Category: Wildlife insight

This blog on the impact of drought and rain cycles in the Lowveld was originally published in 2017 by Gerhard van Niekerk.

Location of the Lowveld

The Lowveld is an area that lies within two provinces of South Africa, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. It is called the Lowveld due to its low altitude in the north eastern tip of South Africa. The altitudes range from around 300-600m above sea level.

Image from Wikimedia

The local weather system yields a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Day temperatures of above 35° in summer are nothing strange to the local inhabitants.

The Lowveld is exposed to great variations in the amount of rainfall received in any one year. The reason for the low rainfall in the Lowveld and its variability lie in the position of the region relative to the main weather-generating circulation systems. The latitude of the Central Lowveld coincides with a zone of dry, descending air.

This means lots of sunshine and warm temperatures but only a little rain. It is only when the tropical circulation shifts southwards in the summer months that the high pressure cells can be pushed aside, sucking moist air from over the Indian ocean and sometimes leading to spectacular thunderstorms. October to April is generally regarded as summer months. Research on the rainfall patterns in the Kruger National Park over the last 100 years indicates a cyclical tendency in rainfall volumes, with 10 years of above average rainfall typically followed by ten years of below average precipitation.

Image from WeatherSA

The average rainfall is around 500mm per annum. Rain usually falls between October and March, with a peak in December and January. On average there are thunderstorms for only 25 days of the year. The past 10 years are regarded by many as one of the most intense droughts experienced in the past 30 years or so. A drought could generally be defined that when an area in South Africa receives less than 75% of its normal rainfall, it is considered to be experiencing a meteorological drought. BUT it can be safely assumed that a shortfall of 20% from normal rainfall will cause crop and water shortfalls in these regions accompanied by social and economic hardship.

HOW THE DROUGHT AND THESE RAINFALL PATTERNS AFFECT THE LOWVELD

Climate acts with geology as a critical determinant of the ecological potential of a landscape. The climate of the Lowveld follows a trend from wetter and cooler weather in the south and west to drier and hotter in the areas of the north and east. These trends cut across the diverse geological belts to provide a wide variety of habitats, accounting for the great variety in the vegetation and wildlife in the region.

The wind usually blows from the South, South East, usually under 12.6km/hr. The strongest winds of around 30km/h usually blow in October. From August to October this wind sometimes swings to blow from the north; this is usually a hot dry wind.

The consequence of rain cycles in the Lowveld being confined to six months of the year is that most crops can only be grown during this period. Similarly, the recharging of water resources is also confined to these crucial six months. When the seasonal rainfall is seriously below normal, crop yields are poor and ground and dam water levels fall dangerously low. Should these conditions occur in swift succession, as in the periods from 1964 to 1970, 1991 to 1995 and again from 2002 to 2005, there is insufficient time for natural resources and the economy to recover from each rainfall-deficit period.

The effect of abnormally high temperatures is an increase in evapotranspiration as well as stress on plants whilst further depleting surface-water reserves through evaporation.

A knock for the Agricultural Industry

The most serious impact, other than dwindling water supplies, is the effect on staple crops and, ultimately, commercial crops. In 1992/1993, undoubtedly one of the most widespread droughts of the last 45 years, maize had to be imported to South Africa . The knock-on effect of crop failure could be seen in the population drift from rural areas into the cities, farm labour lay-offs and farm closures as well as an increasing indebtedness in the agricultural sector.

Veld Fires

Other serious impacts brought about by drought are the devastating veld fires which destroy large areas of grazing at a time when grass is in short supply. Commercial timber and orchards are also prone to damage at such times. In 1992 there were several huge fires which destroyed thousands of hectares of grassland. In one of the worst events, during August, at least nine people perished. In 1994, a combination of unusually strong winds and very dry conditions saw large areas of grazing and timber destroyed. Six people died in one such fire in July of that year. Again, in July of 2002, Mpumalanga was devastated by fires that destroyed 24,000 ha of pasture and left four people dead and damages amounting to more than R32 million.

Soya, sorghum, groundnuts and sunflower crops have also been affected, which has negatively impacted South Africa’s food security. While South Africa usually exports maize South Africa will have to import roughly 5 to 6 million tons of maize (half white and half yellow) to meet its internal demand.

