Page 59 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Catch a glimpse of South Africa’s birds

a Cape buffalo

These powerful bovines live in South Africa’s
floodplains and grasslands. There are 900,000 buffalo
in the wild, with over three-quarters living in protected
areas. Their horns can be up to one-metre (39-inches)
apart and have fused bases. Buffalo require water daily,
so water holes are prime viewing spots. Be sure to stick
with your guide, though, as Cape buffalo can be dangerous. Blue crane
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, South Africa’s
national bird feeds in the dry grasslands of Karoo, only
venturing into the wetlands during the nesting season.

Ostrich
The largest living species of bird, the ostrich is native
to Africa and roams the savannahs and deserts. Its
powerful legs can cover 5m (16€) in one stride and can
kill a lion with one kick.

Take a trip with some turtles Cape white-eye

Native to southern Africa, these versatile birds are
found in savannahs, forests, scrublands and wetlands.
While the savannahs may be the biggest conservation effort at their nesting grounds They are 12cm (4.7in) long, with rounded wings and a
attraction, the beaches offer an equally in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and visitors to striking ring of white feathers around their eyes.
spectacular experience. South Africa has just the iSimangaliso Wetland Park can take
two species of turtle nesting on its shores: a guided tour to see these beautiful creatures as
leatherback turtles and loggerhead turtles. they make their epic first journey from their nests
They are the focus of a major community to the ocean.

Spot an elusive

leopard
African pygmy kingfisher
Despite being masters of stealth and disguise, Unlike other kingfishers, these vivid migrating birds
African leopards are threatened by poaching. feed on insects rather than fish. They are found in the
And while the South African government has Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Reserve between
imposed a year-long ban on hunting leopards September and December, where they lay their eggs.
for 2016 in a bid to boost their numbers,
it’s unknown how many remain in the wild.
However, The Limpopo Leopard Conservation
Project aims to protect them through camera
trapping and behaviour documentation.
The best place to see these elusive cats
is in Karoo National Park or Kruger National
Park, and while sightings are rare, the best
time to see them is at night when they hunt.
The Londolozi Game Reserve, located within Lilac-breasted roller
the Greater Kruger National Park, specialises These colourful birds perch on treetops looking for
in leopard spotting and has been recognised insects, lizards, scorpions and rodents in the open
for its conservation ethic. woodlands and savannahs. It is the national bird of
neighbouring Kenya and has a harsh ‘rack, rack’ call.

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