Fauna & Flora

It is a very special moment each morning to be woken by the call of the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), especially given the fact that at this time of the year the Ingwelala water courses are usually bone dry. 

The Flame Creeper (Combretum microphyllum) when in flower is a brightly coloured creeper to look out for on your travels around Ingwelala.

Our species of the month is the Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)

At this time of the year, the fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), is notably active, especially at last light.

These banded mongooses (Mungos mungo) have really cashed in on a protein supply of freshwater mussels, located in stagnant water pools along the Nhlaralumi River. The feeding behaviour and skill set of the mongooses is fascinating and the biology of the freshwater mussel is intriguing.

Where there is water there are frogs. Members in Bungalow # 197 brought to my attention these tiny Marbled Snout-burrower frogs (Hemisus marmoratus) occasionally found in the swimming pool.

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an animal that has always fascinated me, its shape and size unmistakable in the African savanna with its intriguing physiological adaptations.

The Greater Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) is highly nomadic and partially migratory.

Grey Herons are commonly found in South Africa, and it may be confused with the Black-Headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala).

The cool winter mornings in the bushveld are currently being greeted by the somewhat mournful call of the Grey-headed Bush-Shrike (Malaconotus blanchoti).

The Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri is a conservation icon of South Africas savannas. Once widespread and fairly common, a recent analysis of the species status in South Africa has revealed that both its range and numbers decreased

A definitive sound in the dawn chorus at this time of the year is the enthusiastic contribution from the Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris).

Retz’s Helmet-Shrike (Prionops retzii) occurs widely through Africa, south of the equator. Preferred habitat is riverine woodland, mopani woodland and deciduous. Sexes are alike in appearances.

An adult hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) that died from fighting injuries at Buffels Hide revealed some interesting intra species behaviour.

When travelling around the Reserve, keep a look out for what seems like “clay balls” as depicted in this picture. 

The following text is an account from a Member who came face to face with a hyena in camp early one morning.

The characteristic sound of the impala rutting season can not be mistaken in the African bushveld and this ancient ritual of activity peaks during the month of May.

Chris Thorpe (an Ingwelala Member) very kindly drafted the text below to explain the identification and distinction between Euphorbia and cactus plants. 

The name Jackal is often used to describe a cunning nature and a versatility which is a hallmark of this species.

An unmistakable call is that of the Side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) which is accentuated in camp during the cold crisp winter evenings, piercing the night air as its high pitch echoes and hollows, disclosing its whereabouts.