A late morning drive through Cape Vidal World Heritage Park in an open safari jeep ... first stop - check out the members of the Impala family.
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| Impala ewes grazing in the Cape Vidal World Heritage Park |
Impala, the most common antelope of the bushveld regions of South Africa, are graceful, rufous-fawn antelope, with white underparts. They are mixed feeders, and browse on shrubbery and graze grass on gently undulating or flat terrain. Acacia pods and fruits are eaten when available.
Impala are renowned for their spectacular leaps over shrubs and bushes, particularly when alarmed.
ps Impala have been referred to as the Macdonalds of the bush as they are of the most common prey for predators. The distinction markings on the rump also resemble the company logo to a degree.
The Kudu, another in the antelope family, is found inhabiting mixed shrub woodland, and savanna plains in eastern and southern Africa. The kudu relies heavily on close, dense thickets in which it can escape to and hide when it feels threatened. They have stripes and spots on the body, and most have a chevron of white hair on the forehead between the eyes.
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| Kudu ewe with fawn enjoying a late morning drink. |
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| Time to move on. |
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| Ewe leading her fawn across the bushveld. |
Kudus live in small herds of up to 24 kudu individuals. The kudu herds mainly consist of female kudus and their calves. The male kudus tend to be solitary and only come together with other kudus when it is time to mate.
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| Kudu male - check out the antlers |
ps Lions, leopards, hunting dogs and spotted hyenas hunt kudu, while cheetahs, smaller cats, eagles and pythons prey on the young.
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| Male Water Buck |
ps .... Thanks to Cath for recognising the Kudu that I mistook for an Impala ewe :-)
Until next time
Cheers Jen
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