Free Monkeys

ARE YOU A "SOME_ONE"?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:32:00 +0000

I’m trying to find out who this “some-one” is that people are talking about. People driving on a country side road and see this thin, lost and tired dog next to the road and say “Ahh shame, sure some-one will help this poor dog”.

Who is this “some-one”? And will that “some-one” travel on this road today?

People read tweets of animals in need and sanctuaries, like my sanctuary which have to stop with their rescue work because of no more funds, and say “there’s thousands of people on Twitter, “some-one” will help this animals” or “some-one will donate” or “some-one will RT”

Who is this “some-one”? And will this “some-one” travel on this road today?

Yesterday while traveling on a busy country road, I saw this thin, lost and tired little girl walking next to the road, I just had to stop and pick her up.

She needs expert medical attention. I phoned the VET. he wants cash only, cash I do not have. R650.00 and he will put her on a drip to save her, R380.00 to put her down. Will try my best to help her make it though. Everything is money, money, money!!!!!

Perhaps my name is “some-one” and I have met a bunch of other “some-one’s” on twitter. Here’s a few of them, Jonathan Baty Piedmond SC, Fiona Young-Brown Lexington KY, Francis Carpenter UK, Aine O’Neill London UK, @ttsnoopy, @michellezzzz, @rikiasdrawings, @The_Lil_General, @animalsfirst1, @murielgarden, @LilyCooks, @LuvMikeMizanin, @DanLarocque, @ericmorecambe, @Sissy2814, @AnimalsHaveValu, @Steeler14527, @peteswildlife .

This “some-one” now have an extra mouth to feed with the little money “some-one” have. But “some-one” cannot look away and drive past if an animal needs “some-one”

One day a “some’one” will help me to feed 28 monkeys, 8 roadside dogs, 1 rescued chicken, 2 geese and 5 roadside cats.

“some-one” might one day travel on a country road and see a Monkey sanctuary in need.

Solution For Cruel Farming Practices.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:39:00 +0000

Vegan Egg Company Receives $1 Million in Funding

By Melissa Nguyen | May 23, 2013

Founders Fund chose to back Hampton Creek Foods as its first culinary startup investment.

Co-founder of Paypal Peter Thiel’s venture capitalist group, Founders Fund, recently invested $1 million in Hampton Creek Foods, the food firm that is working to replace eggs with a fully plant-based product, reports Tech Crunch. Founders Fund aims to fund companies with innovative, ambitious missions. Hampton Creek Foods and its inaugural product Beyond Eggs made headlines in Businessweek and Vice's Motherboard earlier this year when it received funding from other venture capitalists such as Khosla Ventures that invested $2 million into the food-tech company.

Handmade Garden Creatures (Steel & Rock)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:52:00 +0000

This is what we used to make and sell to feed the monkeys and rescue others from a life of hell in small cages. Unfortunately our workshop burned down a few months ago with all our power tools inside. Since then, we have no income to buy food for the monkeys and Richard had to go to the USA to work on a farm there, so we can care for the monkeys. We hoped that he will earn enough to rebuild the factory but, his earnings just cover the basic costs of the sanctuary. But I'm positive something great will happen and we will be able to continue the work with abused animals.

HIDDEN BEAUTY IN YOUR GARDEN (Breathing, Walking Gold)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Found this beautiful creatures in my garden....living, breathing gold.

TWEET THEM OUT OF CRUELTY?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:13:00 +0000

For the past 12 years I'm fighting to rescue monkeys from cruel people and to keep them out of cages. It is with great sadness that I have to admit to myself and animal lovers that follow my blog, that I cannot help any more monkeys due to a lack of funds.

After swallowing my pride and begging animal lovers on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other social networks, I only received donations from two persons from the USA. Jonathan Baty from Piedmond SC $50 and Fiona Young Brown from Lexington KY $10 and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for the monkeys.

I understand that not all people have the space and time to physically go out there to rescue animals and take care of them but the biggest problem we are facing is finding donations to help animals in need. I'm sure that most people connected to social sites can afford to donate at least $1 to help animals in need. Without your help, animals like the ones on the photos are doomed to a very sad and cruel life in a cage.

I had e-mails from people complaining about my grammar mistakes here on the blog and then unfriend or unfollow me on Twitter. My home language is Afrikaans and I'm trying with my best high school English to get the message of animal suffering to the world. Please just point out the mistakes by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. Personally I'm not too worried about that, I have bigger problems like lack of funds to feed the monkeys and fighting cancer to deal with. Intelligent people will understand what I'm trying to say.

This morning I received a phone call asking for my assistance with an injured monkey they have found next to the road. They wanted me to come and collect the monkey 55km from here. It breaks my heart to tell people that I cannot help and to take the monkey to a vet. Most people will not do that and will rather kill the monkey than waisting time and money to save him.

Spare a moment and think, pray, send good karma or meditate to make life a little bit more tolerable for the animals in cages. Unfortunately without help it's an impossible task to get all of them out of this hell.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK & GOOGLE+ WITH THE SHARE BUTTONS AT THE BOTTOM.

Add A Monkey To Your Family Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:55:00 +0000

Name: Betsy Sex: Female Birthday: 2 September 2005

Betsy is the alpha female and rule this sanctuary with an iron hand, that includes lower ranking monkeys, dogs, cats, chickens and us. She loves bananas, peaches and bread with strawberry jam. We rescued Betsy's mother Bella, from a life chained to a pole in 2003 and Betsy was born a year later. Unfortunately Bella died a few months after the birth from pneumonia.

