Lots of sightings of bat eared foxes about at the moment – although common throughout the year, they are very noticeable at the moment, as they are trying to keep warm in the colder temperatures. To do this, they hunker close to termite mounds, which keep their residual warmth even through the coldest of the nights.
Although the zebra migration has long since moved on, we are still left with our resident zebras. These are seen mingling in the middle of the pan with the springbok, and even a few ostrich as part of the crowd. Definitely safety in numbers with a good collection of eyes to keep watch on whatever predator may try an attack from the wide open surrounds.
Chaos abounds in the large Nxai Pan lion pride – the two adult males decided it was time for the eight sub-adult males to leave –before they get too big and become a threat to the dominance of the adult males. With the youngsters forced out, the pride fractured for the time being, and the three lionesses and two female sub-adults also moved off from the two males. The males are likely to try to rejoin the lionesses at a later stage, seeking them out for mating, but also for the benefit of being able to get a few free meals off them.
A relaxed female cheetah was found resting in the shade of a tree. She appeared to be lactating, but there was no sign of her cubs. Likely they are still very small, and hidden away for safety, with her visiting to suckle them between hunts.
Lots of bull elephants, and even breeding herds, coming to the camp water hole to drink. Some of the males are still making forays into camp, even though there is sufficient water for them to drink at the waterhole. Part of this is pressure from too many males being at the waterhole at once, and the eternal search for one’s own personal water fountain. Luckily, breakages have been at a minimum this month – partly due to teams of staff sitting up all night to deter overly enthusiastic individuals – as well as regular cleaning out of the waterhole to make it even more enticing!
Elephants are not the only nightly visitor to the camp – three buffalo bulls are regularly seen coming into the camp at night – seemingly believing that the camp grounds offer a safe haven to rest up from the dangers of the bush. Since lions have also been seen in the camp, this possibly needs a re-think.
Unusual sightings this month include honey badgers, and an aardwolf that appears to have denned near to the main water hole. Add to that some very strange visitors – a herd of eland passing by in front of camp!
