South Africa Wildlife Diversity
by Dave Blottie
The nation of South Africa is about half the size of the USA and it is blessed with a large variety of ecological systems, which support populations of the most interesting animals in the world. Kruger National Park is one of the largest in the world and was among the first to be created.
When you think of Africa, most people visualize steamy, dense jungles. There are such jungles in South Africa, but there are open plains, vast deserts, and an abundance of locations with moderate temperatures. All of Africa’s “Big Five” creatures live within the boundaries of this vast country, which makes it very interesting and very dangerous. The “Big Five” are the Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, and Cape Buffalo. South Africa can also boast a sixth Apex Creature, with an abundance of Great White Sharks, which have the unique behavior of leaping out of the water to capture their seal and sea lion prey.
In 2016, I had the opportunity to tour the eastern half of South Africa over a three week period, where I was able to capture photos of much of the wildlife diversity the country supports. Some of that diversity is expanding, as fast as other elements of that diversity are shrinking, as foreign species are being introduced by collectors, who have not adequately contained the items in their collection, a process that is afflicting many parts of the world, including the US. This photo collection, however, will focus on the natural members of the South Africa ecosystems.
The photos are in the order they were shot, starting in Johannesburg. We then traveled north to the Kruger National Park Area. We moved inland from there, to the arid areas that feature the ostriches. We finished our touring in the Cape Town Area, finding the penguins and also finding their “Wine Country.”
This photo demonstrate that juvenile elephants love to submerge in water and blow bubbles, but they are in danger from poachers that cross the borders to take the ivory tusks, killing many elephants in that illegal activity. You will be glad to know, however, that there are now organizations that round up the juvenile elephants that survive the massacre of their herds, and are forming new herds with the survivors. We were able to walk in those herds and feed the elephants, separated only by a single steel pipe that they stayed behind, though not tethered in any way. Some were brought closer and all of them were gentle and seemed content with their new living conditions. You are able to spend the night in the very large barn, where the elephants are protected overnight by armed guards. They also maintain zebras in the same grazing area, which can be very aggressive. There are a few photos of the zebras fighting among themselves for dominance,
The Black Scissor Beaked Stork was one of the birds that we saw in the northern portion of South Africa. Its beak does not close completely, unless the bottom is offset from the top, like scissors closing on paper.
All across South Africa, we noticed the gorgeous sunsets, especially when near the Coast. Wildlife in that area included parrots, like the one in the photo, on top of the hollow palm tree.
We have found that the Kingfisher birds are the same in all but the color of their feathers, wherever we go, around the world. There were several color variations in South Africa, as the bus drove the several thousand miles of the tour.
Hippopotamus are the most dangerous of the Big Five to humans, because they tend to wander out of their water habitat and into the small villages and towns that are near the water. We heard stories of people leaving the downtown bar and having to run for their lives, when they encountered hippos wandering the streets. The hippopotamus can outrun a human being, so the humans have to dodge into alleys and behind vehicles. The hippo tusk can be larger around than a human bicep, and the power of the bite can send that tusk through a human torso.
The ostrich should probably be included in the list of most dangerous animals, since they are able to use the huge claws/toenails as weapons. They are also able to strike with their beak, powered by their very muscular, long neck. But they are being raised for their feathers, eggs (including shells) and meat. After my wife was injured (not seriously) by an ostrich, we enjoyed ordering ostrich filets for dinner.
Many of the South African bird species are also seen in the Americas. The photos include photos of the spoonbills, storks and several varieties of herons. I thought one variant might have been unique to Africa, but several years later, discovered it in Costa Rica, as well. I am not sure if the Wood duck is a native to South Africa or an import, but you will see a shot I took of one of them.
Many of the South African bird species are also seen in the Americas. The photos include photos of the spoonbills, storks and several varieties of herons. I thought one variant might have been unique to Africa, but several years later, discovered it in Costa Rica, as well. I am not sure if the Wood duck is a native to South Africa or an import, but you will see a shot I took of one of them.
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