Adopt Betsy and help with her care for only $20 per month with the option of cancelling your subscription at any time.

ADOPTION TERMS

You will receive a framed photo of the new member of your family.

We will send you a birth certificate with the name of the monkey with your last name. (Send last name please)

Please we want you to be a part of your monkey's life and will send you updates, photos and videos monthly. You may also request new photos or news at any time. We will answer and send information asap.

We treat them on their birthday and will send you photos and add a short video on the blog for you to download.

Get involved please, it will make us feel we are not alone in this fight to keep them safe and to rescue others from cages and bad humans with guns. Some days I feel so disappointed in humans and feel as if no one else care and I'm fighting a loosing battle here alone in the bush.

I will add some more monkeys soon.

A Win-Win Deal. (you win, and the monkeys eat bananas)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Here's the deal, if you are a blogger or have a website or Facebook page, I will share your posts daily on twitter, Facebook and on my blog and website. You may send me tweets via my e-mail and I will copy it and tweet it for you. I'm alone here on the farm and spend a lot of time on Twitter and FB.

All I'm asking from you is to make a small donation towards my sanctuary and then you may instruct me on what to Retweet and what posts you want me to share on FaceBook, Twitter and what links or articles you want me to share on my blog, website and on my FaceBook page.

We desperately need funds to care for the monkeys and rescue more from horrible lives in cages and chains. I will spend a lot of time promoting your Blog, Website or product as long as your product or blog does not promote cruelty to animals, nudity or pornographic images. You decide how much you want to donate, every penny will make a difference.

Please let's help each other.

My Blog: https://freemonkeysanctuary.blogspot.com

My Website: http://themonkeysvoice.wix.com/freemonkeys

My FaceBook Page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/343195915790243/

My Tumblr: http://monkeyrescue.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME, MAKE A SMALL DONATION AND INSTRUCT ME ON HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT OR BLOG HERE; themonkeysvoice@gmail.com ( Louis)

The Monkeys Need ACTION HEROES Today.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:56:00 +0000

.Please we urgently need funds to buy food for the monkeys. At the moment we only have enough food for one day.
If you are unable to donate, please help us by posting on FB and Twitter. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Louis

At the sanctuary I do all the work by myself and do not have to pay salaries or admin costs. Every penny of your donation will be used to buy food for the monkeys.

Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do, the danger is that we shall do nothing.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

We must stop this cruelty to Badgers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:26:00 +0000

Cruelty to badgers 'almost doubles' ahead of cull

Labour says pro-cull campaigning may have given a "green light" to people mistreating badgers

The number of people prosecuted for cruelty to badgers has almost doubled in five years, new figures suggest.

The data, obtained by Labour MP Diane Abbott, showed 58 people were prosecuted in magistrates' courts under the Protection of Badgers Act in 2011 - up from 30 in 2007.
Ms Abbott said pro-cull campaigning had given a "green light" to those carrying out crimes such as badger baiting.
The government said unlicensed killing of badgers was "unacceptable".
Two trial badger culls, aimed at tackling the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle, are set to go ahead later this year in Gloucestershire and Somerset.
They had been postponed late in 2012 amid fears they could not be carried out effectively, but were approved in February after final licence conditions were met. A reserve pilot will also be prepared in Dorset.
Cruel and barbaric

“Start Quote

If anyone has any evidence of that occurring, they are strongly encouraged to report this to local wildlife crime police officers to deal with”

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman

The figures, revealed by Ms Abbott in a parliamentary question, showed that prosecutions for crimes including badger baiting have risen each year since 2007 - with only a minor dip to 48 in 2010 from 50 in 2009.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Abbott said the rise was "alarming", stressing she believed "this kind of cruelty is barbaric".
"We've got to send the message out that this kind of thing is wrong. The laws are clear so we need to talk about why these incidents are increasing," she said.
The Labour MP added she was "concerned that there are gangs of people, sometimes with dogs, who think this is a macho thing to do".
"The problem is that some of campaigning on badger culling has given a green light to this kind attitude to our wildlife."
Labour has opposed a badger cull, arguing it will cost more money than it saves, put strain on the police and could even spread TB as badgers flee to different parts of the country.
Responding to the figures, a spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "Any killing of badgers without a licence is illegal and unacceptable.
"If anyone has any evidence of that occurring, they are strongly encouraged to report this to local wildlife crime police officers to deal with."
The government has previously said the cull of badgers is necessary as part of a "science-led" programme to tackle TB - which has been devastating to farmers.

