The wild dog Lycaon reintroduced in Zambia
Called sometimes wild dog (Lycaon pictus), sometimes painted wolf, sometimes cynhyene, this wild dog of Africa is also an endangered animal. There are only 6,000 of them left in the whole of Africa. Zambia boasts a successful reintroduction program and you may be lucky enough to see a group of wild dogs on your South Luangwa safari. Wild dogs have a characteristically colorful coat (yellow, white and black) and live in packs of 5 to 30 or even 40 individuals. Their social structure is very hierarchical and has some similarities with the European wolf. Wild dogs hunt in groups and are capable of maintaining a speed of nearly 60 km/h over distances of up to 5 km. Although they usually settle for impalas, they are capable of killing large antelopes. Their killing technique is the reason for their bad reputation. Indeed, when wild dogs catch a prey, they devour it alive. The scene is very fast and an impala can be eaten in less than fifteen minutes. The only chance for wild dogs, less robust than hyenas or lions, not to be robbed of their prey is to devour it before another predator arrives on the scene. Another point against them: their sickly curiosity. Unfortunately for them, they do not hesitate to venture near houses and sometimes to attack livestock. From then on, they become pests that the villagers exterminate without scruples.
The cheetah, a very fragile sprinter
Also called cheetah, it is famous for its running speed. It is indeed the fastest animal on the planet as it is capable of reaching, over short distances, speeds of over 110 km/h. It is an extremely vulnerable animal, which runs fast, but a shy predator and in the process of massive extinction. According to African Wildlife, there are only 6,600 left in the wild, compared to 100,000 a century ago. .... In Zambia, you will only find it in the Kafue Park, more frequently in the remote Busanga Plains in the north. Open wet plains ideal for cheetahs that pursue impalas and pukus. A few specimens would be found in the plains of the southwestern border Zambia - Angola, near the Zambezi River. It is the one that will become extinct first among the big cats of Africa according to scientists. More than 92% of the cubs die before reaching maturity, mainly because of the lions that kill the young cheetahs when the mother is away in search of food. Its diet consists of medium-sized antelopes, guinea fowl, bustards, rabbits, and sometimes domestic animals... Hunting on sight and approaching its preys in the open, it becomes an easy target for farmers. Not being able to eat its prey immediately, it is often stolen by other predators. The cheetah is a tall, slender cat with a slightly frail appearance, a curved back, long legs and a slender waist. It can be distinguished from the leopard by its solid black spots, black rings on the tip of its tail, and a black stripe running from each eye to the mouth, somewhat like a tear. Its head and rounded ears are easily recognizable. Its claws are not retractable, which is unusual for a feline. Cheetahs live alone or in small groups of less than 6 individuals; males usually join females only to mate. The litters of 2 to 6 cubs and the latter remain silver-grey for about 3 months. Its call is identifiable among all as it sounds like a bird, often heard when the mother calls her young. It lives up to 16 years and can weigh up to 55 kg.
The giraffe, a delicate and powerful giant
A symbol of Africa par excellence, the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the largest land animal on the continent. Zambia is home to rare subspecies, such as the Thornicroft giraffe, endemic to South Luangwa (with different and darker patterns than its common cousin), and the Angola giraffe, in the Sioma Ngwezi Wilderness Park. Mammal of the order of the ungulates, the giraffe has 7 cervical vertebrae like us, but its own, very elongated, can make it reach a total height of more than 5 m, for 3 m at the withers. This hypertrophy is due to the slow adaptation of the giraffe to its habitat and to its search for food in the heights. Giraffes feed day and night and are not dependent on a regular water supply. Their diet consists of leaves and sometimes grasses. Their palate is so thick that they can graze on acacia leaves without fear of injury from the thorns. Their tongue can stick out 50 cm to graze on the rough and perched leaves. The horns (called ossicones), are bald in males, because of fighting between them, and covered with black hairs in females. Their hump between the eyes is much more developed in the male. During the mating season, males fight in duels, winding and slapping each other's necks with loud slaps. Giraffes have a keen sense of smell, sight and hearing. Despite their large size, they are sometimes preyed upon by lions or groups of hyenas, especially when they bend over to drink and when they are still young and frail. Nevertheless, a blow from a powerful hoof can kill a lion. It can weigh up to 1,700 kg, of which the head weighs almost 60 kg, and the heart more than 25 kg, which must be able to pulse blood to a brain located more than 3 m away! Females live in groups of up to 15 giraffes with their young and cubs, while males live alone. They have the habit of collecting a little urine from the female with their tongue, which determines their sexual excitement. After a gestation period of 14 to 15 months, she gives birth to one cub at a time. The giraffe gives birth standing up and the newborn makes a beautiful fall of more than 2 m! A beautiful baby of 70 kg all the same. Its brown coat is very effective in camouflage mode, it is often difficult to distinguish them in the landscape. It can live up to 28 years. Like the dromedary, the giraffe walks the amble: the two legs of the same side are sent forward at the same time. When running, the giraffe reaches 50 km/h, but seems to run in slow motion, because the neck and head are swaying back and forth.
