The rangers at Amakhosi were given a new toy for Christmas, one which would be able to capture these elusive creatures in their most natural state. This type of camera is used worldwide to gather & analyze information of nocturnal animals not seen regularly.
One of these is the Leopard. The fiercest cat in Africa - built for power and adapted to a solitary lifestyle.
Big male leopard caught on camera across the river from our Isigodlo Villa. Male leopards can weigh up to 90kg, with a head/body length of 190cm & shoulder height of 78cm.
The territory of a male may overlap several female ranges, but these cats are not very social & meet only to mate. Females raise their cubs alone which reach sexual maturity at 3 years of age.
Leopards are IUCN Endangered & CITES 1. Their numbers are declining due to unnecessary persecution by farmers, habitat loss & hunting.
The Hyena with its crazy giggling and howling is an integral part of the African night. Hard to imagine sitting by a camp-fire without the whooping of hyenas in the distance! These beautiful predators are misunderstood by many people and falsely branded with a bad reputation. Hyenas are the refuse collectors of nature & without them the veld would be littered with carcasses & bones. At Amakhosi we have 2 types of hyenas – the well-known Spotted Hyena and its cousin the Brown Hyena. On camera we have caught the lesser known Brown Hyena on several occasions. This has of course aroused much excitement amongst the rangers.
The sloping back which gives the hyena its cowardly appearance is actually an adaptation to their energy-efficient gait when they forage. The forequarters are massive compared to the rest of the body. This is to accommodate a large head & neck, well-equipped with powerful temperalis and masseter muscles. Hyenas are very successful since they are great hunters, have lots of stamina and don’t mind left-overs.
Another shy & interesting creature caught on camera is the Antbear (Ardvark). With its long ears, flat snout & exceptional diggers, this creature is unique & unmistakable.
Anbears are endemic to Africa & there is only 1 species in the world.
The night is alive with fascinating animals! Each has their own unique characteristics & behaviors, but all equally important in the African bush and found right here at Amakhosi.