Know SA Animals- Bush pig

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Bush Pig




Name Bush Pig [Potamochoerus larvatus] Appearance The Bush Pig is a strong, stocky pig with powerful forequarters. Its upper tusks are barely visible, but the lower tusks are razor sharp and grow to 7cm in length. It is very dangerous when surprised in the bush or wounded during hunting, it can inflict serious wounds with the sharp, protruding canines. An adult boar measures up 900mm at the shoulder and can weigh as much 60 Kgs. Diet Bush Pigs can thrive in close proximity to human settlements as a consequence of their stealth and predilection for agricultural food crops such, potatoes, maize, tomatoes, sugar cane and other vegetables. Some farmers consider the Bush Pig as a pest because of such crop damage. In the wild they feed on plant roots, rhizomes, bulbs, tubers, fruits and insect larvae which are rooted from the subsurface soil. Behaviour Bush Pigs are also the largest animals in the subregion to build nests. Sows bite off grass and pile it into heaps up to 3m across and one metre high, which when completed looks like a small haystack. Apart from suckling them, the sows leave the care of piglets to the dominant boar. It also readily wades in water to reach aquatic plants, and is a strong swimmer which wallows in mud to cool down. Once piglets are introduced to the group, boars assume the role of protector. Piglets remain with the group until the age of six months, and thereafter are evicted from the group by the dominant pair. Bush Pigs are also the largest animals in the subregion to build nests. Sows bite off grass and pile it into heaps up to 3m across and one metre high, which when completed looks like a small haystack. Apart from suckling them, the sows leave the care of piglets to the dominant boar. It also readily wades in water to reach aquatic plants, and is a strong swimmer which wallows in mud to cool down. Once piglets are introduced to the group, boars assume the role of protector. Piglets remain with the group until the age of six months, and thereafter are evicted from the group by the dominant pair. Where they are found Found in dense forests and underbrush situations along rivers, streams and at the bases of mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province of South Africa, and further northwards through tropical Africa. Predators Their main predators of Bushpig are Leopards and man. They are considered problem animals in most places they occur due to their habit of destroying crops

Know SA Animals- African Civet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:18:00 +0000

African Civet




Name Civet [Civettictis Civetta] Appearance Civets are beautifully marked but secretive nocturnal animals with bushy coats with black and white spots and stripes. Civets are good swimmers. They feed mostly on spiders, snakes, millipedes, small mammals and birds but also eat fruit, berries and other vegetable matter. Civets secrete an oily substance from anal glands when they are excited. Vital Statistics Weight (Female) 9,7 - 20 kg Weight (Male) 9,5 - 13,2 kg Length (Female) 1,3 m Length (Male) 1,3 m Gestation Period 2 months No of Young 2 - 4 Order Carnivora Family Viverridae Breeding 1 - 4 young are born from August - December after a gestation period of ± 2 months. Spoor Description Has 5 toes on the fore- and hind-feet, but only 4 toes show in the spoor of the fore- and hind-feet, as the first toes are set far back and do not touch the ground. The claws mark clearly in the spoor.

Know SA Animals- Wildebeest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:14:00 +0000

Wildebeest




Black Wildebeest - Appearance Black Wildebeest have a dark brown to black body, an erect mane and a long whitish tail. Both sexes have heavy, forward curving horns. Bulls measure 1.2 metres at the shoulder and weigh 161 Kg. Cows measure 1.16 metres at the shoulder and weigh 130 Kg. The horns of calves are initially straight, and start to grow the characteristic curvature at approximately nine months of age. Diet They are primarily a grazer, in order of preference selecting for predominantly grass, and occasionally karroid shrubs and herbs. Behaviour Socially, the Black Wildebeest is found in three types of herds namely those consisting of territorial bulls competing to attract receptive cows, female herds, and lastly bachelor herds. Dominant bulls are spaced across a grid of individual territories, each of which is actively defended. Generally older bulls are isolated from the social structure. This species shows strong attachment to particular areas, which are selected for all round visibility to enhance safety. Habitat Their preferred habitat is open grassveld, and it actively avoids areas with tall grass and dense vegetation. Where they are found Black Wildebeest are endemic to South Africa. Historically the Black Wildebeest occupied the central open grassland plains of the country, from the Northern Cape, the Free State, the southern highveld regions of the former Transvaal, western Lesotho, western Swaziland and the grassland areas below the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. Recently introduced to other parts of the country and neighbouring countries. With population estimates of about 12 00 it is not regarded as threatened by extinction. Blue Wildebeest - Appearance The dark silver-grey body is marked with dark vertical bands on the front quarters. Blue wildebeest are characterised by a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both sexes grow short curved horns. In adult bulls the horns are heavily bossed. Bulls weigh 250 kg and measures 1.5 m at the shoulders. Cows are slightly smaller, measuring 1.4 m at the shoulder and with a mass of 180 kg. Breeding Blue Wildebeest are seasonal breeders. Births of single calves per cow occur during summer after a gestation period of nine months. Calves can run with the herd within minutes after birth. Behaviour Seasonal migration was an optimised survival strategy which allowed the effective use of resources over larger areas and which minimised over-utilisation, both during wet and dry seasons. This is a gregarious herbivore, occurring in herds ranging from ten to a few thousand individuals. Bulls maintain territories when the herd is sedentary. Where they are found Distribution is concentrated to the north-eastern regions of South Africa. Not regarded as endangered, but mostly found in conservation areas. Also widely distributed in countries north of South Africa. Population numbers are drastically reduced due to fencing, which restricts traditional and instinctive migration.