The spotted hyena, a cleaning agent
We distinguish the spotted hyena, quite aggressive and quite common, the striped hyena and the brown hyena, slightly smaller. You will not soon forget the characteristic nocturnal vocalizations of these animals, which are frequently heard around camps, but also in cities. Their characteristic call is a mournful howl that starts low and hoarse, and ends abruptly in a high-pitched tone. The laughter is more rarely heard when a hyena calls its fellows for reinforcement and hunting in groups. It is one of the loudest animals in the savannah. Close to the canids, the hyena has a rump much lower than the withers, 80 cm high. It weighs about 60 kilos. It lives in packs of 10 to 30 animals, in the savannah. It moves in light zigzags, covering about 3 km to 4 km per hour, in search of meat, but can reach 60 km/h to attack a prey. It is primarily a predator, characterized by its extremely powerful jaw, and its organization in packs. The hyena can be killed by lions and wild dogs when it gets too close to a coveted prey. It is a scavenger, which follows in particular the lions in hunting, and knows how to spot the flight of the vultures. Its jaw allows it to tear and crush huge pieces of bone, and thus find the marrow. Hyenas live in burrows: a large cavity that they dig 80 cm below the ground. Each pack has a well-defined territory. Their social life system is very structured and matriarchal. The female is larger than the male and is therefore often mistaken for the male. Generally, the dominant female transmits her status to her daughter, the latter not hesitating to kill her sisters from birth in order to eliminate any competition.
The puku, emblematic of the destination
The puku (Kobus Vardonii) is not found in other traditional safari countries, as it is only present in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It can be seen in all the national parks of the country in abundance with its co-hosts the impalas. Its very thick orange-red coat, its white bands around the eyes and lips make it a pretty cob-like antelope, with shorter legs than the other cousin species. Males have very sharp horns. As with impalas, a dominant male leads a group of up to 30 pukus formed by females (a harem) and young. They defend their territory and their females against herds of nomadic bachelor males. When alarmed, the puku whistles very loudly, and can surprise in the savanna.
The kudu, a common antelope in Zambia
They are majestic. The kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) can be easily identified by their large ears, their white mark separating the two eyes, their rather long coat and, especially, in males, their superb twisted horns. This antelope feeds on leaves (acacia), fruits and young shoots. It is not dependent on a regular supply of water and is able to make do with the dew and water contained in its diet. Kudu are gregarious animals, observable in herds of a dozen individuals. Remarkable jumpers, they are able to cross obstacles of more than 2,50 m height. The females have no horns, which in the males can measure up to 1.50 m (the record is 1.81 m).
The impala, the most common antelope in Africa
If there is one mammal you are sure to see in Zambia, and indeed throughout Southern and Eastern Africa, it is the impala. It is a graceful antelope, with a very fragile appearance. You will easily recognize it by its two black vertical stripes on either side of the tail which forms a curved "M". It is said that it is the "Macdo" of the bush in jest, because it is the main food of African predators, as it is frequently encountered. The herds, from 15 to 30 individuals (and sometimes much more), are made of females, their offspring, impubescent males and a dominant male. The other males group together to form bachelor herds. The mating season gives rise to violent fights between the males (the only ones with horns). In charge of a herd of about ten females, the dominant male has to face potential rivals. This leads to funny situations: too busy chasing his competitors, the dominant male has no time to assume his reproductive functions and neglects his harem, a fault that some clever kids hasten to repair... Remarkable jumpers, impalas are able to cross obstacles of 12 m long or 3 m high!
