Fauna & Flora

November marks the return of several migrant bird species, in particular the Woodland Kingfisher.

It is hard to believe that winter is behind us and within the month the first of the Yellow-billed Kites (Milvus aegyptius) will return for their annual summer visit. At Ingwelala it is the subspecies M. A. parasitus that we have come to know and view appreciatively.

This small antelope is a favourite amongst many nature enthusiasts. It may be due to the sheer reward of seeing one as the klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus), has mastered the uncanny art of blending into its environment.

Our species of the month is the Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)

The knob thorn (Acacia nigrescens) brings a beautiful colour to the landscape at this time of the year. Knob thorns are plentiful in the Lowveld, their yellow flowers drawing a distinctive contrast

Our species of the month is the Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori

An Ingwelala animal that is naturally more visible during the cooler and dry winter months is the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros).

Often there is commentary from interested bird watchers regarding the name changes to birds by taxonomists, just when you feel confident about a bird identification and name, the name is changed! For example, questions are asked of the difference between Francolins and Spurfowls, between Louries and Turacos, to name but a few of the species.

The leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is an iconic cat, a member of the world renowned Big Five, and symbolic of stealth, cunning and concealment.

Lerps are interesting to look out for, in this case present on a mopane leaf.

Africa’s most beautiful multi-colored bird. This common resident in the Greater Kruger might possibly even be the most photographed bird even though it is difficult to capture because of its active behaviour.

The African lion, Panthera leo, is an iconic animal, symbolising power and strength, and endearingly branded as the “King of Beasts”.

The long-tail cassia Cassia (Cassia abbreviata) is an indigenous tree species that grows up to about 7m tall.

The Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is known as "Ukanyi" in Tsonga.

A recent and rare sighting by one of our members at the Buffelsbed hide regarding hippo behaviour is the topic of this report, thanks to Jo Baard for delving a little deeper into the subject.

During the month of Late September early November or just after the first rains you will notice while driving around on Ingwelala a bright yellow flower. This is the Mopane Pomegranate ( Rhigozum zambesiacum).

Have you ever wondered where mopane worms go after defoliating large tracts of mopane trees on the reserve? I did, and after investigation, found them to be quite fascinating little creatures.

With a Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina) spotted near Farmhouse Crossing by bungalow 66, it is only fitting that this bird is our species of the month!

I was in the Workshop the other day chatting to Nelson when he suddenly said to me “Oh, I forgot to show you something yesterday, come and have a look” - all with a dead straight face. 

A very special time in the bushveld occurs during the full moon phase. This is even more so during the warm summer months when one can comfortably sit outside on warm balmy evenings, bathed in glorious moonlight, and absorb the wonders of our natural world.