Know SA Animals- Impala

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:11:00 +0000

Impala

00:00 00:00 sound of Impala sound of Impala



Name Impala [Aepyceros melampus] Appearance This is the most common antelope of the bushveld regions of South Africa. A very graceful, rufous-fawn antelope, with white underparts, measuring approximately 900mm at the shoulders. Rams weigh around 60 Kg and ewes 40 Kg. A black stripe extends from the top of the rump down the back of each thigh. The lower hind legs have glands beneath tufts of black hair. Only the rams have horns which are lyre-shaped, and reach a length of 700mm. Diet The Impala is a mixed feeder. It browses on shrubbery and grazes grass on gently undulating or flat terrain. Acacia pods and fruits are taken when available. Breeding Following a gestation period of 194-200 days single calves are born during early summer. An ewe is sexually mature at two years of age. Young rams can breed as yearlings, but are prevented to do so by territorial rams, which dominate reproductive opportunities. Behaviour Herds seldom wander more than eight km from permanent water supply. Renowned for their spectacular leaps over shrubs and bushes, when alarmed. Rutting occurs during early winter months. Young rams live in bachelor herds, and those strong enough to be successful in establishing territories, become solitary within their respective domains during the rut. Females live in breeding herds. Habitat Its preferred habitat is woodland savannahs of the northern and eastern districts of South Africa, and in countries beyond. Predators The Impala is preyed upon by most of the large carnivores and the young often fall prey to Pythons. The Impala are therefore on constant alert. Should one of them spot danger, it will snort an alarm and the whole herd will scatter. It is one of the treats offered by nature to see this antelope perform their incredible 3 metre high and 12 metre long leaps. Vital Statistics Latin Name Aepyceros Melampus Weight (Female) 40 kg Weight (Male) 50 kg Gestation Period 6,5 months No of Young 1 lamb Sexual Maturity 13 months Birth Weight 5 kg Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Horns 55 cm Breeding A single young is born from September - January after a gestation period of about 6 months. Spoor Description Hooves are sharp, neat and pointed and 4 - 6 cm long. Field Notes One of the more common antelope of the African savannah, Impala have been referred to as the Macdonalds of the bush as they are of the most common prey for predators. The distinction markings on the rump also resemble the company logo to a degree.

Know SA Animals- Hartebeest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:09:00 +0000

Hartebeest




Name Lichtenstein's Hartebeest [Alcelaphus lichtensteinii] There are some biologists who classify the Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest as Sigmoceros lichtensteinii Appearance Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests are large antelope with humped shoulders, sloping back and elongated head. Cows can weigh 180 Kg and adult bulls over 200 Kg. At the shoulder the height of both sexes measures 1.25m. Their body colour is a light tawny, with a rufous saddle extending from the base of the tail to the shoulders. Rump, hind legs and under parts of tail are off-white. Fronts of lower legs are black, as is the tip of the tail. A characteristic dark patch is visible on the flanks due to continuous rubbing of the face on the flanks. Dust sticking to the secretion rubs off onto the flanks from the preorbital glands situated on the face. Backward curving s-shaped horns are found on both sexes. The bulls’ horns are thicker at the base. Diet This is a grazer dependant on perennial grasses. They prefer new growth in burnt areas, when available. It grazes in the cool of early mornings and late afternoons. Breeding Following a gestation period of 240 days females calve during August and September. Within herds calves are born at the same time, which is an anti-predator mechanism. Calves weigh 15 kg at birth. Females are sexually mature between 16-18 months. The calves are weaned by about 12 months and reach sexual maturity around 24 months. The Lichtenstein's Hartebeest has a lifespan of potentially 20 years. Behaviour Gregarious antelope, with herds consisting of about ten animals. A territorial bull can have six or seven adult females together with their offspring. Young bulls are expelled from the herd at the age of 10-12 months and young females leave the group from 15-18 months.The territorial bull defends his territory during the rut. Their territorial system breaks down during calving period, which may also be an anti-predator adaptation, affording protection to the young calves by moving around. Habitat They prefer an open habitat with adequate drinking water, hence its distribution in areas of higher rainfall. Where they are found In South Africa it occurred marginally only in the region of the present day Kruger National Park, where it became extinct. A new population has been established be relocating animals from Malawi. They are very rare in the subregion. Predators Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena and Cape Hunting Dog

Know SA Animals- Springbok

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:07:00 +0000

Springbok




Name Springbok [Antidorcas marsupialis] Appearance Rams may weigh up to 50 Kg, and ewes only up to 37 Kg. Their striking body colour renders them easily recognizable. Shoulders appear lower than the hindquarters. Cinnamon coloured upper body, white underparts and a broad dark brown stripe on either flank stretching from the front legs to the rear legs. The short white tail is brown tufted. The rump is marked by a triangular-shaped white patch, framed by a dark brown stripe with the apex on the top of the hindquarters. Horns of ewes are more slender and shorter than those of rams. Diet Springboks are selective feeders, whose diet comprises the best fodder available at any given time. They browse in the dry season and predominantly graze after the rainy season when grasses spout green. They are fond of flowers such as of Acacia, and drink water readily, but when open water is scarce, water requirements are met by eating moisture-rich tubers and roots. Breeding Mating is normally restricted to a one or two week rut, although this specie is capable to breed at any time of the year. After a gestation period of 25 weeks single lambs are born. Lambs are hidden for the first two days after birth. Most ewes breed every year, some even twice. Young are weaned at about four months and ewes become sexually mature at the age of seven months. Behaviour Only rams establish territories for mating opportunities. The exception is territorial rams, which prefer to live in the solitude of their territories. Herd composition is flexible. Habitat The Springbok live in a harsh and unpredictable environment. Calcareous pans, dry river beds and short grass savannah are preferred. They avoid areas of tall grass. Where they are found The Springbok is the most abundant antelope in the central and western parts of South Africa. Some herds are still free roaming within some of its natural range, but most are now confined to farmlands and reserves. They are a common feature in most of South Africa’s national, provincial and private reserves. Field Notes Springbok in their hundreds of thousands roamed the arid regions of southern Africa at the time the first settlers arrived, but the herds were quickly decimated and today they are only found in protected areas and farms. Once the national animal of South Africa the debate still rages as to whether the Springbok is a symbol of Apartheid. The national rugby team of South Africa is still known as the Springboks.

