Maximum temperature in the Charente today 10C, minimum 1C. Dry so far today, with frost here this morning. 13km/h south-westerly winds with gusts up to 30 km/h.
These animals were top of my 'to see' list. As before, I will not state exactly where animals were seen because of poaching risks. The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is often nicknamed the Painted Dog. Incredibly, each individual dog has unique markings, which makes it easier for identification. They are sadly another of the world's endangered species. A number of them have died from disease carried by domestic dogs, brought by their owners into game reserves. Rabies is one of the problems, and many others have died a horrible death as a result of being snared.
Wild dogs chasing away a hyena which has got too close to the pack. The hyenas hang around them, hoping to steal a kill that the dogs may have made.
Here they are gathering ready to go hunting. When a pack member becomes ill, injured or elderly, restricting or even incapacitating their effectiveness as a hunter, the rest of the pack cares for and feeds them.
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the background.
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the background.
African elephant (Loxodonta africana) enjoy a water hole.
Here are others with a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) and zebra (Equus quagga).
Blue-headed tree agama, (Acanthocercus atricollis). There seem to be several subspecies, not very clearly defined!
Lion (Panthera leo). This was one of three old males that we watched walking near to the road. You can see how thin this one was. We suspected that the three (all in similar condition) were supporting each other to find food.
Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena.
Two young hyenas...
If you look closely you can see three cubs here with their mother. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care at all!
The only proof I have that we saw a leopard ! (Panthera pardus pardus).
Hi Diane - I saw lots of Painted Dogs when I was in the Okavango in the 80s... they are so beautiful and so clever. Love all the photos - you saw lots ... the blue headed agama is stunningly beautiful. Poor old boys - the lions ... thanks for sharing with us - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary there used to be plenty of wild dogs around, but snares and disease have taken their toll. They are managing to move small numbers of dogs to several places and they seem to be breeding in several of the places. We were lucky enough to see a pack with pups but they were well hidden and photos were more than difficult. The agama was beautiful I was delighted that I managed a photo of it. Shame the 3 old lions looked like they were struggling but at least there was 3 of them to try and share the hardships of old age. I guess age has to catch up with everything in the end if they manage to survive the early days. Cheers Diane
DeleteAbsolutely fantastic pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma, a holiday to remeber in every way. Seeing the best friends we have ever had, and great wildlife viewings. Hope you are well Diane
DeleteWe certainly don't lack for ways to eliminate wildlife do we? You have no idea how much it sickens me. I hope that others are as diligent about concealing locations, Diane.
ReplyDeleteIt sickens me as well David. The human race is the worst predator of all. What with poaching and now fires the wildlife is having a very difficult time. Cheers Diane
DeleteFabulous photos Diane!!! What an amazing experience that must have been :)
ReplyDeleteThe best experience ever. Think this trip was the best viewing I have ever had and I lived there for 50 years. Keep well Diane
DeleteSimply wonderful! Animals I would never have seen. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMarie so well worth the visit, I was so happy that we not only saw the big 5 but the Wild dogs as well. Hope all is well Diane
DeleteIt's good to see so much wildlife in your photos Diane. I worry about how long some of these species can live on this old earth. I was aware of the near extinction of the dogs. Some time in years past I came across the blog of a woman working to try and save them. It was sad to see the lion and how thin he is. I hope he and the other lions found some food.
ReplyDeletePenny you are right how much longer can all the species survive. Man has a lot to answer for. There used to be rhinos around every corner. Now if you are even lucky enough to see one, they are extremely nervous and agitated. Alxo the Australian fires as well Even the animals that have survived the fire will have no food so how do they win. All so very sad. Keep well Diane
DeleteInteresting post. I know domestic dogs have empathy so I guess these wild dogs do too.
ReplyDeleteSeldom do wild dogs fight amongst themselves they are very caring of the sick or hurt animals in the pack. They are not closely related to either Wolves or domestic dogs. They do not interbreed, and although people have tried to tame wild dogs they do not respond. Keep well Diane
DeleteBeautiful wild animals but they do look thin. Never seen a colourful lizard.
