SKNP Wildlife Journal December 2017
WILDLIFE REPORT SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA For the month of December, Two Thousand and Seventeen Photo: Jacques Briam Temperature Rainfall Recorded Sunrise & Sunset Average minimum: 20°C (68°F) For the period: 58 mm Sunrise: 05h08 Average maximum: 33°C (91°F) For the year to date: 464 mm Sunset: 18h44 Minimum recorded: 14°C (57°F) Maximum recorded: 40°C (104°F) In the final month of 2017, we experienced warmer days and the increased promise of rain. The summer sun in the early morning brought with it the call of a multitude of bird species, that were in full song throughout the month. It also got hot very quickly, and the shortage of standing water early in the month meant that a late morning drives back along the N’wanetsi River would lead to regular sightings of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and elephants coming down to the riverine area for food, water and shade. Impala lambing season is still in full swing, but the young lambs have also now been joined by many young blue wildebeest. We have also had sightings of the odd sounder of warthog piglets. Most of the migrant bird species had arrived by the end of the month, particularly after some rain that fell in the latter parts of December. With the increased amount of standing water, there has been a boom in frog and insect activity, which has in turn, brought locally nomadic bird species from near and far. We are now seeing large amounts of lesser spotted eagles, and white stork, as they feast on insects and most notably, termites as they erupt after rain.
[Show full text]