THE FIRST RAINS

What a delightful sight it is when one sees, smells and feel the first of the rain cycles in the Lowveld after prolonged periods of drought. Not only does it bring the water but a very welcome relieve for especially the farmers and it also creates an elevated spirit amongst the people of the area. Not to even mention the plants and animals!

Author: Gerhard van Niekerk

#fire #impact #lowveld #rain #wind #drought #weather

Writing and photos by Annie DuPre, Bushwise Copywriter, currently pursuing her master’s in conservation studying African wild dogs on Kruger’s western boundary. 

It’s denning season for African wild dogs in South Africa. Not far from our Bushwise campuses, in the Greater Kruger National Park, little colourful pups are starting to emerge from their dens. This is a significant time for this species, particularly as there are just 550 left in South Africa.

Wild dogs, also called painted wolves, are one of the most endangered carnivores on the continent, second only to the Ethiopian wolf. Once widespread throughout Africa, they are now found in fewer than half of the countries where they once roamed. The global population is estimated at just 6,600 individuals (adults and yearlings). 

When is the wild dog denning season?

The wild dog denning season in South Africa overlaps with the dry season, usually between mid-June to mid-September. During this period wild dogs give birth in dens, typically within excavated aardvark burrows in termite mounds. There are of course exceptions to every rule in the animal world. For example, in 2021 a pack waited until October to den in Balule Nature Reserve

Why are wild dogs endangered?

Causes of mortality of wild dogs include direct persecution, habitat loss, disease, low prey availability and predation (such as by lions). With such low numbers, conservation of this iconic species is essential. Every individual counts, contributes to genetic diversity and helps sustain local populations. 

One female wild dog in Kruger truly understood this assignment, once giving birth to a record 21 pups in one litter!

One of the greatest causes of mortality for wild dog pups is predation by lions. Wild dogs are medium-sized carnivores at just 18-28kg, while lions can weigh up to 190kg. The reason lions kill wild dogs is still being studied, but most likely has to do with predator competition. At the Kempiana campus, Bushwise students witnessed an interaction between these two species, which shows just how intimidating lions can be to wild dogs.

Lions pose such a high risk to wild dogs that they are avoided whenever possible. During the denning season, wild dogs search for den sites far from areas of high lion density. This often means they must travel greater distances to find food. 

What is being done to protect wild dogs?

Protected areas often buttress human settlements and agricultural lands. Humans and animals do coexist peacefully in many areas, but there are still conflicts. Wild dogs are highly prone to getting stuck in snares set for bushmeat poaching, which can be lethal. 

To combat this, organisations like Wildlife ACT and the Endangered Wildlife Trust monitor the movement of wild dogs using radio collars and telemetry. This conservation and scientific research will help us better understand wild dog movements, dynamics and threats.

Wild dogs are also extremely resilient. Their social bonds mean they will care for their sick and injured, even nursing them back to health from the brink. Many incredible stories have been documented showing wild dogs feeding injured adults that have had snares removed from their legs, waist or even neck. Through care provided by their pack mates, these dogs can survive apparently lethal injuries. 

In the past, a wild dog sighting in a game reserve might not have attracted much interest. This is changing as more and more people mark this species as a “must see” on safari. The Endangered Wildlife Trust works with tourists to monitor the wild dog population. By submitting their photos of individual dogs, visitors can help contribute to the wild dog (and cheetah) census each year. Citizen scientists play an important role in conservation efforts this way.

Bushwise students have been extremely lucky to see wild dogs on some courses. Both our Mahlahla and Kempiana campuses are adjacent to wild dog home ranges. Seeing wild dogs is always a special experience, especially considering their rarity.

There is so much to say about wild dogs, that a simple blog post is never enough! We love studying this incredible species at Bushwise – especially when we can see them in person. On Bushwise courses we discuss endangered species, their role in the ecosystem, and what conservationists are doing to protect them. 

Are you passionate about wild dogs or other wildlife? Field guides play a very important role in educating the public on these critical issues. Apply today to join a Bushwise course and find out how you too can make a difference in protecting these incredible animals. 

