Labour says pro-cull campaigning may have given a "green light" to people mistreating badgers
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesmanIf anyone has any evidence of that occurring, they are strongly encouraged to report this to local wildlife crime police officers to deal with”
Bush Pig |
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Name Bush Pig [Potamochoerus larvatus]AppearanceThe Bush Pig is a strong, stocky pig with powerful forequarters. Its upper tusks are barely visible, but the lower tusks are razor sharp and grow to 7cm in length. It is very dangerous when surprised in the bush or wounded during hunting, it can inflict serious wounds with the sharp, protruding canines. An adult boar measures up 900mm at the shoulder and can weigh as much 60 Kgs.Diet Bush
Pigs can thrive in close proximity to human settlements as a
consequence of their stealth and predilection for agricultural food
crops such, potatoes, maize, tomatoes, sugar cane and other vegetables.
Some farmers consider the Bush Pig as a pest because of such crop
damage. In the wild they feed on plant roots, rhizomes, bulbs, tubers,
fruits and insect larvae which are rooted from the subsurface soil.BehaviourBush Pigs are also the largest animals in the subregion to build nests. Sows bite off grass and pile it into heaps up to 3m across and one metre high, which when completed looks like a small haystack. Apart from suckling them, the sows leave the care of piglets to the dominant boar. It also readily wades in water to reach aquatic plants, and is a strong swimmer which wallows in mud to cool down. Once piglets are introduced to the group, boars assume the role of protector. Piglets remain with the group until the age of six months, and thereafter are evicted from the group by the dominant pair.Bush Pigs are also the largest animals in the subregion to build nests. Sows bite off grass and pile it into heaps up to 3m across and one metre high, which when completed looks like a small haystack. Apart from suckling them, the sows leave the care of piglets to the dominant boar. It also readily wades in water to reach aquatic plants, and is a strong swimmer which wallows in mud to cool down. Once piglets are introduced to the group, boars assume the role of protector. Piglets remain with the group until the age of six months, and thereafter are evicted from the group by the dominant pair. Where they are foundFound in dense forests and underbrush situations along rivers, streams and at the bases of mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province of South Africa, and further northwards through tropical Africa.PredatorsTheir main predators of Bushpig are Leopards and man. They are considered problem animals in most places they occur due to their habit of destroying crops | ||
African Civet |
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NameCivet [Civettictis Civetta]AppearanceCivets are beautifully marked but secretive nocturnal animals with bushy coats with black and white spots and stripes. Civets are good swimmers. They feed mostly on spiders, snakes, millipedes, small mammals and birds but also eat fruit, berries and other vegetable matter. Civets secrete an oily substance from anal glands when they are excited.Vital Statistics
Breeding1 - 4 young are born from August - December after a gestation period of ± 2 months.Spoor DescriptionHas 5 toes on the fore- and hind-feet, but only 4 toes show in the spoor of the fore- and hind-feet, as the first toes are set far back and do not touch the ground. The claws mark clearly in the spoor. | ||
Wildebeest |
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Black Wildebeest - Appearance Black
Wildebeest have a dark brown to black body, an erect mane and a long
whitish tail. Both sexes have heavy, forward curving horns. Bulls
measure 1.2 metres at the shoulder and weigh 161 Kg. Cows measure 1.16
metres at the shoulder and weigh 130 Kg. The horns of calves are
initially straight, and start to grow the characteristic curvature at
approximately nine months of age.DietThey are primarily a grazer, in order of preference selecting for predominantly grass, and occasionally karroid shrubs and herbs.Behaviour Socially, the
Black Wildebeest is found in three types of herds namely those
consisting of territorial bulls competing to attract receptive cows,
female herds, and lastly bachelor herds. Dominant bulls are spaced
across a grid of individual territories, each of which is actively
defended. Generally older bulls are isolated from the social structure.
This species shows strong attachment to particular areas, which are
selected for all round visibility to enhance safety.Habitat Their preferred habitat is open grassveld, and it actively avoids areas with tall grass and dense vegetation.Where they are found Black
Wildebeest are endemic to South Africa. Historically the Black
Wildebeest occupied the central open grassland plains of the country,
from the Northern Cape, the Free State, the southern highveld regions of
the former Transvaal, western Lesotho, western Swaziland and the
grassland areas below the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. Recently
introduced to other parts of the country and neighbouring countries.
