tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77371522081120321882024-03-08T10:16:48.006+02:00Remote Camera Trap - South AfricaI use this blog to share some results from placing camera traps in interesting areas throughout South Africa to discover what wildlife still lives there. If you would like to be automatically notified when new posts are added feel free to use the links at the end of the menu on the right to subscribe to this blog.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-15813737238459195822018-08-31T19:23:00.000+02:002018-08-31T19:23:04.061+02:00Spring FlowersI haven't gone to see the spring flowers on the west coast in a long time. The Western Cape has been experiencing a harsh drought in recent years, but this year we received slightly better rain. So, I thought I would take a chance on some spring flowers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_EdrA1Zlfw/W4lrHqKAG7I/AAAAAAAAC2A/AEes67VL7FMMttwY59RGO1JEt8bTrx3FgCLcBGAs/s1600/Blomme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="850" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_EdrA1Zlfw/W4lrHqKAG7I/AAAAAAAAC2A/AEes67VL7FMMttwY59RGO1JEt8bTrx3FgCLcBGAs/s640/Blomme.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Spring flowers at the West Coast National Park</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />We were not disappointed. It was a beautiful sunny and windless day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oftmcO7lf_o/W4lr9UVkQBI/AAAAAAAAC2I/elHAsA9JWdULnpb_KwISGAZ9X3l3j8XUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Blomme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="850" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oftmcO7lf_o/W4lr9UVkQBI/AAAAAAAAC2I/elHAsA9JWdULnpb_KwISGAZ9X3l3j8XUgCLcBGAs/s640/Blomme2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>The ground was covered in flowers</i></span></td></tr>
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The birds were enjoying the show.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQODDepL_2A/W4lsssLRNeI/AAAAAAAAC2g/_ty35CQTOZcSuyUblRwNaL1_TQNzDMVmACLcBGAs/s1600/Swartkopreier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="850" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQODDepL_2A/W4lsssLRNeI/AAAAAAAAC2g/_ty35CQTOZcSuyUblRwNaL1_TQNzDMVmACLcBGAs/s640/Swartkopreier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Black-Headed Heron (Swartkopreier - Ardea melanocephala) hunting amongst the flowers, also enjoying the view I'm sure</i></span></td></tr>
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The animals were feeling frisky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o96Zun4uFxI/W4ltVrOsqVI/AAAAAAAAC2o/9SQFmHhDVRwZAatpwJ0NzFqTZPE0F31rACLcBGAs/s1600/Bergsebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="850" height="258" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o96Zun4uFxI/W4ltVrOsqVI/AAAAAAAAC2o/9SQFmHhDVRwZAatpwJ0NzFqTZPE0F31rACLcBGAs/s640/Bergsebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A Cape Mountain Zebra (Kaapse Bergsebra - Equus zebra zebra) behaving like an ass</span></i></td></tr>
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But the most interesting surprise of the trip was brought to us curtsy of the insects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll2qsYeBAFg/W4ltrHlViiI/AAAAAAAAC2w/31lkv6IK8iwnuQ9vuiQi6-MHXevTXcH2ACLcBGAs/s1600/By1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="850" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll2qsYeBAFg/W4ltrHlViiI/AAAAAAAAC2w/31lkv6IK8iwnuQ9vuiQi6-MHXevTXcH2ACLcBGAs/s640/By1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>With all the flowers around the bees were bound to be having a great time</i></span></td></tr>
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I had my window open while driving and every now and again some small bees would get sucked into the car, zipping right by my ear.<br />
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Stopping at a lookout point, I decided to roll open the rear window for the bees to get out. It was then that I noticed that these bees look a bit different to the usual honey bees. I decided to snapped a few photos before setting them free.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPqCq0lf0mw/W4luWw8EDQI/AAAAAAAAC28/ByuX2QH2HnYASIeO86ae0epIsDHm_gGOgCLcBGAs/s1600/By2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="850" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPqCq0lf0mw/W4luWw8EDQI/AAAAAAAAC28/ByuX2QH2HnYASIeO86ae0epIsDHm_gGOgCLcBGAs/s640/By2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>This is a type of Mining Bee</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />I've been enjoying iNaturalist a lot recently, so the next day I decided to upload the photograph of the bee to the website, hoping to find out more about it. (See the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/15868953" target="_blank">observation over here</a>.)<br />
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I was lucky, and the observation caught the eye of an iNaturalist user that was able to identify the bee as part of the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57669-Andrena" target="_blank">Andrena</a> genus. Thanks to him (and I guess me for uploading the observation in the first place) this turned out to be the first observation <i>on iNaturalist</i> of the Andrena genus in sub-Saharan Africa!<br />
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Sure, it is likely that somebody else has uploaded one of these bees to iNaturalist before, but this is a great example of how valuable the people are that help identify the observations. There is no way I'm able to tell on my own that this is a type of Mining Bee, yet thanks to international experts like this, who identifying observations by normal citizens like me, we can both help contribute to science and conservation - and in doing so have a lot of fun in the process. I've learnt a ton of fascinating new things since joining iNaturalist. Really exiting stuff!Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-72068152150831464232018-07-29T11:54:00.003+02:002018-07-29T11:54:59.025+02:00A Mole On A Mission<div style="text-align: center;">
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I haven't been doing much camera trapping since finishing up at Paarl Mountain. Some new software projects have been keeping me busy, but I've also been having trouble with my left ankle. I can walk around okayish, but I don't feel up to doing any off-road walking or even light jugging. Luckily I can still manage to visit the local park with the dog.</div>
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Earlier this month we crossed paths with this Cape Dune Mole Rat at my local park.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6j413cKrgs/W1yGV6o70nI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/7aPS0WL-tLIs96ca-8DUrdu32OhZDm_AQCLcBGAs/s1600/mol1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="850" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6j413cKrgs/W1yGV6o70nI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/7aPS0WL-tLIs96ca-8DUrdu32OhZDm_AQCLcBGAs/s640/mol1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Cape Dune Mole Rat (Kaapse Duinemol - Bathyergus suillus on its own mission</i></span></td></tr>
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It didn't slow down for us and paid me almost no attention at all. It just ran in a straight line, going somewhere with a purpose.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWpOJ-j9fqk" width="640"></iframe>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Running more than 60 meters above ground</span></i></div>
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It ran quite some distance, so I had time to try and get in front of it to maybe snap a better photo or two. It was overcast and moving fast. As a result the photos didn't turn out very good, but still better than nothing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hacgfAjkGKk/W1yGt5soDOI/AAAAAAAAC1g/kuAVdmoUXaYf9bt0l1W48JRD5QJ7xzCKQCLcBGAs/s1600/mol3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="850" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hacgfAjkGKk/W1yGt5soDOI/AAAAAAAAC1g/kuAVdmoUXaYf9bt0l1W48JRD5QJ7xzCKQCLcBGAs/s640/mol3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Stopping for a moment to stiff the air</i></span></td></tr>
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Interestingly the front teeth protrude through the lips, allowing the animal to dig or bite vegetation without getting a mouth full of sand in the process. Their eyes are very small, with very poor eyesight. It is thought that they can barely distinguish between light and dark (day and night).<br />
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However, not being able to see where it was going didn't seem slow this mole rat down. As soon as it reached a specific mole heap, having passed many others on its way, it stopped and started digging.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Once it reached its destination it wasted no time in getting back underground</span></i></div>
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The Cape Dune Mole Rat lives underground and the most one usually sees of them are the huge mole heaps they push up, or maybe a glimpse of one pushing out a fresh lump of sand from underground.<br />
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I seem to sometimes find them above ground during very overcast or misty-rainy weather. It is also during these wet times that the mole rats tend to produce more fresh mole heaps. I guess the sand is easier to work with when it is wet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OC4T67FG_o/W1yHKNXbUvI/AAAAAAAAC1o/6wCpp8j7nnAa-MqRIiOlOQAKkHqttwdmQCLcBGAs/s1600/mol2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="850" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OC4T67FG_o/W1yHKNXbUvI/AAAAAAAAC1o/6wCpp8j7nnAa-MqRIiOlOQAKkHqttwdmQCLcBGAs/s640/mol2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Lucky not to have run into the fence pole...</span></i></td></tr>
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The Cape Dune Mole Rat is quite large, ranging in size from 27-30 cm and 0.5-1.3 kg. In fact it is believed to be the largest mammal that spends most of its life underground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYdjn96Dz4E/W1yHpZqai8I/AAAAAAAAC1w/AjN57c97C9QfRr3-3K5Q_Tbnfeij8_iZACLcBGAs/s1600/mol4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="850" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYdjn96Dz4E/W1yHpZqai8I/AAAAAAAAC1w/AjN57c97C9QfRr3-3K5Q_Tbnfeij8_iZACLcBGAs/s640/mol4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>They seem to have long white hair all over the body, I assume it helps them to feel their way around</i></span></td></tr>
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Cape Dune Mole Rats are solitary animals. Each individual maintains its own network of tunnels.<br />
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I think what happened here was that this is maybe a male which caught the sent of a nearby female. July is in the middle of the breeding season, with around 3 youngsters being born two months later. They can live for over six years.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-23584376942831825262018-06-30T15:16:00.001+02:002018-06-30T15:16:11.545+02:00Another Shy CuttlefishSome time ago I shared a photograph and video clip of a small Cuttlefish I found in a rock pool at the Woody Cape. I always keep my eyes open for another glimpse of this little creature, and I was lucky enough to find another one during my previous visit to the area.<br />
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I encountered the first Cuttlefish (<a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/2017/08/the-many-legs-at-tidal-pool.html" target="_blank">over here</a>) during the day. At the time it seemed to pretend to be a dark grey pebble. However, this time around I was visiting the rock pools at night and this little guy (or gal) put on a very different show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXMHNkdUT1I/Wzd2qmhAwwI/AAAAAAAAC04/SqG2PiGIBhMGx9GOXUVbR0nHz1wQWxKuACLcBGAs/s1600/Inkvis%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="850" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bXMHNkdUT1I/Wzd2qmhAwwI/AAAAAAAAC04/SqG2PiGIBhMGx9GOXUVbR0nHz1wQWxKuACLcBGAs/s640/Inkvis%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>I think it is a Tuberculate Cuttlefish (Vratjies Inkvis - Sepia tuberculata)</i></span></td></tr>
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Overall it had a much more "spiky" appearance than before. I assume that it was trying to fit in with the texture of the red sea algae growing in this small tidal pool.<br />
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However, it still tried look like a pebble, albeit only briefly...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1GmBwKLAw8/Wzd0zKj95bI/AAAAAAAAC0s/X2Yw0bRmYMcJXfO8OJT8mETNHhtVilpmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Inkvis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="850" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1GmBwKLAw8/Wzd0zKj95bI/AAAAAAAAC0s/X2Yw0bRmYMcJXfO8OJT8mETNHhtVilpmwCLcBGAs/s640/Inkvis%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">"Erm, I'm not a Cuttlefish, I'm a fuzzy pebble? Right?"</span></i></td></tr>
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I think it realizing that there aren't any other fuzzy-pebbles around and instead opted to stick to a more general whitish colour. Or maybe it was spooked by the light from my headlamp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGDuJpSGl-E/Wzd3qvarUWI/AAAAAAAAC1A/8k2guUQp9JoG7jf_7vBYIjFlqYoVeiS5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Inkvis%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="850" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGDuJpSGl-E/Wzd3qvarUWI/AAAAAAAAC1A/8k2guUQp9JoG7jf_7vBYIjFlqYoVeiS5wCLcBGAs/s640/Inkvis%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>"Eh, I meant: I'm not a Cuttlefish, I'm a whitish piece of sea-stuff. Right?"</i></span></td></tr>
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I love how they use their two large tentacles as little arms. It is also interesting how the pupils of Cuttlefish are a strange horizontal wave-like pattern.<br />
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Below is a short video clip of the little critter swimming around and trying to avoid my attention.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fu10Bjhj3W8?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: "I'm just an innocent little Cuttlefish. I'm not well-suited for the limelight..."</span></i></div>
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I'm not entirely sure of the species, nor sure where to find good information about South African Cuttlefish, but I believe it is likely that it feeds on shrimps and uses sticky glands to help it stick to the rocks.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFIp5KXwqSY/Wzd5Ped1vwI/AAAAAAAAC1M/A4GbdqDc_nw-pZbFNv7vQBaU9ZrfuqeIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inkvis%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="850" height="436" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFIp5KXwqSY/Wzd5Ped1vwI/AAAAAAAAC1M/A4GbdqDc_nw-pZbFNv7vQBaU9ZrfuqeIQCLcBGAs/s640/Inkvis%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">"Nothing to see here... I'm just some floating sea-stuff... Not a Cuttlefish at all..."</span></i></td></tr>
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Finding the Cuttlefish at night was a pleasant surprise. I want to try and visit the tidal pools more often at night. Who knows what else might be waiting to be found.</div>
Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-64111869647976480182018-05-31T17:56:00.000+02:002018-05-31T17:56:06.005+02:00In A Drop Of WaterI recently had a little money set aside to buy something fun for myself. I've always wanted to play around with a microscope, so I searched online for a decent (but cheap) microscope. I'm pretty happy with my purchase, but I don't get around to using it as often as I would like.<br />
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Below are a few images and video clips of the tiny critters I have found in water (fresh and sea) near our family holiday home in the Eastern Cape.<br />
