POACHING

kbrady

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It seems as though rhino horns are the main interest of poachers at Kruger. Poachers who were caught used to be arrested but that has since changed. Most of these poachers have wealthy employers who have the ability to bail them out of jail and make the case disappear in court. Now there are signs around the park that read “poachers will be poached”. Poachers will be shot on scene, no questions asked.  Insert wide eyed emoji.  This information comes from our guide who studied at South African Wildlife College.

SPOTTING

kbrady
This is the "Spotter's Chair". A spotter rides on the front of the jeep and looks for animals while the guide drives. I was disappointed when I found out that I wasn't sitting there.
This is the “Spotter’s Chair”. A spotter rides on the front of the jeep and looks for animals while the guide drives. I was disappointed when I found out that I had to sit in the back.

WEATHER AND WHAT NOT

kbrady

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The temperature change from day to night is pretty drastic. This time of year (winter) mid-day can reach up to 85 degrees and at night it drops down to 40 or so. Locals say the summer can be uncomfortably hot!IMG_0290

Historically the rainy season has not started until October. Due to climate change it has not started until December in the last 10 or 15 years. As a result animals have traveled or migrated a bit more in search of water. Good thing our camp has a pool!

Rhino

kbrady
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  • The big guy pictured above is 30 years old
  • They live up to 45 years old
  • The birds will perch on there backs and eat ticks and other parasites
  • Here at Krugar there is discussion about removing rhino horns so they would no longer be of interest to poachers. Our guide said that this hasn’t been done because the rhinos will have no means of protecting themselves.

LION CUBS

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This morning we saw a group of 10 lion cubs! Our guide told us that they were born around October and are now about 8 months old.  There were 7 males and 3 females.   He told us that the survival into adulthood is unlikely.  He offered some reassurance by explaining how this particular group is looked after by three different mothers and one father so their chances of survival are much higher!  That made me feel better!

 

I promise I will post some better pictures/video as soon as we have better internet!

GIRAFFES

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Male giraffes can often be observed participating in a behavior known as necking. Necking is used to establish dominance. Males that win necking battles typically have greater reproductive success.  It can be really intense or it can be simply leaning against each other.

Our guide said that giraffes live to be around 28 years old and each giraffe has a unique pattern.

BUFFALO SKULL

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Came across this buffalo head on a bush walk this morning.  Our guide explained that they are typically preyed upon by an entire pride of lions and are not easily taken down because they have their horns as protection.  This skull weighed about 25-30 pounds.