Author: Bushwise Student

This blog was written by Naledi Letshwiti, currently a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. The information contained in this blog is based entirely on Naledi’s research.

Because scrub hares are cute and furry, many people mistaken these beautiful bunnies as a normal rabbit but they are not. Scrub hares have greyish upper parts and very long ears. They have long strong back legs and large hind feet with hair in between the pads. Their grizzled grey back with flecks of black on its coat helps the hare to camouflage itself during the day.

Even though these scrub hares and rabbits belong to the same family – Leporidae – they are not the same and differ a lot. Scrub hares are much larger in size than rabbits and their ears and hind legs are longer as well. Scrub hares live alone or in pairs in above- ground nests, whereas rabbits often live together in groups of up to 20 in underground tunnels known as warrens.

Are scrub hares active during the day or night?

Scrub hares are nocturnal, although they can be seen on overcast days. They do not live in burrows but live in hollows pressed by their bodies under bushes. These hares enjoy habitats with open grasslands and thickets with patches of grass land in between. They use these long-grass areas to hide during the day and to build a shelter, called a form, used for shelter for their young.

They are very good at hiding from predators during the day and often create a small dent in the ground and lie flat motionless, with their ears tucked back to their shoulders. By doing so, it makes it harder for predators to detect them due to their colouration that blends with scrubland and vegetation.

What do you call a scrub hare baby?

Baby scrub hares are called leverets. These hares are born precocial – meaning they are fully furred, eyes are open and can already move around moments after being born. They therefore have the ability to escape from predators minutes after being born. This is important as the young ones don’t get much parental care from their mothers. If danger approaches, the mother will run off leaving the young to care for itself. A mother will care for her babies until they are about a month old, then leave them to fend for themselves.

 A scrub hare’s lifespan is about 8 years, not usually more than that, and can weigh up to 2-3 kilograms with males being slightly smaller than females.

The funny thing about scrub hare poop…

These amazing grazers feed on green vegetation that makes their droppings pale green to yellow, oval shaped pellets measuring at approximately 12 mm in length. However, they actually process their dung twice. After initially defecating, they turn around and eat it, then it comes out again after all nutrients are absorbed. This strange habit is called coprophagia. 

How fast can a scrub hare run?

Scrub hares are renowned for running in front of cars at night, zigzagging as they run. This zigzagging run is presumed to be a way of avoiding capture. They are incredibly fast with an average speed of 60-70 kilometres per hour. That is very beneficial for them because they might escape from unseen obstacles or challenges such as a predatory attack.

In conclusion every life is very important – be it a plant, animal, insect or human – as they all play a crucial role in the ecosystem. So take care of and respect nature.  

Did you learn something new about scrub hares? From mammals big to small and everything in between, learn about it all on a Bushwise course.

#wildlife #AdvancedRifleHandling #bushwise #qualification #safariguide #Exam #training #animals #safari #sightings #fieldguiding #endangeredspecies #guiding #fieldguidecourse #studying #fieldguides

This blog was written by Bushwise student Reuben Genders, as part of his Professional Safari Guide course. All research was compiled by Reuben. 

4 min read

Kruger National Park is a massive park – one of the biggest in Africa and one of the most famous ones. This is due to the vast amount of wildlife in the park with biodiversity like no other place on Earth. One type of animal that is a massive presence is antelope. 

Types of antelope found in Kruger National Park

There are estimated to be 21 antelope species in Kruger – including:

1. Kudu

2. Impala

3. Wildebeest

4. Eland

5. Sable 

6. Waterbuck

7. Tsessebe

All found in the different habitats of Kruger, all playing a role in the balance of the biodiversity.

What makes antelopes unique?

Antelopes are known for their curving horns and beautiful coats. They are agile and fast creatures with an acute sense of smell and sound. They are often found in small herds, although some species – like impala – can have herds that reach over a hundred antelope. As grazers and browsers, antelope are the gardeners of the park keeping the park’s terrain in check through their feeding patterns.

An antelope that contributes the most to Kruger and is the favourite meal of many carnivores is the impala. The impala – also known as the “happy meal of the bush” because of the black M on its rear – is easily the most common large animal in the park. Its adaptation to the lowveld is second to none and there are over 13,000 adult impalas in Kruger. Impalas are found in two herds: a breeding herd is a harem which consists of ewes, lambs and one ram; and a bachelor herd which consists of rams only. 

