Africa

Butts and Eyes of Africa

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This section is devoted to one of the most interesting features of birds and animals; their eyes.  And, yes, wildlife photography is full of challenges, most of them going the other way.  Wildlife just doesn’t understand Stop. Wait and Pose.  You get your shot set up and find the subject headed the other way.  I … Read more

Lions and Leopards

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Lions live for 10–14 years in the wild. Males can weigh up to 550 lb. In the wild, males seldom live longer than 10 years, as injuries sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and … Read more

Zebra

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What is black and white and read all over?An embarrassed zebra! Zebras are several species of African horse family united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns, unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds. Unlike their closest relatives, horses … Read more

African Mongoose

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The dwarf mongoose eats insects, small lizards and snakes as well as eggs.  You probably remember Rudyard Kipling’s story of “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the mongoose that saved a family from a cobra snake; although that story took place in India. Thus guy was up in a tree when we passed by.  Probably looking for insects to snack … Read more

Canines of Africa

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I found three different species of Canines on my safari.  The Spotted Hyena, the Jackal and the beautiful but endangered  Painted Wild Dog. If you look closely at the Hyena pup’s eyes you will see the reflection of our safari van.  This photo was submitted to and  printed in one of the magazines that I subscribe to.. … Read more

African Rhinoceroses

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Rhinoceros often abbreviated as rhino,of which two species are native to Africa. Members of the rhino family are characterized by their large size, as well as by a herbivorous diet; a thick protective skin, 1.5–5 cm thick, formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure; relatively small brains for mammals this size and … Read more

Monkeys

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I saw two different species of monkeys in Africa. Vervet and Baboons.  Obviously there are many different species spread over Africa but these two were the only ones in the area I was in. Lets start with the long tailed, black faced, Vervet Monkey.  They spend most of their time in trees but do have to get … Read more

African Antelope Page 2

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The nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses. A shy animal, it prefers water holes rather than open spaces. Nyala are spiral-horned and middle-sized antelopes, between a bushbuck and and a kudu which we will see later in this site.  the female Females and young males have ten or more white vertical stripes on their … Read more

African Giraffe

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The giraffe is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant, meaning it chews a cud like a cow. Its species name refers to its camel-like appearance and the patches of color on its fur. No two giraffes have the same color patch design. It just like a fingerprint. Its chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely … Read more

African Hippopotamus

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With a name like Hippopotamus lets just call them Hippo’s. Or we could use the other common name of River Pig, but at their size and temperament, not to their faces. The hippopotamus or hippo, from the ancient Greek for “river horse” (sorry river pig seems a better name) is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal. … Read more