#gameranger #bushwise #fieldguide #safariguide #trailsguide #animals #tracks #safari #fieldguidetrainer #wilddogs #fieldguiding #gamedrive #guiding #fieldguidecourse #fieldguides

A question many of us have asked ourselves at some point in time: How do birds get their colour? Bushwise trainer Wayne Lubbe brings his expertise to explain why we see those vibrant colours.

Feathers have made it possible for birds to take to the air efficiently and successfully, enabling species to spread globally. The colour of certain birds has captivated us adding a bit of colour to our daily lives. And it’s not only people who can appreciate these colours. Birds can see in colour too – some birds can even see into the ultraviolet spectrum. This is why colour is incredibly important for birds as it allows them to seek out specific food or to attract a suitable mate.

Feathers are quite unique in terms of their colour, shape, density and structure, and have developed to insulate, camouflage and protect a bird from the many elements of their environments.

For example, not all birds are brightly coloured; many ground nesting birds – such as korhaans, francolins and spurfowls – have evolved cryptically camouflaged feather patterns that help them blend in with their shrub and bushy environment.  

There are two main ingredients that are essential in the making of colour. The first is pigment – of which there are three main types – and the second is keratin. 

The first pigment is called melanin, and it produces black, deep brown or grey colours. Melanin is also extraordinarily strong and is thus often reserved for the flight feathers. White feathers are caused by a lack of pigmentation and are much weaker than black feathers due to the lack of melanin. This might explain why many predominantly white bird species have entirely black or black-tipped feathers in their wings such as with the southern pied babblers. The wing feathers are exposed to the greatest wear and are required to be stronger than regular feathers.

The second group of pigments are called carotenoids. Carotenoids are the pigments found in vegetables – such as carrots and corn – and produce red, orange and yellow feathers. Carotenoids are produced by plants, so when birds ingest either plant matter or something that has eaten a plant, they also ingest the carotenoids that circulate through the bloodstream and to the feather follicles producing the colours in their feathers. The pink colour of flamingos, for example, is derived from carotenoids found in the crustaceans and algae that the birds feed on in the water.

The third group of pigments is known as unique pigments, as they are found in only a handful of bird species. For example, the red pigment (often called turacin) is found in many turaco species and the green pigment (turacoverdin) is found in many of the same turaco species such as the Knysna or purple-crested turaco.

The other main ingredient in making colours is keratin, which is the tough protein of which feathers are made (like our hair and fingernails) It also covers birds’ bills, feet and legs. Keratin is responsible for the iridescent colouring of many bird species. The brilliant colours tend to change depending on the bird’s orientation to sunlight. The colour of these feathers is not a result of pigments, but rather the reflection and refraction of coloured wavelengths of light. When the bird or the observer moves it appears as though the colour changes, which is due to the angle of the reflection changing. 

Keratin produces colour in two main ways: by layering and by scattering. Layering colours are produced when translucent keratin reflects short wavelengths of colours like blues, violets, purples and greens. The other colours are absorbed by an underlying melanin (black) layer. The ways in which the keratin of the feathers is layered will dictate the colour of the iridescence. Examples of layered colouring include the iridescence of glossy starlings, glossy ibis and the wing patches of many duck species.

Scattering is produced when the keratin of feathers is combined with tiny air pockets within the structure of the feathers themselves. These air pockets and the dispersed keratin scatter blue and green light and produce the shimmering colours of birds like kingfishers, rollers and bee-eaters.

Flock to the next Bushwise course to learn even more about birds and other animals. If you have a passion for nature and wildlife, you have a home with Bushwise. Apply today!

#gameranger #Birding #safariguide #animals #apprenticefieldguide #sightings #fieldguiding #gamedrive #guiding

In this blog, Nico (trainer with Bushwise and finalist for Safari Guide of the Year 2022) describes animal social structures. Discussing animal groupings, animal behaviour and animal dynamics is all part of being a successful guide. As a guide trainer, it’s important to have the skills to pass this information on to your students. 

Nico has demonstrated a strong ability to teach and lead as a Bushwise trainer. He stands alongside a strong group of trainers and staff, with a combined over 100 years of experience in this industry. Here he talks about animal social structures, looking specifically at two popular big cat species.

