Month: March 2013

Often we take for granted what we have. We become so blasé about living in the most beautiful country in the world. And VERY often we do not see what is right in front of us.

This morning on my way to work I spotted a large bird of prey in my favourite Leadwood tree. I pass this tree about three or four times a day and it never ceases to amaze me. Just the sheer thought of what this tree must have experienced in its lifetime. Sadly as you have probably read on Bernard’s blog, this tree got broken quite badly in a recent thunderstorm.

But I am getting ahead of myself now. I approached the large bird with caution as I did not want it to fly off before I had identified it. I somehow managed to position the vehicle almost right underneath the Raptor and to my delight saw that it was a magnificent Martial Eagle! He was completely relaxed and keeping a curious eye on me. I excitedly explained to Gerard what it was and he immediately grabbed my camera out of my bag so that I could snap a couple of pictures. It was a beautiful sighting as the sun was only just starting to rise in the east. There were a couple of clouds on the horizon and this added to the splendour of the shot. I have seen a couple of Martial Eagles on Moditlo Private Game Reserve but seldom this close.

Martial Eagles are the largest of the African Eagles and have enough power to knock a grown man off his feet; they also reputedly have enough strength in one foot to break a man’s arm. The Martial Eagle weighs in about 14 pounds (6.5kg) and has a wingspan of around 6 feet 4 inches and it is about 32 inches long.

The prey of a Martial Eagle varies from area to area but largely consists of birds like Spurfowl, Guinea Fowl, bustards and poultry – the latter often making them a rather unpopular with farmers. They will also opt for mammalian which include Hyraxes and small antelope. Livestock also fall in this category and domestic goats and lambs often fall prey to the Martial Eagle.

Nests are built between 60 and 80 feet above the ground in trees normally growing on a steep hillside or in a gorge. This gives the Eagle a clear sweep of the nest. Nests are huge structures of about four to six feet across and up to four feet thick and often basin shaped. Incubation period is around 45 days and the young will take their first flight around 100 days after hatching.

I have to admit that this sighting was a treat indeed, and it just made me realize how quickly we have become unappreciative of our living environment. We are truly blessed to be able to see animals of all shapes and sized on our way to and from work every day.

I am incredibly fortunate to be living in Africa.

Every morning when we drive to work we come across the same couple of Giraffe. The collective noun for Giraffe is a Journey or a Tower of Giraffe. They are probably the most photographed and interesting mammals that you will come across on Safari at Vuyani Safari Lodge.

Giraffe are the tallest mammals and male Giraffe can measure between 5 and 6 meters (16-20 ft.) and has an average weight of 1,600 kg for males and around 830 kg for females. Giraffe usually inhabit woodland, savannah and open grassland. Their primary food source is Acacia leaves which they browse at heights most other herbivores cannot reach.

Giraffe are preyed on by Lions and young calves are targeted by Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Wild Dog. Male Giraffe establish hierarchy through “necking” which is combats where the neck is used as a weapon, these encounters can last for quite some time and is amazing to observe. On occasion one of the Giraffe will be knocked to the ground in this battle.

The giraffe has an extensive tongue which measures about 20 cm in length and is a bluish – purple color. The tongue is extremely rough in texture, covered with bristly hairs and this is to protect it against the sharp Acacia thorns. Although the Giraffe boasts such a long neck, it possesses the same amount of vertebrae as a human.

Female Giraffe give birth whilst standing up and the calf can drop for about 6 ft. after a gestation period of 400 to 460 days. The calf is not hurt when it drops to the ground and the umbilical cord it also immediately severed but the fall. Giraffe calves can stand and run within hours of being born, they are around 1.8 meters tall.

Giraffe sleep standing up, but will lie down on occasion keeping their heads erect, as when they are lying down they are extremely vulnerable to predation, also when drinking water. They have to stand with legs apart and lower their necks and head to take a drink. This is an utmost opportunistic time for predators to attack.

It is possible to determine the sex of a giraffe by looking at its horns, both male and female have horns, but the female will have smaller horns covered with hair, whilst the male’s horns will be bare, the hair tends to rub off during the ‘necking’ process.

Giraffe can live for up to 25 years, and I reckon they are one of the most unique and interesting mammals on the African Continent

Photos by Rina Erasmus