Author: Bushwise Student

This blog about guarri plants was written by Bushwise Professional Field Guide student Bridget Malepe. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. Opinions contained in these blogs are the student’s.

We have different species of guarri trees in the Lowveld – namely the magic guarri, Natal guarri, common guarri and blue guarri. I will only mention the ones I grew up knowing from my village – the magic and the Natal guarri. 

Magic guarri (Euclea divinorum) 

The genus name Euclea comes from Greek mythology, where the goddess Eukleia was the personification of good repute and glory. The specific name divinorum is in reference to the plants used by sangomas in the parts of Africa. 

It is an evergreen small shrub that grows mainly in drainage lines and sodic areas. The bark is smooth and gray, but it cracks when the tree gets older. The tree bears clustered berries seasonally which are favoured by birds. The leaves are not favoured by most animals as they have an unpleasant smell, but you may find kudu feeding in it mainly in dry seasons. 

Traditional remedies with guarri

The use of the plant is widely used in traditional remedies hence the divinorum part of the Latin name alludes to this trait too. Decoction of the roots can be used on babies to treat the depressed fontanel, while the infusion can treat infertility, pregnancy pains, abdominal pains, bilharzia, toothache and earache. 

An ointment prepared from the crushed dried roots materials is rubbed over the body to control convulsions or powder added to soft porridge can treat diarrhea. 

Growing up fetching water from the Olifants River, we used to put some of the branches on the surface of the bucket to act as a lid to prevent the water from splashing out. The guarri can be used to put out fire in the bush. It is also used by trackers as it takes time to dry out due to the waxy coating on the leaves, so that when animals brush through it they disturb the water, giving an indication of how recently they went by. 

Creative uses of guarri branches

The branches are also used in often creative ways such as a toothbrush, paint brush and water detector. To create a toothbrush you must break the branch, peel the bark, chew the end until the fibers separate and then use it to brush your teeth with the ashes of a leadwood willow tree as a toothpaste.

Back in the days guarri branches were used to detect water. To do this, you would break off a Y-shaped branch, with the shorter parts in each hand and the tail facing outwards. The tail will dip downward if there’s any water underground while surveying. 

Growing up we used to collect the berries from the tree and put them in a plastic bread bag. We’d seal the bag, crush the berries, open a small hole in a corner and drink the juice. We also used to make extra cash for ourselves by collecting berries for a family that made beer out of the berries. 

Of all its many uses, the guarri is not used for the most obvious – firewood. This is because it is believed that the tree has supernatural powers. Some tribes believe that when you hang a bit of the guarri branch on your doorstep it works as a lucky charm and wards off evil spirits and witches. 

Natal guarri (Euclea natalensis)

The Natal guarri also occurs in my guiding area. It may be confused with magic guarri but the leaves of the Natal guarri are hairy and less wavy. It grows in full or partial shade with fertile soil and moderate to good water. The fruits are more edible than the magic’s. 

Just like the magic guarri, the Natal guarri is used as medicine. The decoction of the bark and the roots can treat worms, stomach disorders, toothache, chest pains, urinary tract infection and abnormal skin growth. It can also be used as a toothbrush. 

I grew up knowing these trees and I witnessed most of its uses. I learnt to appreciate them. It’s so fascinating that one plant can do so many things. 

Did you know there were so many uses for guarri? Learn all about medicinal plants and their connection to local cultures when you experience a Bushwise course.

#bushwise #fieldguide #qualification #Exam #training #apprenticefieldguide #ifga #fieldguiding #fieldguidecourse #studying #fieldguides

This blog about zebras was written by Bushwise Professional Field Guide student Thato Kgosi. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. Opinions contained in these blogs are the student’s.

4 min read

Zebras are distinctive African equines with black and white striped coats. There are three living species: the plains zebra (which we see here in the Lowveld), Grevy’s zebra and the mountain zebra. As a member of the equus family, zebras are most closely related to horses and donkeys. 

Zebras main protection against heat comes from their stripes. The contrast between black which soaks up sunlight and white which reflects it, helps them to remain cool. In fact, all absorb around 30% of the sun’s rays and their patterns dispel the rest. Their stripes also provide extra camouflage on very hot days, enabling them to blend into the distorted, shimmering landscape so predators can’t see them from a distance. 