Animal social structures

As the world starts to return to a semi-normal life, there are a couple of things we as a human species can take away from the COVID-19 pandemic. The most important thing I have taken away from the past two years is that we are a very social species. A lot of people around the world struggled with the lockdowns and really struggled when forced to isolate, effectively forcing humans to become solitary. 

We crave social interaction for our well-being and when left to ourselves there is a real threat of depression. We have seen this in the latest statistics of depression around the globe. Being a social species has also helped us to be one of the most successful species on earth by working together.

In the natural world, life has continued as normal, with animals even moving into areas closer to human habitation. But looking at the different animal social structures, some species rely a lot on their social structure by working together for their success rather than their well-being. 

Some species live a solitary life and some are gregarious (live in groups). This will have an effect on how certain species obtain food, mate and what territory they occupy. We tend to think that animals that live a gregarious life should be more successful, but this is not always the case. Some of the most successful species on earth live a solitary life.

Take leopards, for example. They occur on almost every continent on the planet, making them the most successful big cat on earth. But how does being solitary contribute to the success of this species? If we focus on leopards found in Africa, we can look at what makes this species so successful. 

First, we can look at the diet of a leopard. They have an extremely wide range of prey species, from something as small as a beetle to an antelope three times their size. Second, we can look at their body structure and how they hunt. They are built for stealth and very short bursts of speed. They will hide away and try to get as close as they possibly can to their prey.  Taking into account the above two points, this cat is able to occupy almost any type of habitat – from the coastal areas of South Africa to the very arid areas of Namibia, and even the highest mountain ranges.

An example of a gregarious animal is a lion, another big cat in Africa,  and probably the most well known and most feared predator on earth. It is not only their size, but also because they are the only big cats that work together as a family group that makes lions an apex predator. Lions in some regions of Africa will take down the largest of land mammals, the African elephant. Being social allows them to do this and adds great value to population control. They can live in groups from four to 21 animals, and in some places prides as big as 30 lions have been recorded. Having this many members in a group does come with challenges, with the biggest being food.

If we look at these two different species, we can see how some aspects of each help them be successful in some way or another. The one problem with being social in the animal kingdom is the amount of food needed to survive in a certain area/habitat. Being solitary, you do not have to compete directly with members of the same group for food. However, being social means you have safety in numbers and can work together to be successful, whereas when you are solitary you are on your own.

What social structure applies to Bushwise students?

As a field guide, it’s important to understand animal social structures. This knowledge will make you a better guide, as you’re better able to interpret animal activity, explain why an animal is doing something in a certain way and share insights with your guests. As Nico points out, this applies not only to wildlife, but also humans. 

On a Bushwise course, students are gregarious. They learn together, support each other, take turns completing essential camp tasks and look out for one another. But they’re also independent. They’re leaders in their own right, and have unique skills and talents that make them strong guides. At Bushwise, we aim to create some of the best safari guides out there by supporting each student in their development, whether they are social or solitary creatures! 

Interested in learning about animal group dynamics, animal behaviour, and seeing this in action? Join a Bushwise course and start gaining wildlife knowledge!

#gameranger #bushwise #safariguide #apprenticefieldguide #safari #fieldguidetrainer #fieldguiding #endangeredspecies #cybertracker #gamedrive #fieldguidecourse

In this photo blog, Bushwise Videographer and Photographer Louise Pavid discusses animal behaviour and guiding ethics.

One of the most important tools in any field guide’s arsenal is a good grounding in the discipline of ethology – the study of animal behaviour.

While nature enthusiasts enjoy beautiful imagery of animals going about their daily business in peace, most of us will have all seen photos or videos depicting animals doing things that might scare us (like damaging property or charging a vehicle). But what if I told you that many of these incidents could have been avoided?

This is where having an understanding of animal behaviour comes into play. When an elephant holds its head up high with its ears stiff and held out, when it shows rigidness in its body language and has an erect, straightened tail with secretions coming from the temporal glands on either side of its face – that’s a pretty good indication that that particular elephant is stressed and probably not in the mood to deal with you.

Crowding this elephant or infringing on its comfort zone could likely lead to an unpleasant encounter. Be this in the form of a warning charge, or worse. I don’t like the use of the term “mock charge” because believe me, the animal is not mocking you, it is being serious, it’s warning you to stay away.

