WILDLIFE REPORT

SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA For the month of October, Two Thousand and Fifteen

Temperature Rainfall Recorded Sunrise & Sunset Average minimum: 19.2°C (66.8°F) For the period: 17 mm Sunrise: 05:10 Average maximum: 32°C (89.6°F) For the year to date: 147.5 mm Sunset: 18:00 Minimum recorded: 17°C (62.6°F) Maximum recorded: 40°C (104°F) Buffalo: A breeding herd of around fifty buffalo have been seen regularly in the central region of the concession, moving to and from the eastern and western boundaries in search of water. A few bachelor herds have also been seen trailing behind the breeding herd or at rest near the last remaining water points.

Leopards: The N’wanetsi male has been seen on ten occasions this month. He spends most of his time along the riverine vegetation of the N’wanetsi River, waiting for animals to come down and drink at one of the last remaining pools just north of the lodges. The Xhikelengane female was seen regularly this month and spent most of her time on the western half of the concession. We had great views of her feeding on an impala carcass. The Mahlangulene female has been keeping a leopard-low profile, but guests enjoyed one sighting of her male cub mid-month.

Cheetahs: Cheetah sightings have been on the increase this month. Two sub-adult male cheetahs were seen on eight different occasions, using the central area as their new hunting ground. We were also thrilled and privileged to see a mother and four newborn cubs in the north-western part of our concession.

Elephants:

The elephants have been concentrated along the N’wanetsi River feeding on the green riverine vegetation. This photo was taken of a young bull elephant scratching off dried mud from his rear end, to remove ticks and other ecto-parasites. The elephants can regularly be seen taking mud baths during the heat of the day to try and relieve them from the hot and dry conditions we're experiencing.

Lions: The lion viewing has been spectacular! The Shishangaan females and youngsters have regularly been seen near the lodges. Their hunting efforts have been very successful and we often came across them feeding on animals that they managed to ambush near the water’s edge. The Shishangaan males have remained further north in the concession mating with the Mountain pride females. The Xhirombe pride was only seen on one occasion, in the east towards our boundary with Mozambique.

Hyenas: There's a new spotted hyena den near camp. The (H6) clan members, including their cubs are extremely relaxed with vehicles and we are able to get great views of the young ones suckling and playing. The youngest cubs are still dark brown in colour and should start developing a spotted coat around four months of age. The Nyokene clan were seen regularly towards the beginning of the month. The Nyokene cubs are growing up quickly and becoming more inquisitive.

Sharpe’s grysbok (Raphicerus sharpei) Article by Chantelle Venter The Sharpe’s grysbok is generally scarce and localized, preferring fertile zones on the lower foothills, in amongst secondary growth and low thickets. It is predominantly nocturnal and lives in territories with pairs forming a loose association, therefore usually seen singly. They are browsers and feed on leaves, buds, herbs and fruits. Their status is difficult to assess due to their shy nature, and is believed to be on the decline. When disturbed, they will run away by means of rapid, short, stamping hops. They have also been recorded hiding in aardvark burrows. Not much else has been documented with regards to their behaviour and habits...

Rock monitor (Varanus albigularis) Article by Chantelle Venter

Rock monitors are the second largest species of lizard in southern Africa and can reach a body length of up to 80 cm. Their tails are laterally compressed and longer than their body. The head shape of the rock monitor differs from the slender shaped head of a water monitor as it has a bulbous and convex snout, which gives the head a box shaped appearance. Their eyes are well developed and they also have movable eyelids. They have pink or bluish coloured tongues that are forked like that of a snake. The legs of the rock monitor are strong and each toe has a curved claw used for digging holes or in aid of defence. Rock monitors spend most of their time on the ground (terrestrial), but can also be seen climbing trees or spending time in rocky areas. They feed mainly on invertebrates like beetles and millipedes but their diet also includes snakes, lizards, rodents, birds, eggs and carrion. Rock monitors will lash their tails, claw, bite and even sham death when threatened.

Even though these lizards are widely distributed, they have been listed in the first reptile Red Data book in South Africa and remain on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) II, due to their skins being sought after in the leather industry as well as for traditional medicine (known as the ‘muti trade’). Photo by Barry Pei Leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) Article by Chantelle Venter

The leopard tortoise is the largest species of tortoise in southern Africa and can exceed 40kg, however, most adults weigh in the region of 8 - 12 kg. Females usually grow to be larger than males. The leopard tortoise’s carapace can vary in shape, colour, degree of patterning and the shell is not hinged. They have well developed legs with five claws on each of the front feet and four claws on each of the hind feet. Males have much longer tails than females and a concaved plastron (underside) in order to facilitate mating.

The breeding season is typically September through to April. During this time male leopard tortoises engage in combat by butting, ramming, and on some occasions even turning over their opponents. The males have an extremely direct approach to courting a female by trailing her and then butting her into submission. Copulation can be a noisy affair and grunts, gasps, wheezes and groans can be heard from the male. Once gravid, females will find a suitable site (usually sunny and well-drained) for digging a hole to lay her eggs. She will often urinate to soften the soil if the ground is too hard. Several clutches of 6 - 18 eggs are laid between October and May. The female will cover the hole with her hind legs and compact the soil before moving away.

The leopard tortoise feeds on a variety of plants for example succulents, grass shoots and fallen fruit. They do not have teeth, but use their horny beaks to shear off bite-sized chunks. They can sometimes be seen chewing on bones or feeding on predator droppings to obtain the calcium they need in order to strengthen their shells. September moments in time

Lion versus elephant

Rush hour at Gudzane Dam

Marabou stork

Another perfect sunset

Articles by Chantelle Venter All photos by Barry Peiser, unless otherwise indicated

Singita Kruger National Park South Africa

Thirty-first of October 2015