Culling is finally complete, and I’ve begun processing the photos from my trip to South Africa in June! Here’s a striking image of a black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) basking in the gentle morning light. Doesn’t it pose beautifully?
The black-backed jackal is native to South Africa, easily recognized by its distinctive black and silver saddle-like markings. This adaptable species thrives in various habitats, from grasslands to deserts, and is commonly found in Kruger National Park. Notably, these jackals are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds, with both parents actively involved in raising their pups, which are typically born in litters of 2 to 6.
How adorable is this Southern white rhinoceros calf?
Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) calves are capable of standing and walking within just hours of their birth. They remain with their mothers for 2 to 3 years, during which they learn vital survival skills, including foraging for food and evading predators.
Say “Cheese!” This zebra certainly doesn’t seem to need a dentist, does it?
Zebras (Equus quagga), native to South Africa and other regions of eastern and southern Africa, are famous for their unique black-and-white striped patterns, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. These stripes are thought to help deter biting flies and may also confuse predators, such as lions, when zebras move in herds. When they run together, their stripes create a visual “motion dazzle” effect, making it more challenging for predators to single out an individual zebra.
I captured this image of a young lioness during my stay at Lepogo Lodges/Noka.
Lionesses (Panthera leo) are the primary hunters in a pride, working cooperatively in groups to take down prey like wildebeest and zebra. They are highly social, forming the core of the pride and raising cubs communally, with females often nursing each other’s young.
Lionesses are incredibly strong, capable of running at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in short bursts to chase prey.
One of the two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus) we followed while they were patrolling their territory on a misty morning. They would stop every now and then to check their surrounding and mark the territory.
Cheetahs patrol their territory by marking it with urine and claw scratches, signaling ownership to other cheetahs. Males often form coalitions to patrol larger territories, which can cover up to 1,500 square kilometers, while females patrol smaller, overlapping ranges to safeguard their cubs. They utilize elevated spots, such as termite mounds, to survey their territory, scanning for intruders or prey, especially during early morning or late afternoon patrols.
This patrolling behavior helps cheetahs avoid conflicts with larger predators, such as lions, as they adapt their routes to steer clear of overlapping territories. During these patrols, cheetahs can cover vast distances at speeds of up to 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph) in short bursts, relying on their keen eyesight to monitor their domain.
📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.
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