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First up is an insect larva.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iv9eJFRwAU/WxAOqfG6RWI/AAAAAAAACz0/i9SmcjnHnT031k6_xzsosYv1HKPqjU_ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Insek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="750" height="291" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iv9eJFRwAU/WxAOqfG6RWI/AAAAAAAACz0/i9SmcjnHnT031k6_xzsosYv1HKPqjU_ZgCLcBGAs/s400/Insek.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Insect larva as seen under a microscope</i></span></td></tr>
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I initially thought that this might be a fly larva, but after <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/12821524" target="_blank">posting the observation to iNaturalist</a> I learnt that a number of different kinds of insect can have microscopic larva.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CuqSGc_vQEg" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Tiny insect lava found in fresh water</span></i></div>
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The water samples are often full of single cellular creatures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vyhEOC7e8c/WxAQWrkawuI/AAAAAAAAC0A/EUeUJwIutGMVIKz3QdhEssGtkPtZQNJvACLcBGAs/s1600/Diatome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="750" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vyhEOC7e8c/WxAQWrkawuI/AAAAAAAAC0A/EUeUJwIutGMVIKz3QdhEssGtkPtZQNJvACLcBGAs/s400/Diatome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A large single-cellular Diatome found in a drop of lagoon water</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm not sure about the really small ones, but I believe these bigger ones are called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatom" target="_blank">Diatomes</a>.<br />
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<div align="center">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MhBpS7e0VG4" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: A large Diatome swimming slowly under the microscope</span></i></div>
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One of the coolest creatures to find is the Rotifer. This little guy was found in our large bird bath.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W48Nfl8JBCw/WxARZllSA4I/AAAAAAAAC0I/v6rl1Ti0vkcCennbyVeh4AmJdoTN3MWsQCLcBGAs/s1600/Rotifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="750" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W48Nfl8JBCw/WxARZllSA4I/AAAAAAAAC0I/v6rl1Ti0vkcCennbyVeh4AmJdoTN3MWsQCLcBGAs/s400/Rotifer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A Rotifer can zip along using jet propulsion, although they also like to "walk"</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Rotifers have the ability to create a strong water current around them that sweeps food into their mouths. They even have a tiny brain which, according to Wikipedia, operates about 250 of the 1000 cells that make up a Rotifer!<br />
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<div align="center">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DV5lR0nO8nE" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Rotifer creates a strong current of water near it</span></i></div>
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I found this worm-like creature in a water sample I took from the rocky beach.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCQtZTFXJi0/WxASo3HLlNI/AAAAAAAAC0U/jJ3UGof_2fYJESAWne0Y0gqJrcWj4TpSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wurm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="750" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCQtZTFXJi0/WxASo3HLlNI/AAAAAAAAC0U/jJ3UGof_2fYJESAWne0Y0gqJrcWj4TpSQCLcBGAs/s400/Wurm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Maybe a Nematode?</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm still not sure what exactly it is, but I think it is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nematode" target="_blank">Nematode</a>.<br />
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<div align="center">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mrDF6n5Idmg" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Worm-like-thing squirming underneath the microscope</span></i></div>
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Last, but not least, is this amazing little creature.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVNtMG3h8ig/WxATlxsJvAI/AAAAAAAAC0c/BoDiA5Zu6OwqmJnmJKkgHHYqjpGwjtcmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Protozoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="750" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVNtMG3h8ig/WxATlxsJvAI/AAAAAAAAC0c/BoDiA5Zu6OwqmJnmJKkgHHYqjpGwjtcmwCLcBGAs/s400/Protozoa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Maybe a type of Protozoan organism?</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Again I have no idea what this might be. It was very small, so I want to guess it is a Protozoan, but it seems to be a fairly complex life form, so I'm not sure...<br />
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<div align="center">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mpNad1AUYjI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Video: I think it is feeding on the stuff to the left of the screen</span></i></div>
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I keen observer might have noticed that the photo and video quality isn't very good... Well that would be because I'm trying to hold my mobile phone at exactly the right spot to project the image from the eyepiece onto the phone's camera censor... But it is better than nothing and I'm happy to have a way of sharing this strange world with you folks out there.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-13868663793334937482018-04-21T10:59:00.001+02:002018-04-21T11:00:34.238+02:00Paarl Data - The PredatorsIn recent years the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve has been home to more than 11 wild mammalian predators. By far the most common species are the Large-Spotted Genet and Small Grey Mongoose, but there is also an alarming number of domestic dogs and cats that roam the reserve.<br />
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In this blog post I want to focus on the similarities and differences between the Large-Spotted Genet and Small Grey Mongoose at the reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40cvezP4uhU/Wtrw3GhokDI/AAAAAAAACyc/ErTH9HuJKsMuN_U0gi4qqXxQeK6Beoy0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Kleingrysmuishond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40cvezP4uhU/Wtrw3GhokDI/AAAAAAAACyc/ErTH9HuJKsMuN_U0gi4qqXxQeK6Beoy0gCLcBGAs/s640/Kleingrysmuishond.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Small Grey Mongoose (Kleingrysmuishond - Herpestes pulverulentus) wearing its favorite black boots</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These species are more or less the same size and both prey on small mammals. Both species were camera trapped throughout most of the reserve, with a strong focus on areas where I setup the camera traps to target rodents.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpErIGsbEiQ/WtrxnBgA4oI/AAAAAAAACyk/EnTAQF1KlD0XKptZpEdgI_nv_J4yfp0KACLcBGAs/s1600/Kaart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1359" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpErIGsbEiQ/WtrxnBgA4oI/AAAAAAAACyk/EnTAQF1KlD0XKptZpEdgI_nv_J4yfp0KACLcBGAs/s640/Kaart1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, one big differences between these species is when they are active.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eV1_E5SCGbI/WtrzwozycdI/AAAAAAAACy4/LMYyDup50jcPaJ5IvBnT7G8On-3vZvN3ACLcBGAs/s1600/Aktiweteit%2BRoofdiere.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="678" height="579" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eV1_E5SCGbI/WtrzwozycdI/AAAAAAAACy4/LMYyDup50jcPaJ5IvBnT7G8On-3vZvN3ACLcBGAs/s640/Aktiweteit%2BRoofdiere.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although they occur in basically the same areas and hunt the same type of prey, there is practically no overlap in terms of when they are active. As a result there is less direct competition between these species, compared to if they were active at the same time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g544o137dvg/Wtr0qCNmJuI/AAAAAAAACzA/C3tfg_xUGnMOp4_ZKKIiVFj_sLh4JKIMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="850" height="498" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g544o137dvg/Wtr0qCNmJuI/AAAAAAAACzA/C3tfg_xUGnMOp4_ZKKIiVFj_sLh4JKIMgCLcBGAs/s640/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Large-Spotted Genet (Grootkolmuskeljaatkat - Genetta tigrina) on its nightly patrol</i></span></td></tr>
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One of the most peculiar aspects of the difference between these predators, and the reason for this post, is the moon. As one might expect the Small Grey Mongoose doesn't really care about the phase of the moon, yet the Large-Spotted Genet is keenly aware of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKzSaIiUhW0/Wtr1R4OxrEI/AAAAAAAACzM/e-_c7osC7RwjEWycm-S9fKTlz_qpQ45NQCLcBGAs/s1600/Maan%2BRoofdiere.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="678" height="563" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKzSaIiUhW0/Wtr1R4OxrEI/AAAAAAAACzM/e-_c7osC7RwjEWycm-S9fKTlz_qpQ45NQCLcBGAs/s640/Maan%2BRoofdiere.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Large-Spotted Genet has a clear preference for nights with low moonlight. The data even shows a tendency towards being more active when the moon isn't yet out.<br />
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I'm not sure why the Genet is biased towards darker nights. Maybe such nights give a hunting advantage to the Genet, making it harder for its prey to see it? Or maybe the opposite is true, that the Genet finds it harder to see the rodents on darker nights and thus needs to search for them more actively?<br />
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I decided to pull the combined "Rodent" data to compare the results with those of the Genet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEK1peRjtgk/Wtr2yCKArkI/AAAAAAAACzY/iNDbQLCwzVIJlSWsrC_twloZPXND2z5cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Maan%2BKnaagdiere%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="678" height="565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEK1peRjtgk/Wtr2yCKArkI/AAAAAAAACzY/iNDbQLCwzVIJlSWsrC_twloZPXND2z5cQCLcBGAs/s640/Maan%2BKnaagdiere%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>This charts shows a combination of all small rodent-like animals</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Very interesting! From this we see that the Rodents have the opposite bias as the Genet.<br />
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I included the baseline data to make sure that I'm not just dealing with sampling errors (maybe only sampling during full moon periods, which is clearly not the case here).<br />
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I'm still not sure what the nature of this interaction is, but it definitely seems to be something to keep an eye on. For now the mystery remains...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7XFS-YuntM/Wtr5DsAj7MI/AAAAAAAACzk/DtjceJEZR6o1JV9MtsAbUd8XZz-XfzfyACLcBGAs/s1600/Groototter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="850" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7XFS-YuntM/Wtr5DsAj7MI/AAAAAAAACzk/DtjceJEZR6o1JV9MtsAbUd8XZz-XfzfyACLcBGAs/s640/Groototter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Cape Clawless Otter (Groototter - Aonyx capensis) near a stream on Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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Below is a list of all the predator species I managed to camera trap during August 2016 to November 2017. I'm happy with the results, but there are some species that have managed to dodge the camera traps.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVFVhMYB9vE/WtryiZZMbKI/AAAAAAAACyw/ROXpq-3_OPItB_axdn7ik5u25Xa35f49gCLcBGAs/s1600/Predators.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="678" height="564" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVFVhMYB9vE/WtryiZZMbKI/AAAAAAAACyw/ROXpq-3_OPItB_axdn7ik5u25Xa35f49gCLcBGAs/s640/Predators.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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In particular I missed both the Cape Fox and Honey Badger, but both have been captured on the reserve's own camera traps in the past, so they are definitely around.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-4423491041689855302018-03-31T14:37:00.002+02:002018-03-31T14:37:48.858+02:00My First Tiger-Bush-Cat<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnTIQ1r2YKA/Wr99Lt4WO9I/AAAAAAAACyI/dASRgVMEltEZuBbTvYotoJUXAvBQcL6TACLcBGAs/s1600/Tierboskat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="850" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnTIQ1r2YKA/Wr99Lt4WO9I/AAAAAAAACyI/dASRgVMEltEZuBbTvYotoJUXAvBQcL6TACLcBGAs/s640/Tierboskat%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Serval (Tierboskat - Leptailurus serval) in the Drakensberg</i></span></td></tr>
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I'm just back from a wonderful trip to the Drakensberg. The scenery was amazing, but the highlight of the trip was seeing my first Serval.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cF84APvAsI/Wr99LgN9TII/AAAAAAAACyE/JvbFgAwHuCEAE6UWtrSF8_wt1f7ue516ACLcBGAs/s1600/Tierboskat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="850" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cF84APvAsI/Wr99LgN9TII/AAAAAAAACyE/JvbFgAwHuCEAE6UWtrSF8_wt1f7ue516ACLcBGAs/s640/Tierboskat%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Showing off those white spots behind the ears</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Servals like to live near water sources with adjacent high grassland, reed beds or other dense vegetation such as forest edges, etc. They have a fondness for Vlei Rats, but also pray on other small mammals, birds and reptiles. They will even eat insects. Servals are mainly active at night, but are also sometimes seen during dawn/dust and on cooler days. This sighting was on a cool overcast and rainy day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cXcMzs8EQ/Wr99KWBp3TI/AAAAAAAACyA/f6vaI7m5ZQ4mcAhcicBa-5Zh3SAzNRS3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Injisuthi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="850" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cXcMzs8EQ/Wr99KWBp3TI/AAAAAAAACyA/f6vaI7m5ZQ4mcAhcicBa-5Zh3SAzNRS3QCLcBGAs/s640/Injisuthi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Drakensberg scenery on a more sunny day</span></i></td></tr>
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I recently took the plunge into citizen science (after a bit of a jaded past) and I must say I've been enjoying it greatly (well for the most part at least). The platform provided by iNaturalist is really amazing.<br />
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Since I got back I've been busy importing the photos into WildLog and then uploading the observations to iNaturalist.<br />
