Daily Archive for May 27th, 2007

Impala Rut: Video

The dogs are fine, but…..

Stitch
I was with the wild dogs at dawn resting up early and not having hunted successfully. They probably haven’t fed in the last 2 days. Whisky still looks great with a fair sized stomach. So probably ‘cos he’s fine, the pack just aren’t hunting as hard as they normally would.

Wild beasts
I had a great drive all the way along the Chiredzi River, not seeing much in the way of mammals, but lots of birds and just the great tranquil atmosphere being out there all on my own.
Away from the river at Chekwa pan was this young elephant bull. He decided he’d try and do the “I’m so big!” trick on me. I wasn’t impressed but he did give me the opportunity for a number of great images.

Big Ears
On Banyini the impala rams were going crazy. It’s that time of year when the impala rut reaches it’s peak, usually around full moon. These guys are all so pumped with testosterone they can’t contain their aggression and spend most of their days now challenging anyone with horns.

Harem
Back with the wild dogs at dusk they had themselves an adult male impala kill, probably one of those guys who spent all his energy on the rut.
Whisky and Stitch ate really well with both their stomachs bulging.

Chewing
But I’m concerned about the other 3. Although they all fed on the carcass, and there was plenty to go around, their stomachs just weren’t showing much of a bulge. This has become a telling sign for the beginning stage of the rabies infection where they can’t actually eat properly because of paralysis of the tongue. But I might be over reacting on this. I sure hope so. Tomorrow should show clearer signs if there are any. Here’s holding thumbs that they’re all still well!!!

The Kill

Lojaan A No.11

bushmanlogo.jpg

Lojaan A 10b

A hunter returning with his bounty carried over his shoulder on a stick. His kill looks like a monkey dangling on the end of that stick. (it’s very faded though). Must be a different artist to the guy painted to the left of this hunter. Probably painted years apart too.
Lojaan A 11