an hour, the pride moved on into the thickets, leaving the remnants for the vultures, which had already started circling above.
After an extensive search, we finally located one of Ntsumi’s cubs resting atop a large termite mound. These mounds provide ideal vantage points for leopards, allowing them to survey the surroundings for any signs of danger or opportunity. This young female is spending increasing amounts of time alone, signalling that she will soon separate from her mother permanently. With the impala lambing season approaching, this transition couldn’t come at a better time - the abundance of young prey will offer valuable hunting opportunities for this inexperienced huntress as she learns to navigate life on her own.
We came across a rather shy young male leopard winding his way through a big drainage line, making it challenging for us to keep up. He was highly alert, seizing every hunting opportunity as he attempted to stalk an impala, though ultimately without success. He moved deeper into the thicket where we left him to relieve any unnecessary pressure.
Young male leopards tend to be particularly wary in unfamiliar territory, striving to leave minimal traces behind to avoid encounters with dominant males who rule these areas.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
