BUSHBUCK HILLS NEWSLETTER JUNE 2018

South African python (Python natalensis) photo by farm management

A number of pythons have been seen on the farm recently. This one was found sun-bathing close to the main complex. In comparison to other ones seen it’s quite short at approximately 2.5 metres in length. This together with relatively high contrast colouration tends to indicate that it is a quite young snake. An informative paper was published by Prof Graham Alexander recently regarding the maternal instincts of female pythons which may be found at reseach paper. Apparently uniquely amongst snakes, python not only incubate the eggs by coiling round them, but also stays with the young for a few days after hatching. During the incubation period the female will not hunt and according to the study reported appear not to drink either. During this period the female may lose as much as 40% of her mass. For this reason only large females have the resources necessary to withstand the enormous physiologically stress involved with mating, egg laying and rearing young.

P. subtaeniatus

Western stripe bellied sand-snake (Psammophis subtaeniatus) Just a ‘little’ bit smaller than the python above at a shade under a metre in length and with a diameter similar to that of an average finger, the western stripe bellied sand-snake has a reputation for being the fastest moving snake in Africa. Despite this, after ‘racing’ away just a short distance it will often freeze believing itself to be quite invisible. It will only move after that if the observer turns away or if they move closer to the snake. They are often seen along the stream way, both on the foot path and close to the road. They are regarded as being only slightly venomous and of no danger what-so-ever to humans. They are a beautifully coloured snake with a bright yellow belly – just visible below the throat in the right hand photograph. Snouted Cobra Far from harmless, and a rather disturbing snake to find in your accommodation – this is a snouted cobra that farm management found in the wild olive cottage. It was found under a cabinet but with its tail protruding. Fortunately there is now a snake tube, hook and goggles stored in the manager’s office. These were used with great effect with the snake being safely coaxed into the tube and then for the snake and tube to be transferred to a less populous area of the farm and for the snake to be released. The snake handling equipment is only to be used by people with the requisite knowledge and training. Levaillant’s Recorded as being generally uncommon in comparison to the similarly looking Jacobin’s cuckoo, on the farm however it appears to be the more common of the two. Both are intra African migrants, breeding in South Africa but migrating during our winter months, possibly to equatorial Africa or Snouted cobra (Naja annulifera) perhaps Asia in the case of the Jacobin’s cuckoo. Generally courtesy farm management they leave South Africa by late April and don’t return until late spring time. Like other members of the cuckoo family they lay their eggs in the nests of other . In particular they parasite arrow-marked babblers and possibly pied babblers – both species that we have on the farm. Unlike other , however the chicks do not push their ‘siblings’ out the nest. Both the babblers own eggs together with those of the cuckoo are incubated and the hatchlings raised together. They are usually quite shy birds and are frequently only seen as a fleeting glimpse, where they are seen as a large pied . When stationary the different colours of their plumage may be seen and a greenish purple sheen on its back and brownish tips to its primaries become evident. The ‘funky’ hair do is a primary characteristic of its appearance. The adult birds will eat ‘hairy’ caterpillars that are unpalatable to most other types of birds. The hairs on the caterpillars are a Levaillant's cuckoo problem for most birds to digest – though some birds will try to avoid the hairs and to concentrate on the succulent innards. Most cuckoos are however in part resistant to the hairs. Whilst not digested they build up in the birds stomach until at some point they become so numerous that the bird ‘sheds’ the entire stomach lining. In some birds this may be regurgitated and in others passed out through the intestines. As the young birds do not have this capability it’s as well that they are looked after by foster-parent who Levaillant's cuckoo avoid such caterpillars. Black-chested snake-eagle Having obliged with only a slightly blurry photograph in the last edition, a juvenile bird gave a perfect pose for this one. As noted previously snake-eagles are usually recognized by their large bright eyes, large distinct head and naked legs. This one may be recognized as a juvenile because of the blotching on its belly which will disappear as the bird grows older – at the moment it might almost be confused with a Martial eagle. The full adult plumage may only be attained in year 3. Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) Whilst mostly nocturnal porcupines will come out during daylight hours on dull and overcast days. That was the case during some days in April (no room to include this picture in the April edition!). What appeared to be two very young porcupine – barely larger than guinea pigs – were found playing on a road close to the main house at about 15:00. It was only after the vehicle engine was turned off that they stopped playing and went into “hide” mode. The Porcupine very next day another much larger fully grown porcupine was seen close to the koppie on the top field. They are rightly famous for their quills but they also sport a voluntarily erectile crest of white hairs (see photo). They also have quite large external ears. Whilst the larger specimens will become quite aggressive when cornered these youngsters were far more inclined to shelter beneath what they considered to be impenetrable barrier of thorns. Getting to the ‘bottom’ of tracks. It’s not just paws and claws that leave recognizable impressions in the soil ... In the last newsletter we had a photograph of an aardvark. In this period a hole appeared overnight close to marlothi cabin with some strange triangular markings next to it. A little imagination together with an idea of what might have dug such a hole and followed up by a check with some track guides lead to the conclusion that it was probably an aardvark, with its front quarters in the hole and its tail marking on the ground. A trail camera was attached to a tree next to the hole and the following night an aardvark appeared walking Aardvark tail print across the road very close to this hole… Not conclusive but certainly supportive of the impression having been made by an aardvark. Stream path butterflies A number of different butterflies are often seen ‘sunbathing’ close to the footpath that follows the stream road. Some of them choose grass stems as the location to alight whilst others choose bushes or perhaps indulge in some ‘mud puddling’ where they take up nutrients from the damp sand – or even faeces.