Some stats about zebras:

1. Height : 1,35 metres 

2. Weight: 320 kilograms 

3. Lifespan: 20 years

4. Habitat & distribution: Open woodland, scrub & grass. 

5. Home rage: 110–220 kilometres

6. Gestation: One year (360–390 days)

7. Number of young: Single foal

8. Food: Grazers, occasional browsers

9. Zebra droppings are similar in shape to, but much smaller than, horse droppings

White and black or black and white?

Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, a barcode, or fingerprint so to speak. When a young zebra is born, the mare will screen her foal from any other zebra until her own stripe patterns have imprinted on the youngster, ensuring recognition. The plains zebra has characteristic “shadow stripes” between the black and white stripes of the rump which gives the body a dirty chestnut colour. 

The tail of the zebra plays an important role in swatting flies. To differentiate between male and female zebras, there are distinguishing features such as a thin black stripe from the legs to the tail for the males and a wider black wedge for the females. Both sexes have black muzzles containing a flexible upper lip which is used to pull grass towards their incisors and bite it off.

What do zebras eat?

Zebras are unselective bulk feeders. Eating a lot of fibre means they require a regular supply of water to facilitate digestion. Zebras must drink daily and are seldom further than 10 kilometres from water. Zebras are picky when it comes to drinking water and will take the time to make sure they are drinking clean water. This need for clean water causes them to migrate to new areas when their current water source is not suitable. As they do not have a set territory, different groups of zebras will come together in spots that are ideal for grazing and drinking water.

Zebras are renowned for their ability to graze on the grassy landscape while being watchful for potential threats. They have a heightened sense of smell, sight and hearing which makes them aware of their surroundings. They tend to feast on short, green grass that sprouts after a fire or after rainfall, but can also manage with tall, coarse vegetation. The grassland succession process involves the taller grass being cropped down to a length more suitable for the needs of wildebeest and other antelopes, which the zebras are often found in close proximity to due to their expertise in detecting predators.

Zebras are hind-gut fermenters. Lacking the four-chambered stomach of a ruminant, zebras pile all their often fibrous food into one gut which digests via fermentation. The breakdown  of cellulose is less effective than with a ruminant but they can digest large amounts of food faster. Large quantities of gas are released as a byproduct and this inflates their bellies so that they always  look fat and healthy. This is also the cause of the flatulence experienced when zebras take fright and run away.

What noise do zebras make?

A zebra’s bray is very similar to a donkey’s bray. It starts at a low  growling sound and builds into something that sounds like a high squeal. When alarmed, zebras make a high pitched and repeated “kwa-ha-ha”, an iconic call of African bushveld. 

Zebras are dust-bathers and frequently roll in loose dirt, probably to do with parasite control and thermoregulation. Interesting facts about zebras: Zebras sweat to keep their bodies cool when it’s hot. They have a special protein that helps move the sweat away from their skin faster. Zebras are often hunted by lions, which are their biggest predator..

These are just some of the fascinating facts about zebras that you’ll learn on a Bushwise course. Find the right course for you!

#wildlife #AdvancedRifleHandling #bushwise #qualification #Exam #training #animals #safari #ifga #sightings #fieldguiding #tracking #fieldguidecourse #studying #fieldguides

This blog was written by Bushwise Professional Field Guide student Campbell Baker. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. Opinions contained in these blogs are the student’s.

3 min read

What’s a scavenger? 

A scavenger is an animal that feeds on carrion, dead plant material or refuse. Scavengers have always had a bad reputation. Often viewed as the villains of the wild. But by nature all carnivores are opportunistic feeders, ready to eat any meat available, and it’s a stroke of luck to find food where the hard work of hunting has already been done for them. Scavengers have perfected this strategy, and have been able to be successful in their tough world. 

South Africa – and more specifically the Kruger National Park – has many scavenger species, the most famous being hyenas, vultures, jackals and marabou storks. 

I’ve found that hyenas are the most underappreciated and disliked of South Africa’s carnivores. But if you were to look at the perfect evolution and adaptations for a scavenger – a hyena is what you would end up with! Perfect with jaws and neck muscles that make light work of meat and bones. Contrary to popular belief, up to 90% of a hyena’s diet consists of animals that they have hunted themselves.

A valued vulture hierarchy

Vultures are primarily scavengers and almost never prey on live animals. One of the only times vultures will kill an animal is if the animal is either very sick or wounded. Vultures do not have talons or beaks that have been well adapted for killing prey; their strong beaks have rather been adapted for tearing. The bald head is a common feature of most vultures, and it doesn’t occur by mistake. An absence of feathers on their heads allows vultures to feed and put their heads into carcasses without feathers getting matted by blood.