Know SA Animals- Water Mongoose

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:05:00 +0000

Water Mongoose




Appearance With an overall length of 800 to 1000 mm, this is a large and robust mongoose. It has a mass of between 2.5 to 4.2 kg. Their tails are 300-410 mm long. Their colour is a uniform dark brown with a lighter nose. Their bodies are relatively short the tail is covered with long, shaggy hairs. Ears are adpressed to the head. They have a large skull with a short muzzle. The large brain is associated with increased tactile sensitivity and muscular control of the forepaws. These characteristics enables this semi-aquatic mongoose to locate and eat crabs and other relatively hard-bodied prey. Their teeth are adapted to crush the hard outer shells of shell fish, rather than to shear. This is the only herpestid with unwebbed feet which splay on soft substrates. This trait results in a very distinctive spoor. Diet They feed primarily on aquatic prey like crabs, prawns, fish and on occasion also frogs. Terrestrial prey such as cane rat, dassie and blue duiker have regularly been recorded as food items, but it is not known whether these were scavenged or killed by the water mongoose. Breeding Females give birth to two young per litter and more than one litter can be produced per season. Young start taking food after one month, their eyes and ears open after 10 days. Little is known about their sexual behaviour, but it is known that they breed twice a year, once in the middle of the dry season and once in the rains. The female prepares a nest of dry grass in a hole. If there are no holes available in swampy areas, the young are raised on a nest of reeds, grass, and sticks. Up to three young per litter have been recorded. Sometimes a second adult also accompanies the family. The young usually are weaned and depart from their birthplace in a few months. Behaviour They are solitary in habits, a semi-aquatic and nocturnal species. Marsh mongooses are regular in their habits and follow pathways that are smooth and well-defined. The pathways tend to follow rivers or shorelines, often hidden by tall grass and reed clumps. To catch a bird, the mongoose lies on its back and looks as if it's sunbathing. In this position, the pale, pink anal area assumes a startling prominence against the surrounding dark fur. This display is claimed to induce birds to approach and peck at the anus, whereupon the mongoose seizes the bird. When approached by a threatening presence, the mongoose makes a low growl, which may be reinforced by sudden explosive barking growls in a deeper tone. When the mongoose is cornered or distressed, it ejects jets of foul brown fluid from its anal sacs. Mongooses make a high-pitched cry and an open-mouthed bleat when excited. They are frequently seen singly. They are highly territorial, and their territories are spaced along their linear habitat. Habitat The water mongoose’s habitat is mainly associated with rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal regions, vleis and reedbeds with cover. They may wander some distance from water. Rocky areas in streams or near dams are often used as resting sites. Where they are found They are distributed widely in the eastern and southern higher rainfall areas of South Africa, and all along the Orange River. Latin name Atilax paludinosusis.

Know SA Animals- Samango Monkey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:02:00 +0000

Samango Monkey

00:00 00:00



Samango Monkey - Appearance Males are larger than females, males have a mass of 7 to 9 Kg and females 4 to 5 Kg. The tail is a third longer than the body. The coat of the head and the shoulders is dark grey to black. Facial skin, feet, hands and lower limbs are black. Upper limbs and flanks are paler than the shoulders. Belly and throat are a creamy white. The muzzles of males protrude to accommodate the enlarged canines. Diet The diet of the Samango Monkey include fruits, insects, flowers, leaves and insects. The Samango male consumes more fruit than the female. While foraging for food it would appear that Samangos start the day by selecting for fruit, and will later in the day take leaves, whereas the day is finished with a combination of fruit and leaves. Breeding This primate is a seasonal breeder. Females give birth during the onset of the warm, rainy season. A single young is born after a gestation period of 140 days. Young are carried by their mothers for two to three months, and are finally weaned at the age of nine months. Males compete for the attention of oestrus females. In Samango troops, oestrus is unsynchronised. Behaviour Samango Monkeys have a harem social structure, that is a single dominant male lives with his females and their infants and subadults. The social core is formed by related females, who will also defend their territory. Habitat Can survive in relatively depauperate swamp forests, inclusive of the deciduous sand forests of northern KwaZulu-Natal, although it is mainly confined to evergreen indigenous forests. Seldom ventures into forest patches smaller than 50-100 ha. Where they are found Not widespread or common in South Africa, occurring only in the coastal forests north of St Lucia estuary in KwaZulu-Natal, and in the Afro-montane forests of Mpumalanga. The range extends into similar habitats in neighbouring countries. Another, more southern subspecies, is found in Afro-montane and coastal scrub forests of central and southern KwaZulu-Natal, extending into the Eastern Cape to just north of the Knysna forest. Higher population densities occur at the north coast. The two South African subspecies are only distinguished by colour variances. Latin Name: Cercopithecus mitus.