Marsh patroller (Henotesia perspicua) The marsh patroller seems to stay very close to the Marsh patroller underside of wing damp patches of grass adjacent to the stream. Getting a good view of it may take some time as it has a habit of closing its wings a short time after it lands. Unlike some other species that may continually open and shut their wings this one generally keeps them shut once closed. The ‘african leopard’ is a very colourful butterfly that seems to enjoy sitting in full sunlight and mud-puddling. At the moment there are many tens of these butterflies active. As they sit puddling they continually open and close their wings. Quite a common butterfly on the farm, the ‘spotted joker’ is none the less attractive. Whilst found close to the stream this species is also found in African leopard many other locations on the farm. (Phalanta aethiopica) Spotted joker (Byblia ilithyia) Wisp wing moths are a common sight, being attracted to lights at many of the units. It is however, very unusual is to see it with its wings outspread, as in the photo to the left – only moments later it ‘furled’ the fore-wings to make itself look less like a moth and more like a twig – though on a wall this is never going to completely work! Sitting with its fore-wings furled is its normal resting Wisp wing with wings 'furled' Wisp wing (Coenina peocilaria) position.

Breakfast time: Mushrooms, oranges and eggs:

False ink-cap It seems amazing that something so seemingly soft as the head of a (Podaxis pistillaris) mushroom can possibly push its way through the compacted and hardened crust of the soil. The unknown mushroom species above left seems to have stained the soil a white colour as they pushed through. The mushroom to the right is probably a false ink-cap. Having grown to maturity and opened, it will then start to rot down and form a blackish “ink”. They also produce brownish black spores when ripe. They usually to be found growing on termite mounds. The “real” ink-cap mushroom is found in European countries. Though edible in their new, all white stage they will quickly mush down into a black liquid after being picked. The resultant liquid can be used as ink and hence the common name. Oranges growing the farm. There are a number of locations on the farm where Monkey oranges grow. Mostly these are “Spine-leaved monkey- oranges” or Strychnos pungens. The specific part of the scientific name reflecting the venacular in indicating that the leaves have a sharp spine at their end. Another tree within the genus – Strychnos nux-vomica is the most common form of strychnine, though that tree is a native of . This year there seem to be more fruit than usual and also seemingly larger. The fruit of the “apple” is edible and contains high Monkey orange (Strychnos pungens) concentrations of vitamin C though the pips are considered poisonous. The fruit should only be eaten when ripe – when the colour changes from bright green to a washed out brown colour. However, finding one that is ripe is rather difficult as the baboons have a strong liking for them. Most of the ripe fruit will be found as smashed shells on the rocks beneath the trees that bore them.

This was one of a number of eggs that had been dug up from an underground nest. Neither the predator that ate them, nor the that laid them could be definitively identified. The eggs themselves were, as can be seen, in the region of 40 or 50 mm in length which is in the right “ballpark” for a monitor lizard. Monitors themselves are very fond of digging up and eating eggs. Unfortunately because of recent rain the ground round the eggs had firstly been wiped clean of prints and subsequently grown a hard crust so nothing further could be found to identify the perpetrators or the act. The eggs are believed to be those of a lizard or snake because of their non-brittle and leathery texture.