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You can <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?d1=2018-03-20&d2=2018-03-28&place_id=113055&subview=grid&user_id=henrydelange" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go to the iNaturalist site</a> to see all my observations from the trip.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-48934828004990914732018-02-24T13:57:00.001+02:002018-02-24T13:57:26.736+02:00Paarl Data - Two Antelope And A BirdI've been fortunate to get a good number of camera trap observations for both Duiker and Grysbok at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. It provides a great opportunity to compare these two antelope species.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeujCtH6o4g/WpE21yhEG2I/AAAAAAAACwM/4glSzxaqgc4dQcOb2Rw-dGUw8CzsbS4nACLcBGAs/s1600/Duiker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeujCtH6o4g/WpE21yhEG2I/AAAAAAAACwM/4glSzxaqgc4dQcOb2Rw-dGUw8CzsbS4nACLcBGAs/s400/Duiker.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>The Common Duiker (Duiker - Sylvicapra grimmia) at Paarl are eager to help</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lets start by comparing the occurrence pattern for both species on the reserve. It is much easier to compare Duiker and Grysbok than it is to compare something like Duiker and Small Gray Mongoose, because if the camera trap is setup to capture photos of a Duiker then it will also capture a Grysbok, but not necessarily a mongoose.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybvEEh5XoAE/WpE31N5pvAI/AAAAAAAACwU/-Ma9WT-pvtcibGlh4UFxbfY32mD9cETkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaart%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="850" height="294" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybvEEh5XoAE/WpE31N5pvAI/AAAAAAAACwU/-Ma9WT-pvtcibGlh4UFxbfY32mD9cETkgCLcBGAs/s640/Kaart%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From the abundance maps it is clear that the two species overlap throughout most of the reserve. But there are some small differences: The Duiker is a bit more strongly associated with the fire breaks and the Grysbok seem to penetrate the think vegetation more easily. The big difference is the patch at the south-east of the reserve. This area burnt a few years ago and the vegetation in the area is still fairly short. I suspect that the Grysbok is quicker to recolonize such areas. It will be interesting to see whether the same area contain Duiker a few years from now when the vegetation is more dense and mature.<br />
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The problem with the using the occurrence map, above as a "distribution map" is that not all areas of the reserve was sampled to the same degree. For example the far south was not sampled at all. To confirm that there is a relationship between Duiker and Grysbok observations I decided to evaluate the data as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc3Usl9iLLE/WpE7S8Q9XbI/AAAAAAAACwo/N-OJu3Njvk4WRnHJTdgjNmpk2IVR_qmNQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaapse%2BFisant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc3Usl9iLLE/WpE7S8Q9XbI/AAAAAAAACwo/N-OJu3Njvk4WRnHJTdgjNmpk2IVR_qmNQCLcBGAs/s400/Kaapse%2BFisant.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>A Cape Francolin (Kaapse Fisant - Pternistis capensis) a bit unsure about this whole analysis business</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />I compared the number of times Duiker, Grysbok and Cape Francolin were observed within two days of each other and in the same general area. I included Cape Francolin because it is another very common species and will be captured by camera traps that are setup to targeting the antelope species.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTH2KzNLPBI/WpE6rpK4kNI/AAAAAAAACwg/HtRFfc6Dj5Ups1AeYvuslKcXpEKFrcHDACLcBGAs/s1600/Creature%2BAssociations.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="687" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTH2KzNLPBI/WpE6rpK4kNI/AAAAAAAACwg/HtRFfc6Dj5Ups1AeYvuslKcXpEKFrcHDACLcBGAs/s400/Creature%2BAssociations.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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As expected the Duiker and Grysbok show a strong relationship, but surprisingly there is a big difference between how the Cape Francolin relates to the two antelope species. I decided to pull up the abundance map for the Cape Francolin, suspecting that it might illuminate why there is such a discrepancy.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rI4c_V41F08/WpE7uU374OI/AAAAAAAACws/W2VZlV2jvGAyv38NnrU_VJY5hCDolC5KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaart%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="500" height="365" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rI4c_V41F08/WpE7uU374OI/AAAAAAAACws/W2VZlV2jvGAyv38NnrU_VJY5hCDolC5KQCLcBGAs/s400/Kaart%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The map explains suggests that both the Grysbok and Cape Francolin are present in the recently burnt area where the Duiker is still absent. The Cape Francolin also shows the trend of being less strongly linked to the fire breaks and readily penetrating the thinly vegetated areas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8YvZixXGJs/WpE8jwahAZI/AAAAAAAACw8/ymnmAPAghxAUNwBLPfH1RGdFqhvoJcbaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Grysbok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8YvZixXGJs/WpE8jwahAZI/AAAAAAAACw8/ymnmAPAghxAUNwBLPfH1RGdFqhvoJcbaQCLcBGAs/s400/Grysbok.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Cape Grysbok (Kaapse Grysbok - Raphicerus melanotis) helping capture data during the night shift</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />The males of both Duiker and Grysbok are the only ones to have horns, making it possible to determine the gender. Both species show the same common trend: The males are either more active or more common when compared to the females. My feeling is that they are more active and not necessarily more common.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTnmbDBMBFU/WpE9TfIPYLI/AAAAAAAACxE/R5e0d3ylrt8TQjsMyCPhiW8zQLEnqOgGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gender.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="850" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTnmbDBMBFU/WpE9TfIPYLI/AAAAAAAACxE/R5e0d3ylrt8TQjsMyCPhiW8zQLEnqOgGgCLcBGAs/s640/Gender.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also like to compare the day-night activity patterns of the species. Again both species show more or less the same pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kelcvJQJD_E/WpE-HBke24I/AAAAAAAACxQ/X65AL0QfxwIRQfxKjzkGRQhbFfiCqCFiwCLcBGAs/s1600/DagNag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="850" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kelcvJQJD_E/WpE-HBke24I/AAAAAAAACxQ/X65AL0QfxwIRQfxKjzkGRQhbFfiCqCFiwCLcBGAs/s640/DagNag.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't use the actual time, but instead like to use a time of day category. The reason for this is because the length of the day changes a lot between winter and summer. So I devised a way of splitting the day and night into categories based on the time when sunrise and sunset occurs. Doing so shows a subtle difference between these two species: Although the trend remains more or less the same, the Grysbok show an odd spike in activity during the late afternoon. It seems like they become active sooner before sunset and remain active longer after sunrise.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkmRplRofkA/WpE-eNPplbI/AAAAAAAACxU/WLFQER3yhF0L5yvG4D4V58V3f02z50mCgCLcBGAs/s1600/Time%2Bof%2BDay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="678" height="577" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkmRplRofkA/WpE-eNPplbI/AAAAAAAACxU/WLFQER3yhF0L5yvG4D4V58V3f02z50mCgCLcBGAs/s640/Time%2Bof%2BDay.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also like to compare the possible influence the phase of the moon might have on the species. Both species show a very similar trend, but again there are minor differences: For some reason Duiker activity is surprisingly low on nights with a dark moon. The Grysbok pattern follows the expected baseline pattern very well with a slight increase towards the start of the full moon cycle.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaFy9Woyi5c/WpE_k4ndDfI/AAAAAAAACxk/ZMVj5i3A_f8WvE79IXYgUdkZMR1pQ_XYACLcBGAs/s1600/Moon%2BPhase.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="678" height="564" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaFy9Woyi5c/WpE_k4ndDfI/AAAAAAAACxk/ZMVj5i3A_f8WvE79IXYgUdkZMR1pQ_XYACLcBGAs/s640/Moon%2BPhase.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last comparison I want to make in this blog post is the chance of getting subsequent visits of the same species during one day-night cycle. Although the Grysbok is the more common species it is the Duiker that is more likely to have multiple observations in the same day-night cycle.<br />
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I really enjoy doing these analysis, and I hope to a couple more of these of the next month or two.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-45534878937373725072018-01-29T17:47:00.004+02:002018-01-29T17:47:58.822+02:00Rock RatsThe Namaqua Rock Rat was one of the most frequently camera trapped rodents at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1Vz8jTkC_g/Wm87nuKD4NI/AAAAAAAACvs/Jy2XYsqplvYxp4RYzqR7OytBI0H6R1fNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Klipmuis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="850" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1Vz8jTkC_g/Wm87nuKD4NI/AAAAAAAACvs/Jy2XYsqplvYxp4RYzqR7OytBI0H6R1fNgCLcBGAs/s640/Klipmuis1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Namaqua Rock Rat (Namakwa-Klipmuis - Micaelamys namaquensis) at Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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Based on my data, these rodents are mostly <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnality" target="_blank">nocturnal</a>. However, they show a very strong preference for the twilight hours, more so than any of the other rodent species camera trapped on the reserve. I might go as far as to say they have <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepuscular" target="_blank">crepuscular </a>tendencies...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgz6K9R6TQw/Wm87oE4o-sI/AAAAAAAACvw/zPXSGoGdidIkcz3p0j4rRRupxUxwqXl4wCLcBGAs/s1600/Klipmuis3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgz6K9R6TQw/Wm87oE4o-sI/AAAAAAAACvw/zPXSGoGdidIkcz3p0j4rRRupxUxwqXl4wCLcBGAs/s640/Klipmuis3.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Mother and youngster during early morning twilight</i></span></td></tr>
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Interestingly two thirds of all observations were during times when the moon was more than 50% full. The exact opposite is true of the Large-Spotted Genet, which is a nocturnal predator and always on the lookout for rodents... I wonder, is this difference due to the genet having to work harder to find the rock rats during the dark nights, or are the rock rats more vulnerable to predation on dark nights and thus don't move around as much?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPtfy6VVnJI/Wm87kWMd44I/AAAAAAAACvo/FWwdFrLVTfMFTYFdARI-hSSEWsSAEor8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Klipmuis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="850" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPtfy6VVnJI/Wm87kWMd44I/AAAAAAAACvo/FWwdFrLVTfMFTYFdARI-hSSEWsSAEor8gCLcBGAs/s640/Klipmuis2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Showing off his bad ass notched ear</span></i></td></tr>
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<br />I also noticed more individuals with notched ears than I'm used to seeing in other rodent species. I'm not sure what the cause is, but I'm guessing it is related to living in between the rock crevices. Or maybe it is simply part of their hidden rock and roll lifestyle.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-17775127226356523102017-12-30T12:33:00.000+02:002017-12-30T12:33:01.982+02:00Boulder ShrewsTowards the end of 2017 I finally found a good location with lots of shrew activity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIKBAyaxQUA/WkdMDLm-IOI/AAAAAAAACuo/PHoKDCsXMqsENpQPlMIXOi8ygsAJCixoQCLcBGAs/s1600/SecaCam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="850" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIKBAyaxQUA/WkdMDLm-IOI/AAAAAAAACuo/PHoKDCsXMqsENpQPlMIXOi8ygsAJCixoQCLcBGAs/s640/SecaCam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>SecaCam HomeVista keeping a wide eye on the comings and goings underneath a boulder at Paarl</i></span></td></tr>
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Unfortunately my Birdcam 2.0 is no longer working. As a result I don't have any camera trap that can take good color photographs (white flash) to help with identifying the species...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--x51t_3o3Uw/WkdMMt1oXpI/AAAAAAAACus/1L_xW0BA_Jw-PVWHEGV3hFdkcjQ_BvuywCLcBGAs/s1600/Skeerbek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="850" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--x51t_3o3Uw/WkdMMt1oXpI/AAAAAAAACus/1L_xW0BA_Jw-PVWHEGV3hFdkcjQ_BvuywCLcBGAs/s640/Skeerbek2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>My best guess is Reddish-Grey Musk Shrew (Rooigrysmuskusskeerbek - Crocidura cyanea)</i></span></td></tr>
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The SecaCam HomeVista might be very good at detecting the shrews, but the IR images just aren't as good for identification. The feet seem to be very light above, also the flanks and belly seems light. The general shape and size, as well as snout and tail length also seem to point towards Reddish-Grey Musk Shrew, but it is hard to be sure, at least for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hqVPXahXrc/WkdVRrryKlI/AAAAAAAACvI/XTt9aujIwkIgohyojEn9j-ZqL83TTIduACLcBGAs/s1600/Skeerbek3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1121" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hqVPXahXrc/WkdVRrryKlI/AAAAAAAACvI/XTt9aujIwkIgohyojEn9j-ZqL83TTIduACLcBGAs/s640/Skeerbek3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Looking for something tasty to eat, maybe a scorpion would be nice?</i></span></td></tr>
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I found a couple of scorpions hiding under the rocks nearby. Most were pretty small and would surely be a tasty treat for a hungry shrew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrKY7nm3JA/WkdkMQa3vyI/AAAAAAAACvY/ArhT3YASsDcpKqoL1rxAavGuSFbECzyVACLcBGAs/s1600/Skerpejoen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="850" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrKY7nm3JA/WkdkMQa3vyI/AAAAAAAACvY/ArhT3YASsDcpKqoL1rxAavGuSFbECzyVACLcBGAs/s640/Skerpejoen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Black Creeping Scorpion (Swart Kruipskerpioen - Opisthacanthus capensis) at Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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I always enjoy getting camera trap images of shrews, even if it is usually hard to make out what species it is. It can even be hard just see what the critter is doing. Shrews like to move fast and most photographs are usually just a dark blur. So, when I get a semi-decent pose, but the shrew decided to look away, I should be grateful. It was at least sitting still in front of the camera trap for a split second...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsaMkG2AZWg/WkdS0dTTGtI/AAAAAAAACu8/OHeLsTLR-J46D9bS_VFcRwP_GmzvMMIGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Skeerbek1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="850" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsaMkG2AZWg/WkdS0dTTGtI/AAAAAAAACu8/OHeLsTLR-J46D9bS_VFcRwP_GmzvMMIGQCLcBGAs/s640/Skeerbek1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Shrew looking over its kingdom: "everything the light touches" (erm or is it the other way around...)</i></span></td></tr>
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I'm wrapping up my camera trapping efforts at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. The first part of 2018 will most likely revolve around getting the data in order. I usually end up taking a small break between large camera trap projects. Hopefully later in the year I'll get around to doing some short camera trapping sessions at other interesting locations in and around Cape Town.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-70970448659269854292017-11-30T20:19:00.000+02:002017-11-30T20:19:14.351+02:00Snake!!!Over the years I've recorded all sorts of "coldblooded" animals on my camera traps, from frogs to insects. Most of these critters didn't trigger the camera themselves but just happen to be in the background while another animal passed by, or was a pleasant surprise in a long sequence of false triggers caused by warm wind or vegetation.<br />