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(entdossierthemarub)18621:texteThe zebra, a fierce and fascinating equine
The only striped animal in the equidae family, the zebra is unique to Africa. It weighs up to 330 kilos and measures up to 1.40 m at the withers. As with the giraffe, the hair of the mane is always relatively short and erect. There are two types of zebras: Brevy's zebra, which is larger, with more numerous, finer and less distinct stripes, Burchell's zebra, and in the South Luangwa Park, an endemic species of zebra, the Crawshay zebra. This is an extremely wild animal, which is almost impossible to tame. Their black and white stripes number between 25 and 30 and act as a camouflage mechanism and a sign of recognition between individuals. It is said that the wider the black stripes, the older the zebra. Zebras are nomadic and gregarious: their herds are family groups, from 5 to 30 heads, living in grassy savannahs, often in the company of wildebeests. Their diet is supplemented by tubers and roots. Dependent on a regular supply of water, they do not stray far from a waterhole. To escape their predators, they are able to run at 60 km/h. They move in single file, and emit a sort of jerky, repetitive "i-a" whinny. Stallions frequently fight with teeth and kicks to win the right to mate with a female. Mating occurs every one to two hours for one or two days. The gestation period is about one year, and the young are usually born between January and March. Young zebras are a very vulnerable prey. Generally speaking, all of them, even the adults, are a very popular food for lions in particular, and for crocodiles.
The hippopotamus, inhabitant of the rivers of Zambia
Zambia is one of the countries with the most hippos, about 12,200, especially in the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Along the Luangwa River, their density is 48 hippos per km of river, with a total of almost 5,000 heads! Groups of up to 60 can be observed. The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibus) literally means "the river horse". This semi-aquatic mammal spends most of the day in the water. Of the porcine family, it is non-ruminant despite the 3 pouches of its stomach. Pink at birth, the hippopotamus becomes grey-brown, notably because of the numerous oily secretions of its skin. Its skin, almost hairless, is very fragile and fears the sun. It swims with ease and is able to dive for more than 6 minutes, although it usually does not exceed 2 minutes. Its skeleton is made of heavy bones, which allows it to walk quietly on the bottom of the water. They are sedentary and gregarious animals, often living in bands of 15 to 30 individuals. They are very territorial, and can be extremely aggressive and dangerous for a boat that would approach them too closely. If the buffalo is the most feared animal on land, the hippopotamus is the one to watch out for on the water. Shamelessly breaking up boats that are deemed too invasive, charging humans passing too close to it at night when it is grazing out of the water, it is responsible for a large number of accidents.
The Nile crocodile, predator of Man
Although seemingly uncountable in the Zambezi, the world's largest reptile species Crocodylus niloticus is less threatened with extinction now that it is protected, after being hunted extensively. Between 250,000 and 500,000 Nile crocodiles are still alive today in more than 26 African countries. Their reputation of devouring men is not unfounded. They are the cause of many deaths, especially in the South Luangwa Valley (women come to the river to wash their clothes, accidents are reported to be numerous) and the Zambezi River. Its growth is continuous throughout its life, about 30 cm per year. This animal comes from prehistoric times and measures between 2 and 4 m long. Some specimens of the Nile species, the most massive, can measure up to 7 m. Its hearing is very superior to its sight. Avocado color at birth, it darkens with time until it becomes practically black. As a good reptile, the crocodile rests by warming itself in the sun while opening its mouth for a long time to evacuate a possible excess of heat by sweating, and hides on the banks, or puts itself in the water in ambush. It preys on large fish, which it hunts under the surface thanks to a third shiny eyelid that allows it to see underwater, on herbivores and large birds around the water. Aquatic, the crocodile can move at a speed of 20 km / h on land, where it is able to perform prodigious leaps. It breaks all the limbs of its prey with great blows of its jaws, in order to swallow it. It has a longevity of 60 years, on average. Crocodile tears are only the result of the compression of glands when it opens its mouth. Mating takes place underwater. After 4 months, the female lays her eggs and covers them with earth or sand for an incubation period of about 3 months. The ambient temperature of the nest will influence the sex. Between 30 °C and 34 °C, the proportion of males will be higher.