At abandoned carcasses, there is a known hierarchy. Hyenas are at the front of the queue, followed by other mammalian scavengers – like jackals – and then vultures. Even between vultures and other scavenging birds of prey, there is a hierarchical order. This order is usually based on strength of beak and size. Beak strength is important in the vulture social order as some vultures do not have the beak strength to get through thick animal hides. 

The role of invertebrates in scavenging 

Although vertebrate scavengers are efficient and effective, about 10% of medium to large carcasses are undiscovered or unused by vertebrate scavengers, and an even higher percentage in areas where hunting is prevalent. These carcasses and the remaining matter of other carcasses are consumed by insects and arthropods. The aptly named carrion beetle is the most well-known for this behaviour, but all omnivorous and carnivorous invertebrates feed on carrion and carcasses.

Scavengers are more important to an ecosystem than many think. Not only do they keep the habitat and landscape clean of carcasses and even the bones of animals, but they also break down organic matter and recycle them back into the ecosystem aiding the nutrient cycle.

Without scavengers, the decomposition of animals would be much slower in the wild, and carcasses would become a breeding ground for wildlife diseases. And an increase in wildlife diseases could reduce the  animal population rapidly.

Even scavengers are at risk

Even though scavengers are a vital link in the natural world, somewhere between 400–800 vultures are poached each year around the Kruger National Park. Vulture populations cannot deal with these yearly losses. These vultures are often killed by means of poisoning of carcasses, which not only kills vultures but any other scavenger that happens upon the carcass.

I believe scavengers are both beautiful and fascinating. Now more than ever the scavengers of Southern Africa need to be protected and appreciated for their vital role within the ecosystem and the Kruger National Park.

Do stories like this interest you? Learn more by subscribing to our newsletter or checking out our other blogs!

#wildlife #bushwise #qualification #Exam #animals #hyena #safari #ifga #sightings #fieldguiding #endangeredspecies #Assessments #gamedrive #guiding #fieldguidecourse #studying

This blog was by Bushwise Professional Field Guide student Aeden Kuhl. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. Opinions contained in these blogs are the student’s.

5 min read

You might know it as ingulule, duma, jagluiperd – or, simply, cheetah. The word cheetah is actually derived from the Hindi word chita, meaning “spotted one”. The scientific name is Acinonyx jubatusthe. Acinonyx is most likely derived from merging two Greek words; akinitos meaning motionless, and onyx meaning nail, in reference to the cheetah’s semi-retractable claws. 

What makes this speedy cat stand out from other species?

When people think of big cats, the animals that often come to mind are lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs. However, this isn’t entirely correct, as the cheetah is the lone living member of the genus Acinonyx, whereas the other cats mentioned are members of the genus Panthera. The main difference between these genera is the ability to roar; cheetahs lack the floating bone known as the hyoid, which means they are incapable of roaring and instead are known to purr contentedly, or make chirping sounds between a mother and her cubs.

Another minor-yet-noticeable difference between these cats are their claws – cheetahs are one of only four cat species that have semi-retractable claws, which help in high-speed pursuits as they offer extra traction and grip when moving at such accelerated speeds.

How fast can cheetahs really run?

The sleek, graceful frame of a cheetah is quite literally built for speed, with small heads, long slim legs and flat rib cages, their slender forms minimise wind resistance and lend themselves to being as aerodynamic as possible. Aside from this, they have loose shoulder blades that can store and release energy almost like a spring, and their long tails often act as a rudder, helping to steer and allowing for sharp turns at breakneck speeds. Even their internal organs are made with speed in mind, as their large nostrils and enlarged lungs and heart grant them the ability to pump oxygen more efficiently, ensuring the ferocious feline doesn’t run out of breath while chasing down its prey.

To date, the fastest speed achieved by a cheetah was by a nimble female by the name of Sarah at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio in 2012. Sarah was recorded during a 100-metre sprint doing a top speed of 98 kilometres per hour, flying through the 100-metre dash in a whopping 5,95 seconds – nearly 4 seconds faster than that of Usain Bolt’s 100 metre world record sprint, and more than double his top speed!

What’s the difference between cheetahs and leopards?

In the past, cheetahs were often referred to as the ‘hunting leopard’ by nobles, because they could be tamed and used for a sport known as coursing. Knowing this, along with the fact that both cheetahs and leopards are spotted big cats, it’s understandable why these two felines are often confused.