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When it comes to reptiles the <a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/search/label/southern%20rock%20agama" target="_blank">lizards </a>and <a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/2010/11/playing-with-cool-kids.html" target="_blank">tortoises </a>have been the only groups I've managed to photographed. Some of these species even managing to trigger the camera trap themselves, with their own body heat.<br />
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However the snakes have always evaded me, until now...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxCUy2c-3AM/WiBF-G5R1SI/AAAAAAAACt4/TKuqJqK4-lAaWwMjn5aGni5R6T0xmP31QCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaapse%2BKobra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="850" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxCUy2c-3AM/WiBF-G5R1SI/AAAAAAAACt4/TKuqJqK4-lAaWwMjn5aGni5R6T0xmP31QCLcBGAs/s640/Kaapse%2BKobra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Cape Cobra (Kaapse Kobra - Naja nivea) slithering past the camera trap at Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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There must have been snakes hiding in the background in some of my camera trap photographs in the past, but I never noticed them. This is the first time one is clearly visible in the photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5i-R8D45ps/WiBHLgX5bgI/AAAAAAAACuA/wV9EUZ19dDsbxZY34qqkbSLD-LS3XXimwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaapse-Kobra.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="850" height="441" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5i-R8D45ps/WiBHLgX5bgI/AAAAAAAACuA/wV9EUZ19dDsbxZY34qqkbSLD-LS3XXimwCLcBGAs/s640/Kaapse-Kobra.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>The sequence of images showing the snake in action</i></span></td></tr>
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In this case the camera trap has been triggering almost constantly for a while. The SD card was almost full by the time this Cape Cobra showed up. In fact it was one of the very last set of images the camera trap was able to capture.<br />
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I've stumbled upon these guys, and other snakes, a few time while doing my camera trap rounds. I remember one time in particular: I paused a while on top of a flat rock to take a scenic photograph with my cellphone. When I looked down to put my cellphone away I was shocked to see a huge Cape Cobra right in front of me, leisurely slithering away! In fact it was so close that it must have passed practically in between my legs moments earlier, without my knowledge!Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-92012363885058687112017-10-28T09:37:00.000+02:002017-10-28T09:37:29.819+02:00So Few CaracalI've been camera trapping at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve for over a year now. In that time I've only recorded a handful of Caracal observations. Caracal were rather common in the other nature reserves I've camera trapped in the past. I'm assuming that something about the habitat doesn't appeal to them.<br />
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Nonetheless it didn't prevent me from finding one running over the road one sunny day. I was able to snap a quick photo of the animal sneaking away into some pine trees.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaaUlz1Cvqg/WfQwdY_5_HI/AAAAAAAACtQ/ghZ0f-GONngm20f6w5Kg4b-UZUsKtXWZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Rooikat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="850" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaaUlz1Cvqg/WfQwdY_5_HI/AAAAAAAACtQ/ghZ0f-GONngm20f6w5Kg4b-UZUsKtXWZQCLcBGAs/s640/Rooikat%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Caracal (Rooikat - Caracal caracal) at Paarl Mountain, near the Afrikaanse Taal Monument</span></span></em></td></tr>
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<br />Some time later, at the opposite side of the reserve, I got my first "decent" camera trap photograph of a Caracal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ro82EYu17-0/WfQxIq7jvkI/AAAAAAAACtY/g_ysuZQ4XO8WtLTKefoCe02qIBXB59ePQCLcBGAs/s1600/Rooikat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="850" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ro82EYu17-0/WfQxIq7jvkI/AAAAAAAACtY/g_ysuZQ4XO8WtLTKefoCe02qIBXB59ePQCLcBGAs/s640/Rooikat%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Caracal heading down the slope towards the road at Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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The photo was taken by my old Cuddeback Capture camera trap. I've been using it extensively since back in 2010 and I'm not sure how much longer it is going to last.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XogdrpRH9w/WfQxxSqPPgI/AAAAAAAACtg/uUI7GdEwkh05ouTYy1MpTudmsc-WPkisACLcBGAs/s1600/Cuddeback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="850" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XogdrpRH9w/WfQxxSqPPgI/AAAAAAAACtg/uUI7GdEwkh05ouTYy1MpTudmsc-WPkisACLcBGAs/s640/Cuddeback.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Cuddeback camera trap at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</i></span></td></tr>
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I'll be sad to lose it, because it is by far my best white flash camera trap and leaps and bounds better than what I've seen from any newer Cuddeback model that came after it.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-91331669977551083342017-09-30T09:39:00.000+02:002017-09-30T09:39:17.619+02:00Finding The StinkerThe camera trap location was a dud. I was in a bit of a rush when I placed it, and now three weeks later I didn't have time to move it. I reduced the sensor sensitivity, to avoid filling up the SD card with false triggers again, and left...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gw4fqOeGcQ/Wc9DYUFLrfI/AAAAAAAACsw/haQIembzsigKO7VV_NmFnJRzR6xOx78QACLcBGAs/s1600/Bushnell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="850" height="462" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gw4fqOeGcQ/Wc9DYUFLrfI/AAAAAAAACsw/haQIembzsigKO7VV_NmFnJRzR6xOx78QACLcBGAs/s640/Bushnell.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Bushnell NatureView HD at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</i></span></td></tr>
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I didn't have high hopes when I left. Two weeks later I returned and found only two observations. The first one was of a Cape Grysbok, but the last one was a surprise. It was a Striped Polecat. These guys can be found throughout most of Southern Africa, but are usually not very common.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzWLvs_am-Y/Wc9FKaPIHHI/AAAAAAAACs8/pYORaEYiyZ8FAzoUuC5vN8G1BCNvVjKCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Stinkmuishond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="850" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzWLvs_am-Y/Wc9FKaPIHHI/AAAAAAAACs8/pYORaEYiyZ8FAzoUuC5vN8G1BCNvVjKCwCLcBGAs/s640/Stinkmuishond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Striped Polecat (Stinkmuishond - Ictonyx striatus) camera trapped at Paarl Mountain</i></span></td></tr>
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These guys have been seen on the reserve before, so its not a new species, but it always feels good to to get some "hard evidence" in the form of a camera trap photograph of elusive nocturnal mammals such as these.<br />
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Interestingly the Striped Polecat might look a lot like a skunk, but it is in fact closer related to the Honey Badger and African Striped Weasel (all being from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustelidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mustelidae</a> family). True skunks (being <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mephitidae</a>) are absent from the African continent.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-12172688785129469682017-08-26T12:47:00.002+02:002017-08-26T12:47:33.851+02:00Living Under A BoulderCamera Trap Codger's <a href="http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/little-rabbit-climbs-big-sage.html" target="_blank">recent video of a Pygmy Rabbit</a> inspired me to upload these clips of rodents at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AJxfJU4Ocw/WaEZxNJOD-I/AAAAAAAACrg/NjJe8Hx2nfEvp6O3zs6qevf1ME5Co764QCLcBGAs/s1600/SecaCam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="850" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AJxfJU4Ocw/WaEZxNJOD-I/AAAAAAAACrg/NjJe8Hx2nfEvp6O3zs6qevf1ME5Co764QCLcBGAs/s640/SecaCam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>SecaCam hidden under a huge boulder at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</em></span></td></tr>
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Lets first meet the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neophobia" target="_blank">Neophobic</a> Four-Striped Grass Mouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxp5M0kCZ3Y/WaEdPovzH5I/AAAAAAAACrs/DCrc5NB1GBggjVuI82qgSXElxwgBfAEFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Streepmuis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="850" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxp5M0kCZ3Y/WaEdPovzH5I/AAAAAAAACrs/DCrc5NB1GBggjVuI82qgSXElxwgBfAEFwCLcBGAs/s640/Streepmuis%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Four-Striped Grass Mouse (Streepmuis - Rhabdomys pumilio) with a skeptical glare at the camera trap</span></em></td></tr>
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I initially placed the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/SecaCam-HomeVista-outdoor-infrared-surveillance/dp/B01IFG7OEA" target="_blank">SecaCam HomeVista</a> quite far back, near the edge of the boulder. From the start the mouse already didn't like its presence, but the mouse didn't like it one bit when I later moved the camera trap much deeper into the boulder's overhang.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lrMfVn0yj_s?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: The mouse's reaction after moving the camera trap closer</span></em></div>
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The twig nest in the background doesn't belong to the mouse, but is in fact of Vlei Rat craftsmanship. I believe this particular individual is a Saunders' Vlei Rat, but it is hard to be sure from just the photographs. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJX3gmss_OA/WaEgaPTG8AI/AAAAAAAACr4/_rxDmj6sUwk6qenqcIKgC4bCp6UwSGHpACLcBGAs/s1600/Vleirot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="850" height="328" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJX3gmss_OA/WaEgaPTG8AI/AAAAAAAACr4/_rxDmj6sUwk6qenqcIKgC4bCp6UwSGHpACLcBGAs/s640/Vleirot%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Saunders' Vlei Rat (Saunders-Vleirot - Otomys saundersiae) at its nest underneath a huge boulder</span></em></td></tr>
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From the very beginning the Saunders' Vlei Rat showed very little interest in the camera trap, even when I moved it closer to the nest. Towards the end of the camera trapping stint I captured a photograph of the rodent fixating on what I thought was the camera trap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkg347LOVII/WaEiOr4Am5I/AAAAAAAACsE/uxIIY_4nJZApxcOvjn3ygG9k723kzL1hACLcBGAs/s1600/Vleirot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="850" height="306" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkg347LOVII/WaEiOr4Am5I/AAAAAAAACsE/uxIIY_4nJZApxcOvjn3ygG9k723kzL1hACLcBGAs/s640/Vleirot%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Is this thing edible?</em></span></td></tr>
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The camera trap was set to take photos and videos and as it turns out the rat wasn't really interested in the camera trap at all, but rather had its eyes on fresh new shoots growing in front of and next to the camera trap.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezqdBSVFtXo?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: The easy going vlei rat</span></em></div>
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The vlei rat seems to be quite the thoughtful character. He gave the camera trap a good lookover when it was moved closer and then afterwards didn't seem much bothered by its presense.<br />
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Both rodent species showed the "raised forefoot" position which I learnt years ago from Codger's blog often indicates uncertainty or analyzing a situation. The mouse however only felt safe to do this the third time it encountered the camera trap.<br />
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The rodents have good reason to be cautious, there are bound to be predators on the prowl!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaHsEyLqYKQ/WaEi6Q88DzI/AAAAAAAACsM/lRmUuIcSbdIOuit0WZHy4P2ROMBItwXogCLcBGAs/s1600/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="850" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaHsEyLqYKQ/WaEi6Q88DzI/AAAAAAAACsM/lRmUuIcSbdIOuit0WZHy4P2ROMBItwXogCLcBGAs/s640/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Large-Spotted Genet (Grootkolmuskeljaatkat - Genetta tigrina) hunting on a misty night</em></span></td></tr>
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One Four-Striped Grass Mouse also showed some signs of parasites or disease. It had a problem with its fur.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1jEFGfTaxk/WaEkaMMUQUI/AAAAAAAACsY/ecqVkXd4pDQKxUYDHt7cXX_RjvCJsRy8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Streepmuis%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="850" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1jEFGfTaxk/WaEkaMMUQUI/AAAAAAAACsY/ecqVkXd4pDQKxUYDHt7cXX_RjvCJsRy8wCLcBGAs/s640/Streepmuis%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Bare skin and dark coloration on the back of this Four-Striped Gras Mouse</em></span></td></tr>
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I've noticed this condition quite frequently in this species, not only at Paarl Mountain. I'm not sure what causes it, but I suspect some kind of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mange" target="_blank">mange</a> (parasitic mite). The other rodent species living in close proximity to the infected Four-Striped Grass Mouse usually seem more healthy.<br />
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To close things off I must admit that I'm starting to become huge fans of the entire <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otomys" target="_blank">Otomys genus</a> (Vlei Rats). This Saunders' Vlei Rat was super charming and the <a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/search/label/karoo%20bush%20rat" target="_blank">Karoo Bush Rat family at Koeberg</a> was too sweet for words. May my future hold many more Otomys-moments.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-58668090033454298462017-08-12T18:01:00.001+02:002017-08-12T18:02:47.850+02:00The Many Legs At The Tidal PoolThis post will be the last of my photos and videos from the tidal pools at Cannon Rocks, for now. The discoveries have been amazing and I will definitely be crawling over these rocks again. I hope to be fortunate enough to stare into tidal pools for many years to come.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zCVkG77Qu0/WY6_2baJ5WI/AAAAAAAACp8/Pj0oQGrYudYMCRNzKChZbN6uqYxpixQzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Seegras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="850" height="584" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zCVkG77Qu0/WY6_2baJ5WI/AAAAAAAACp8/Pj0oQGrYudYMCRNzKChZbN6uqYxpixQzgCLcBGAs/s640/Seegras.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Bright green Strap Caulerpa (Caulerpa filiformis) and other sea algae at the Woody Cape</em></span></td></tr>
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One of the biggest highlight, for me, was finding this amazing little Cuttlefish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8EBYD7Jl1c/WY6634FuOUI/AAAAAAAACpo/6qVNN0DVcAQBbSkbPC1kZJjjKAHnc6Z0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Vratjies%2BInkvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="850" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8EBYD7Jl1c/WY6634FuOUI/AAAAAAAACpo/6qVNN0DVcAQBbSkbPC1kZJjjKAHnc6Z0gCLcBGAs/s640/Vratjies%2BInkvis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>I think this is a Tuberculate Cuttlefish (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="af">Vratjies Inkvis - </span>Sepia tuberculata) hiding under a rock</em></span></td></tr>