Unknown reptile egg After fairly light rains the termites seemed to become very active in building up chimney structures where previously their ventilation shafts were pretty much flush with the ground. Interestingly they didn’t seem to mind working in the light of the day whereas termites usually go a long way to avoid such conditions. Unfortunately the species of termite has not been identified and so the life cycle and activity patterns hasn’t been established. The chimneys were quite interesting in that seemed to narrow towards the top, that together with their shape might easily have the benefit of creating a venturi effect and perhaps causing a more vigorous draft through the nest – Open topped termite mounds are usually thought to be associated with other smaller openings dotted round the surface further afield and to draw air through those openings, through the nest and then expelled through the top of the chimney. Termite ventilation shaft It always nice to see our eland. With a height of approx 1.7 metres at the shoulder they’re considered to be the largest species of antelope in Africa with the exception of their larger cousin the Giant Eland (T. derbianus). Despite its mass, with females reaching around 450, and the males 700 Kg they are excellent jumpers with an ability to clear a 2 metre fence easily. They are independent of water when necessary, obtaining all their moisture requirements from the browse they take. Reaching temporary herds of 1000 plus this Eland herd ((Taurotragus oryx) herd has some way to go. Learning to walk There are a number of walking trails on the farm marked by stylized leopard prints – painted white on rocks and as a brown print with white background tin marker when attached to trees. A map of the farm is attached with the farm roads overlaid by the walking trails to give an idea of how the roads and trails interrelate. Another map of just the walking trails may be obtained from farm management. The numbers relate to specific well known land marks – they are not contiguous as some have been removed since the breeding camps were set up and, as yet, haven’t been updated.

Huis Karee (11) to Bush-camp (7) This is quite a short walk but a very pleasant one. Leaving from Huis karee first thing in the morning is optimal as the route heads predominantly westwards and so the sun is mostly shining on our backs and not in our eyes. In the afternoon it might be better to walk the trail in the opposite direction. Leaving from the back door and walking between the car port with the green shade cloth next to the small flat and a Camphor tree (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) we cross the road heading towards the rooibok dam and start the walk just as the power lines cross the road. The path here is very clear and well marked. We immediately pass a number of different tree species, Sweet thorn (Vachellia karoo), Common thorn (Senegalia caffra), Weeping wattle (Peltophorum africana) Guarri (Euclea spp) and Sand olives (Dondonea angustifolia). A very short walk and we cross the road going to the top of the hill and we start to head towards the south with the sun on the left side of our faces. We pass a number of karee trees mostly Searsia lancia, more camphor trees and common resin bushes (Ozoroa paniculata) with bright shining pale green leaves. As we pass an iron post we see a scented thorn, Vachellia nilotica – at this time of the year covered with seed pods – the ones that look like shrink wrapped peas. If you break them open the sap smells quite pleasant – presumably from whence the common name originates. There are Cape batis hunting in the tree – both male and female, their call sounds like “three blind mice”. We go past more Karee trees, this time both common and mountain (Searsia paniculata). The latter usually have a saw tooth edge to their leaves. As we continue on we pass some good grazing grass Thermeda triandra though it’s in the minority of grass species present. A small skink rushes across the path – it’s hard to Scented thorn (Vachellia nilotica) identify but looked like a snake-eyed skink. They are very small and have a particular tadpole look about them – big head and a body that gets progressively narrower as it reaches the tail. We now pass by our largest species of Aloe – Aloe Marlothi. The flowers are long since ‘gone over’ but the plants themselves are still very attractive. We now come across our ‘featured’ tree, velvet bush-willow or Combretum molle. If you feel the leaves you’ll understand from whence they get their name. At the moment most of them are covered with their four winged fruit. These are quite small but very visible. The ones here are a bright brown almost reddish colour. As we progress along the path we see more of them but this time with a more greenish colour – perhaps younger than the brown ones? Our stroll is given colour by a orange breasted bush-shrike putting in an appearance – first we hear its call and then see the bird itself. We reach a shady little knoll where two of the trees have been marked – Red ivory (Berchemia zeyheri) and cabbage tree (Cussonia spicata). The berchemia is well known as the wood from which only a Zulu chieftain can make their Velvet Bushwillow – furry leaf knobkerrie. In spring time the leaves, which are quite small and with (Combretum molle) many branching veins, are a “bright bright” fresh green colour and may be seen in abundance along the stream road. The sun is full out and warming our backs – time to remove a layer. In front of us is another scented thorn and a buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata). The latter is peculiar in that whilst it is starting to produce its berries the leaves have decided at this late stage of the season to become a brilliant shiny green. The berries start green but gradually become red, approx 15mm in diameter. As we reach the brow of the hill we cross a road – to the right we can see the location where a borehole has been drilled – marked by an old ricoffy tin placed on top of a metal spike. There are also old telephone wires over head that previously led to huis karee. They are so low here that we can reach upwards and touch them. We can also see some stand markers – one right in the middle of our path! Quite a lot of gnidia and dicoma flowers are Combretum Molle seed pods present whilst arrow marked babblers and a couple of glossy starlings make an appearance. From here we get a great view towards the West – over the bush-camp, and the breeding camp (where new screens in one of the fields have been erected) and onto the adjoining farm and the hills beyond. As we start to descend we get a good view of the bush-camp dam which is looking very healthy and full at the moment. We must watch our step a little now – the path is definitely not so clearly defined here because of an abundance of grasses – Heteropogon contortus, Melinis repens and various Aristida species, all of which make a point of penetrating socks if you’re wearing them and embedding themselves in your flesh. We’re passing young Jacket plum trees (Pappea capensis) with spiky edges to their leaves and then back under the telephone wires – but they are much higher here and cannot be reached. More velvet bush willows – we can make a good guess at what they are just by looking at the trunks now, but look up at their leaves just to make certain, yes they’re velvety and the hairs in this light give a very shiny effect….lots more sand olive – way too much. Porcupine scats on the track – strange that we haven’t seen any quills this morning. Walking through a shady glen we see some common olive (Olea europa). A Black headed oriole first calls and then flies through giving a brilliant flash of yellow as it passes. Now a black cuckoo-shrike C. Molle trunk. is calling. An earlier boast had been made about how easy they are to call down – so let’s check – out with the phone and put it on loud speaker mode. Sure enough down comes the shrike to investigate – it’s easy to see the yellow gape of its mouth. Reaching a small glen we can hear a yellow fronted bush-shrike calling again. The ground cover seems to be some kind of Kalanchoe but the species is unknown. Now we come to the water tanks for the bush-camp. Two stainless steel ones and a new one of about 25,000 litres that’s being sunk into the ground. Off to the Southern side of these there is an old dam, where the dead python was found last year. The path now follows the pipe line down to the back of the bush-camp. We’re here in a little over an hour less time than it takes to read. Hopefully, if we know someone staying in the camp, we might just get a cup of coffee. New water tank Spider hunting in action. Pompilidae family.

