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).