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I was busy filming an Octopus (below) when I noticed that one of the grey stones at me feed wasn't were it was last time I checked. At closer inspection it turned into this amazing little animal. What a sweetheart!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: A shy Cuttlefish sheltering in a tidal pool</span></em></div>
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A close relative, and always a treat to see, is the Octopus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9tECisTHIw/WY67nY_6txI/AAAAAAAACpw/a8CNb5x2ljQwXCI_oA5ayW7e52YxUJ-DACLcBGAs/s1600/Seekat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="850" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9tECisTHIw/WY67nY_6txI/AAAAAAAACpw/a8CNb5x2ljQwXCI_oA5ayW7e52YxUJ-DACLcBGAs/s640/Seekat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">I think this is a Common Octopus (Gewone Seekat - Octopus vulgaris)</span></em></td></tr>
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I'm always amazed at how effortlessly members of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalopod" target="_blank">Cephalopoda</a> can change color!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Octopuses at Woody Cape</span></em></div>
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There are also plenty of anemones to be found amongst the rocks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mO8xz4Bv0/WY7AYP0iPCI/AAAAAAAACqE/uWd70E1vHVkMI0ka4uNtHdrOAJDVwy7yACLcBGAs/s1600/See%2BAnemoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="850" height="636" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mO8xz4Bv0/WY7AYP0iPCI/AAAAAAAACqE/uWd70E1vHVkMI0ka4uNtHdrOAJDVwy7yACLcBGAs/s640/See%2BAnemoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Some kind of Sea Anemone</em></span></td></tr>
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Another group of creatures that likes to stick to the sides of the rocks are the Seastars. Some of them can growing fairly large. I definitely don't want to step with my bare feet on one of these!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orZbkCyynTo/WY7E73WG4wI/AAAAAAAACqQ/QrYONNmknQs63i38Ldwjzsec6I3ZIzE3gCLcBGAs/s1600/Seester%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="850" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orZbkCyynTo/WY7E73WG4wI/AAAAAAAACqQ/QrYONNmknQs63i38Ldwjzsec6I3ZIzE3gCLcBGAs/s640/Seester%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>The Spiny Starfish (Stekelrige Seester - Marthasterias glacialis) is quite intimidating...</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Brittlestars on the other hand are much more, well, brittle compared to the Seastars. From what I can tell they also move around much faster, at times almost crawling like a spider.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8HPYFHgsLE/WY7GknZb-wI/AAAAAAAACqc/c4NQd77OF64XU8ELQ2GtyzmYIZM5m0zGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Seester%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8HPYFHgsLE/WY7GknZb-wI/AAAAAAAACqc/c4NQd77OF64XU8ELQ2GtyzmYIZM5m0zGwCLcBGAs/s640/Seester%2B2.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Some species of Brittlestar crawling downwards to hide underneath the rock</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Brittlestars might look spiderlike, but at first glance the Sea Spiders seem to be the real deal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtbgxdKXd-I/WY7MYnW--WI/AAAAAAAACqs/kS-0sKLWhLQrbrDjRdtHg2_WMLJINh6QwCLcBGAs/s1600/Seespinnekop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="850" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtbgxdKXd-I/WY7MYnW--WI/AAAAAAAACqs/kS-0sKLWhLQrbrDjRdtHg2_WMLJINh6QwCLcBGAs/s640/Seespinnekop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Scarlet Sea Spider (Rooi Seespinnekop - Nymphon signatum) heading back to the water</em></span></td></tr>
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However when you look closely it becomes clear that Sea Spiders aren't true spiders either. <br />
<br />
Don't be alarmed, there are indeed true spiders living in the tidal pools as well. They like to feed on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopoda" target="_blank">isopods</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphipoda" target="_blank">amphipods</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtXh7TKa6A8/WY7Ob3Y3NSI/AAAAAAAACq4/LjkbaiCKOrsA88ejcoNTtSo3GMxwfLS2gCLcBGAs/s1600/Spinnekop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="850" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtXh7TKa6A8/WY7Ob3Y3NSI/AAAAAAAACq4/LjkbaiCKOrsA88ejcoNTtSo3GMxwfLS2gCLcBGAs/s640/Spinnekop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Chevron Shore Spider (Chevron Strand Spinnekop - Amaurobioides Africana) ready to ambush a Beach Hopper</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It would appear that eight seems to be a good number of legs... If it can work for many of the creatures mentioned above then why not also for a Crab? And in fact it does work, crabs have eight (walking) legs as well - if you take some liberties and count the pincers as arms.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWI2bGgF0-g/WY7SZHRtUII/AAAAAAAACrQ/uGbAbpNnXWohukWxVTiBlpdyqkynqJ0mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Krap%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="850" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWI2bGgF0-g/WY7SZHRtUII/AAAAAAAACrQ/uGbAbpNnXWohukWxVTiBlpdyqkynqJ0mwCLcBGAs/s640/Krap%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>A tiny crab with interesting spotty pattern on it's legs</em></span></td></tr>
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<br />
I'm particularly fond of Hermit Crabs, probably as a result of being a bit inclined to hermit-like tendencies myself. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JHhQyyxREjQ?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Yellow-Banded Hermit (Geelband Kluisenaarkrap - Clibanarius virescens) and Crown Crab (Kroon Krap - Hymenosoma orbiculare)</span></em></div>
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I've always had a soft spot for Shrimp. In fact I can't get myself to eat prawn / shrimp because they look too darn cute! I like the zebra striping of these Sand Shrimp. They are also semi-translucent.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OH9On_Zhc88/WY7QmpepSsI/AAAAAAAACrE/SDKBkAd20rAqzVBDTknzMqDEVNTUfgMVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kreweltjie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="850" height="366" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OH9On_Zhc88/WY7QmpepSsI/AAAAAAAACrE/SDKBkAd20rAqzVBDTknzMqDEVNTUfgMVwCLcBGAs/s640/Kreweltjie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Sand Shrimp (Sand Garnaal - Palaemon peringuyi) scavenging on the sandy bottom</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In these last few blog posts I've only shared a small percentage of the critters I encountered in the tidal pools. This is only a tiny fraction of the diversity of life found in a small stretch of coastline. I don't know what the future will bring, but I truly appreciate the privilege to be able to explore these mazing tidal pools in the here and now.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-46398588879799756772017-07-15T11:42:00.000+02:002017-07-15T11:43:36.119+02:00Camera Trap QuickiesWhen I visit Cannon Rocks I like to bring one or two camera traps with me. While the SecaCam was busy at the birdbath (see older post <a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/2017/06/spying-on-bathing-birds.html" target="_blank">over here</a>), the Bushnell NatureView HD was used for a day or two at three different locations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdLzPL0fRUc/WWnUWM1A73I/AAAAAAAACoc/mF-DkNxQyaIaeimUFAHgrAqivTOupt9uQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bushnell%2BAalwyne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="850" height="528" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdLzPL0fRUc/WWnUWM1A73I/AAAAAAAACoc/mF-DkNxQyaIaeimUFAHgrAqivTOupt9uQCLcBGAs/s640/Bushnell%2BAalwyne.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Bushnell NatureView HD strapped to a huge aloe</em></span></td></tr>
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We are fortunate to have some lovely Aloes growing next to our house. I don't understand how its possible but these Aloes are almost always in bloom throughout the year. If there is ever a time without blooming flowers then you will be sure to find at least one plant with new flowers already on the way. As a result these plants are a magnet for nectar feeding birds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXis6dUfUPo/WWnUyH_UNPI/AAAAAAAACog/6nWpAQTV75Id4tkgohGZw4OE6Nt3_RjbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Grootrooibandsuikerbekkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="850" height="560" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXis6dUfUPo/WWnUyH_UNPI/AAAAAAAACog/6nWpAQTV75Id4tkgohGZw4OE6Nt3_RjbgCLcBGAs/s640/Grootrooibandsuikerbekkie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Greater Double-Collared Sunbird (Groot-Rooibandsuikerbekkie - Cinnyris afer) fueling up at the aloes</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've personally seen five species of Sunbird visiting these plants, not to mention all the other birds with a sweet tooth.<br />
<br />
I had some Butternut pumpkin one evening for dinner and thought it might be interesting to see what animals might be interested in the scraps. I must admit I was quite surprised with the results.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8iKejcATvU/WWnW6ov_BGI/AAAAAAAACoo/S9-kb1wBNqYZEm8t_MgEM3MVAHFY12S-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="850" height="408" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8iKejcATvU/WWnW6ov_BGI/AAAAAAAACoo/S9-kb1wBNqYZEm8t_MgEM3MVAHFY12S-wCLcBGAs/s640/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Southern Boubou (Suidelike Waterfiskaal - Laniarius ferrugineus) searching for pumpkin seeds</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Southern Boubou was on the case immediately, and would come back time and again until there was nothing left. Interestingly it was the female that was the most frequent and persistent visitor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqnqWji2GLM/WWnXoo-hvZI/AAAAAAAACos/JdmC3fyPtJo0twHdqfptgAN2GX45DdVjACLcBGAs/s1600/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="850" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqnqWji2GLM/WWnXoo-hvZI/AAAAAAAACos/JdmC3fyPtJo0twHdqfptgAN2GX45DdVjACLcBGAs/s640/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>The male in the font has more white on his chest and belly compared to the female in the back</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The female was after the pumpkin seeds and didn't show any interest in the pumpkin peel or flesh. According to the internet pumpkin seeds are very nutritious.<br />
<br />
What makes this interesting to me is the fact that these birds eat predominantly insect, snails, worms, etc. and small animals such as lizards and even baby mice. But they do also have some omnivorous tendencies, enjoying a drink of nectar and are keen to dig into some fruit, and apparently now we also know that the females enjoy pumpkin seeds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1z4ZFymRkI/WWnaIIDCRPI/AAAAAAAACo0/t_mdm0l-Zps7gnczSYaSbE9I65nzhdyrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1z4ZFymRkI/WWnaIIDCRPI/AAAAAAAACo0/t_mdm0l-Zps7gnczSYaSbE9I65nzhdyrgCLcBGAs/s640/Suidelike%2BWaterfiskaal%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Female Southern Boubou with her prized pumpkin seed in her beak</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm assuming that the seeds help to get the female in good shape for breeding (egg laying in particular)?<br />
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I've always wanted to try camera trapping on the sea shore, but my biggest concern has always been the fact that it is hard to hide the camera trap from people walking on the beach. I'm particularly concerned about poachers...<br />
<br />
However, this time around I decided to take a risk and set out the camera trap for two night, in the middle of the week.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z495Ax6Y6x4/WWnbyvi9uVI/AAAAAAAACo8/z4-nxDsuWY4LUDWpYlu0g1SXX4bfRkyagCLcBGAs/s1600/Bushnell%2BStrand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="850" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z495Ax6Y6x4/WWnbyvi9uVI/AAAAAAAACo8/z4-nxDsuWY4LUDWpYlu0g1SXX4bfRkyagCLcBGAs/s640/Bushnell%2BStrand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Camera trap on the shoreline at the Woody Cape</em></span></td></tr>
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Because I only wanted to leave the camera trap there for a short time I decided to empty a can of tuna in front of the camera as some bait.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ODVieoSpFw/WWndhbGY5qI/AAAAAAAACpE/-yWXt1VEW2gbhojBskvNn1bSqvCSGogjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kommetjiegatmuishond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="850" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ODVieoSpFw/WWndhbGY5qI/AAAAAAAACpE/-yWXt1VEW2gbhojBskvNn1bSqvCSGogjQCLcBGAs/s640/Kommetjiegatmuishond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Marsh Mongoose (Kommetjiegatmuishond - Atilax paludinosus) in the mist</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Marsh Mongoose showed up on the first night. On the second night a Large-Spotted Genet made sure to cleanup any bits of tuna the mongoose might have missed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y74np2RF9ws/WWnennYp2sI/AAAAAAAACpI/TsvmNtp8pSQY7PqgHL24hRuCO-OMkHNgACLcBGAs/s1600/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="850" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y74np2RF9ws/WWnennYp2sI/AAAAAAAACpI/TsvmNtp8pSQY7PqgHL24hRuCO-OMkHNgACLcBGAs/s640/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Large-Spotted Genet (Grootkolmuskeljaatkat - Genetta tigrina) sniffing around for some tasty tuna</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I often find tracks of these two nightly beach visitors along the vegetation edge, but its good to finally see them "in person" doing their rounds up and down the beach.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KU8T9nNX9po/WWne9GHjndI/AAAAAAAACpM/F6D0995IGecC2n86oiNTTlOLYc_343JHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KU8T9nNX9po/WWne9GHjndI/AAAAAAAACpM/F6D0995IGecC2n86oiNTTlOLYc_343JHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Grootkolmuskeljaatkat.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Munch munch munch munch...</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-73168790598114918702017-07-01T10:32:00.001+02:002017-07-01T10:32:34.043+02:00Getting Fishy On The Rocks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9W2udA5ZnQ/WVdHwM8hB3I/AAAAAAAACnk/rIhcmPJfpNMvnM7vy3ix1V8Iu0WlGjZXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Honde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="850" height="304" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9W2udA5ZnQ/WVdHwM8hB3I/AAAAAAAACnk/rIhcmPJfpNMvnM7vy3ix1V8Iu0WlGjZXQCLcBGAs/s640/Honde.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">My dogs, Scout and Mushu, enjoying the low tide</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Sony Xperia Go was my first smartphone, in fact it was the first cellphone I ever bought for myself. I really liked the fact that it was small, had a good camera and was water resitant. About a year ago I upgraded to the Sony Xperia E3 Compact, leaving the Go gathering dust. During my recent vacation at Cannon Rocks in the Eastern Cape I decided to see how far I could push the "water resistant" feature of the Go.<br />