With population estimates of about 12 00 it is not regarded as
threatened by extinction.Blue Wildebeest - Appearance The
dark silver-grey body is marked with dark vertical bands on the front
quarters. Blue wildebeest are characterised by a long black mane and a
beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both sexes grow short
curved horns. In adult bulls the horns are heavily bossed. Bulls weigh
250 kg and measures 1.5 m at the shoulders. Cows are slightly smaller,
measuring 1.4 m at the shoulder and with a mass of 180 kg.BreedingBlue Wildebeest are seasonal breeders. Births of single calves per cow occur during summer after a gestation period of nine months. Calves can run with the herd within minutes after birth.Behaviour Seasonal
migration was an optimised survival strategy which allowed the
effective use of resources over larger areas and which minimised
over-utilisation, both during wet and dry seasons. This is a gregarious
herbivore, occurring in herds ranging from ten to a few thousand
individuals. Bulls maintain territories when the herd is sedentary.Where they are found Distribution
is concentrated to the north-eastern regions of South Africa. Not
regarded as endangered, but mostly found in conservation areas. Also
widely distributed in countries north of South Africa. Population
numbers are drastically reduced due to fencing, which restricts
traditional and instinctive migration. | ||
Impala |
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NameImpala [Aepyceros melampus]AppearanceThis is the most common antelope of the bushveld regions of South Africa. A very graceful, rufous-fawn antelope, with white underparts, measuring approximately 900mm at the shoulders. Rams weigh around 60 Kg and ewes 40 Kg. A black stripe extends from the top of the rump down the back of each thigh. The lower hind legs have glands beneath tufts of black hair. Only the rams have horns which are lyre-shaped, and reach a length of 700mm.Diet The
Impala is a mixed feeder. It browses on shrubbery and grazes grass on
gently undulating or flat terrain. Acacia pods and fruits are taken when
available.BreedingFollowing a gestation period of 194-200 days single calves are born during early summer. An ewe is sexually mature at two years of age. Young rams can breed as yearlings, but are prevented to do so by territorial rams, which dominate reproductive opportunities.Behaviour Herds
seldom wander more than eight km from permanent water supply. Renowned
for their spectacular leaps over shrubs and bushes, when alarmed.
Rutting occurs during early winter months. Young rams live in bachelor
herds, and those strong enough to be successful in establishing
territories, become solitary within their respective domains during the
rut. Females live in breeding herds.Habitat Its preferred habitat is woodland savannahs of the northern and eastern districts of South Africa, and in countries beyond.PredatorsThe Impala is preyed upon by most of the large carnivores and the young often fall prey to Pythons. The Impala are therefore on constant alert. Should one of them spot danger, it will snort an alarm and the whole herd will scatter. It is one of the treats offered by nature to see this antelope perform their incredible 3 metre high and 12 metre long leaps.Vital Statistics
Breeding A single young is born from September - January after a gestation period of about 6 months.Spoor DescriptionHooves are sharp, neat and pointed and 4 - 6 cm long.Field NotesOne of the more common antelope of the African savannah, Impala have been referred to as the Macdonalds of the bush as they are of the most common prey for predators. The distinction markings on the rump also resemble the company logo to a degree. | ||
Hartebeest |
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Name Lichtenstein's Hartebeest [Alcelaphus lichtensteinii]There are some biologists who classify the Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest as Sigmoceros lichtensteinii AppearanceLichtenstein’s Hartebeests are large antelope with humped shoulders, sloping back and elongated head. Cows can weigh 180 Kg and adult bulls over 200 Kg. At the shoulder the height of both sexes measures 1.25m. Their body colour is a light tawny, with a rufous saddle extending from the base of the tail to the shoulders.Rump, hind legs and under parts of tail are off-white. Fronts of lower legs are black, as is the tip of the tail. A characteristic dark patch is visible on the flanks due to continuous rubbing of the face on the flanks. Dust sticking to the secretion rubs off onto the flanks from the preorbital glands situated on the face. Backward curving s-shaped horns are found on both sexes. The bulls’ horns are thicker at the base. DietThis is a grazer dependant on perennial grasses. They prefer new growth in burnt areas, when available. It grazes in the cool of early mornings and late afternoons.BreedingFollowing a gestation period of 240 days females calve during August and September. Within herds calves are born at the same time, which is an anti-predator mechanism. Calves weigh 15 kg at birth. Females are sexually mature between 16-18 months. The calves are weaned by about 12 months and reach sexual maturity around 24 months. The Lichtenstein's Hartebeest has a lifespan of potentially 20 years.BehaviourGregarious antelope, with herds consisting of about ten animals. A territorial bull can have six or seven adult females together with their offspring. Young bulls are expelled from the herd at the age of 10-12 months and young females leave the group from 15-18 months.The territorial bull defends his territory during the rut. Their territorial system breaks down during calving period, which may also be an anti-predator adaptation, affording protection to the young calves by moving around.HabitatThey prefer an open habitat with adequate drinking water, hence its distribution in areas of higher rainfall.Where they are found In
