The abundant surface water has resulted in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) popping up all over. From the Class; Reptilia, Nile crocodiles are fairly widespread through central, western and southern Africa and also occur in the western parts of Madagascar.
Of late I have being punting the point of how wonderful the Nhlaralumi River is functioning with fewer upstream impoundments. The natural processes that follow are remarkable in such a short space of time since the failing of certain dams in January 2012.
We often refer to alien plant species in the various communications from the Reserve. I thought it may be worthwhile looking at the true definition of these alien species and the immediate impact to the Ingwelala properties.
Nature provides plenty of tangible evidence that there is a change in seasons. However, an endearing olfactory clue for me that there is a shift in season is the early evening scent of the potato bush, Phyllanthus reticulatus.
Each (summer) season that passes on its own peculiarities, and this season was no exception. One phenomenon was an abundance of praying mantises, of various species, shapes, colours and sizes.
The larvae phase of Processionary Moths that appear in caterpillar type form are currently active and are best seen when crossing roads. Processions take place when migrations occur between feeding stations.
Terminalia prunioides, commonly known as Purple-pod Cluster-leaf or Lowveld Cluster-leaf, and in Afrikaans as Sterkbos, is a striking tree in the landscape during mid summer.
The most striking activity during the reporting period has been a sudden influx of thousands upon thousands of red-billed queleas (Quelea quelea). To describe their numbers and activities in words is almost impossible.
Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and other mammals that is caused by a virus transmitted by animal bites. It is the oldest infectious disease known to man and has been present for more than 3000 years.
Whilst driving around the Reserve, I have made an interesting observation regarding elephant utilization of Grewia spp. (Raisin bush).
The abundant Red Bushwillows are deciduous by nature, and usually amongst the first to forewarn us of a change in season as their leaves turn from a brilliant summer green to a golden yellow.
This mostly solitary ground bird (Lophotis ruficrista) can be found in most of the northern and north-eastern parts of South Africa.
What do we know about these creatures that we share a space with? Here is an interesting article about scorpions, their habits and habitats, with advice, do's and don'ts.
The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a well known terrestrial raptor, easily identified by its unusually long bare legs, long tail, crested head and unique gait.
The Shepherd's tree (Boscia albitrunca) is an easy tree to identify on your travels around the Reserve, especially in the northern reaches of Buffelsbed and Sibon.
Thank you to Chris and Auriel Thorpe in Bungalow # 197 for sharing the fascinating world of the Southern White- Crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens) and Black Cuckoo-Shrike (Campephaga flava) with us.
The Sjambok pod (Cassia abbreviata) is a deciduous tree that is easily identified through its exceptionally long tail like seedpods. An alternate common name is the Long-tail Cassia.
Snakes have been noticeably active and hunting for food, characteristic of them “fattening” up ahead of the cooler months to follow when they become less active.
Johan Marais is a world-renowned herpetologist who very kindly provided Ingwelala with the following educational material on snakes that we are likely to encounter in South Africa.
For this reporting month I thought it may be worthwhile to look at one of the less common established trees of Ingwelala and delve into its existence a little deeper.