ReplyDeleteThat lizard was quite stunning, so glad he waited for me to take a photo. 😊 Hope you are well Diane
DeleteAfrica is on my bucket list. Great photos Diane.
ReplyDeleteMake it soon, more animals are on the endangered list daily!!! We used to see rhinos all over, not any more!! Hope all is well Diane.
DeleteWhat beautiful images! This looked like a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie for your visit and comment. It was an amazing trip, just want to go back 😊 All the very best Diane
DeleteYou always have the most wonderful photo's, Diane. I'm glad y'all had a good trip; thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thank you Sally, easy to get good photos in South Africa when youvisit the right places. We had a fabulous trip and it was so good to see 'old' friends. Keep well Diane xx
DeleteWow...amazing pics and amazing wildlife. Although I know that there is a lot of danger in having them around and being close to them. They are hunters but thank you for sharing these.
ReplyDeletePam I wish everyone understood that wildlife can be dangerous, some people are really stupid and take silly chances, they then wonder why there is a problem or worse a death. It is a pleasure to share. Keep well Diane
DeleteIt must have been a very interesting trip, Diane. I admire all the great animals you have taken photos. My husband has visited Kenya and has seen a lot of them, but I was not there, as he went for a business trip. I would love to go in Africa one day. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos, my dear friend. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
ReplyDeleteMia I hope that you can visit one day, it is really worth the effort and the cost, the animals there are very special and so many are now endangered. Cheers Diane
DeleteAmazing shots, it's awful seeing the animals so skinny like that, it's a tough life out there in the wild! It was brilliant having our grandchildren here for three weeks, sad when they left to go back to Sydney yesterday, especially with the fires still burning. Hope you had a super Christmas and all the best for the new year Diane xox
ReplyDeleteGrace they have had quite a bit of rain in some places since we left so hopefully the animals will put on some weight. There are still places though which have extreme drought so not everywhere is doing well. Too many people with their heads still in the sand not admitting to climate change!!
DeleteGlad you had a good Christmas, ours was quiet but we enjoyed it. Our very first Christmas in France. Cheers Diane
A wonderful set of images again, Diane. Those African Wild Dogs are not very attractive-looking, to my mind, but you have to have admiration for such social creatures.
ReplyDeleteYour last shot made me smile - thank you!
Best wishes to you and Nigel - - - Richard
Richard, I tend to disagree with you over the Wild dogs, I think they are beautiful. Everyone to their own taste!! Each dog has different markings and some I agree look better than others. They have always been a favourite of mine after the leopard. Yes, that last photo is not exactly what I had hoped for!!!
DeleteKeep well and take care, Diane
These are absolutely stunnig! Wild animals are so beautiful, so sad about wild dogs, I think I see them for the very first time!
ReplyDeleteNatalia so many endangered species these days, too much hunting, poaching and general lack of care from much of the public. Take well, Diane
DeleteAmazing photos of beautiful animals. I hope they all stay safe.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I hope they all stay safe as well, but with poaching and hunting going on the human race has a lot to answer for!! Keep well Diane
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWow, I love all the animals. I would love to go on an African Safari. Awesome sightings and photos. Thansk for visiting my blog. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week ahead.
Thanks for the visit and the comment. If you would love to go on a Safari then try to make it happen before there are no animals left!!! Have a great week, Diane
DeleteTo live aiming these amazing animals ... This all seems like an impossible dream Diane...thanks so much for sharing. I did not know about the wild dogs at all. Definitely my new thing to learn for the day.
ReplyDeleteI just love the wild dogs and because they have been on the endangered list for sometime I am delighted that we got to see them. Worth looking them up and following the stories about them. Lots on FB if you use it. Take care Diane
DeleteSo awesome to see the wild dogs. Took me three visits before that happened. Your wonderful photos make me want to return.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe we actually saw 4 packs. The couple we were with, the husband is a fanatic on wild dogs, his wife had never seen them until this trip, she was over the moon. Definitely time you returned :-) Take care Diane.
DeleteI would have mistaken the African wild dog a a hyena if you had not shown the comparison.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have that straight the hyena is quite ugly with a sloping back and very large head. The Wild dogs are slim and long legged, and I think beautiful, but that seems to be a matter of choice!! Cheers Diane
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