South Africa it occurred marginally only in the region of the present
day Kruger National Park, where it became extinct. A new population has
been established be relocating animals from Malawi. They are very rare
in the subregion.PredatorsLion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena and Cape Hunting Dog | ||
Springbok |
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Name Springbok [Antidorcas marsupialis]Appearance Rams
may weigh up to 50 Kg, and ewes only up to 37 Kg. Their striking body
colour renders them easily recognizable. Shoulders appear lower than the
hindquarters. Cinnamon coloured upper body, white underparts and a
broad dark brown stripe on either flank stretching from the front legs
to the rear legs. The short white tail is brown tufted. The rump is
marked by a triangular-shaped white patch, framed by a dark brown stripe
with the apex on the top of the hindquarters. Horns of ewes are more
slender and shorter than those of rams.Diet Springboks
are selective feeders, whose diet comprises the best fodder available
at any given time. They browse in the dry season and predominantly graze
after the rainy season when grasses spout green. They are fond of
flowers such as of Acacia, and drink water readily, but when open water
is scarce, water requirements are met by eating moisture-rich tubers and
roots.BreedingMating is normally restricted to a one or two week rut, although this specie is capable to breed at any time of the year. After a gestation period of 25 weeks single lambs are born. Lambs are hidden for the first two days after birth. Most ewes breed every year, some even twice. Young are weaned at about four months and ewes become sexually mature at the age of seven months.Behaviour Only
rams establish territories for mating opportunities. The exception is
territorial rams, which prefer to live in the solitude of their
territories. Herd composition is flexible.HabitatThe Springbok live in a harsh and unpredictable environment. Calcareous pans, dry river beds and short grass savannah are preferred. They avoid areas of tall grass.Where they are foundThe Springbok is the most abundant antelope in the central and western parts of South Africa. Some herds are still free roaming within some of its natural range, but most are now confined to farmlands and reserves. They are a common feature in most of South Africa’s national, provincial and private reserves.Field NotesSpringbok in their hundreds of thousands roamed the arid regions of southern Africa at the time the first settlers arrived, but the herds were quickly decimated and today they are only found in protected areas and farms.Once the national animal of South Africa the debate still rages as to whether the Springbok is a symbol of Apartheid. The national rugby team of South Africa is still known as the Springboks. | ||
Water Mongoose |
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AppearanceWith an overall length of 800 to 1000 mm, this is a large and robust mongoose. It has a mass of between 2.5 to 4.2 kg. Their tails are 300-410 mm long. Their colour is a uniform dark brown with a lighter nose. Their bodies are relatively short the tail is covered with long, shaggy hairs. Ears are adpressed to the head.They have a large skull with a short muzzle. The large brain is associated with increased tactile sensitivity and muscular control of the forepaws. These characteristics enables this semi-aquatic mongoose to locate and eat crabs and other relatively hard-bodied prey. Their teeth are adapted to crush the hard outer shells of shell fish, rather than to shear. This is the only herpestid with unwebbed feet which splay on soft substrates. This trait results in a very distinctive spoor. DietThey feed primarily on aquatic prey like crabs, prawns, fish and on occasion also frogs. Terrestrial prey such as cane rat, dassie and blue duiker have regularly been recorded as food items, but it is not known whether these were scavenged or killed by the water mongoose.BreedingFemales give birth to two young per litter and more than one litter can be produced per season. Young start taking food after one month, their eyes and ears open after 10 days. Little is known about their sexual behaviour, but it is known that they breed twice a year, once in the middle of the dry season and once in the rains.The female prepares a nest of dry grass in a hole. If there are no holes available in swampy areas, the young are raised on a nest of reeds, grass, and sticks. Up to three young per litter have been recorded. Sometimes a second adult also accompanies the family. The young usually are weaned and depart from their birthplace in a few months. BehaviourThey are solitary in habits, a semi-aquatic and nocturnal