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Bush News and Happenings
News From Zululand
Good day to all our Leopards Tale Readers
Winter is definitely with us! Having lived in the Zululand Rhino Reserve for over 4 years I feel that this is one of coldest winters yet with temperatures on a few mornings reaching to 1 degree and many waking up to ice on their windshields, and to think winter has only just begun… brrrr. While we might be bundling up into layers of clothing and huddling around the fire in the Boma at night, winter brings with it a movement of some of our big game, namely our Breeding Herd of Elephant which during the drier months move closer to the Msunduze river, which Leopard Mountain boarders where the foliage is greener. Thinking about Greener, have a look at our ‘Going Green’ tips. Enjoy!
OUR COMMUNITY PROJECT
The reserve was contacted a few years ago by iNduna Mabuyakulu who is the leader of that small community, this community is extremely poor. He asked if a crèche could be built, as the communities children had a crèche but it was basically outside under a tree. The crèche assists in the care of over 40 children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, this is huge benefit to the community as it allows the children to be cared for during the day while their parents work on the surrounding reserves and lodges. A large majority of Leopard Mountain’s work force are employed from this community.
So as Leopard Mountain, we decided to be the driving force to ensure that the crèche was built, as we felt that the Community’s children deserved better.
With the funding coming from Zululand Rhino Reserve, Ryan Vivier went into the community and built the crèche as well as a seesaw and swings. Leopard Mountain Game Lodge has taken it upon themselves to ensure that any maintenance that is needed is completed. This past month we went to the Creche to present the children some soccer balls and some well need educational toys, we also spent some time completing the bit of maintenance that was needed.
OUR RESERVE
The Rangers Report, our head Ranger, Johann, gives us some wonderful updates as to what everything is up to:-
The beauty of the flowering Aloe Marlothii is starting to add a bit of color to the grey and brown hues of winter and there is a discernible shift in the environment as food and water become more scarce. Game viewing at this time of year is known to be very good as the bare trees and short grass make for very good sightings. Activity around waterholes also increases drastically and these are now very good places to see large amounts of game congregate.
Black and White Rhino
We might have thought in the past that encounters with white rhino could not be any better, but once again we have been proved wrong. Various groups of 4-7 rhino’s are regularly seen and on the same game drive you could also run into one of the many large solitary bulls. Probably the most exciting was all the great sightings we have had of infant calves, varying in age from as young as 5 weeks up to a couple of months. Just recently black rhino sightings have been very good too.
They seem to be attracted to some of the recently burnt areas and it is here that we have come across these elusive animals either singly or sometimes in pairs. These sightings have been of really good quality too as they were slightly after dark and we were able to get as close as you could possibly wish to these easily unsettled giants. Buffalo sightings for the past week were also very good with several large herds being sighted across the south.
Cheetah
Our cheetah population has had a brilliant boost with the arrival of two beautiful new cubs which are also residing in the south at the moment. This appears to be the same female who had spent a lot of time on Leopard Mountain at one stage. Two male cheetahs also gave our guests a very pleasant surprise when they went marching through the area where guests were busy with our local elephant interaction. This was as good as it could get, with the cats coming to within a few metres of the awe-struck onlookers. Sightings were reported on a regular basis and there were many kills made in the southern section alone.
And to top off the sightings for the month, Ruaan recounts his fantastic sighting:-
‘Cheetahs are a fantastic sight indeed. With the destruction of much of their suitable habitat and severe persecution by farmers they have become endangered, even critically so at some time. It is no wonder that sightings of these rare creatures are sometimes very hard to come by and very sought-after by nature enthusiasts and casual game viewers alike. This is what makes a sighting like the one had on Leopard Mountain such a special experience….
With the sun already setting on an idyllic scene between the rugged Lebombo mountains, the ranger took a scenic route through the meandering Msunduze riverbed. Here you are already welcomed by giant Sycamore figs hosting crowned eagles and lush riverine vegetation providing shelter for many interesting creatures. In the fading light the ranger stopped for a short drinks break and to give the guests an opportunity to soak up the beautiful scenery. Imagine their total amazement when two cheetah brothers suddenly emerged from the surrounding bush. Even more amazing was the fact that they subsequently took up residence on the rock next to the guests and proceeded to make themselves very comfortable. After spending 10 minutes entertaining the guests with their territorial displays and marking, they followed the river again on their due course.’
