Tag Archive for school trips

Did You Know – Flat Lizard

Lacey / February 8, 2012 / No comments

Lebombo Flat lizard Platysaurus Lebomboensis Description: Small to medium sized African Lizards, there name is derived from their 'flattened' shape. Habitat: Occur in South Africa (in the Northern KwaZulu Natal province), Swaziland and Transvaal. They are rock specialists and their flattened body shape means that they are able to enter even the smallest crevices. Behaviour: Flat lizards are diurnal and become active when the direct sun touches the burrow entrance. They bask in the sun next to their burrow entrances to regulate body temperature. When theyare not basking they are actively foraging (including jumping into the air to catch flies) or socialising with other lizards. Diet: Flat lizards mostly eat invertebraes such as; wasps, bees, flies, caterpillars, ants, beetles and butterflies. Male/female: Female and juvenile, dark with 3 pale longitudinal psrralel lines down their backs. Males are brightly coloured with orange tails and flanks and green/blue chins. Did You Know: Common flat lizards have even been known to eat figs! | There are 13 different species of lizard. | In some species of flat lizard the females are just as brightly coloured as the males.

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Did You Know – Narina Trogon

Lacey / February 2, 2012 / No comments

Narina Trogon factsheet is this weeks factsheet, see belowlearn about Narina Trogon

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Did You Know – Pygmy Kingfisher

Lacey / October 12, 2011 / No comments

See below for the latest in our factsheet series.
Pygmy Kingfisher Scientific name: Ispidina picta Description: The African Pygmy Kingfisher is the smallest Kingfisher in the region at 13cm high. Habitat: Found in the West of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Non-aquatic the pygmy kingfisher is found in woodland, savannah and coastal forests. Diet: Unlike most Kingfishers, the pygmy Kingfisher does not eat fish.Their diet consists mainly of insects, however they will also devour small lizards and frogs when available. Despite its small size the Pygmy Kingfisher can easily control large prey by bashing it on a tree or stone until it stops fighting. Calls: High pitched 'chip chip' when flying. Male/ Female: Adults the same. Juveniles similar to adult but with darkish bill (beak). Breeding: Usually breeding between October and December the pygmy kingfishers nest in an old burrow or tunnel on a bank. 3 - 6 eggs are normally laid in the nest. Did You Know: - Only Kingfisher that doesn't eat fish. - Can be distinguished from malachite kingfisher by its small size and the violet wash around its ears.

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Did You Know – Purple-Crested Turaco

Lacey / September 21, 2011 / No comments

See our factsheet below for more information about the purple-crested Turaco (formerly known as the purple-crested Lourie).

Purple crested turaco Formerly known as the Purple-crested lourie Scientific name: Musophaga porphyreolopha Description: Colourful African forest bird with red underwings and distinctive call. It differs from the other Turacos due its very dark purple crest, and the lack of white around the eyes. Diet: Feeds almost exclusiely on fruits Habitat: Tends to be found in coastal and riverine forests, sometimes also found in broad leaved woodland. Inhabits a large portion of Eastern African continent including; South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Male/female/juvenile: Adults the same. Juvenile is duller in colour. Call: Loud 'kok-kok-kok-kok' call Nest behavior: Both sexes build the nest. Usually one will return with sticks to give to the other who will place it in the nest. 2-4 eggs are laid which are incubated by both parents for approx 3 weeks. Chicks are ready to fly at 38 days. Did you know: Despite being brightly coloured, the purple crested turaco is hard to spot. It is mostly noticed by the bright red feathers of their underwings as they move from tree to tree.

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Did You Know – Cocktail Ant

Lacey / September 7, 2011 / No comments

See below the factsheet for the South African Cocktail Ant
Cocktail Ant Scientific Name: Crematogaster peringueyi Description: Small ant species indigenous to South Africa. Habitat: Diverse habitat, usually found in a forested area. Distribution is along the East Coast of South Africa. Predators: Surprisingly few due to red colour and irritant fluid. Tend to be preyed upon mainly by birds. Food: Worker ants tend aphids and coccid insects for honeydew. Social structure: Like all ants they form colonies which comprise of a queen and worker ants. There are many different types of worker ant - some work in the nursery, some collect food, some protect the colony e.t.c. Communication: Unknown, presumed same as standard ant - Using pheremones (scents). e.g. an ant that finds food will leave a scent trail on his way to the colony for other ants to follow. Male or Female: This doesn't really apply to Ants.Two types of ant instead; Queen - Body length 6mm Worker ant - Body length 3-6mm, 2 segmented waist, head, thorax and legs reddish brown and black. Life Expectancy: Unknown, presumed to be the same as a standard ant - 90 days (worker ant) Did you know? Cocktail ants will build their nests near birds nests so that as the birds protect their own nests from predators they inadvertently protect the ants. Cocktail ants are called that because they cock their tails in the air and squirt on the bite.

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