Impalas raise the hair on their body to trap air close to their skin. This helps insulate their body heat which keeps them warm in cold environments. Impalas also have black glands called metatarsal glands on their ankles that are unique to the species. Its actual function is still under debate, but it is believed that when impalas are dispersed the gland gives off a scent that helps the herd regroup.

My favourite antelope…

My favourite antelope found in Kruger is the nyala. They are often found in the thicket in small herds. There is great sexual dimorphism (meaning visual distinction between sexes) between male and female nyalas. Females are chestnut in colour with white stripes along their back and males have a brilliant grey coat with many white markings and yellow legs that look like socks. Nyalas are the friendliest of antelope, and it is believed in some cultures that nyalas were humans in past lives.

When people think of antelope in Kruger, one of the first to pop up is the kudu. They are majestic antelopes that always catch your eye. Known as the grey ghost of the bush, kudu are extremely athletic and can jump up to 3.5 metres up in the air. The males typically have spectacular, spiralling horns that reach sizes of up to 1.8 metres long. They are the second largest antelope in southern Africa and tend to live in groups of half a dozen in the thickets.

The largest antelope you will find in Kruger is the eland. They are grey in colour with small, twisted horns and can weigh up to 800kg. Despite their size, they are athletic jumpers and can easily clear fences of 2 metres. It is rare to see an eland in the park as there are only 300 in the whole park.

Antelope play a vital role in the Kruger National Park as the main food source for most large carnivores in the reserve such as the big cats and wild dogs. Without antelope, there would be no wild dogs, lions, cheetah or leopards in Kruger National Park. They are animals that often get overlooked in favour of the Big 5. 

However, if people stopped and watched these animals, they would notice how amazing and elegant they are, and how perfectly adapted they are to their environment. So next time you go to Kruger and get upset that you only saw antelope, be grateful that those antelope were there and enjoy the experience.

Antelopes come in all shapes and sizes – so do field guides. Are you interested in making the wilderness your classroom? Join a Bushwise course and you can!

#wildlife #AdvancedRifleHandling #bushwise #qualification #Exam #ifga #animals #safari #ifgaguide #sightings #Assessments #gamedrive #guiding #ifgaexam #fieldguidecourse #studying

As a newcomer to the Southern Hemisphere, the night sky above South Africa was so different from what I was used to. The stars were brighter and more vivid, and the constellations more intricate. I was initially intimidated by its complexity, but eventually I came to find it comforting. It was a reminder that, despite being so far away from home, I was connected to something greater than myself.

4 min read

What the Night Sky near Kruger Looks Like

The night sky near the Kruger National Park is incredibly vivid. In the winter months, it’s filled with a blanket of stars that stretch across the horizon. The Milky Way is clearly visible, a blanket of bright stars twinkling against the dark sky. 

During the summer months, the sky is still filled with stars, though they appear to be a bit more scattered. The Milky Way is still visible, but the stars appear more concentrated in the middle of the sky.

Constellations seen in the southern hemisphere

The constellations you can find in the southern hemisphere include: 

1. Crux (Southern Cross) 

2. Orion 

3. Centaurus 

4. Scorpius 

5. Canis Major

Why am I so interested in the night sky? Because I’m on a 6-month field guide training course with Bushwise, and one of our modules is astronomy! We’ve learnt about the stars and I’ve been amazed by all the stories I’ve heard about the constellations. I want to share a few of my favourites with you here.

Exploring local folklore

The Zulu people have a story about the seven stars of the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. According to their legend, the stars were seven sisters who were so beautiful that their father put them in the night sky so that everyone could admire them. They are said to represent the spirits of the deceased who are looking after the living. To this day, people still look to the stars for guidance and comfort.

I’ve been especially intrigued by the stories behind the constellations of Orion and Centaurus. According to ancient Greek mythology, Orion was a giant hunter who was placed in the night sky after his death. Centaurus, on the other hand, is a constellation of two stars, Alpha and Beta Centaurus, and is said to represent a centaur from Greek mythology. 

I’ve also heard the Sepedi story of the Milky Way. There was once a young woman whose beloved was stolen away by the gods. She was so heartbroken that she wept and her tears created the Milky Way. This is just a small fragment of the myths around stars and constellations here in the southern hemisphere. 

I’ve found there’s so much depth and beauty in these beliefs! It makes going on a night safari that much more fascinating. It’s also really fun to use one of those red light pointers to scan the sky and discuss constellations.