species. Marsh mongooses are regular in their habits and follow pathways that are smooth and well-defined. The pathways tend to follow rivers or shorelines, often hidden by tall grass and reed clumps. To catch a bird, the mongoose lies on its back and looks as if it's sunbathing. In this position, the pale, pink anal area assumes a startling prominence against the surrounding dark fur.This display is claimed to induce birds to approach and peck at the anus, whereupon the mongoose seizes the bird. When approached by a threatening presence, the mongoose makes a low growl, which may be reinforced by sudden explosive barking growls in a deeper tone. When the mongoose is cornered or distressed, it ejects jets of foul brown fluid from its anal sacs. Mongooses make a high-pitched cry and an open-mouthed bleat when excited. They are frequently seen singly. They are highly territorial, and their territories are spaced along their linear habitat. HabitatThe water mongoose’s habitat is mainly associated with rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal regions, vleis and reedbeds with cover. They may wander some distance from water. Rocky areas in streams or near dams are often used as resting sites.Where they are foundThey are distributed widely in the eastern and southern higher rainfall areas of South Africa, and all along the Orange River.Latin nameAtilax paludinosusis. | ||
Samango Monkey |
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Samango Monkey - AppearanceMales are larger than females, males have a mass of 7 to 9 Kg and females 4 to 5 Kg. The tail is a third longer than the body. The coat of the head and the shoulders is dark grey to black. Facial skin, feet, hands and lower limbs are black. Upper limbs and flanks are paler than the shoulders. Belly and throat are a creamy white. The muzzles of males protrude to accommodate the enlarged canines.DietThe diet of the Samango Monkey include fruits, insects, flowers, leaves and insects. The Samango male consumes more fruit than the female. While foraging for food it would appear that Samangos start the day by selecting for fruit, and will later in the day take leaves, whereas the day is finished with a combination of fruit and leaves.Breeding This
primate is a seasonal breeder. Females give birth during the onset of
the warm, rainy season. A single young is born after a gestation period
of 140 days. Young are carried by their mothers for two to three months,
and are finally weaned at the age of nine months. Males compete for the
attention of oestrus females. In Samango troops, oestrus is
unsynchronised.BehaviourSamango Monkeys have a harem social structure, that is a single dominant male lives with his females and their infants and subadults. The social core is formed by related females, who will also defend their territory.HabitatCan survive in relatively depauperate swamp forests, inclusive of the deciduous sand forests of northern KwaZulu-Natal, although it is mainly confined to evergreen indigenous forests. Seldom ventures into forest patches smaller than 50-100 ha.Where they are foundNot widespread or common in South Africa, occurring only in the coastal forests north of St Lucia estuary in KwaZulu-Natal, and in the Afro-montane forests of Mpumalanga. The range extends into similar habitats in neighbouring countries. Another, more southern subspecies, is found in Afro-montane and coastal scrub forests of central and southern KwaZulu-Natal, extending into the Eastern Cape to just north of the Knysna forest. Higher population densities occur at the north coast. The two South African subspecies are only distinguished by colour variances.Latin Name:Cercopithecus mitus. | ||
Oribi |
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AppearanceThis gracious little antelope has a long, slender neck and legs. Ears are oval. The coat is rufous-brown with white under parts. The tail of the oribi is black. Situated close to the inner corners of the eyes are two large pre-orbital glands. Only the rams have short, straight horns of 80 -180 mm, which are ringed at the base.Their hindquarters slightly higher than their forequarters. Adult rams measure 600 mm at the shoulders and weighs 14 kg. Ewes are slightly larger than rams. Oribi display a distinctive “stotting” action when alarmed, which entails vertical leaps with straight legs. DietPrimarily a grazer, which occasionally browse on forbs. Although it occurs on flood plains, it is not dependant on free surface water.BreedingSeasonal breeder and in South Africa births peak in November/December. They have a gestation period of 210 days after which a single lamb is born. Lambs are hidden for about a month, and the mother returns at times to suckle her offspring. Young are weaned at about four to five months.BehaviourFound in small monogamous groups of a ram with two ewes. These groups are territorial, and actively defend their territories of 25-100 ha in size. Territorial rams evict young rams from their family group, whereas young ewes remain longer until they can form their own pair bonds. Since it is important to maintain social bonds, a family regularly performs a dunging ceremony, although dung middens are not maintained.HabitatInhabits floodplains, grasslands, open plains and montane grasslands, and marginally in light bushland.Where they are foundDistribution is patchy and discontinuous. In South Africa Oribi occur in the northern parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and small populations persist in the north eastern Free State and Swaziland. Rare in the eastern Caprivi of Namibia and northeastern parts of Botswana.Latin Name:Oribia scoparia.Vital Statistics
