Fauna & Flora

An interesting observation at this time of the year following the Nhlaralumi flowing in the summer is the congregation of large waders at the receding water pools along the river course.

The common warthog, Phacochoerus africanus, is no stranger to Ingwelala, often seen grazing on the lawned area around the swimming pool. 

Common waterbuck (Kobus ellipsipyrymnus ssp. ellipsipyrmnus) are large antelope with a limited distribution in the northern and north-eastern parts of the Subregion. In Afrikaans the waterbuck is known as waterbok and in Shangaan as mhitlwa. 

We have recently been blessed with sightings of a white lion on Ingwelala...

The White-headed Vulture (Aegypius occipitalis) is one of five species of vultures that can be seen at Ingwelala. Of huge concern is the steady decline of population numbers for the White-headed Vulture.

Our rare tree of the year this year is the Tree Wisteria (Balusanthus speciosus).

Special mention is made of the two sausage trees (Kigelia Africana) at the office that have flowered twice this summer. The sausage tree is relatively well known and easy to identify when in flower and bearing fruit.

Yellow Mouse-whiskers (Cleome angustifolia) have flowered in abundance this summer. No two seasons are the same, and it is interesting to observe and compare over the years the conditions that favour different species of plants.

Every now and again one hears a sound at night which, although is entirely believable, still seems out of kilter. One such sound occurred the other night when a herd of zebras chose to be very vocal.