The wild dog pack were quite mobile this month, but were still seen regularly. At some point during the month, they lost one of the pups – but not a bad success rate with still 15 puppies strong and healthy, and catching up to their adult family. We saw several hunts this month, with one impala being taken down by the pack right in front of the game drive vehicle! A fast and furious business – dog hunts are reasonably common to see if there is a pack in the area, but its very rare to see the whole thing from beginning to end, as if the pack is big and you are following a hunt, an impala will be totally consumed before the car can get to the actual kill location.
With that many mouths to feed, you wouldn’t think there was much left of any kill, but they are such successful hunters, and there is often more than enough to go around. So much so, that a leopard – an excellent hunter in its own right – was found snacking on the remains of an impala the wild dogs had finished with. Another leopard was found eating a spring hare that she had caught during the night.
We saw lots of lions snoozing this month, but when they did get up and active, the stalking and chasing was an event to behold. The lioness with two cubs was seen stalking on several occasions. We saw her take down a red lechwe, but she must have been successful more than we saw her, for they were all looking well fed. Another lioness from the Solo pride was seen mating with one of the Marsh Boys – the coalition of three big males. Hopefully, more cubs on the way in a few months time!
We also had a variety of cheetah this month – including a shy male who ran off each time the car got a glimpse, and the much more relaxed brothers, who killed an impala at Bat Eared Fox Den. The injury of the previous month of one of the male’s legs, does not appear to be holding him back now.
Great elephant activity, as the herds and bulls move through the area, looking for nice shady trees to rest under, and cool water to drink. A big herd of buffalo arrived as well.
The summer migratory birds are starting to arrive, with the appearance of the yellow billed kites, and the carmine bee-eaters. Other wonderful avian residents were seen as well – including wattled cranes, saddle billed storks, and the large ground hornbills.