Spoor DescriptionHoofs point forward. Smaller than the Steenbok's. The hind foot is elongated. | ||
Pangolin |
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NamePangolin, Ground Pangolin (Manis temminckii), also known as Temminck's Pangolin or the Cape PangolinAppearanceThe Pangolin measures over 1 m in length and weighs up to 18 Kg. The body is protected by armour of imbricated brown scales, which uniquely identifies this specie amongst all mammals. Except for the forehead there is no scales on the head or belly, nor on the inner surfaces of the legs.The first and last digits of the forefeet are reduced, whereas the middle three digits and claws are well developed for digging. The front legs are also shorter than the hind legs. The broad-based tail tapers to a rounded tip. DietSince Pangolin are entirely insectivorous, an abundant availability of ants and termites to sustain subsistence, governs its occurrence. Another factor determining occurrence, is the availability of burrows or other forms of shelter. They feed predominantly on formicid ants. Pangolin appear to be highly selective feeders in that only 19 species of ants and termites are taken.It locates prey by smell, even under the soil surface. When prey is located, tunnels are opened up with the well equipped front paws. The 250 mm long, rod-shaped tongue is covered with a sticky saliva. This is used as a tool to collect prey by inserting it into the termite tunnels. When withdrawn it is covered with trapped prey which is gathered into the mouth. Such feeding exercises are executed about 90 times per night, and each feeding lasts about one minute. As it lacks teeth, the sand ingested with each withdrawal assists to masticate the food items in the muscular mouth. BreedingA Pangolin couple pairs briefly for 1-2 days during March. Mating occurs side by side, with the male forcing his tail beneath the female to assist coitus. A female gives birth to a single young after a gestation period of 135 days. Birthing occurs during July or August. Young are suckled in the den, where it is left behind when the female goes out to forage. Young are frequently moved to a new den after about the first month.BehaviourPangolins are well equipped for self defense. The Pangolin usually rolls up into a ball when threatened. Arboreal pangolins roll up in a ball in a tree hollow at night to sleep. Pangolins can lash out with their razor sharp scales. They also have scent glands similar to those of the skunk which they can use to spray enemies. Pangolins can amble along on all fours, but for speed they stand up on two feet using their long tail for support. They run at a speed of about 5km per hour.HabitatHabitat preference is mainly for savannah woodlands, but it is also found on floodplain grasslands, rocky slopes and sandveld. They are not found in deserts and forests.Where they are foundIn South Africa the Pangolin ranges over most of the former eastern, northern and western Transvaal, northern KwaZulu-Natal, northeastern Cape, from where its distribution continues into neighbouring countries.Interesting factsPangolins are endangered because their skin makes attractive leather for boots, similar to snakeskin or armadillo boots. Also, Pangolins are eaten in some parts of the world. Only seven living species of mammal are included in the Pholidota, the Pangolins or scaly anteaters. There are four species in Africa and three in southeast Asia.Pangolins were once more widely distributed throughout the world, an essentially modern-looking fossil Pangolin, Eomanis, has been found in the Eocene of Germany, and another fossil Pangolin has been found in the lower Oligocene of North America. Today, because of habitat destruction and hunting (Pangolin scales are used in Chinese and African medicine), the three Asian species and one of the African species of Pangolin are considered endangered. Vital Statistics
BreedingA single young is born from May - July after a gestation period of about 4 months.Spoor DescriptionThe spoor shows the rounded pads of the hind-feet with usually four nails touching the ground, the occasional scrape of the tail and the mark of the front edges of the long, curved, front claws.Field NotesThe name of the Pangolin comes from the Malay word, pengguling, which means ‘to roll up’ and describes the Pangolin’s habit of rolling itself into a ball when threatened.Because of its habits the Pangolin is a rarely seen animal by safari travelers and is often thigh on the list of ‘must sees’. | ||
Rhebuck |
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NameGrey Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus)AppearanceThey weigh up to 30 Kg, with a shoulder height of 700-800 mm. This is a slender, long necked, medium sized antelope. It has long narrow ears with a bulbous nose, and a woolly coat with white underparts. Only rams have upright, straight, spike-like horns of 150-250 mm in length, ringed at the bases.Diet This
antelope is predominantly a browser with a tendency to mixed feeding.
