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In
the Ranger's Diary we tend to concentrate on the "Big Five"
or rather the "Big Seven" since these are the most popular
animals. The "Big Seven" includes lion, leopard, elephant,
rhino, buffalo, cheetah and wild dog. The term "Big Five"
(the first five animals listed) was historically used to denote
the five most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa. Fortunately
the term is now used to describe the most popular animals.
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6 July
PM
-3 Rhinos were located at Tree-house Dam. After a short drink
they moved towards Philemon's Cutline Rd.
-1 Serval was seen near 3 Pans.
7 July
AM
-1 Female Leopard (Kurula) was found at Twin Dams. She was followed
for some time before she moved down into a riverbed near Leadwood
Rd to rest.
-2 Lionesses and 4 Cubs of about 9 months old were found on Nyala
Rd resting. They are a pride that is believed to have moved in
from the western sector of the reserve and it will be interesting
to see whether they remain in the area or move back towards the
west again. They are known as the Tsalala Pride.
PM
-2 Rhino bulls were found grazing near Guarrie Pan.
-2 Lionesses and 4, 8-10 month old cubs were found lazing in the
same place as they had been left in the morning drive. They later
started moving towards the north.
8 July
AM
-1 Male Leopard (Ncila) was found near Kudu Corner, stalking impala.
The herd spotted the Leopard as he trying to sneak nearer and
ran off in all directions. He then slowly moved off marking his
territory towards Kudu Corner and eventually crossed into the
Kruger Park.
PM
-2 Lionesses and 4 Cubs (Tsalala Pride) were found on Gowrie Cutline
moving west.
-1 Female Leopard and 2 Cubs (Kurula) was found on Twin Dams Rd.
moving north.
9 July
AM
-2 Lionesses and 4 Cubs (Tsalala Pride) were found feeding on
an old piece of Buffalo skin on Twin Dams Rd. One of the Lionesses
was limping badly and this must be slowing the pride down. Unable
to make a successful hunt during the night had, in desperation,
caused them to scavenge this piece of old skin.
-1 Female Leopard (Kurula) and her 2 cubs were found feeding on
an Impala Kill close to Vuyatela Dam. The leopard had hoisted
the young ram Impala into a small Tamboti tree.
-3 Rhinos were found on Impala Plains.
-6 Buffalo Bulls were found at Tamboti Dam.
PM
-1 Female Leopard (Kurula) and her 2 cubs were found feeding on
their Impala Kill near Vuyatela Dam. There were 2 Hyenas in the
area waiting for scraps to fall from the hoisted carcass.
-2 Lionesses and 4 cubs (Tsalala Pride) were found at Philemon's
dip. They stalked and attacked a herd of Impala without success
and were left resting close to Philemon's Cutline Rd.
10 July
AM
-A breeding herd of Buffalo were found on Sour Plum Rd. resting
in the woodland.
-The 2 females and 4 Lion cubs (Tsalala Pride) were found near
Tree-House Dam resting in the bush.
-1 Female Leopard (Kurula) and her cubs were found still feeding
on their Impala kill close to Vuyatela Dam.
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The
Ranger's diary is updated weekly
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