Hyena
There has been some dispute as to how much hyena activity there is in the reserve, but the last couple of weeks have put most of that to rest. Sightings have been well reported and their distinctive calls have been heard regularly throughout the night, often very close to the lodge. They also seem to relish hanging out in the Msunduze river valley and it is here that you can find their tracks littering the soft sand. Some of the smaller solitary tracks undoubtedly belong to brown hyena, which are known to occur at fair densities even if they are very difficult to spot. Black –backed jackal continue to be seen very often and it appears that they are also becoming more accustomed to interaction with vehicles. We are also seeing them more regularly than ever in the daylight hours.
Elephant
Elephants have been more elusive of late, but some really good encounters were still had. The breeding herd’s activity is concentrated mostly in the southern areas where we are due to the prominence of the Msunduze river and the good water and food supplies to be found there. Probably the best elephant encounter for the month was one which could literally be termed a very close encounter.
A fairly large one-tusk bull found his way up to and straight through the lodge to surprise some very unexpecting guests with the view of a lifetime. He cantered past the chalets and we were able to follow this very relaxed animal for quite a while.
Other Good Sightings
It has been a good month to see porcupine and many pairs and individuals were encountered on our later game drives. Red duiker and mountain reedbuck have also been more prominent of late and there are always some chacma baboons around watering holes. Various species of mongoose have also been seen, mostly slender and sometimes banded and the nocturnal white-tailed mongoose.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
Each month we take a look at something that we find in our environment, whether it be a Tree, Bird or Animal, this month we look at the Greater Honey Guide:-
The Honey Guide is a well known bird for directing people and animals to a hive where both benefit from the find, this is known as a (symbolic) relationship.
Out of the Honey Guides only the Greater Honey Guide and the Scaly Throated Honey Guide have been recorded directing people to honey. The Greater Honey Guide has been known to have a symbolic relationship with the Honey Badger, but this is unsure due to the fact that the Honey Badger has poor eyesight and hearing therefore the Honey Badger forages mainly by sense of smell. The way the Honey Guide attracts its follower is by flapping and bobbing making (grabbing chattering sounds) whilst moving along course towards the bee hive.
Once the human has come in and taken the honey comb they will move in and eat the larvae, adult bees and the wax comb which they can digest. the Honey Guide also has a fairly thick skin to protect itself from the bees being able to sting whilst feeding on the prize. If the Honey Guide is not feeding on honey is will catch insects from a perched position.
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED?
Is there something that you have always wondered and never been able to answer, let us help, send us your questions and we’ll send the answers!
How small is the smallest butterfly?
In a world obsessed with size, beauty still lies in the smaller details. The smallest butterflies may emphasize this point.
The smallest butterflies are known as ‘blues’, because of many butterflies having a blue upper wing ground color. In a world obsessed with size, beauty still lies in the smaller details. The smallest butterflies may emphasize this point. The smallest butterflies are known as ‘blues’, because of many butterflies having a blue upper wing ground color.
Their undersides vary from drab grey to creamy-white, to blend in with the background and render them invisible. The wingspan of a butterfly is measured from where the wing is attached to the body, to the tip or apex of the wing.
These feather-weights that are selected weigh in with a wingspan at between 10 and 20mm. The male of the smallest butterfly has a 10mm wingspan and the female has a wingspan of 12mm. It is locally common, but prefers savanna or grassveld areas and is named the dwarf blue (Oraidium barberae). It is the smallest butterfly in South Africa!
Another petite butterfly that is quite a find in lepidopterists’ circles is the rayed blue (Actizera lucida). The male has a wingspan of 15mm. It gets its English name from a white ray on the hind wing. The upper wings have a violescent blue in the male – depending how the light reflects from the wings.