The night sky and navigation

People living around the Kruger National Park have been using the night sky to navigate for centuries. They used the stars to help them identify their location and direction, and to find their way in the dark. This skill was passed down through generations and is still used by locals today. 

Another thing about navigation that’s totally fascinating is the way dung beetles use the night sky. Scientists have found that these little creatures use the light of the Milky Way to orient themselves when they are rolling their balls of dung. It’s amazing to think that something so small can use starlight in this way. 

The wonders of the night sky 

I’m amazed by the night sky here in the bush. No matter how many times I look up, I’m always blown away by its beauty and complexity. I’m in awe of how the stars have served as a source of inspiration and comfort to so many cultures, and how they still hold powerful meaning today. 

It’s incredible to think that the stars I see in the night sky near the Kruger National Park have been seen by generations before me. As I look up, I feel connected to the past and the future, to the stories of those who have gone before, and to the generations yet to come. I am filled with a sense of wonder and awe, knowing that I am part of something so much greater than myself.

Learning about the stars with Bushwise has been a rewarding experience. The instructors make the material easy to understand, and listening to them is always enjoyable. I’m always engaged and interested in the material, and it’s been a great way to discover more about the night sky near the Kruger National Park and to connect with the stories that we’ll carry on.

Are you curious to learn more about the southern sky? Join Bushwise to gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the stars and constellations.

Words by Bushwise writer, images by Louise Pavid

#wildlife #bushwise #fieldguide #stars #safariguide #sleepout #safari #sightings #fieldguiding #trackandsign #fieldguides

This blog about the Big 5 was written by Ricardo Strydom, a Bushwise student on our Professional Safari Guide course. As part of their training, students research a topic and submit a blog.

3 min read

Here in Africa there is a group of five animals referred to as the Big Five. These animals include lions, leopards, African buffalo, African elephants and rhinos. The term originally comes from the 19th century when trophy hunters identified these five animals as being the most dangerous and difficult to hunt on foot. 

Today the phrase is more commonly used by the safari and game viewing industry as some of the five most exciting animals to see while in the area where they roam. So now rather than shooting with guns, the main priority for tourists is to shoot them with their cameras.

The mighty lion

Lions (Panthera leo) are found in India and in most savanna and grassland ecosystems throughout the continent of Africa. Male lions are iconic for their impressive manes. They will often roam separate from the females and cubs patrolling and protecting the borders of their territory. Female lions are the primary hunters and will provide food for the pride. 

There are an estimated 23,000 lions left in the wild due to a drastic reduction in rangeland – that’s a 75% decline in the last 50 years.

The secretive leopard

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are another large feline cat in the group. They are known for their beautiful rosette spotted coats and can often be found relaxing in trees – their spots help them blend in with the leaves. They are solitary creatures Unlike lions, leopards are solitary creatures and only come together to mate.

They are nocturnal and will spend their nights hunting. Once they have caught their prey, they will often pull their prey up into a tree to eat it so as to keep it away from tricky hyaenas who may try to steal it. They are classified as vulnerable and decreasing.

The intimidating buffalo

African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) have been determined as the most dangerous of the big five. This may be surprising given that they are bovids – meaning they’re related to everyday cattle. When buffalo are injured, they will become aggressive and circle around to counterattack whatever injured them, which often results in death. 

When they charge, unlike a lion who will roar or an elephant that will trumpet and flap its ears, they will remain still and then charge with no discrimination for what stands in their way. Buffalo are classified as near threatened, so currently risks to them are less than the other members of the Big 5. 

The wise elephant

Then there is of course the biggest land mammal in the world, the African elephant. The danger the African elephant poses is obvious due to its sheer size. There have been several cases of elephants trampling people or charging at vehicles. But this is not the natural behaviour as elephants are rather laid back and relaxed. 

We all know the saying, “an elephant never forgets” and when people do an elephant harm or their family they will remember and their behaviour towards people might change. Elephant herds are led by a female which is called a matriarch. Male bulls will either be solitary or roam in bachelor herds meeting up with females occasionally at watering holes or to mate.

The prehistoric rhino

Last but definitely not least is the rhino. We get two types of rhino in Africa, the blackand the white rhino. The black rhino is a browser with a hooked lip. It is known as being more solitary and aggressive. The white rhino is bigger and is a grazer with a wide mouth to graze. Poaching has put rhinos on the endangered list. While rhinos are poached for the medicinal value of their horns, the horn is made up of keratin – similar to our fingernails or hair – and thus has no proven medicinal value.