Know SA Animals- Oribi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Oribi




Appearance This gracious little antelope has a long, slender neck and legs. Ears are oval. The coat is rufous-brown with white under parts. The tail of the oribi is black. Situated close to the inner corners of the eyes are two large pre-orbital glands. Only the rams have short, straight horns of 80 -180 mm, which are ringed at the base. Their hindquarters slightly higher than their forequarters. Adult rams measure 600 mm at the shoulders and weighs 14 kg. Ewes are slightly larger than rams. Oribi display a distinctive “stotting” action when alarmed, which entails vertical leaps with straight legs. Diet Primarily a grazer, which occasionally browse on forbs. Although it occurs on flood plains, it is not dependant on free surface water. Breeding Seasonal breeder and in South Africa births peak in November/December. They have a gestation period of 210 days after which a single lamb is born. Lambs are hidden for about a month, and the mother returns at times to suckle her offspring. Young are weaned at about four to five months. Behaviour Found in small monogamous groups of a ram with two ewes. These groups are territorial, and actively defend their territories of 25-100 ha in size. Territorial rams evict young rams from their family group, whereas young ewes remain longer until they can form their own pair bonds. Since it is important to maintain social bonds, a family regularly performs a dunging ceremony, although dung middens are not maintained. Habitat Inhabits floodplains, grasslands, open plains and montane grasslands, and marginally in light bushland. Where they are found Distribution is patchy and discontinuous. In South Africa Oribi occur in the northern parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and small populations persist in the north eastern Free State and Swaziland. Rare in the eastern Caprivi of Namibia and northeastern parts of Botswana. Latin Name: Oribia scoparia. Vital Statistics Latin Name Ourebia Ourebi Weight (Female) 8 - 20 kg Weight (Male) 11 - 17 kg Length (Female) 100 cm Length (Male) 100 cm Gestation Period 7 months No of Young 1 lamb Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Horns 13 cm (record - 19 cm) Breeding A single young is born from October - December after a gestation period of ± 7 months. Spoor Description Hoofs point forward. Smaller than the Steenbok's. The hind foot is elongated.

Know SA Animals- Pangolin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:58:00 +0000

Pangolin

00:00 00:00



Name Pangolin, Ground Pangolin (Manis temminckii), also known as Temminck's Pangolin or the Cape Pangolin Appearance The Pangolin measures over 1 m in length and weighs up to 18 Kg. The body is protected by armour of imbricated brown scales, which uniquely identifies this specie amongst all mammals. Except for the forehead there is no scales on the head or belly, nor on the inner surfaces of the legs. The first and last digits of the forefeet are reduced, whereas the middle three digits and claws are well developed for digging. The front legs are also shorter than the hind legs. The broad-based tail tapers to a rounded tip. Diet Since Pangolin are entirely insectivorous, an abundant availability of ants and termites to sustain subsistence, governs its occurrence. Another factor determining occurrence, is the availability of burrows or other forms of shelter. They feed predominantly on formicid ants. Pangolin appear to be highly selective feeders in that only 19 species of ants and termites are taken. It locates prey by smell, even under the soil surface. When prey is located, tunnels are opened up with the well equipped front paws. The 250 mm long, rod-shaped tongue is covered with a sticky saliva. This is used as a tool to collect prey by inserting it into the termite tunnels. When withdrawn it is covered with trapped prey which is gathered into the mouth. Such feeding exercises are executed about 90 times per night, and each feeding lasts about one minute. As it lacks teeth, the sand ingested with each withdrawal assists to masticate the food items in the muscular mouth. Breeding A Pangolin couple pairs briefly for 1-2 days during March. Mating occurs side by side, with the male forcing his tail beneath the female to assist coitus. A female gives birth to a single young after a gestation period of 135 days. Birthing occurs during July or August. Young are suckled in the den, where it is left behind when the female goes out to forage. Young are frequently moved to a new den after about the first month. Behaviour Pangolins are well equipped for self defense. The Pangolin usually rolls up into a ball when threatened. Arboreal pangolins roll up in a ball in a tree hollow at night to sleep. Pangolins can lash out with their razor sharp scales. They also have scent glands similar to those of the skunk which they can use to spray enemies. Pangolins can amble along on all fours, but for speed they stand up on two feet using their long tail for support. They run at a speed of about 5km per hour. Habitat Habitat preference is mainly for savannah woodlands, but it is also found on floodplain grasslands, rocky slopes and sandveld. They are not found in deserts and forests. Where they are found In South Africa the Pangolin ranges over most of the former eastern, northern and western Transvaal, northern KwaZulu-Natal, northeastern Cape, from where its distribution continues into neighbouring countries. Interesting facts Pangolins are endangered because their skin makes attractive leather for boots, similar to snakeskin or armadillo boots. Also, Pangolins are eaten in some parts of the world. Only seven living species of mammal are included in the Pholidota, the Pangolins or scaly anteaters. There are four species in Africa and three in southeast Asia. Pangolins were once more widely distributed throughout the world, an essentially modern-looking fossil Pangolin, Eomanis, has been found in the Eocene of Germany, and another fossil Pangolin has been found in the lower Oligocene of North America. Today, because of habitat destruction and hunting (Pangolin scales are used in Chinese and African medicine), the three Asian species and one of the African species of Pangolin are considered endangered. Vital Statistics Latin Name Manis Temminckii Weight (Female) 4,5 - 14,5 kg Weight (Male) 4,5 - 14,5 kg Length (Female) 80 cm Length (Male) 80 cm Gestation Period ± 4 months No of Young 1 Order Pholidota Family Manidae Breeding A single young is born from May - July after a gestation period of about 4 months. Spoor Description The spoor shows the rounded pads of the hind-feet with usually four nails touching the ground, the occasional scrape of the tail and the mark of the front edges of the long, curved, front claws. Field Notes The name of the Pangolin comes from the Malay word, pengguling, which means ‘to roll up’ and describes the Pangolin’s habit of rolling itself into a ball when threatened. Because of its habits the Pangolin is a rarely seen animal by safari travelers and is often thigh on the list of ‘must sees’.