They select shrubs and forbs. Roots, seeds and flowers are also taken
during June to October.BreedingThis is a seasonal breeder, and mating takes place during February and April. Single lambs are born after a gestation period of eight months. Pregnant ewes leave the herds three days before young are born. After the birth mothers keep their lambs concealed for six weeks, during which they are retrieved frequently for suckling.BehaviourThey have complicated social groupings, these animals are found in small groups of up to 12 consisting of an adult ram, a few ewes and lambs. Rams may become solitary. They are territorial in habit and will defend a specific area. They make snorting, groaning and hissing sounds. They are active for most of the day but rest when it becomes hot. They are good jumpers and run with a distinct rocking horse gait, with the fore and hind legs kicked out stiffly with each leap.HabitatWithin these mountainous regimes, grassveld with some stones and rocks are preferred.Where they are foundGrey Rhebuck are not common, but is widespread in a suitable habitat. Found in the Eastern and Western Cape, suitable areas westward of the Cape Peninsula, Mpumalanga and Northern Province, high-lying areas of Lesotho, Free State, and the higher Drakensberg areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Adapted to mountain slopes, hills and plateaus.PredatorsLion, Leopard, Hyena, Cape Hunting Dog, Python and Jackal.Field NotesA little known fact is that the Rhebuck is the origin of the Reebok brand of sports show. The name was chosen for the animals ability in mountainous terrain and today is one of the top brands in the world. | ||
Steenbok |
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AppearanceRufous brown to fawn coat with long, broad ears. Measures 520mm at the shoulders and weigh 11 Kg. Hind quarters and underparts are pure white. Only rams have upright, slender horns projecting above the eyes. Conspicuous black, facial glands are situated in front of the large, dark brown eyes. These pre-orbital glands are noticeable in both sexes.DietThis fleet footed antelope is exclusively a browser, and shows a preference for forbs. It is generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot tips of various plants. The ability to exist independently of free water is related to its selective browsing habits. Roots, tubers and bulbs are taken during dry months by raking the ground, and even digging shoulder-deep, to reach these nutritious food supplies which are high in moisture content.BreedingBreeding season has not been clearly defined. All year round births have been recorded. They have a gestation period of about seven months, after which single lambs are born. Lambs are concealed for the first three to four months, during which time the mother only makes contact in the early morning and evening to feed and groom the infant. To conceal the infant’s presence, the mother eats her lamb’s faeces and drinks its urine during her visits, this keeps the hiding place relatively odour free and protected from predators.BehaviourRams and ewes defend and share a territory. They are mainly solitary. Males will mark off their territories with urine and secretions from gland under the chin as well as using dung. They are the only bovid who scrape the ground before and after urination and defecation. The males are known to use roads and telephone lines as boundaries. They have excellent hearing. They have been known to scavenge meat from carcasses as well as kill the young of ground birds but this is due to severe shortages of food.HabitatInhabits open savannah country where they are reliant on adequate cover in the form of taller grass and clumps of bushes. Absent or rarely seen in forests, mountains, dense woodlands and rocky areas. At times they take refuge in ant-bear holes, and uses these to bear their young.Where they are foundProbably the most abundant small antelope occurring in South Africa. Distributed widely throughout the country and considered a common species.PredatorsLeopard, Caracal, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Python and the Martial Eagle.Vital Statistics
Spoor DescriptionThe spoor looks almost the same as the Oribi's. The feet are just wider and more straight and even a slight bit bigger than the Oribi's. | ||
Steenbok |