Spider hunting wasp possibly Batozonellus spp.

There are a number of wasp species that specialise in hunting large spiders as a food source for their larvae. Most of these exist within the pompilidae family. The spider is first paralysed by the powerful sting of the wasp, then dragged to a suitable nest cell where an egg is laid on it and the cell closed. When hatched, the wasp larvae proceeds to eat, the still living spider. Once the meal is complete the wasp grub will spin itself a cocoon and metamorphose into the adult wasp only emerging when temperature conditions are right – usually some time the following year. Interestingly, the size of the spider provided for the grub, may determine the sex of the adult wasp – the larger the meal the higher the probability of a female. In contrast to their grubs the adult wasps feed only on nectar. The species of spiders hunted by these wasps include those within the sparasidae family including general huntsman spiders and rain spiders (Palystes), wolf spiders (lycosidae) and baboon spiders (theraphosidae family). The unfortunate victim above appears to be a huntsman spider. In the above photo sequence the wasp is seen before attacking the spider. The spider was then paralysed before being dragged about two metres prior to getting stuck between two rocks. For the time being the wasp appeared to be thwarted and flew off, but would presumably have come back in due course and rectified the situation – perhaps digging a new nest chamber closer to the spider would have been an option? Despite being impressive hunters in their own right, apart from drawing their legs close to their sides and holding their ‘knees’ over the top of their abdomen, these spiders seem to be almost helpless when attacked by one of these wasps.

New stock purchased New animals bought during the period include two wildebeest bulls and one impala ram. All animals are in prime condition. They already have some impressive horns and with good potential for further growth.

Blue wildebeest bull Impala ram – 24” horns (Connochaetes taurinus) (Aepyceros melampus) - 24" horns Marlothi cabin A large new deck has been added to the front of marlothi cabin. This has been built to replace the original one, that was walled in to provide the new kitchen area. Currently a roof is under construction to provide shelter for the deck – at the moment it is very hot, with the sun being reflected off both the deck and the walls of the cabin.

Marlothi cabin - new deck

Rainfall in mm. [email protected] 2018 2017 Delta https://www.facebook.com/bushuck.hills http://www.bushbuckhills.com April 100 52 +48 May 7 0 +7 June (so far) 2 0 +2