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(entdossierthemarub)18625:texteBaboons, sociable and omnipresent
Essentially terrestrial monkeys, baboons live in troops of 40 to 80 individuals, on a domain of about 25 km². They eat in the morning and late afternoon. They are omnivorous and feed on grasses, seeds, fruits (fig and baobab trees), tubers, insects, and more rarely on birds or small mammals. The male is much bigger than the female (35 kg against 20 kg). During the rut (the ovarian cycle is 32 days), the buttocks of females, devoid of hair, are swollen and bright pink. The tail of the baboons is said to be broken (it is initially drawn up, then folds down). The young baboon clings to its mother's belly by holding on to her fur, and after about 5 weeks, sits astride her back. Baboons can live for more than 25 years. Mutual delousing is a fundamental element of social bonding. The baboon is a very popular prey for the leopard. However, a troop can defend itself ferociously, thanks to their powerful jaws and their fearsome canines. In Zambia, you will encounter in particular the yellow baboon(Papio cynocephalus) with its light yellow coat (the Luangwa valley is nicknamed "Valley of the yellow baboons"). It often lives in cohabitation with antelopes, in Zambia with impalas and pukus. Baboons with good eyesight can see predators approaching from the top of their tree, while antelopes detect scents and movements more quickly.
Civet, genet and mongoose
Among other carnivores, you will certainly encounter during your night drives on safari, small mammals of the Viverridae family, such as the civet and the genet, which resemble small felines, and various species of mongoose.
The civet(Civettictis civetta) is a carnivore close to the mongoose, but which resembles a feline with a slender body, about 40 cm high, the civet weighs about fifteen kilos, has a white coat abundantly spotted with black, a pointed snout, and a tail with about four stripes. Solitary and essentially nocturnal, it attacks all kinds of small game. Great hunter, it is as agile on the ground as in the trees where it can use its claws. These animals spend their days hidden in the hollow of a tree or in an abandoned burrow. The civet is also known for the highly odorous substance it produces to mark its territory. The abundant oily secretions from its anal glands have been carefully collected from captured animals (in Ethiopia and Zanzibar) to be used as a perfume base since ancient times (civet means "perfume" in Arabic). Civets can sometimes be observed early in the morning.
The genet (Genetta genetta) is a nocturnal animal of about 3 kg, resembling a cat. Its tail is striped with 9 to 10 branches (against 4 in the civet, more stocky). It lives alone or in pairs, lodging in rocky crevices, in hollow trees or on high branches. It hunts for rodents, birds, reptiles and insects, but also feeds on fruits. It is known to be wasteful and does not eat much of its catch.
The mongoose (Herpestidae) exists in different species: the red mongoose(Galerella sanguinea) and the striped mongoose(Mungos mungo) are present. The mongoose feeds on birds, insects (especially termites), rodents, eggs (of reptiles or birds), lizards and snakes. Its vivacity allows it to emerge most of the time victorious from a fight with the latter. It measures from 25 cm to 50 cm and weighs from 700 g to 4 kilos, depending on the species. Also depending on the species, mongooses live either in couples or family groups of about 4 heads, or in small colonies of about fifteen animals, in old termite mounds abandoned by their insects and which then take on rounded eroded forms.
Shoebill and other emblematic birds
While most travelers are attracted to mammals, they are also captivated by the beauty of some of the birds, whose colorful plumage and enormous size are awe-inspiring. With its unspoiled vegetation and wide variety of natural habitats, from swampy plains to mopane and miombio forests, Zambia is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers or bird lovers. Some 750 species of birds have been recorded in Zambia, with many migratory species present in the country between September and May. The common bird species of southern Africa are found in Zambia, but also, and this is a particularity, birds more generally observed in East Africa or Central Africa.
The shoebillstork is one of the most sought after birds in Zambia. Indeed, it is only found in the Bangweulu swamp plains and in a few places in Central Africa, especially in Uganda. With a height of 1.20 m, it takes its name from its enormous beak. It is also distinguished by its gray color and its prehistoric appearance. It is an endangered bird. It belongs to the stork family.
The Marabou is a very large wader (1.50 m), which has the largest wingspan in flight: about 3 m. Unlike herons, and like all birds of the stork family (jabiru, African tantalus), it does not retract its neck when flying. The marabou has a plucked skull (only a bit of down at birth), a collar of white feathers, and the top of the body and the wings are black. It has a large pink skin ruffle on the front of the neck that hangs in flight, and fills itself with meat after meals: the marabou is indeed a scavenger. Never moving in groups as large as those of the vultures, it is generally entitled to the carrion only after them, despite its larger size and its large beak. Like the vulture, the marabou has a bald head and neck, which allows it to avoid soiling its feathers by plunging its beak deep into carrion. It also drops its droppings on its legs. It nests on trees and rocks, sometimes in colonies. Around May, it lays 2 to 3 eggs which are incubated for 1 month. More than 3 months later, the young can fly.