As mentioned above, cheetahs are built for speed, having sleek and slender bodies while sacrificing much of their muscle mass to be as swift and agile as possible. This means cheetahs often only weigh as much as 72 kilograms; whereas leopards are bulky, robust cats. Although cheetahs stand taller at the shoulder, leopards often weigh in as much as 100 kilograms.

Since leopards are such burly beasts, they can easily stalk and ambush their prey, pouncing on them from the long grass before carrying them up onto branches to protect their kill from any scavengers. Cheetahs make use of their speedy stature when hunting, either dashing after their prey until they tire them out, or swiping at their legs, intentionally tripping them up before delivering the final blow of a bite to the neck. Once they’ve made the kill, they need to eat as quickly as possible as they have neither the energy nor the body strength to fight off any prowling predators or scavengers.

From a distance, leopards and cheetahs are easily mistaken, as neither are particularly big and both are covered in spots. On closer inspection however, telling them apart is fairly straightforward. The spots on cheetahs are typically uniform and solid, where leopard spots are not spots at all – instead they are known as ‘rosettes’, due to the resemblance they bear to roses. These rosettes are irregular in size and shape, and can be found splotched across the body and face of leopards. The face of cheetahs is also distinctly different in that the spots previously mentioned do not cover their face, but rather they have recognisable black ‘tear lines’ stretching from the inner corner of their eyes down to the corners of their mouths. These marks are known as “malar stripes”, and are thought to help absorb sunlight and reduce any glare into the cheetah’s eyes whilst hunting. Speaking of eyes, the eyes of these two cats are also notably different, with leopards having bright green or bright blue eyes, and cheetahs having rich, golden-amber coloured eyes.

How endangered are cheetahs, and why?

Cheetahs have teetered on the brink of extinction and, fortunately, bounced back several times over the last few decades, however the population of wild cheetahs has shown a steady decline over the years. According to the Red List of Threatened Species created by the International Union for Conservation, cheetahs are currently assessed as being a Vulnerable Species, with barely more than 6,500 mature individuals worldwide. As of 2022, there was a projected population size reduction of 37% between 2017 and 2032 – which is more than 2,400 cheetahs lost over a period of 15 years! This number is hugely consequential considering how few cheetahs we have left in the world.

The main factors endangering cheetahs today are unfortunately caused mostly by humans. The destruction of habitat and diminishing prey are all a direct result of human population growth, as the more people there are in the world, the more space we occupy, which leaves less and less natural areas for wildlife – such as cheetahs – to inhabit. On top of this loss of natural territory, the growing demand for illegal pets all around the world means that cheetah cubs are trafficked out of Africa at an estimated rate of 300 cubs per year.

Aside from human encroachment and greed, cheetahs face problems within their own populations in terms of breeding and reproduction, as they have a relatively low rate of reproductive success. Having such a diminished population size also leads to circumstances of inbreeding, which greatly reduces the size of the gene pool and in turn leads to other problems like harmful mutations or decreased genetic variability.

Alongside this, since cheetahs are so slight in comparison to other predators roaming the plains, they’re often at a disadvantage in terms of hunting, and will easily lose a kill if they come face-to-face with stronger predators. Their cubs are also easy prey for hyenas or lions, adding to the difficulty they encounter when it comes to successful breeding.

With so many issues facing cheetahs of today, it’s crucial that awareness is raised and spread to prevent this majestic creature from ending up as merely a display in the extinct animals section of museums.

Love cheetahs like Aedan? Learn all about them, and even see them for yourself, on a Bushwise course. Apply today!

#bigcat #wildlife #safariguide #wildcat #ifga #guidejobs #wildanimal #cheetah #safari #gamedrive #fieldguides

This blog was written by Bushwise Professional Field Guide student Elea Gourgousse. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. Opinions contained in these blogs are the student’s.

5 min read

The iconic baobabs are trees like no other. A thick trunk rises to support thin branches. They are deciduous, which means during the dry season, their bare branches look like a gnarled root system, and make these trees look as if the tree was growing upside down.

Why are baobabs important? 

The baobab is a key species in an ecosystem. They play a key role in helping to keep soil conditions humid and also promote nutrient recycling. They also prevent soil erosion. And the baobab is an important source of food, water and shelter for various birds, reptiles and insects. 

A mature baobab tree will create its own ecosystem. For example, monkeys and warthogs are fond of fruit and seed pods, birds can make a home in the cavity of the bark or make their nests in the huge branches. Bush babies and fruit bats will drink baobab nectar. And other wildlife like elephants sometimes eat the spongy baobab bark, which provides moisture during times of drought.