This type of animal behaviour combined with vocalisations – such as trumpeting – is a definite red flag and you should not enter into a sighting. Rather offer the elephant the space it needs to move away, leaving both of you unscathed. This is what we call ethical guiding on the basis of understanding animal behaviour.

But why are ethics important when dealing with wild animals, aside from the obvious safety implications for you and your guests? Well, it’s about the animal’s safety and well-being as much as it is about our own. Working in and visiting these landscapes constitutes a step out of the modernised human realm and back into the home of Earth’s wild creatures.

It’s fair to say they were here first and we need to respect that, despite having evolved with the animals over millions of years within these landscapes. But, in the past 10,000 years or so we have slowly begun to migrate away from this primitive, instinct-driven lifestyle as our brains have developed to the point of creating complex tools, building permanent shelters and developing more advanced social structures.

Essentially, the modern human brain is forgetting our ancestral beginnings. Perhaps this is why many people today will tell you that an elephant flapping its ears is a sign of aggression, when in actual fact it is a method of thermoregulation (a means to keep a consistent and favourable internal body temperature). This is where navigating animal behaviour while upholding ethical guiding practices is crucial.

Elephants provide a great example to understand animal behaviour. There are several reasons for this. Elephants are often the most feared animal on safari by virtue of being the Earth’s largest terrestrial mammal. Understanding their patterns of behaviour is imperative to peaceful and positive encounters.

Elephants are sensitive and have similar emotional development and intelligence to our own. I think that’s why so many people are so drawn to them. But just like us, elephants are capable of having bad moods, becoming aggravated from stress in their environment, or stressed due to other herd members’ poor behaviour or rambunctious bulls in musth.

By understanding their behaviour and practising good ethics while on safari (be it a guided or self-drive experience) it’s not too difficult to observe, analyse, and understand the behaviour of an elephant. Once you get the basics of the body language down you can effectively and ethically avoid negative interactions simply by respecting the animal’s space.

Ultimately it comes down to experience in the bush. The more time you spend with these animals in the wild the more familiar you become with their behaviour, and likewise, the more familiar they become with your human behaviour.

That being said, even if you are not a fully-fledged field guide, simply reading up on animal behaviour before entering a wild landscape can reduce the risk of negative encounters and provide you with an overall better experience in nature.

Learn more about animal behaviour and ethical guiding. Apply today and join the next Bushwise IFGA Safari Guide course.

Did this blog speak to you? Have you always wanted to work with animals – but aren’t sure how?

Get started with jobs working with animals.

#gameranger #bushwise #fieldguide #safariguide #animalbehaviour #apprenticefieldguide #safari #fieldguidetrainer #sightings #animalbehavior #elephants #gamedrive #elephant #fieldguidecourse

BY: Annie DuPre, CATHSSETA NQF2, Apprentice Trails Guide and Bushwise Conceptual Copywriter

Ask any field guide about the most elusive creatures in the bush: endangered pangolins will be right at the top of the list. Talk to guests about their experiences on safari and what animals they’ve always wanted to see: a pangolin will be one of them. For those who have been lucky enough to see them in the wild, pangolin encounters will likely be one of their most cherished memories.

And yet pangolins are one of the most threatened and trafficked animals in the world. They’re disappearing at an alarming rate, and because they’re so elusive it’s almost impossible to measure the impact of these threats.

If you look at images or videos of pangolins going about their peaceful and tranquil lives, it’s impossible to imagine anyone poaching them. Yet poaching is a real issue –  and a very complicated one.

So, in honour of World Pangolin Day (20 February), the team at Bushwise Field Guides wants to look closely at what makes pangolins special, why they’re threatened, and what is being done to save them.

Photo by Adam Tusk via Flickr

What are pangolins?

Pangolins are scaled insectivorous mammals – in fact, they’re the only scaled mammal currently in existence! They use their scales to protect their soft bodies from threats, curling themselves up into a tight ball when threatened. Although they are usually very docile and shy creatures, they also have sharp tails that can be used in defence.

