Hwange Safari Lodge

Hwange National Park

The Republic of Zimbabwe

May 24, 2024

Hello

The Game Drive this afternoon is a feast for the eyes.

(Game Drive: A multi-hour excursion in a four-wheel drive vehicle in search of wildlife or game.)

One carnivore today.  

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus!)

Grazers and browsers.

Springbok. (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Kudu. (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Zebra. Specifically, Plains Zebra. (Equus  quagga)

Hippopotamus. Hippopotamus amphibius.

Elephants. African Bush Elephant. (Loxodonta Africana)

Question 1.  What color is the zebra? What color are the stripes?  Black on white?  White on black?

Question 2. What is the group name for Hippopotamus.   Hint: The hippo lives mostly in the water.

Question 3. How much does an elephant eat?  Hint: A lot.

Extra Credit.  What is the difference between a grazer and a browser?  Hint: Antelope v. Giraffe.

Answer 1. Black with white stripes.

Answer 2. School

Answer 3. On average, each day an adult African elephant requires about 220-250 kilograms of food (485 – 550 lbs.) and 60 liters of water (16 gallons).

Something to ponder: To help protect them from predators, the coloration of animals generally coincides with their environment.  But zebras?  Vivid stripes? How is that Protection?

Curious Jan