Know SA Animals- Rhebuck

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Rhebuck




Name Grey Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus) Appearance They weigh up to 30 Kg, with a shoulder height of 700-800 mm. This is a slender, long necked, medium sized antelope. It has long narrow ears with a bulbous nose, and a woolly coat with white underparts. Only rams have upright, straight, spike-like horns of 150-250 mm in length, ringed at the bases. Diet This antelope is predominantly a browser with a tendency to mixed feeding. They select shrubs and forbs. Roots, seeds and flowers are also taken during June to October. Breeding This is a seasonal breeder, and mating takes place during February and April. Single lambs are born after a gestation period of eight months. Pregnant ewes leave the herds three days before young are born. After the birth mothers keep their lambs concealed for six weeks, during which they are retrieved frequently for suckling. Behaviour They have complicated social groupings, these animals are found in small groups of up to 12 consisting of an adult ram, a few ewes and lambs. Rams may become solitary. They are territorial in habit and will defend a specific area. They make snorting, groaning and hissing sounds. They are active for most of the day but rest when it becomes hot. They are good jumpers and run with a distinct rocking horse gait, with the fore and hind legs kicked out stiffly with each leap. Habitat Within these mountainous regimes, grassveld with some stones and rocks are preferred. Where they are found Grey Rhebuck are not common, but is widespread in a suitable habitat. Found in the Eastern and Western Cape, suitable areas westward of the Cape Peninsula, Mpumalanga and Northern Province, high-lying areas of Lesotho, Free State, and the higher Drakensberg areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Adapted to mountain slopes, hills and plateaus. Predators Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Cape Hunting Dog, Python and Jackal. Field Notes A little known fact is that the Rhebuck is the origin of the Reebok brand of sports show. The name was chosen for the animals ability in mountainous terrain and today is one of the top brands in the world.

Know SA Animals- Steenbok

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:53:00 +0000

Steenbok




Appearance Rufous brown to fawn coat with long, broad ears. Measures 520mm at the shoulders and weigh 11 Kg. Hind quarters and underparts are pure white. Only rams have upright, slender horns projecting above the eyes. Conspicuous black, facial glands are situated in front of the large, dark brown eyes. These pre-orbital glands are noticeable in both sexes. Diet This fleet footed antelope is exclusively a browser, and shows a preference for forbs. It is generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot tips of various plants. The ability to exist independently of free water is related to its selective browsing habits. Roots, tubers and bulbs are taken during dry months by raking the ground, and even digging shoulder-deep, to reach these nutritious food supplies which are high in moisture content. Breeding Breeding season has not been clearly defined. All year round births have been recorded. They have a gestation period of about seven months, after which single lambs are born. Lambs are concealed for the first three to four months, during which time the mother only makes contact in the early morning and evening to feed and groom the infant. To conceal the infant’s presence, the mother eats her lamb’s faeces and drinks its urine during her visits, this keeps the hiding place relatively odour free and protected from predators. Behaviour Rams and ewes defend and share a territory. They are mainly solitary. Males will mark off their territories with urine and secretions from gland under the chin as well as using dung. They are the only bovid who scrape the ground before and after urination and defecation. The males are known to use roads and telephone lines as boundaries. They have excellent hearing. They have been known to scavenge meat from carcasses as well as kill the young of ground birds but this is due to severe shortages of food. Habitat Inhabits open savannah country where they are reliant on adequate cover in the form of taller grass and clumps of bushes. Absent or rarely seen in forests, mountains, dense woodlands and rocky areas. At times they take refuge in ant-bear holes, and uses these to bear their young. Where they are found Probably the most abundant small antelope occurring in South Africa. Distributed widely throughout the country and considered a common species. Predators Leopard, Caracal, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Python and the Martial Eagle. Vital Statistics Latin Name Raphicerus Campestris Weight (Female) 11 - 13 kg Weight (Male) 9 - 13 kg Length (Female) 90 cm Length (Male) 90 cm Gestation Period 6 months No of Young 1 lamb Sexual Maturity 6 months Birth Weight 1 kg Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Horns 13 cm (record - 19 cm) Breeding 1 (occasionally 2) young are born anytime during the year (possible peak in November - December) after a gestation period of ± 6 months. Spoor Description The spoor looks almost the same as the Oribi's. The feet are just wider and more straight and even a slight bit bigger than the Oribi's.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:52:00 +0000

Steenbok




Appearance Rufous brown to fawn coat with long, broad ears. Measures 520mm at the shoulders and weigh 11 Kg. Hind quarters and underparts are pure white. Only rams have upright, slender horns projecting above the eyes. Conspicuous black, facial glands are situated in front of the large, dark brown eyes. These pre-orbital glands are noticeable in both sexes. Diet This fleet footed antelope is exclusively a browser, and shows a preference for forbs. It is generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot tips of various plants. The ability to exist independently of free water is related to its selective browsing habits. Roots, tubers and bulbs are taken during dry months by raking the ground, and even digging shoulder-deep, to reach these nutritious food supplies which are high in moisture content. Breeding Breeding season has not been clearly defined. All year round births have been recorded. They have a gestation period of about seven months, after which single lambs are born. Lambs are concealed for the first three to four months, during which time the mother only makes contact in the early morning and evening to feed and groom the infant. To conceal the infant’s presence, the mother eats her lamb’s faeces and drinks its urine during her visits, this keeps the hiding place relatively odour free and protected from predators. Behaviour Rams and ewes defend and share a territory. They are mainly solitary. Males will mark off their territories with urine and secretions from gland under the chin as well as using dung. They are the only bovid who scrape the ground before and after urination and defecation. The males are known to use roads and telephone lines as boundaries. They have excellent hearing. They have been known to scavenge meat from carcasses as well as kill the young of ground birds but this is due to severe shortages of food. Habitat Inhabits open savannah country where they are reliant on adequate cover in the form of taller grass and clumps of bushes. Absent or rarely seen in forests, mountains, dense woodlands and rocky areas. At times they take refuge in ant-bear holes, and uses these to bear their young. Where they are found Probably the most abundant small antelope occurring in South Africa. Distributed widely throughout the country and considered a common species. Predators Leopard, Caracal, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Python and the Martial Eagle. Vital Statistics Latin Name Raphicerus Campestris Weight (Female) 11 - 13 kg Weight (Male) 9 - 13 kg Length (Female) 90 cm Length (Male) 90 cm Gestation Period 6 months No of Young 1 lamb Sexual Maturity 6 months Birth Weight 1 kg Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Horns 13 cm (record - 19 cm) Breeding 1 (occasionally 2) young are born anytime during the year (possible peak in November - December) after a gestation period of ± 6 months. Spoor Description The spoor looks almost the same as the Oribi's. The feet are just wider and more straight and even a slight bit bigger than the Oribi's.