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Definitely not National Geographic or BBC footage, but I'm fairly happy with the results.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oJSZ0rDl_as?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: A collection of video clips of fish in the tidal pools at the Woody Cape</span></em></div>
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Look carefully around the 2:15 minute mark, the one larger fish, I believe a Klipfish, catches one of the small ones. It happens so fast!<br />
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I'm going to guess this was the Super Klipfish (<em>Clinus superciliosus</em>), but I'm likely to be wrong since there are about 40 species found along the South African coast and my field guide only shows 8...<br />
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I was surprised to learn that Klipfish are internally fertilized and give birth to fully developed young.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFC_hkX0-xo/WVdWm58nIFI/AAAAAAAACoM/4etuh5ZKOL4IxDFHZ4EPwpKYz_e5CZH1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Vis%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="850" height="346" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFC_hkX0-xo/WVdWm58nIFI/AAAAAAAACoM/4etuh5ZKOL4IxDFHZ4EPwpKYz_e5CZH1QCLcBGAs/s640/Vis%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Some species of Klipfish amongst the tidal rocks</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't only rely on the cellphone, but also took some photos the conventional way: With my digital camera millimeters above the surface of the water.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fMQgp0mliLY/WVdHgLul2wI/AAAAAAAACng/3tHuSC8veTkNnkwJ66VbJzmwBBknhDmSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vis%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="850" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fMQgp0mliLY/WVdHgLul2wI/AAAAAAAACng/3tHuSC8veTkNnkwJ66VbJzmwBBknhDmSQCLcBGAs/s640/Vis%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Rocksucker (Chorisochismus dentex) sucking on a rock</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For some photos I couldn't get close enough to the fish, so I had to use the zoom to get close.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onjJb2BWcCo/WVdK0iLnFBI/AAAAAAAACnw/wPnQzeP1gMQmMWDKzX0NsSFA7yCpqeb7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Vis%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="850" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onjJb2BWcCo/WVdK0iLnFBI/AAAAAAAACnw/wPnQzeP1gMQmMWDKzX0NsSFA7yCpqeb7QCLcBGAs/s640/Vis%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>The tidal pools also contain "normal fish" like this unknown yellow finned character</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I prefer using a "compact super zoom" camera, like my Nikon S9900. Sure the image quality isn't comparable with that of a DSLR, but it is a one-size-fits-all solution. The camera is small enough to carrying around with me wherever I go and it can instantly go from photographing a flower up-close to snapping a shot of a bird that landed on a rock in the distance. What I liked about this particular camera was the size and the fact that it has a built in GPS, making it much easier to get the GPS co-ordinates when I add the photo to WildLog. The WiFi features are also nifty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVJbuGWOLe0/WVdLR02uIrI/AAAAAAAACn0/5-B0-VejXX00c1gElbjJT1M3E9ooxXfVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Vis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVJbuGWOLe0/WVdLR02uIrI/AAAAAAAACn0/5-B0-VejXX00c1gElbjJT1M3E9ooxXfVwCLcBGAs/s640/Vis%2B1.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Some species of Goby lazing around in a shallow pool</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Trying to identify these fish is a daunting task... I'm using the excellent <em>Two Oceans</em> field guide, but I suspect some of these tidal pool fish are juveniles of larger species... The field guide also definitely doesn't cover all species either, but only lists a few common / unique ones.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoC7iZXHE5M/WVdMQDOP7WI/AAAAAAAACn8/6NHxNm2WeMQ5q-vW_ZLLwbc2lWSSOFVNACLcBGAs/s1600/Vis%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="850" height="504" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoC7iZXHE5M/WVdMQDOP7WI/AAAAAAAACn8/6NHxNm2WeMQ5q-vW_ZLLwbc2lWSSOFVNACLcBGAs/s640/Vis%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>I have no idea what type of fish this little beauty is, never mind the actual species...</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next time you are at a beach with tidal rock pools consider doing yourself a favor by spending an hour or two at low tide discovering the variety of life.<br />
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<em>Pssst, I'll tell you the secret: Don't give up after the first 5 minutes </em>;)Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-48499475091326918002017-06-03T12:30:00.002+02:002017-06-03T12:30:58.898+02:00Spying On The Bathing BirdsI'm starting to get a feel for when to use my new <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/SecaCam-HomeVista-Degree-Wide-Angle-Wildlife/dp/B01IFG7OEA" target="_blank">SecaCam HomeVista</a>, and when to use a different camera trap instead. I had a feeling that the SecaCam HomeVista will be amazing when used at a birdbath, and I was right! The wide field of view is excellent for covering the entire area. The camera is also pretty good at handling close-ups and the final images have very little motion blur.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-R9xL4v8ks/WTJ3jHbVEMI/AAAAAAAACms/Ao_C5Od_ANkM0zzSg32Bjnwb-WjdL8QnwCLcB/s1600/SecaCam%2BHomeVista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-R9xL4v8ks/WTJ3jHbVEMI/AAAAAAAACms/Ao_C5Od_ANkM0zzSg32Bjnwb-WjdL8QnwCLcB/s640/SecaCam%2BHomeVista.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">SecaCam HomeVista monitoring the birdbath 24/7</span></em></td></tr>
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<br />
I had the camera monitoring the birdbath for 12 days. In total the camera recorded 140 observations. In total 20 bird species, one mammal species, one unknown reptile species and the local <a href="http://cameratrap.mywild.co.za/2016/04/the-pond-clickers.html" target="_blank">Clicking Stream Frogs</a> showed up. I suspect that many bats also came to drink, on the wing, but I didn't get a clear enough photograph to be sure.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjS6ISM6XW0/WTJ3mwUNaHI/AAAAAAAACmw/61fCaaGVaOoxx8EeOX22m7OmU7KxJA7ywCLcB/s1600/Species%2Bat%2Bbirdbath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="678" height="565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjS6ISM6XW0/WTJ3mwUNaHI/AAAAAAAACmw/61fCaaGVaOoxx8EeOX22m7OmU7KxJA7ywCLcB/s640/Species%2Bat%2Bbirdbath.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
On the one hand I feel OK about the 20 bird species. My personal bird count for the property is currently at 66 species, so camera trapping about a third of the species at the birdbath sounds like a pretty good start.<br />
<br />
However, I don't feel good about the <em>only</em> mammal species, especially considering the species in question: The bringer of destruction, the <em>Domestic Cat</em>...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8e4LVYoSc/WTJ6s1fUkWI/AAAAAAAACm4/rMpNbA5YlL4lYLnlcgSgHoRdNJW3AKZkgCLcB/s1600/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="850" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8e4LVYoSc/WTJ6s1fUkWI/AAAAAAAACm4/rMpNbA5YlL4lYLnlcgSgHoRdNJW3AKZkgCLcB/s640/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Southern Boubou (Suidelike Waterfiskaal - Laniarius ferrugineus) on the left, and Laughing Dove (Rooiborsduifie - Streptopelia senegalensis) in the back</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There were at least two different cats frequenting the birdbath. These cats are new on the scene. As a result I've noticed a major decrease in animal activity on the property. I heard talk that one of the cats a few houses down the road recently spawned new young and that there are now something like 9 cats roaming around, destroying everything in the area...<br />
<br />
In the past Small Grey Mongoose and Large-Spotted Genet would frequent the property but this time around they stayed away. I don't think they avoid the cats directly, but instead the cats have likely killed to many of the small prey animals in the area. As a result the wild predators likely prefer to hunt in areas with more prey, and thus with less cats... (As proof of the decrease in the amount of prey available I've noticed a drastic decrease in the number of Clicking Stream Frogs at the birdbath.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGui8zTkRik/WTJ9B73f8VI/AAAAAAAACnA/EI5xbnX9mic-5Py5XKsouxe-jjd2nbgYwCLcB/s1600/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="850" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGui8zTkRik/WTJ9B73f8VI/AAAAAAAACnA/EI5xbnX9mic-5Py5XKsouxe-jjd2nbgYwCLcB/s640/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Sombre Greenbul (Gewone Willie - Andropadus importunes) coming for a bath</em></span></td></tr>
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The Sombre Greenbul are common in the area, but they are secretive and like to hide in the thick vegetation. Seeing one out in the open like this is a nice treat. <br />
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I don't often see the African Firefinch, and this one below visited the birdbath only once.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgX69GPMoW0/WTJ-jOBjFkI/AAAAAAAACnI/srMt6GIRC6YqsezmE7Jf4fMy_10O85DdACLcB/s1600/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="850" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgX69GPMoW0/WTJ-jOBjFkI/AAAAAAAACnI/srMt6GIRC6YqsezmE7Jf4fMy_10O85DdACLcB/s640/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>African Firefinch (Kaapse Vuurvinkie - Lagonosticta rubricate) coming for a drink</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Interestingly some species, like the sunbirds, are very common on the property, but almost never seem to visit the birdbath.<br />
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Some time after I bought the birdbath a Brown-Hooded Kingfisher started frequenting our property. I think it happened shortly after I installed the pipe to redirected the rain water from the roof into the birdbath, to help keep the water fresh and maintain the water level better.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt6V0cnp2Ro/WTJ_uM-2X7I/AAAAAAAACnM/6bRlT37Hr9oHajDUP6SFq1q7Gu6osxvZQCLcB/s1600/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="850" height="490" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt6V0cnp2Ro/WTJ_uM-2X7I/AAAAAAAACnM/6bRlT37Hr9oHajDUP6SFq1q7Gu6osxvZQCLcB/s640/Vo%25C3%25ABls%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Brown-Hooded Kingfisher (Bruinkopvisvanger - Halcyon albiventris) bathing on the wing</em></span></td></tr>
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I'm fairly sure the kingfisher wasn't trying to catch anything, but was rather bathing - by diving into the water repeatedly. Like many other Kingfisher species this one is not restricted to catching fish for a living. Instead they catch all sorts of insects and other small critters, not just fish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-FMKZ9S4bs/WTKCBArMnmI/AAAAAAAACnQ/QzrZzMnEIgsT5_ZauHxo-zNjazAMehbHgCLcB/s1600/Reptiel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="850" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-FMKZ9S4bs/WTKCBArMnmI/AAAAAAAACnQ/QzrZzMnEIgsT5_ZauHxo-zNjazAMehbHgCLcB/s640/Reptiel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>The Unknown Reptile waving us farewell...</em></span></td></tr>
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Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-91161890147350187342017-05-06T12:11:00.003+02:002017-05-06T12:11:53.818+02:00Slimy SurprisesI have been fortunate enough to enjoy some holiday time at the coast in the Eastern Cape. One of the things I wanted to make time for on my trip was to visit the rock pools during low tide.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcF9WkFeYPw/WQ1sBSMDFHI/AAAAAAAAClE/MvP9UhEKFhEeCd_9koyi0hhGrfGsAxdSwCLcB/s1600/Slak%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcF9WkFeYPw/WQ1sBSMDFHI/AAAAAAAAClE/MvP9UhEKFhEeCd_9koyi0hhGrfGsAxdSwCLcB/s640/Slak%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>A Triton snail (maybe Ranella Australasia gemmifera) at the Woody Cape</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My exploration started off with a bang! One of the very first creatures I saw was this amazing Four-Tone Nudibranch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZDLb_YXrXQ/WQ2AnTzhehI/AAAAAAAAClU/E0KMhvI5lncioAJSEvxW_LFb2xgAY89WQCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZDLb_YXrXQ/WQ2AnTzhehI/AAAAAAAAClU/E0KMhvI5lncioAJSEvxW_LFb2xgAY89WQCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Four-Tone Nudibranch (Godiva quadricolor) gliding along the edge of a small rock pool</em></span></td></tr>
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From what I understand the nudibranch is basically a kind of predatory sea slug-like animal. It feeds on sea anemones and other nudibranch-like animals.<br />
<br />
This encounter inspired me to try and return to the rocks at low tide on subsequent days in search of more interesting sea slug-like-things.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk1ea-OZ7gQ/WQ2BncMt2BI/AAAAAAAAClc/T-PnIDZUQk4wwUYFIwIan0FxSqRPHY38QCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk1ea-OZ7gQ/WQ2BncMt2BI/AAAAAAAAClc/T-PnIDZUQk4wwUYFIwIan0FxSqRPHY38QCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Blue-Speckled Dorid (Dendrodoris caesia) hiding under a rock</em></span></td></tr>
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I turned over many rocks in search of interesting creatures. At first I didn't notice the Blue-Speckled Dorid under the rock, but when I dropped it back into the water it magically transformed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUOpCiMnYoA/WQ2Ca2lf2sI/AAAAAAAAClk/x0kfj9h-05omEqCrFFEGI2od7V09A9BsgCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUOpCiMnYoA/WQ2Ca2lf2sI/AAAAAAAAClk/x0kfj9h-05omEqCrFFEGI2od7V09A9BsgCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>The Blue-Speckled Dorid unfolded in the water</em></span></td></tr>
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The little dorid feeds on sponges. I believe the fluffy bits at the rear of the animal is are the external gills.<br />
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Another, even smaller, sponge feeder is the Lemon Pleurobranch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jAkQOhBCLo/WQ2HyQb8DtI/AAAAAAAACmA/77vVwd8ciw0Pg_o7bAwH-FBKpYPhbJujQCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jAkQOhBCLo/WQ2HyQb8DtI/AAAAAAAACmA/77vVwd8ciw0Pg_o7bAwH-FBKpYPhbJujQCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>Lemon Pleurobranch (Berthellina granulate) hiding under a boulder</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The animal below might seem artificially similar to the sea slug-like animals above, but this beautiful little critter below is actually a tipe of Flatworm.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2Rgd87epUE/WQ2EDF0vCPI/AAAAAAAACl0/60F0mR3rIEUP_5qzTuFD_39qfBKEvqBXgCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2Rgd87epUE/WQ2EDF0vCPI/AAAAAAAACl0/60F0mR3rIEUP_5qzTuFD_39qfBKEvqBXgCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A species of Carpet Flatworm (Thysanozoon sp.) found along the intertidal shoreline at Cannon Rocks</span></em></td></tr>
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I was fortunate enough to be able to view one of these flatworms under a field microscope on a recent visit to De Hoop and my breath was taken away by just how beautiful they are.<br />
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I found another tipe of flatworm on the rocks, but this one looked a bit like a living blob of slime...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zNgk_WjMjo/WQ2XS65OnJI/AAAAAAAACmY/6yo0ZMYMZjQz3s3I4aaxZE91HeOIZQAPQCLcB/s1600/Dingetjie%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zNgk_WjMjo/WQ2XS65OnJI/AAAAAAAACmY/6yo0ZMYMZjQz3s3I4aaxZE91HeOIZQAPQCLcB/s640/Dingetjie%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Gilchrist's Booger ergmm I mean </em><em>Gilchrist's </em><em>Flatworm (Planocera gilchristi) under a boulder</em></span></td></tr>
