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A Week in the Bush Vol. 80

on Dec 03, 2015

The week started off on a high with the Little Bush female dragging her kill through Selati Camp just before our guests sat for dinner. Needless to say, dinner was delayed. We were fortunate to have her return at regular intervals over the next 3 days and she was making very good use of our lower deck while the guests went out on safari.

This certainly was a first for me to have a leopard, with a kill, in the lodge! Not only a highlight for a week, a highlight for the year!

The Toulon Pack of wild dogs also paid us a visit and they seem to be doing well in raising their pups, getting them to an age where they can contribute to the existence and sustainability of the pack. The heat is taking its toll on these killing machines, forcing them to have a little break in the shade.

The Kigelia female made an appearance this week, and like her mother, the Little Bush female, showing how much of an opportunist she is by hunting a Scrub hare in the long grass. However, on this occasion the Scrub hare got the better of her but she is certainly turning into an amazing leopard as these shots of Kyle`s show.

We have been fortunate with regular sightings of breeding herds as well as bull elephants all over the reserve. No doubt this number will dramatically increase as we move into the Marula season. There is nothing better than seeing a large bull elephant in all his confident glory.

09Courtney Dalziel Ele Batchelors 1

Actually there is something better than seeing large bull elephants... It’s seeing a young elephant calf as it starts its epic journey of discovery of the lands that surround it. I love this photo of Courtney`s as a young calf stays close to its mother as they casually move through the bushveld.

10Courtney Dalziel Cow And Calf 22 10 1

Back to leopards and the Lisbon female has been seen hunting regularly as she does her best to keep her young cub well fed. Without wanting to jinx it, Lisbon has not been very successful in raising cubs, so to see her young cub flourish has been a privilege. She recently took advantage of the birthing season of the impalas and was able to capture a new born. This plethora of these young impalas, as harsh as it sounds, may ensure the survival of this young leopard.

Now to the lions... What a saga this has been during this year. You probably earlier this week read Franscois` blog about the Southern Pride and the turmoil surrounding - if not, it is a great read! Lions of Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

The Southern Pride this week were found with the Charleston males, and even though the odd altercation would arise, it looks like they are slowly starting to accept them more. We have not seen the Fourways males.

With all the uncertainty in this dynamic landscape that us Rangers are proud to call home, one thing is for certain, it is never dull and is always captivating!

  • Blog by Terry Ennever (Selati Camp Ranger)
  • Photos by Terry Ennever, Pravir Patel, Courtney Dalziel, Mike Laubscher and Kyle Strautmann
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