Know SA Animals- Suni

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:50:00 +0000

Suni




Appearance This petite antelope stands only 350mm at the shoulders, and rams weigh only 5 kg. Ewes are slightly larger and weighs 5.4 Kg. Light-brown to chestnut coat, fading slightly at the flanks. White underparts and inner legs. They have broad, rounded ears, ashy-grey on the outside and pink inside. Only the rams grow horns, which are short, straight, heavily ridged and smooth tipped. Of all African antelope, this species has the largest pre-orbital scent glands relative to body size. Diet Sunis feed on the forest floor, mostly at dawn and dusk. It takes freshly fallen leaves, fruits and flowers dislodged from trees. Breeding They have a gestation period of about 6 months. Ewe's give birth to a single fawn in summer. Newborn are hidden in thick bush and mothers return to suckle and groom them. Most births occur from November to March. New born are slightly darker than adults. Behaviour Apart from being a very shy antelope, they are also rare. The Suni is primarily active during the evening and night, sleeping the rest of the day in a shady, sheltered area. These shy antelope have excellent camouflage, which they use to their advantage. When danger starts to approach, the Suni freezes, remaining hidden until the threat is nearly on top of them, at which point it leaps up and dodges around bushes and shrubs, quickly vanishing into the undergrowth. Males defend territories of about 3 hectares, scent-marking the boundaries with preorbital gland secretions. On the peripheries of each defended area may be individual or communal dung piles. Each male generally associates with a single female, even if several others share his territory. Weak barking and sharp whistling have been reported. Habitat This tiny animal has retiring habits and are not often seen. Inhabits forests with a dense understory, as well as shrub and low ground cover. Where they are found In South Africa the distribution is restricted to the northern parts of the Kruger National Park, reserves and game farms in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, from where it ranges to coastal Mozambique. Predators The young are heavily preyed upon by the rowned Eagle and Python.

Know SA Animals- Tsessebe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:45:00 +0000

Tsessebe




Appearance Bulls have a mass of 140 Kg and measure 1.2 m at the shoulders, and are slightly larger than cows which weigh approximately 120 Kg. Both sexes grow horns, but those on bulls are heavier. When viewed from the front the horns appear typical ‘halfmoon’ shaped. It has a dark face with purple blotches on the shoulders, whereas the withers and upper body are reddish-brown. Diet They are grazers which utilise a wide range of grass species. They select the leaf over the stems. They prefer fresh growth, and are attracted to burnt areas. Breeding Seasonal breeders, which in South Africa give birth during September / October to single calves, after a gestation period of seven months. The rut takes place during mid-February and continues through to March. During the mating season elaborate displays by the bulls form part of the mating ritual. Behaviour Tsessebe are social animals and their basic group structure consists of small breeding groups, each comprising of six to ten cows with their offspring. Bachelor groups and territorial bull herds may sometimes number up to 30 strong. This is especially noticeable near water and favourable gazing. Breeding herds consisting of cows are not restricted to a specific territory. In areas where tsessebe occur in higher densities, bulls establish typical ‘lek’ system territories. Young bulls form bachelor groups at the age of one year as they are pushed out of herds. Where they are found They belong to the same family as the Wildebeest and the Hartebeest, all of whom are characterised by an ungainly appearance as a result of their shoulders being higher than the withers. Only one of the several subspecies that are recognized, occur in the Subregion. In South Africa the tsessebe are confined to northern savannah woodlands. They are mostly confined to the Kruger National Park and some provincial game reserves. They have also been re-introduced to some private game farms. Vital Statistics Latin Name Damaliscus Lunatus Weight (Female) 126 kg Weight (Male) 140 kg Length (Female) 170 cm Length (Male) 170 cm Gestation Period 10 months No of Young 1 calf Sexual Maturity 26 - 40 months Birth Weight 11 kg Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Running Speed 60 km/h Horns 35 cm (record - 47 cm)v Breeding A single young is born from September - November after a gestation period of +/- 8 months. Spoor Description In patrolling their territories, territorial males maintain a steady gait and defecate at regular intervals. Both sexes mark their territories with the preorbital glands, but the territorial males are more active in doing so. They also rub the sides of their faces on the ground, usually on a termite mound or on a sandy patch, dropping to their knees to do so. Both sexes horn the ground, especially after rain. The animal has well developed interdigital glands on the front feet, and territorial males paw and scrape the ground as a means of territorial marking.

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