Miombo and mopane, typical ecosystems in Zambia
The highlands, which make up 70% of the country, are covered with open forest called miombo. This is a genus of tropical savannah woodland, whose scientific name is Brachystegia, comprising a large number of species. The characteristic of these trees is to lose their leaves very briefly to reduce water loss. Mopane(Colophospermum mopane) is found in all the dry valleys of Zambia (where we go on safari). It is recognizable by its very characteristic butterfly-shaped leaves. It can sometimes reach 30 m high, the graceful shape of its slender branches earning it the nickname of "cathedral mopane". The vegetation in these areas is quite poor and sparse, but the leaves of the mopane are of great nutritional value to animals, as are those of the many acacias.
Sausage trees and iconic baobabs
The sausage tree (Kigelia africana) is characteristic of Zambia and can be found in all of the country's parks, as its curious fruit is a valuable source of food for animals, especially in the Luangwa Valley. The fruit, which is shaped like a hanging sausage, is extremely heavy - it can weigh up to 10 kg - and can reach 60 cm. It matures precisely during the hottest time of the year when it is difficult to obtain food for herbivores and omnivores. A comforting larder for the hungry stomachs of zebras, baboons, hippos, but also elephants and giraffes who can afford the young fruits high up and the leaves as a side dish. Watch your head when you pass under them! The camps prune them to avoid accidents. Only baboons are able to break the thick shell to reach the desired protein-rich fruit. Elephants in season will gladly shake the trees to make the fruit fall off, clever!
The baobab(Adamonia digitata), with its enormous trunk (30 m in circumference) and its root-like branches, can live for several thousand years. No two baobab trees are alike, and they grow for centuries at their own pace, reaching colossal heights and girths. Some are nearly 20 meters high and a thousand years old in the Luangwa forest. The blooming period of the 15 years old baobab is short, as each flower lives only one day before falling. Its large dry and acidic fruit in elongated shells of nearly 40 cm, sometimes called monkey bread, is white and tastes very good. Rich in water, but also in calcium, vitamin C, these seeds are proteinous and it is sought by elephants, monkeys and even humans. One can drink monkey bread juice in season. Its trunk is hollow, and it shelters colonies of bats, owls and porcupines.
Tamarind, teak and ebony trees used in construction
The tamarind tree(Tamarindus indica) first identified and named in India is actually indigenous to Africa. Because of its density and durability, tamarind heartwood can be used in the manufacture of furniture and wooden floors and was sought after in construction. It is one of the most beautiful trees in South Luangwa Park, absolutely majestic with its huge, dense branches after the rainy season. It can reach 30 meters in height. It is especially found in riverbeds and dry ponds. Antelopes and giraffes come to devour its leaves. Its fruit contained in a shell of 12 to 15 cm is juicy and sour in the form of seeds, is used in cooking. The fruit is a major food source for many animals. Warthogs like to eat this autumn fruit, as well as antelopes, baboons and elephants mainly.
Teak (Pterocarpus angolensis) is found in the wildin the north of the country, closer to the equatorial belt, with more abundant rainfall. Dense teak forests exist along the Zambezi River (locally called "mukusi"), while the teak swamps that dot the land are among the most extensive in southern Africa. It is a tree that can grow up to 20 m high, with characteristic dark brown bark and a high canopy of large, glossy leaves. It produces an abundance of fragrant orange-yellow flowers in spring. In southern Africa, it is usually just at the end of the dry season around mid-October. It is first of all fireproof, it resists fire, boars and termites so much it is resistant. It is also extremely dense and heavy, which makes its nobility, as well as its slightly spicy scent. The wood polishes well and is well known in tropical Africa, as it has a nice brownish yellow color. It is also water resistant, does not swell and is therefore ideal for building canoes and other solid, rain-resistant constructions. It is also carved into decorative objects.
The African ebony tree (Diospyros mespiliformis), gives a fruit, close to the edible persimmon, a sweetness that jackals love, hence its nickname of jackal berry. This evergreen tree is usually 6 meters high and has a dense foliage appreciated by elephants and buffaloes. Mature trees have a dark grey cracked bark, the wood color varies from light reddish brown to very dark brown. It is extremely resistant, strong and heavy, insensitive to termites, especially the heartwood, used to make wooden floors and furniture and canoes. The fruits are oval, yellow or purple. A traditional food plant in Africa, this fruit has the potential to improve nutrition.
