Tag Archive for stay in south africa

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: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunbird Building Nest

Lacey / September 16, 2011 / No comments

Spring is in the air at Umkhumbi Lodge. The birds are singing and soar through the air as they fly in search of nest building materials. One such bird is the Sunbird. Using spiderwebs to secure their nest materials the Sunbirds ensure that their eggs have the very best chance of survival.

In the video below you can observe the female sunbird adding grasses to her nest.

Category: Bushwire, Our animals / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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