There are eight species of pangolin found in Asia and Africa, with all species protected under national and international laws. All are listed as endangered or vulnerable and decreasing. In South Africa, where Bushwise Field Guides operates, there is just one species – the Temminck’s ground pangolin.Where foundNameIUCN Red List categoryAsiaChinese pangolinCritically endangeredAsiaIndian pangolinEndangeredAsiaPhilippine pangolinCritically endangeredAsiaSunda pangolinCritically endangeredAfricaBlack-bellied pangolinVulnerableAfricaGiant pangolinEndangeredAfricaTemminck’s pangolinVulnerable (decreasing)AfricaWhite-bellied pangolinEndangered

Table adapted from the IUCN SSN Pangolin Specialist Group

Many people call pangolins “scaly anteaters.” At first glance they certainly have similar physical characteristics to anteaters. Pangolins use their sticky tongue to grab ants and termites out of the ground and from foliage. Their tongues can grow longer than their body length! They are truly unique and fascinating creatures, and that alone is reason enough to protect them.

Photo by Flowcomm via Flickr

The Temminck’s pangolins that are found in South Africa tend to prefer savannah, grassland, and woodland habitats. They can live for an estimated 15-20 years in the wild and are predominantly solitary (although you might find some adorable videos of babies with their mom – where they ride on her back to get around!)

Because pangolins are largely nocturnal and secretive, it’s extremely rare that you’ll see one on a game drive. While some of our trainers have been lucky enough to see one or two in their lifetime, many guides go through their entire career without ever seeing one.

Despite their rarity and elusive nature, pangolins are poached heavily and tons of scales are discovered every year. The measure of this impact is not yet known.

What threats do pangolins face?

Pangolins are largely poached for local consumption and international trade. The two main uses of pangolins are scales for pseudo-medicinal purposes, and meat sold as a delicacy. Like rhino horns, pangolin scales are made of keratin, similar to fingernails and hair, and therefore have no actual medicinal or healing properties.

Although trade in pangolins has been internationally restricted by CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna) since as early as 1995, illegal trade continues – and is the greatest threat to pangolin survival. According to an extensive study, nearly 900,000 pangolins were trafficked between 2000 and 2019.

Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife

As the populations of Asian pangolins declined, there was a shift in the market and greater pressure was put on African pangolin species. This saw an increase in illegal trafficking out of Africa, as pangolins were exported to mainly Asian countries. In addition to poaching, pangolins face other threats such as habitat loss and encroachment.

Why should we protect pangolins?

The destruction of one species can have catastrophic effects on the other members of an ecosystem. In some areas of the world pangolins are known “as guardians of the forest” as they eat termites, preventing further destruction and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

At Bushwise Field Guides we love this imagery – and absolutely believe in the importance of protecting pangolins to maintain that balance.

What is currently being done to save pangolins?

Public efforts to protect pangolins are gaining traction around the world as more and more people are beginning to recognise this unique animal – and understand its value goes well beyond its meat and scales. There are even some unique advertising campaigns (like this one featuring Jackie Chan) developed by the organisations WildAid and The Nature Conservancy, which aim to change people’s perception of pangolins.

Photo by Flowcomm via Flickr

There are a few amazing organisations working to save pangolins around the world, whether through research, activism, education, or on-the-ground action. These include the Pangolin Crisis Fund, African Pangolin Working Group, IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group, World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, WildAid, and many more. Here in South Africa, local anti-poaching organisations also prioritise pangolins, alongside other species.

Beyond supporting organisations like those listed above, individuals can make a difference in other ways. People working in conservation or interacting with tourists, such as safari guides, should be knowledgeable about pangolins and share their insights. As guides we have a powerful tool in our belt – knowledge – and educating visitors on the value of wildlife, such as pangolins, can go a long way in protecting species.

So, this World Pangolin Day, take time to share information on pangolins, promote their protection, and learn a little bit more about this incredible species!

Do you want to learn more about endangered species and become a guardian of nature? Apply today and start taking steps towards your career in field guiding.

Did this blog speak to you? Have you always wanted to work with animals – but aren’t sure how? Get started with jobs working with animals.

#pangolin #fieldguide #worldpangolinday #apprenticefieldguide #fieldguidetrainer #endangeredspecies #gamedrive #fieldguidecourse