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The Gilchrist's Flatworm feeds on tiny animals found in the tidal pools, such as worms and crustaceans.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QrLVs8sFTfI?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Flatworms moving about at Cannon Rocks</span></em></div>
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My attempt at filming a flatworm swimming failed, but trust me that it is something to behold. Luckily there is always next time. I'm already looking forward to visit the rock pools again and again, in the years to come.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09m66Ux168k/WQ2IgXFtuzI/AAAAAAAACmI/dXQc6Zfa5Tske_UwsXRARR002cdSzuX5wCLcB/s1600/Slak%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09m66Ux168k/WQ2IgXFtuzI/AAAAAAAACmI/dXQc6Zfa5Tske_UwsXRARR002cdSzuX5wCLcB/s640/Slak%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Turban Shell (Turbo cidaris) heading back to the water</em></span></td></tr>
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There is still plenty more to share from the Cannon Rocks coastline, even some camera trapping, so stay tuned.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-48291599595398590342017-04-08T11:18:00.002+02:002017-04-08T11:18:45.498+02:00The Goose MysteriesBack in November I placed my old Cuddeback camera trap amongst some boulders at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn4NBMftq8k/WOigIyAQFxI/AAAAAAAACkQ/K0trDsRBh_AT-Lz-CSuZPNksVYyygIlnACLcB/s1600/Kamera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn4NBMftq8k/WOigIyAQFxI/AAAAAAAACkQ/K0trDsRBh_AT-Lz-CSuZPNksVYyygIlnACLcB/s640/Kamera.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Camera trap at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</span></em></td></tr>
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When I first came across the boulders it really struck me as an atmospheric place. Naturally I wanted to see what animals visited this place.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJVyzGHoDWc/WOigW5Qq_vI/AAAAAAAACkU/B5swcNo0vAMP-dJ1YbFMrBrG3eo-snFSwCLcB/s1600/Duiker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJVyzGHoDWc/WOigW5Qq_vI/AAAAAAAACkU/B5swcNo0vAMP-dJ1YbFMrBrG3eo-snFSwCLcB/s640/Duiker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Common Duiker (Duiker - Sylvicapra grimmia) checking out the camera trap</em></span></td></tr>
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It turns out that boulders can be tricky places to camera trap.<br />
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It is hard to find a good spot that does the landscape justice. Then the next problem is that the animals can come from any direction, because there isn't really a clear path in and out of the boulders.<br />
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As a result I got rather few photographs at this location. There was however two photographs that made it worth the effort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGSLyI9vg/WOigeeV4o6I/AAAAAAAACkY/Z8bkN5cyNDws3nMd_uQrg1FLH4kIUg8CgCLcB/s1600/Grootgrysmuishond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGSLyI9vg/WOigeeV4o6I/AAAAAAAACkY/Z8bkN5cyNDws3nMd_uQrg1FLH4kIUg8CgCLcB/s640/Grootgrysmuishond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Large Grey Mongoose (Grootgrysmuishond - Herpestes ichneumon) sneaking past the camera trap</em></span></td></tr>
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The Large Grey Mongoose visited the boulders at 10:31 am. I don't camera trap these guys often, so it is always a pleasant surprise when one shows up. It is also a valuable addition to the reserve's species list. I saw one in person a few weeks before this photograph was taken, but having a camera trap photo is much beter for record keeping.<br />
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Precisely 24 hours later, on the dot, I got another unexpected photograph.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qej4ZdRTcgw/WOignBQOvHI/AAAAAAAACkc/GECS6mcPXwoShbPfd2OFtPxW2sjfXp5ZQCLcB/s1600/Wildemakkou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qej4ZdRTcgw/WOignBQOvHI/AAAAAAAACkc/GECS6mcPXwoShbPfd2OFtPxW2sjfXp5ZQCLcB/s640/Wildemakkou.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Spur-Winged Goose (Wildemakou - Plectropterus gambensis) mother with chicks well in line</em></span></td></tr>
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Those chicks look awfully young to me. They must have recently hatched, very close by. This makes me wonder about two things. <br />
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Firstly, was the mongoose in the area because it knew the chicks where busy hatching?<br />
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Secondly, what are they doing so far away from water? These boulders are almost 1.5 km away from the nearest farm dam, and even further from the larger catchment dams. I did some reading and apparently the Spur-Winged Goose is know to breed up to 1 km away from water, so 1.5 km sounds plausible. <br />
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They will have a long walk down to the water and some might not make it if that mongoose is still in the area.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-88085945616425365462017-03-18T11:48:00.002+02:002017-03-18T11:48:21.714+02:00Rolling With The Golden MoleI'm still busy forming my opinion about my new SecaCam HomeVista camera trap. I believe in finding the strengths and weaknesses of each camera trap I own. For the HomeVista the wide field of view and dynamically adjusting flash intensity sets it apart from other camera traps.<br />
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This is the first camera trap I've seen that is capable of adjusting the intensity of the flash based on the distance between the camera and the animal. This helps to reduce the amount of overexposure in the photographs.<br />
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The following sequence of a Porcupine family at Paarl Mountain illustrates the dynamically adjusting flash very well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj_kfN51Vks/WMzylnVYVcI/AAAAAAAACj0/LxBOIt0o0okBF0Es_HvMkF0AzYTZzDwJwCLcB/s1600/Ystervark%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj_kfN51Vks/WMzylnVYVcI/AAAAAAAACj0/LxBOIt0o0okBF0Es_HvMkF0AzYTZzDwJwCLcB/s640/Ystervark%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>Porcupine (Ystervark - Hystrix africaeaustralis) with full flash - showing the bushes in the background</em></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhgTLGSRbDk/WMzym1NlF-I/AAAAAAAACj4/b1wPVe6iHIEU45tNS4Hw2EVCdfMWedrhgCLcB/s1600/Ystervark%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhgTLGSRbDk/WMzym1NlF-I/AAAAAAAACj4/b1wPVe6iHIEU45tNS4Hw2EVCdfMWedrhgCLcB/s640/Ystervark%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Porcupine with medium flash - note that the bushes are no longer visible</span></em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dD3l4OLJ8/WMzykkJmebI/AAAAAAAACjw/GcjIZN6kfco-r8FqiQOwIL4Ed6ycdEhsQCLcB/s1600/Ystervark%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dD3l4OLJ8/WMzykkJmebI/AAAAAAAACjw/GcjIZN6kfco-r8FqiQOwIL4Ed6ycdEhsQCLcB/s640/Ystervark%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Porcupine with low flash - notice that the Porcupine in the background is barely visible</em></span></td></tr>
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The combination of the wide field of view and the dynamically adjusting flash felt like the perfect combination to test on my resident Golden Mole.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2P5Ulr9s-4Y/WMzzpddPiAI/AAAAAAAACkA/wIDcQwdSSZEgmnvqsS2KS0klfQCfpqsPgCLcB/s1600/Kaapse%2BGouemol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2P5Ulr9s-4Y/WMzzpddPiAI/AAAAAAAACkA/wIDcQwdSSZEgmnvqsS2KS0klfQCfpqsPgCLcB/s640/Kaapse%2BGouemol.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Cape Golden Mole (Kaapse Gouemol - Chrysochloris asiatica) showing his shovel like hindfeet</span></em></td></tr>
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I usually have to physically dim the IR flash and set the camera trap to use the lowest flash setting available, but with the HomeVista I didn't need to change anything. It works great in a confined space.<br />
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I find that videos usually work best when dealing with very small mammals, but I wanted to test both the photo and video settings. I had the camera trap take 5 photos and then a short video clip, but I think only 1 photo and then a video would have been be better.<br />
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The video clip below turned out rather comical, albeit a little bit distressing to watch. <br />
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<em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Video: Cape Golden Mole slipping and rolling down a slope
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I'm also trying out new ways of creating the holes I use when camera trapping underground. I want to make the holes a bit larger and more sturdy so that they will last for longer. I'm now covering the hole with wooden planks, for easier access to the camera trap. The wooden poles, which are used to support the planks, can be seen in the video.<br />
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This hole is fairly deep, much deeper than my previous attempts, and as a result the tiny Golden Mole struggled a bit to climb up the slope. The bottom half of the soil is rather hard, so the subterranean traveler wanted to get back to the softer top soil. Once he makes it to the top you can see him quickly tunneling away.<br />
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Golden Moles are completely blind with no external eyes at all (their eyes are non-functional and covered by skin and fur). It really is a marvel that the critter is still clearly able to know where it is and where it wants to be going.<br />
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It has been hot and windy here in Cape Town and I've been having trouble using this camera trap in more conventional locations. It seems to trigger very easily from warm wind and vegetation. <br />
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Luckily it seems to work well for Golden Moles and I'm excited to try this camera trap out in more areas where very small mammals might be scurrying around.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-58269367937272080992017-02-25T12:15:00.003+02:002017-02-25T12:15:43.243+02:00The Grey Buck Of PaarlDense vegetation is an important requirement for Cape Grysbok, and Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve overs plenty of very dense vegetation. It is no wonder that these secretive antelope like to call the reserve their home.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_FZwTRhnhM/WLE8T82dhPI/AAAAAAAACi0/EzwPRg683kkSfJOwns8FhbwNVHcNeXt2gCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_FZwTRhnhM/WLE8T82dhPI/AAAAAAAACi0/EzwPRg683kkSfJOwns8FhbwNVHcNeXt2gCLcB/s640/Grysbok%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Cape Grysbok (Kaapse Grysbok - Raphicerus melanotis) at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</em></span></td></tr>
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Cape Grysbok can be hard to see in person because of their secretive and nocturnal nature. They tend to hide in the dense vegetation and can go unnoticed, even when you get very close. <br />
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Luckily they are still fairly common around the greater Cape Town area and can even be found living close to human development. If you are lucky you can spot one crossing a road or darting for cover as you come around a bend.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyBfxtypRGY/WLE8ZhGROLI/AAAAAAAACi4/hOPUry7iWQsHPNYT5zm7yCrAzmi3XFdBgCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="487" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyBfxtypRGY/WLE8ZhGROLI/AAAAAAAACi4/hOPUry7iWQsHPNYT5zm7yCrAzmi3XFdBgCLcB/s640/Grysbok%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Sneaking past the camera trap</em></span></td></tr>
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Last year I was approached by a company that manufactures camera traps to test one of their new models. I received the camera trap late December and have been using it since then. The camera is the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/SecaCam-HomeVista-Degree-Wide-Angle-Surveillance/dp/B01IFG7OEA" target="_blank">SecaCam HomeVista</a> and the photograph below was take by it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe3QghSoCso/WLE_ETLXqaI/AAAAAAAACjM/UQTXIOqyK4MwSEe9_x8ttd1mcmJbvkZ3wCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe3QghSoCso/WLE_ETLXqaI/AAAAAAAACjM/UQTXIOqyK4MwSEe9_x8ttd1mcmJbvkZ3wCLcB/s640/Grysbok%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Young male Cape Grysbok with a very grey coat</em></span></td></tr>
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I'm planning on doing a longer review of the camera trap at a later stage, but one of the things that stand out for me is the incredibly wide field of view. I'm sure it will be a blessing and a curse in the future.<br />
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I had the camera set to take a combination of photos and videos. The video clip below shows the restless youngster on a very windy summers day.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">Video: Cape Grysbok
walking through the boulders on a windy day</span></em></div>
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Only the rams have horns and this individual above seems to be still a fairly young male.<br />
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The Cape Grysbok is mostly active at night and about 65% of my camera trap observations have thus far been at night.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5FygjPIw5c/WLFEFRBcqII/AAAAAAAACjc/hrsbDX3Ko3cIcxwtEBN8Xd69vlN8dvs4wCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5FygjPIw5c/WLFEFRBcqII/AAAAAAAACjc/hrsbDX3Ko3cIcxwtEBN8Xd69vlN8dvs4wCLcB/s640/Grysbok%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>The white hair is much less visible in this wet female</em></span></td></tr>
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They are solitary animals and scent mark their territory using the pre-orbital gland (in front of the eye). One of the cameras was lucky enough to catch a Cape Grysbok in the act of scent marking.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb261inom30/WLE8jYiTa8I/AAAAAAAACi8/3nRo0vJILrkARZyEZOzGKYB4CmpKYN8-gCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb261inom30/WLE8jYiTa8I/AAAAAAAACi8/3nRo0vJILrkARZyEZOzGKYB4CmpKYN8-gCLcB/s1600/Grysbok%2B2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Cape Grysbok scent marking on the slopes at Paarl Mountain</span></em></td></tr>
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The Cape Grysbok is endemic to South Africa and an iconic species of the dense vegetation along the coast and mountain ranges of the south and south-east.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-4827531637092137362017-02-02T13:09:00.001+02:002017-02-02T13:09:09.592+02:00RIP BirdCam 2.0It is time to retire yet another one of my camera traps, the BirdCam 2.0. This camera was a bit of a roller-coaster ride and true to its nature it took some great photographs just before finally breaking down completely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCScIyZXfE/WI9vfWZVBBI/AAAAAAAACh0/QxkTx6DkbrMTgFtJxBnGShd_WLIPTfRbwCLcB/s1600/Klaasneus%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kaapse Klipklaasneus Cape Elephant Shrew Elephantulus edwardii" border="0" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zCScIyZXfE/WI9vfWZVBBI/AAAAAAAACh0/QxkTx6DkbrMTgFtJxBnGShd_WLIPTfRbwCLcB/s640/Klaasneus%2B1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Cape Elephant Shrew (Kaapse Klipklaasneus - Elephantulus edwardii) camera trapped with the BirdCam 2.0 at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</span></em></td></tr>
