Khayeni is now more accepting of us.
At dusk there were 2 leopards calling in the area of Nhoro pan. We never got to see the other leopard.
From Nhoro pan Khayeni headed north and then back west onto Khayeni open area. She was active for a lot longer than usual last night and the great thing is, she now accepts us following her in the open, down vehicle tracks and even when she climbs trees.
It definitely seems as if she’s moved into a new gear of acceptance of us. And the only way that this is accomplished is spending time with her. We’ve still got a ways to go where she totally ignores us and goes about her behaviours totally naturally. And that’s where I want to be ‘cos then I can be sure that everything I document with her is natural and not affected by my presence.
Khayeni hunted mice, several herds of impala and even trailed a baby giraffe, walking on its heels for ages but she just couldn’t pluck up the courage to pounce on it.
But with all her activity she had no success, which I think is a lot to do with the moon.
Once the moon was down and the night really dark she very quickly caught a Scrub Hare, which she took off into the thickets to feed on peacefully and rested up there for the rest of the night.
Earlier in the evening she was pestered by a young hyaena cub and took refuge in a tree until the little fellow had got bored of waiting and moved off.
We still did our fair share of bashing through bush last night after Khayeni which took its toll on my vehicle. I managed to bend my exhaust at 90 degrees! Also have a major oil leak, which needed to be sorted back at camp, and so it was early back to base.
Good afternoon Kim,
Reading about Khayeni I was wondering the following:
in the videos and images (from malilangwe) one does not see cheetah´s, are there any cheetah´s living in malilangwe? Maybe you have allready answered this question, but i have not read it. On the website about malilangwe, it is said that the Big Five are present and the “little six” but nothing about the cheetah.
I have a second question: in an article in the National Geographic Magazine it is said that Africa can play a key role in combining Economic growth (development) and nature conservation. Is that also the opinion of wildlife managers in Africa?
Have a nice weekend,
kind regard
How amazing that these guys are accepting of you guys! I just can’t wait to see what other shots you are able to get!
Hi Kim,
As always I love watching Khayeni. In regards to Douwe’s comment about Cheetahs. Will you film them eventually? I think they are magnificent!
Thanks!
Ivanova
Douwe: Cheetah are very scarce on Malilangwe. One was seen last week but I haven’t seen one since i’ve been here.
Yes it is the opinion of wildlife managers. We can do it together and are doing it together. Without it we won’t survive.
Ivanova: so obviously no filming of cheetah on Malilangwe. Maybe one day when I move up to East Africa.
kim, hello my dear. i ran into a friend of mine who had met you in annapolis that night when you were in washington,dc working on the national geographic film. he says hello to you everytime i see him. as well as everyone else you mesmerized(spelling?) with your grandfather’s stories. all is well on my coast. joe is busy, store is fab., working on films still. i have four out this summer, evan almighty, talk to me, the kingdom, and the visiting. so , i am sure the movies aren’t popping that corn in your neck of the woods but hopefully one day you will be able to see my art down on celluloid.(again…spelling? sorry!) email me, i lost all my email addresses somehow…don’t ask…it wasn’t a blonde move! alright? my sister and i are planning a sa/africa trip next sept.2008. and i am curious to see where you think we could go to have a true safari ride for a week, anywhere!??? hint hint. my sister is an awesome photographer and is very much looking forward to visiting africa. i have the capetown,vic falls, jo-burg, see the whales and babies, and wine all taken care of. but, i wanted to hear suggestions regarding safari from an expert.. any suggestions?i hope you are well. emaii me(fletchva@gmail.com) so i can get your email into my newly fixed system. don’t joke the blonde girl mate ok? i scewed up some how.don’t even go there! anyway, miss ya!!!!!! tons! cheers! oxcatharine