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AppearanceRufous brown to fawn coat with long, broad ears. Measures 520mm at the shoulders and weigh 11 Kg. Hind quarters and underparts are pure white. Only rams have upright, slender horns projecting above the eyes. Conspicuous black, facial glands are situated in front of the large, dark brown eyes. These pre-orbital glands are noticeable in both sexes.DietThis fleet footed antelope is exclusively a browser, and shows a preference for forbs. It is generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot tips of various plants. The ability to exist independently of free water is related to its selective browsing habits. Roots, tubers and bulbs are taken during dry months by raking the ground, and even digging shoulder-deep, to reach these nutritious food supplies which are high in moisture content.BreedingBreeding season has not been clearly defined. All year round births have been recorded. They have a gestation period of about seven months, after which single lambs are born. Lambs are concealed for the first three to four months, during which time the mother only makes contact in the early morning and evening to feed and groom the infant. To conceal the infant’s presence, the mother eats her lamb’s faeces and drinks its urine during her visits, this keeps the hiding place relatively odour free and protected from predators.BehaviourRams and ewes defend and share a territory. They are mainly solitary. Males will mark off their territories with urine and secretions from gland under the chin as well as using dung. They are the only bovid who scrape the ground before and after urination and defecation. The males are known to use roads and telephone lines as boundaries. They have excellent hearing. They have been known to scavenge meat from carcasses as well as kill the young of ground birds but this is due to severe shortages of food.HabitatInhabits open savannah country where they are reliant on adequate cover in the form of taller grass and clumps of bushes. Absent or rarely seen in forests, mountains, dense woodlands and rocky areas. At times they take refuge in ant-bear holes, and uses these to bear their young.Where they are foundProbably the most abundant small antelope occurring in South Africa. Distributed widely throughout the country and considered a common species.PredatorsLeopard, Caracal, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Python and the Martial Eagle.Vital Statistics
Spoor DescriptionThe spoor looks almost the same as the Oribi's. The feet are just wider and more straight and even a slight bit bigger than the Oribi's. | ||
Suni |
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AppearanceThis petite antelope stands only 350mm at the shoulders, and rams weigh only 5 kg. Ewes are slightly larger and weighs 5.4 Kg. Light-brown to chestnut coat, fading slightly at the flanks. White underparts and inner legs. They have broad, rounded ears, ashy-grey on the outside and pink inside. Only the rams grow horns, which are short, straight, heavily ridged and smooth tipped. Of all African antelope, this species has the largest pre-orbital scent glands relative to body size.DietSunis feed on the forest floor, mostly at dawn and dusk. It takes freshly fallen leaves, fruits and flowers dislodged from trees.Breeding They
have a gestation period of about 6 months. Ewe's give birth to a single
fawn in summer. Newborn are hidden in thick bush and mothers return to
suckle and groom them. Most births occur from November to March. New
born are slightly darker than adults.BehaviourApart from being a very shy antelope, they are also rare. The Suni is primarily active during the evening and night, sleeping the rest of the day in a shady, sheltered area. These shy antelope have excellent camouflage, which they use to their advantage. When danger starts to approach, the Suni freezes, remaining hidden until the threat is nearly on top of them, at which point it leaps up and dodges around bushes and shrubs, quickly vanishing into the undergrowth.Males defend territories of about 3 hectares, scent-marking the boundaries with preorbital gland secretions. On the peripheries of each defended area may be individual or communal dung piles. Each male generally associates with a single female, even if several others share his territory. Weak barking and sharp whistling have been reported. HabitatThis tiny animal has retiring habits and are not often seen. Inhabits forests with a dense understory, as well as shrub and low ground cover.Where they are foundIn South Africa the distribution is restricted to the northern parts of the Kruger National Park, reserves and game farms in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, from where it ranges to coastal Mozambique.PredatorsThe young are heavily preyed upon by the rowned Eagle and Python. | ||
Tsessebe |
