Warthogs do not have warts per se. The growths on the side of their faces just below the eye level resemble warts. Tusks are used to dig for roots and can be used to defend themselves. There are a top set and a bottom set. The top ones are prominent and are curved. The bottom ones are razor sharp and will inflict serious damage if used in self defence. Warthogs also enter their burrows backwards. This is to facilitate a speedy exit and so they can see what is ahead of them. Male Warthogs can weigh up to 90Kg.They are predated on by all of the big cats as well as pythons.

Sleeping Warthog

Although visually traumatic, natural death in the wild is a necessary and important part of the ecosystem. As one creature dies others flourish. This magnificent kudu bull died of natural causes. It’s a fully grown  kudu bull and can be seen from the size and number of twists in its horns.

The word crocodile strikes fear in many – and not surprising. This super predator is a dangerous reptile. Eating everything from carrion to fish its an important member of the food chain. Crocs are very adaptable and can cross vasts tracts of land to get to water. This juvenile croc measured some 1.5 meters – note the striking markings.

A red billed ox-pecker provides a necessary service. Animals tolerate these little birds whilst they search in their ears, mouths, nose and other hard to get areas to rid them of parasites & ticks. Their nests are lined from animal hair which the pluck from the animal.

The primary food for these bird is blood. Although they feed on bloated ticks they also continually peck at open wounds. This of course extends the healing of open wounds on animals.

Searching for a snack

Nyala Bulls are awesome antelope. Their single turn, white tipped horns compliment their painted faces. Only bulls have horns and are strikingly different in colour to Nyala cows.

Nyala Bull

Water buck are magnificent African animals. The bulls have large horns and all have the tell tale white markings on their rumps. They have long hair and emit an oily secretion that produces a fouls smell. Despite their name they are not at home in the water.

Waterbuck cow

Resembling an over sized guinea pig the Rock Hyrax/Rock Rabbit/Dassie is a common site in South Africa and are very adaptable. They live in colonies and are predominantly found on rocky outcrops. Normally one male has many females, the females have a gestation period of 7 0r r 8 months – unusual for a mammal this size. They eat grass, berries, eggs, shoots and do so cautiously – looking around for predators between mouthfuls. They can live long periods without water as they get the nutrition from what they eat. they are preyed upon by pythons, eagles, leopards and the other smaller cats and scurry at the shrill shriek of a family member. Dassie feet are rubber like to assist them with climbing.

just chilling

A familiar visitor to gardens on the eastern side of South Africa. This bush snake is an agile climber and is often mistaken for a dangerous snake albeit totally harmless. The black markings and large eye are easy identifiers.

At home