After a long walk through the summer’s heat, this tree will be your best friend. You find shade and a drink – as the cavities in the tree act as reservoirs for rainwater. The seeds within the fruit from the tree can also be sucked to relieve thirst. And who knows, if you stop for a drink, you might even get lucky and spot something exciting. 

Where can you see baobab trees?

There are nine different species of baobab trees. One is from Australia, six from Madagascar and two species are native to mainland Africa. All these species are situated in low-lying, arid regions. 

In Africa, you find baobabs growing above hot, dry shrublands. In Madagascar, baobabs are pioneers of the dry deciduous forests in the western side of the island. In Australia, they live in open savanna woodlands. All these regions go through a short wet season and long, hot, dry season. Most trees would not survive in these conditions, but baobabs can grow.

What beliefs exist about baobabs?

The baobab is surrounded by many superstitions. Here are some of my favourites:

1. Many cultures believe that an evil spirit lives in the tree’s white flowers. If anyone plucks these white flowers, the evil spirit will cause a lion to them.

2. In Zambian culture, women are not allowed to eat baobab fruit during the beer-brewing process, as it is believed that this will cause the beer to go bad.

3. Baobabs are considered to be a fertility tree.

4. For the East African people, it is believed that Resa, the lord of rain, stays in the top branches of an enormous baobab in order to support the sky.

5. And my favourite is a Bushman legend. In the beginning, the creator decided to hand out seeds and plants to the animals of the world for them to cultivate. The baobab was issued to the hyena, but because she was upset about being last in the queue, she decided to plant it upside-down.

Nutritional uses of baobab: 

1. People can eat almost each part of this tree, including roots and small sprouts. 

2. The baobab’s fruit has a citrus flavour and is enjoyed by monkeys and humans. 

3. The leaves can be boiled and used as spinach, and even the flowers are edible. 

4. You can mix water and powdered fruit pulp to create a refreshing drink. Some people snack on roasted seeds or use them to brew a coffee-like drink. The pulp can be used in juices to add flavour. The pulp is rich in vitamin C – about 10 times that of oranges

5. Baobab seed powder is sprinkled on food for added nutrients and as a natural preservative.

Medicinal uses of baobab: 

1. Traditional beliefs said the baobab have been used to treat almost any disease including malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections and dysentery. 

2. The leaves and fruit pulp can be used to stimulate the immune system and fight against fever. 

3. It is said to have a lot of healing properties : antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antidiarrheal and antiviral. 

4. The leaves can also be useful for treating anaemia and asthma.

Others uses of baobab: 

1. The hollow bark of the baobab tree can provide homes for a lot of animals like reptiles, insects and birds. Foliage sometimes can be eaten as fodder for livestock.  

2. The bark is harvested extensively for its fibrous qualities. Strips can be rolled into a tough yarn and used in many different ways such as sacks, fishing nets and also clothes. 

3. Bushmen also used the bark to create traps.

4. The twine is also used occasionally for the strings of musical instruments. Its wood is used for fuel and timber. 

The landowners of The Sunland Baobab decided to build a pub inside the hollow centre of this tree. It was around to be 22 metres tall and 47 metres in girth. The landowners decided to close the pub to prevent soil erosion around the tree and The Sunland Baobab unfortunately died in 2017.

Are they protected or endangered? 

In 1941, the baobab was included in the list of protected trees by the Forest Act in South Africa. However, the six Madagascar baobab species are both on the IUCN Red List, three as endangered and three as near threatened. The African and Australian species are not assessed but may become a problem without surveillance.

Global climate change may be playing a role in the loss of these trees. A rapid increase in baobab deaths in southern Africa have been noted. Of the world’s 13 largest baobabs, 9 have collapsed and died. For such ancient trees, their death and breakdown is remarkably rapid. Baobab trees simply crumple into a pile of papery fibre when they die. If a hot fire passes through, it would probably remove any evidence of the tree’s existence. This devastating loss reminds us of the impact of climate change on biodiversity.

Through this Bushwise course I’ve learnt more about the value of such incredible species. We should protect and conserve these beautiful trees. We can also find a beautiful individual at the gate of our campus!

#wildlife #bushwise #fieldguide #qualification #safariguide #Exam #training #safari #ifga #sightings #fieldguiding #tracking #Assessments #guiding #fieldguidecourse #studying #fieldguides