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AppearanceBulls have a mass of 140 Kg and measure 1.2 m at the shoulders, and are slightly larger than cows which weigh approximately 120 Kg. Both sexes grow horns, but those on bulls are heavier. When viewed from the front the horns appear typical ‘halfmoon’ shaped. It has a dark face with purple blotches on the shoulders, whereas the withers and upper body are reddish-brown.DietThey are grazers which utilise a wide range of grass species. They select the leaf over the stems. They prefer fresh growth, and are attracted to burnt areas.BreedingSeasonal breeders, which in South Africa give birth during September / October to single calves, after a gestation period of seven months. The rut takes place during mid-February and continues through to March. During the mating season elaborate displays by the bulls form part of the mating ritual.BehaviourTsessebe are social animals and their basic group structure consists of small breeding groups, each comprising of six to ten cows with their offspring. Bachelor groups and territorial bull herds may sometimes number up to 30 strong. This is especially noticeable near water and favourable gazing. Breeding herds consisting of cows are not restricted to a specific territory. In areas where tsessebe occur in higher densities, bulls establish typical ‘lek’ system territories. Young bulls form bachelor groups at the age of one year as they are pushed out of herds.Where they are foundThey belong to the same family as the Wildebeest and the Hartebeest, all of whom are characterised by an ungainly appearance as a result of their shoulders being higher than the withers. Only one of the several subspecies that are recognized, occur in the Subregion. In South Africa the tsessebe are confined to northern savannah woodlands. They are mostly confined to the Kruger National Park and some provincial game reserves. They have also been re-introduced to some private game farms.Vital Statistics
Spoor DescriptionIn patrolling their territories, territorial males maintain a steady gait and defecate at regular intervals. Both sexes mark their territories with the preorbital glands, but the territorial males are more active in doing so. They also rub the sides of their faces on the ground, usually on a termite mound or on a sandy patch, dropping to their knees to do so. Both sexes horn the ground, especially after rain. The animal has well developed interdigital glands on the front feet, and territorial males paw and scrape the ground as a means of territorial marking. | ||
Burchells Zebra |
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Name Burchell’s Zebra [Equus burchelli]AppearanceBody stripes are less numerous and broader than that of the Cape Mountain Zebra, whereas body stripes extend around the belly. Leg striping is less prominent. Measures 1.3 to 1.4 metres at the shoulder and weighs 300-320 Kg. They have rounded ears approximately 160-170 mm long. Front portion of mane forms a black tuft between the ears. DietPredominantly a grazer, feeding in areas with short grass. Zebra have a strong sensitive upper lip with which it gathers herbage by collecting the grass between the lip and the lower incisors before plucking the harvest. Breeding Non
seasonal breeder, foals may be born in any month. However, under
optimal conditions more foals are born during summer. After a gestation
period of 360-390 days, a single foal is born, which weighs 30-35 Kg.
Foals are weaned at the age of 11 months.BehaviourThe Burchell’s Zebra lives in small family units, which typically consist of one stallion and one mare with their foals. Non-breeding stallions occur in bachelor groups. Herd stallions are between four to 12 years old. Water holes in conjunction with favoured grazing areas attract family groups which collectively congregate in large numbers. They are often seen in close association with Wildebeest, other plains Antelope and Baboons.Habitat Short
grassland areas within savanna woodland and grassland plains constitute
the preferred habitat. Their dependence on water restricts the
Burchell’s Zebra to wander further than ten to 12 km from water. Densely
vegetated areas are avoided.Where they are found Unmistakably
a member of the horse family. This species is the largest of the two
distinct species inhabiting South Africa’s wild life domain. The ranges
of the Burchell’s Zebra and the Cape Mountain Zebra are mutually
exclusive. The Cape mountain Zebra is confined to the Cape mountainous
regions, whereas that of the Burchell’s Zebra coincides with woodland
and grassy plains.Field NotesThe Burchell’s Zebra is the closest relative to the extinct Quagga which roamed the southern plains of South Africa until the 19th century, so close in fact that scientists are using DNA from chosen individual to attempt to bring the Quagga back.Each individual Zebra has unique markings and act in similar fashion as fingerprints in humans. It is said that newborn Zebra stay close to the mother to imprint her patterns. The southern Burchell’s Zebra has a distinctive shadow brown stripe in the white stripe, a characteristic which diminishes the further north they occur. | ||
