Daily Archive for February 20th, 2007

Quelea, Feeding for Survival

Quelea is probably one of the most numerous birds in Southern Africa. Occurring in flocks of thousands, they wander in search of food. They are considered a pest by farmers as they do considerable damage to winter crops. Drastic measures were taken to annihilate these birds, but with no success.

Quelea Flying

During the dry season, those members of the flock that cannot find suitable food sources will starve. Nearly fifty percent of the Quelea population starve each winter. But that is not their only threat. Predators in all shapes and sizes wait for them to breed and will raid nests of eggs and nestlings. This might even decrease their numbers by a further twenty percent…

Quelea Flight
Can one actually ponder the thought when you see them in their thousands like these and ask yourself…”Are they going to be around for much longer?”

Chinzwini No.29

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Chinzwini No 29A

Just below, to the left of the four Giraffe we had a few days ago, we find a painting of a single Sable antelope. This is a very rare antelope, especially lately as they are hunted for their gorgeous skins. What value or influence did these antelope serve in the culture and lives of the Bushmen?
Chinzwini No 29 B
It is often found that groups of different species are painted together. Sable is often painted with Kudu, Giraffe and Roan, yet another very rare antelope.

In this painting there is unfortunately severe chemical wear.