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The BirdCam 2.0 was my "small mammal specialist" camera trap. It wasn't very good as a conventional trail camera, but it was amazing when used to target small critters in a fixed area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-mzuKwcIKI/WI9veqQ1R1I/AAAAAAAAChw/rs8JS_Gu2jk1NrQk45190nHYMYnbpEFcQCLcB/s1600/Birdcam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-mzuKwcIKI/WI9veqQ1R1I/AAAAAAAAChw/rs8JS_Gu2jk1NrQk45190nHYMYnbpEFcQCLcB/s640/Birdcam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>BirdCam 2.0 placed under a large boulder</em></span></td></tr>
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The best thing about the camera, by far, was its white flash. It was simply amazing and could be used even at close range. The camera didn't have any autofocus capabilities, but the adjustable fixed focus helped.<br />
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The worst things about the camera must surely be the build quality and strange trigger speed. It simply wasn't as tough as other conventional trail cameras. For example the LED setup screen stopped working long ago. As a result, for the past few years I just turned the camera on and hoped for the best.<br />
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This is the third camera trap I'm retiring, and to be honest I have no idea what camera to replace it with... I'm not aware of any good white flash camera traps on the market, particularly ones that can be used to photograph small mammals... (Having color night photographs can help a lot with identification.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG7d6lLY340/WI9veozuOZI/AAAAAAAAChs/fneoE306MOs7GYNmL2ycAByoTuH6nkghwCLcB/s1600/Klaasneus%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG7d6lLY340/WI9veozuOZI/AAAAAAAAChs/fneoE306MOs7GYNmL2ycAByoTuH6nkghwCLcB/s640/Klaasneus%2B2.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Not perfect, but good enough</em></span></td></tr>
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I'm really glad that the camera produced some decent photographs of the Cape Elephant Shrew before finally getting retired.<br />
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The Cape Elephant Shrew was one of the species at the top of my wish list for Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, and I was thrilled when I saw one in person on my very first day at the reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwx1IRvg0jE/WI9zl9G-dnI/AAAAAAAACiE/21nZb8ahiZYnzr2tAlEaSASg8b5CUgKEgCLcB/s1600/Klaasneus%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwx1IRvg0jE/WI9zl9G-dnI/AAAAAAAACiE/21nZb8ahiZYnzr2tAlEaSASg8b5CUgKEgCLcB/s640/Klaasneus%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Cape Elephant Shrew sitting in a small hollow on top of a huge boulder</em></span></td></tr>
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Despite their name the Cape Elephant Shrews are not a type of Shrew at all, nor are they a type of Rodent. They are in fact related to Golden Moles, Aardvarks, Dassies and even Elephants. These animals are all members of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrotheria" target="_blank">Afrotheria</a>, which represents a group of mammals that are associated with originating from the African continent.<br />
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As with the Golden Moles, the Elephant Shrews are still somewhat shrouded in mysterious, although fortunately to a lesser extent. For example, many sources claim that Elephant Shrews, in general, are diurnal, but other sources say the Cape Elephant Shrew is nocturnal. However, I've been camera trapping these little critters during the day and night, equally. I found one source that claimed they were crepuscular (preferring twilight), but that seems a bit off as well...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5HpVU8ALH4/WJMSdl-nsAI/AAAAAAAACiY/PlfS7bXb47gN4ogmxzdMxu-HiUFZ_uDwgCLcB/s1600/Day%2Band%2BNight%2BCycle%2BReports%2B-%2BDay%2Band%2BNight%2BObservations%2B%2528Pie%2529%2B-%2B%2B%25281486033137461%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="579" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5HpVU8ALH4/WJMSdl-nsAI/AAAAAAAACiY/PlfS7bXb47gN4ogmxzdMxu-HiUFZ_uDwgCLcB/s640/Day%2Band%2BNight%2BCycle%2BReports%2B-%2BDay%2Band%2BNight%2BObservations%2B%2528Pie%2529%2B-%2B%2B%25281486033137461%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Activity pattern of Cape Elephant Shrew camera trapped, thus far, at Paarl Mountain</em></span></td></tr>
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I suspect there is still much we can learn about these cute little guys.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-14582519311754556672017-01-21T10:44:00.001+02:002017-02-25T12:18:37.945+02:00Spotted On Paarl MountainIt is the middle of summer at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and the world is hot and dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX4dibapJjw/WIMDW31FjZI/AAAAAAAACg0/FIYm7Nl_DHcUKkgbXHMEjZp5UORmBxDAACLcB/s1600/Paarl%2BMountain%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX4dibapJjw/WIMDW31FjZI/AAAAAAAACg0/FIYm7Nl_DHcUKkgbXHMEjZp5UORmBxDAACLcB/s640/Paarl%2BMountain%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve in January</em></span></td></tr>
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I've been camera trapping here since August last year and the species list is still fairly small, only about 15 mammal species thus far...<br />
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The strangest part for me is that I've yet to photograph a single Caracal (Rooikat). At both Tygerberg and Koeberg the Caracal was one of the first species to get photographed.<br />
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To make things even stranger one of my camera traps recently photographed a Leopard, and still not a single Caracal!<br />
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The photograph was taken at 6:21 AM in the morning. The sun was already up, but there was still some early morning mist hanging around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHNsJ1oqd_k/WIMDXq50SaI/AAAAAAAACg4/kYvIEga0TPkAavoUefhQSmvrGTaNkEL8ACLcB/s1600/Luiperd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHNsJ1oqd_k/WIMDXq50SaI/AAAAAAAACg4/kYvIEga0TPkAavoUefhQSmvrGTaNkEL8ACLcB/s640/Luiperd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Leopard (Luiperd - Panthera pardus) photographed by a camera trap on Paarl Mountain</span></em></td></tr>
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I've been seeing possible Leopard tracks and scat on the reserve since I started camera trapping and knew it would be only a matter of time before one was captured by a trail camera.<br />
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Even though the odds of encountering such an elusive animal in person is very small, it is great to know they are still around. I love how camera traps enable you to "see" things you would otherwise never be able to see in person.<br />
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The camera trap also captured a lot of Grysbok and Duiker at this location. I'm sure these small antelope also caught the attention of the Leopard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO6W5SLzYhs/WIMQ7ssNHtI/AAAAAAAAChU/gIauTrgvjRENDYO8f7KhrVd24jIQshq0ACLcB/s1600/Grysbok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO6W5SLzYhs/WIMQ7ssNHtI/AAAAAAAAChU/gIauTrgvjRENDYO8f7KhrVd24jIQshq0ACLcB/s640/Grysbok.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A female Cape Grysbok (Kaapse Grysbok - Raphicerus melanotis) aka Leopard-Food</span></em></td></tr>
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I didn't find many Grysbok at Tygerberg and Koeberg, but here at Paarl Mountain they seem to be quite common. I'm looking forward to see the total number of sightings increase over time. It will be interesting to compare the data of all the small antelope I've camera trapped in the greater Cape Town area (Duiker, Grysbok and Steenbok).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RimVdXDSmEs/WIMOoutEFzI/AAAAAAAAChI/35tYXS2bAIwi3c8HzX_PB3Il_wfuny29QCLcB/s1600/Paarl%2BMountain%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RimVdXDSmEs/WIMOoutEFzI/AAAAAAAAChI/35tYXS2bAIwi3c8HzX_PB3Il_wfuny29QCLcB/s640/Paarl%2BMountain%2B1.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>There are lots of interesting landscapes at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve</em></span></td></tr>
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<em>PS. </em><br />
<em>Paarl Mountain is a popular reserve and is visited by many people on a regular bases. Now, before the masses go crazy about the Leopard, please remember the usual storie of "your life is not in danger, we don't have to kill the Leopard, your kids will survive, etc." apply. If anybody has any concerns then please contact the reserve manager. Remember how fortunate we are to have a member of the "big five" still roaming wild on our doorstep.</em>Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-33345624186705946582016-12-31T12:25:00.001+02:002016-12-31T12:25:14.728+02:00The Owl ProjectThis Christmas season I decided to stay home, relax and maybe work on a few small projects around the house. Highest on my list was to make an owl box.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzkgYgQ7yOk/WGeCk1LasNI/AAAAAAAACgY/Gdbh-_h5rPkK8PM_scR0Zgidwt4aCEDfQCLcB/s1600/uilboks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzkgYgQ7yOk/WGeCk1LasNI/AAAAAAAACgY/Gdbh-_h5rPkK8PM_scR0Zgidwt4aCEDfQCLcB/s640/uilboks.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>An owl nest box, hopefully for a Spotted Eagle-Owl (Gevlekte Ooruil - Bubo africanus)</em></span></td></tr>
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I got a rough idea of the size and design from online sources, but didn't feel like following any specific plan. Instead I bought a couple of pieces of scrap wood, screws, varnish and a brush from my local hardware store and started putting it together as I went along. It isn't finished yet, but I think its turning out decently well.<br />
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The plan is to place the nest box at our family holiday home. I've seen Spotted Eagle-Owls in the area, but we'll have to wait and see what happens...<br />
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The Spotted Eagle-Owl is a common species throughout most of South Africa and I've even camera trapped them a few times.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooxhd1XeMSw/WGeFXxm7e8I/AAAAAAAACgk/IlTDMYpSlzoOj_rWGFuoCvImGkyxw0HTwCLcB/s1600/Ooruil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooxhd1XeMSw/WGeFXxm7e8I/AAAAAAAACgk/IlTDMYpSlzoOj_rWGFuoCvImGkyxw0HTwCLcB/s640/Ooruil.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Spotted Eagle-Owl camera trapped at Berg River Dam</em></span></td></tr>
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Hopefully towards the end of 2017 I'll be able to do a follow-up blog post with some good news.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737152208112032188.post-57731573976659185392016-11-26T11:20:00.003+02:002016-11-26T11:20:38.454+02:00Lizards Of The Pearly MountainI recently started camera trapping at Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. The reserve is situated a short distance outside Cape Town, on the border of the town (of similar name) Paarl. <br />
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Like most of the small nature reserves I've been camera trapping at it borders partially on urban development and partially on rural / farming development. This nature reserve is unfenced, which is somewhat problematic (as I'll try to touch upon in future blog posts).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTfaJYnoawE/WDksnBJMV9I/AAAAAAAACfI/Es0BcDnHq0ka90SbK5nfRQ5ZJL4xWksEQCLcB/s1600/Paarlberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTfaJYnoawE/WDksnBJMV9I/AAAAAAAACfI/Es0BcDnHq0ka90SbK5nfRQ5ZJL4xWksEQCLcB/s640/Paarlberg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve in the Western Cape province of South Africa</em></span></td></tr>
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When visiting the reserve you are bound to see many Southern Rock Agama basking on the boulders scattered over the landscape.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSO49iZYArk/WDk2kGxHyfI/AAAAAAAACfY/UN7usjHCzXYd1sjyL6wQkAiY9CfFkV5UQCLcB/s1600/Rotskoggelmander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSO49iZYArk/WDk2kGxHyfI/AAAAAAAACfY/UN7usjHCzXYd1sjyL6wQkAiY9CfFkV5UQCLcB/s640/Rotskoggelmander.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Southern Rock Agama (Suidelikke Rotskoggelmander - Agama atra) soaking up the rays</span></em></td></tr>
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Their body color usually match very well with the rocks they live on, but when ready to mate they can become brightly colored. The males are larger than the females and develop a much brighter blue head and a yellow band on the sides of the body. They also usually have a white band running along the spine. These Agama lizards can also quickly change their body color, similar to chameleons (but not as dramatically). They can use this ability to subdue their bright mating colors when a predator is around.<br />
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I have a camera trap placed in a small natural shelter formed by the boulders. Like most boulders on the reserve it is home to some of these lizards.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtEy_4v_4iI/WDk8tOTYu2I/AAAAAAAACf8/KvWAO18t-wMsE8vLx6Zvh5hUOfibgkd2ACLcB/s1600/Kamera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtEy_4v_4iI/WDk8tOTYu2I/AAAAAAAACf8/KvWAO18t-wMsE8vLx6Zvh5hUOfibgkd2ACLcB/s640/Kamera.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Bushnell camera trap monitoring a grotto at Paarl Mountain</span></em></td></tr>
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Having reptiles trigger a camera trap is very uncommon. In the past I've mostly managed to camera trap the odd tortoise walking past a camera trap. There have also been a few flukes when a lizard stopped in front of a camera trap, but this is the first spot where I'm getting a lizard repeatedly triggering the camera trap using its own body heat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPSvhjXU--w/WDk6vaj5cdI/AAAAAAAACfk/pVrFHIO9CFAe7Fdg62ZPXlhQr1_QOMS4QCLcB/s1600/Rotskoggelmander%2BCT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPSvhjXU--w/WDk6vaj5cdI/AAAAAAAACfk/pVrFHIO9CFAe7Fdg62ZPXlhQr1_QOMS4QCLcB/s640/Rotskoggelmander%2BCT1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Southern Rock Agama triggering the camera trap in the grotto</em></span></td></tr>
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The lizard usually triggers the camera trap in the afternoon. By then it must surely be hot enough from all the sunbathing. <br />
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The photos are in gray because the camera switches to IR flash mode, even during the day, due to the low light available in the shelter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdrfUUBtu8/WDk7E7LgQBI/AAAAAAAACfo/IUnkYRqQqi8EOw8MWD3kg5JIs3pN-1XuQCLcB/s1600/Rotskoggelmander%2BCT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdrfUUBtu8/WDk7E7LgQBI/AAAAAAAACfo/IUnkYRqQqi8EOw8MWD3kg5JIs3pN-1XuQCLcB/s640/Rotskoggelmander%2BCT2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Southern Rock Agama running up a boulder</em></span></td></tr>
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If all goes well I'll be camera trapping at Paarl Mountain for the next few months, so stay tuned for more about the wildlife at this nature reserve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOT7naWNuRc/WDk7ZDIWPsI/AAAAAAAACfs/fCqTIcyku7Mn0eIOuLfVjBvezAZfPBkVwCLcB/s1600/Rotskoggelmander2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOT7naWNuRc/WDk7ZDIWPsI/AAAAAAAACfs/fCqTIcyku7Mn0eIOuLfVjBvezAZfPBkVwCLcB/s640/Rotskoggelmander2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><em>Three lizards basking in the sun</em></span></td></tr>
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Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17562865215409198889noreply@blogger.com0