Archive for November 16, 2011

Did You Know – Natal Hinged Tortoise

Lacey / November 16, 2011 / No comments

Natal Hinged Tortoise Scientific name / Genus: Kinixys Description: A group of tortoises who have a hinge between the 7 and 8th marginal scutes (plates) of their shell. Diet: Various - Grasses, forbs, indigenous fruits, succulents, millipedes, insects, snails, carrion and mushrooms. Habitat: Occur in a wide range of habitats including bushveld, thornveld, savanna woodland, forest and grassland. Restricted to North Eastern parts of South Africa. Breeding: Most recorded matings are Sep-Nov, but Natal Hinged tortoise has been observed in Feb. Clutches between 2-10 hardshelled eggs laid in Nov-Apr. Bell's hinged tortoise lays several clutches. Incubation 3-10+ months, hatching Sep-April. Conservation: The Natal Hinged Tortoise is IUCN listed as 'Near Threatened' due to extensive habitat destruction Different species within genus: - Bell's Hinged Tortoise; Kinixys belliana - Lobatse Hinged Tortoise; Kinixys lobatsiana - Natal hinged tortoise; Kinixys natalensis - Speke's hinged tortoise; kinixys spekii Male or female: Avg shell length 155-210mm. Avg weight 600g to 1.8kg. Females larger than males. Hinge may be absent or ill-formed in juveniles Did You Know: - Tortoises are more active in the rain - Have lived up to 22 years in captivity

Category: Albizia camp, Bushwire, Environmental Awareness Course, Our animals / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Did You Know – Suni

Lacey / November 2, 2011 / No comments

The latest in our quiz sheets! The Suni :)

Suni Scientific name: Neotragus moschatus Description: A very small species of African antelope - can be mistaken for very young duiker. Very little is known about these reclusive animals. Habitat: Rarely seen, found in dense woodland. Have a limited distribution usually in sandforest and coastal forest in North East of South Africa. Communication: Usually thought to be silent, few reported cases of barking. When distressed will cry like a human baby. Male or female: Approx 350mm high. Female/ Male 5.4kg/5kg Both have Light brown - chestnut coloured coat with white underparts and inner legs. Young are slightly darker. Rounded ears are pink inside, grey outside. Rams grow smooth tipped horns with deep ridges. Behaviour: Usually diurnal, the Suni will hide the day away in a sheltered, shady spot. Both males and females are territorial, with home ranges varying from 1-8 hectares depending on habitat suitability. Males mark their territory with the scent glands on their cheek (pre-orbital scent glands). Diet: Feed from the forest floor on newly fallen leaves, flowers and fruit. Usually will feed at dusk and dawn. Predators: Prey to many, the Suni use their camoflague and wait until the last minute to run away. Life Expectancy Unknown Did you know: - Suni sightings are even rarer than that of Leopard. - Suni have the largest pre-orbital scent glands relative to size of all African antelopes. - There are thought to be less than 1000 Suni in Zululand

Category: Albizia camp, Did you know?, Environmental Awareness Course / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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