Predators dominated the scene at Lebala in January and amazing sightings of hunts and kills were seen regularly.
An adult eland bull, the largest of all the antelopes, can weigh in at almost one ton. A smaller pride of two females and four cubs were observed gorging on this feast for the best part of a day. This large kill attracted different species of vultures; all of the Southern African vulture species are increasingly endangered so it is exciting to see them being so successful in the Kwando area.
The following day it was the hyenas’ turn to strip the carcass of all that was left. A clan had plenty to eat despite the crowds that had filled their bellies the previous day and night. The alpha female hyena clearly had her own mouths to feed and continually chased her subordinates off the carcass to ensure that she could provide for her young.
Two sub-adult cheetah were seen trying to stalk an impala, although on that occasion their prey got wind of their scent and bounded away.
A female leopard posed beautifully on a tree for some time before clambering down to start her evening hunting mission. The guides were able to follow her for a good while before she disappeared into the thicket.
The resident lion prides have cubs and need to feed their young regularly. The larger the kill the more food it provides and the less the adults need to hunt.
Towards the end of the month the two large males from the Southern (Wapoka) Pride were seen following the 5 lionesses and 10 cubs from the Northern Pride. This was potentially a very dangerous situation for the cubs as male lions have been known to practice infanticide, killing cubs sired by other males. The lionesses reacted instinctively to protect their young. As the three larger females defended their positions, the other two females started to lead the cubs away from the scene. As this was happening the three large lionesses ran in a different direction leading the two males away from the cubs. This was a simple yet effective strategy.
Wild dogs were located in the area and guests were able to enjoy seeing them finish off an impala carcass. The general game this month was great as the rains brought an abundance of leafy growth. There were lots of giraffes, kudus, impalas, wildebeest and zebras. Particularly special antelope sightings included eland, roan and sable.
The water birds were noticeably more abundant with many storks, herons, egrets and plovers seen wading through the wet lands in search of food. Guests were delighted when their guide spotted a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl hidden in plain sight as it was well camouflaged against the bark of a tree. This beautiful bird (and largest species of owl on the African continent) lazily batted its pink eyelids for the cameras.