The female has a dull brown sheen to her upper side. A more common tiny butterfly is the grass jewel blue (Chilades trochylus), with the male’s wingspan at 15mm. Despite its minute size and dull brown ground color, it is quite a visually striking discovery due to the bright orange spots on the hind wing. The Gaika blue (Zizula hylax) is a scarcer, but somewhat bigger butterfly.
The male has a wingspan of 17mm and has a dull brown upper side, while the female is powder blue. The underside has a porcelain white tinge to it, with delicately fine paint-brush markings to match.
You may need to get into close proximity of these baby bejeweled beauties, but it is definitely worth your while. Sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses – especially if there is a butterfly on them!
BUSH CUISINE
Cape Malay Chicken Curry
Ingredients:-
2kg Chicken, cubed
4 Onions, diced
6 Tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 Potatoes, peeled and cubed
Green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Coriander
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Cinnamon
5 whole Cloves
5 Cardamom seeds
1 tsp Garam Masala
Directions:
- Mix the spices
- Saute the onion in butter till soft
- Add the spices and fry 1 minute
- Add the chicken and tomatoes and 1 cup of water
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer around 1 hour or until the meat is tender
- Add the potatoes and cook until tender
- Serve with coconut flavored rice and banana sambal
And finally…enjoy!!!!
FUNNY BONES
Mammals vs Insects
A team of mammals were playing a team of insects. The mammals totally dominated the first half and at half-time were leading 39-nil. However, at half-time the insects made a substitution and brought on a centipede.
The centipede scored no less than 180 goals and the insects won the game by miles. In the dressing room afterwards the captain of the mammals was chatting to the insect captain.
"That centipede of yours is terrific," the captain of the mammals said. "Why didn't you play him from the start?"
"We'd have liked to," replied the insect captain, "but it takes him 45 minutes to get his boots on."
THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION
.........You could be the lucky person to win yourself and a partner a free night including dinner, bed & breakfast and game drives at the lodge. You may email us your answer to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(competition closes 30th July 2010 terms & conditions apply):
Solve this Riddle:
I soar without wings, I see without eyes.
I've traveled the universe to and fro.
I've conquered the world, yet I've never been anywhere but home.
Who am I?
LAST MONTH'S WINNER
Thank you to everyone who responded to our last competition! The winner of our Leopard Mountain competition for May is Kathy Joubert. Congratulations - you have won yourself and a partner a free night at the lodge including dinner, bed & breakfast as well as game drives!
Last Month’s competition was:
Feed me and I live
Give me a drink and I die
What am I?
Answer
Fire
BEST GUEST COMMENTS FOR THE MONTH
• We would like to thank all staff here alt Leopard Mountain. Location beautiful, game drives fun & informative, food delicious and all staff friendly and helpful. We had an amazing 4 nights and wish everyone good work for the future. THANK YOU!!!
• We have enjoyed a lovely couple of days here. Views spectacular. Rooms fabulous. Heading back to cold northern climes all too soon. Mouat Family
• Thank you so much for an outstanding stay! The welcome, hospitality, rooms, food and safaris were all incredible with fantastic staff who made an amazing location even more special. Stuart, Johan and Jim
GOING GREEN
In the world today we all need to make an effort to help our environment recover from the damage we have caused. Some of us look at this and head for the hills as we think that only a huge project will make an impact, this of course is not the case any effort, no matter how small is a start! With this in mind we have decided to add a ‘Going Green’ section to our Newsletter to give our readers hints on how to make their effort count!
THIS MONTHS TIP
Get rid of the Toilet Deodorisers that we all have and make your own. A completely organic and very cheap room freshner, it works out to about a fifth of the price of a commercial spray! all you need is an aromatherapy oil of your choice (available at most pharmacies) and for the base use the cheapest vodka you can find. Mix into a spritz bottle or a one of those household spray bottles and you are sorted! I suggest aromatherapy oils such as Peppermint or Honey and Cinnamon.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
‘Where there is poverty and sickness, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all. After 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now!’
Nelson Mandela, Hyde Park, London June 2008
What are you doing for Mandela Day – 18th of July 2010, visit www.mandeladay.com
Keep Warm and Cosy
…till we chat again next month...
Editor
Melissa van Rooyen
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