Honourable mention: hippo

Another dangerous animal not included in the big 5 but that deserves an honourable mention is the hippo. Hippos are the African animal that kill the most people. Even though they are herbivores, a hippo encountered on foot could possibly be a fatal experience especially when encountered with a calf.

See the Big 5 in person on a Bushwise course. Check out our wildlife courses here!

Words by Ricardo Strydom, photos by Annie DuPre

#wildlife #gameranger #Birding #bushwise #fieldguide #qualification #safariguide #trailsguide #training #animals #safari #ifga #sightings #fieldguiding #tracking #endangeredspecies #guiding #ifgaexam #elephant #fieldguidecourse #studying

This is the second blog in a series of two about elusive species of the Lowveld (read the first one here). It was written by Bushwise students, Menina Nightingale and Jocene de Kock as part of a special research project during their Professional Safari Guide course. All information contained in this blog is from Menina and Jocene’s research.

3 min read

In this blog about elusive species, we look at some of the smaller secretive cats and cat-like creatures that make up a large part of the “Secret 7” – servals, genets and civets. Let’s learn more about these elusive and intriguing species!

Elusive cats

When you think of elusive cats (and cat-like mammals) the first that always comes to mind is, of course, a leopard. This big cat is a sighting that many tourists might revisit South Africa just to tick off a sightings list. Forming a big part of the Big 5 – this elusive cat has become an extremely exciting sighting on a game drive. 

But in some of the private reserves, it isn’t necessarily hard to spot one of these majestic animals (with the assistance of a well-knowing field guide!). Despite this, it is always fun, and arguably even more rare to bump into one of the more secretive small cats (and cat-like mammals) that roam the bushveld – civets, genets and servals.

Civets 

Civets are relatively common inhabitants of the bushveld. Often you will see their tracks and signs, but less often will you catch a glimpse of one of these sly cats. On a drive, you will likely come across their perfectly round little paw prints crossing the sandy roads and you might even come across one of their ‘civitrys’ – where they will come and defecate regularly to mark their territory.

 

The main reason they are so hard to see is they are strictly nocturnal. They largely spend their time up in trees resting during the day to keep out of harm’s way. Being relatively small, high in the canopy and very dark in colour a daylight sighting of one of these is nearly impossible. A more likely time to catch a glimpse of one is in the evening as the sun is setting where they will descend from trees and begin the search for food, feeding largely on insects, insect eggs and sometimes even frogs.

Genets

Although genets very often hang around campsites or lodges, and like most of the other smaller predators, are largely nocturnal, it’s not always easy to find these small spotty animals. These shy little cat-like mammals are very hard to spot particularly during the day. In daylight hours they will spend their time sleeping in aardvark burrows, hollowed out tree stumps or even in rabbit burrows. Similar to a civet they will emerge after dark to hunt using their partially retractable claws to catch rodents, birds, bats, snakes and scorpions! Once out on a hunt, they are more active and the chance of seeing one isn’t impossible on a night drive. 

Servals 

These cats, whilst nocturnal hunters, can emerge during daylight hours often seen in long grass where they can blend in nicely. They are a beautiful cat to spot with long slender bodies, tall legs and large dome-like ears. Servals can travel up to 60 km in a night and very seldom stay in the same area, so populations at one time in an area are never very concentrated. 

Servals are almost harder to spot than a genet due to the large distances they travel. Unlike genets, servals  don’t scavenge near lodges or camps; they are much more secretive even at night when hunting. They are stealthy hunters and make use of an effective pounce technique using their strong springy legs which allow them to reach heights of 3.6 metres in one pounce. This is what earned the title of most efficient hunter of all the cats! Spotting one in action would be a thrilling sight to see. 

Keep your eyes open and keep looking for elusive species!

Perhaps it is the mystery of what these strange creatures get up to in the dead of night, or perhaps it is because they are rarely seen that makes them such an exciting spot on a game drive. Seeing one of these elusive little animals is definitely worth some bragging rights amongst wildlife enthusiasts – and even guides and trackers. 

You could be on a night drive, watching a serval stalk through the bushes, very soon! Join a Bushwise course and make your career all about wildlife. Apply today.

#wildlife #ifgaguide #AdvancedRifleHandling #bushwise #fieldguide #qualification #Exam #ifgaexam #leopard #training #animals #apprenticefieldguide #safari #IFGA #sightings #wilddogs #fieldguiding #endangeredspecies #Assessments #gamedrive #guiding #fieldguidecourse #studying