tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19688173865625366052024-03-13T08:38:23.071+02:00Tintswalo Ranger's BlogTintswalo Safari Lodge is located on the 23000 hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve bordered on the east by the Kruger National Park. Surrounded by woodland savannah and gabbro open plains, game viewing is at a premium and exclusivity is assured. With the full complement of the majestic Big 5 as well as Cheetah, Wild Dog and Spotted Hyena we are also rewarded with sightings of Pangolin, Honeybadger and African Wild Cat. With a highly qualified team a holistic safari experience is guaranteed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-63183841470990055072013-11-06T12:36:00.000+02:002013-11-06T12:36:40.019+02:00Where Did We Go??<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;"><b>Where did this blog go?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b>Are we in hiding?</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">We have moved!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Ooooooooh!! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime;">Find our new blog page.... </span></b></div>
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.....<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tintswalo.com/safari/category/rangers/"><b>HERE</b>!</a></span> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-76644170502645147442013-08-14T16:55:00.000+02:002013-08-14T16:55:54.153+02:00Sightings Update: 17 - 24 June 2013<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">
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The big cat action continued this week and as usual, the Lion politics stole the show. The general game species have been spending most of their time on the burnt sections, but most of our Elephant sightings have taken place in the parts of the reserve that have not been burnt this year. The result is a resting period for the grazing, as the animal’s resident on the reserve are enjoying the fresh green shoots and staying off the unburnt sections. The exceptions are the Elephants and large herds of Buffalo, who seem to prefer these areas. This meant that the predators stayed close to the burnt areas in search of prey.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba Males</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAlktAQgRBgDcGagoHyLddUMVXOUsudbTWdoprlx4KAAPB0stDqy-PEA2T2_1m62QUaIxYTxL4-A8h27G6y69CNvPZnBV5u5I4eSIuszAKKW58qEnHOsI03xzbJQ-rqIUqL_AtaR0bNI/s1600/DSC_0781+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAlktAQgRBgDcGagoHyLddUMVXOUsudbTWdoprlx4KAAPB0stDqy-PEA2T2_1m62QUaIxYTxL4-A8h27G6y69CNvPZnBV5u5I4eSIuszAKKW58qEnHOsI03xzbJQ-rqIUqL_AtaR0bNI/s640/DSC_0781+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The big males have been busy this week and we have had a few descent sightings of them. The week started off where it left off last week, with the two dark maned males moving off with the Koppies females from S6 pan. The females moved and the males followed, with no attempt to hide their presence. They started roaring and the Koppies girls followed suit.</div>
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We then had a few sightings of single Matimba’s, one at Main dam wall with one of the Mbiri females and another at Vulture Pan Road.</div>
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Towards the end of the week, we found three Matimba’s on a Giraffe kill with the Mbiri pride close to Zebra pan. The two young males were present and these two young males are the oldest of the Matimba cubs. Their relation with their fathers seems to be heading towards the inevitable pushing out stage. The males are starting to show more and more aggression and they are tolerating their cubs less and less. They spent three days on the kill with the Mbiri pride.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies Females</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTpPvigGqQ2MCl-zd_Hj2AbVUKjcvioAOamUMWrwAK7HDoAIPuct5QFv3TFgc03IyTLp5WcVukEmBCVsx6NluYHjDf9JYO22dHxbSjvXZn5ku7tcLlpaBDk2DtP6FUdwRagbPWl0CmGs/s1600/DSC_0231+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTpPvigGqQ2MCl-zd_Hj2AbVUKjcvioAOamUMWrwAK7HDoAIPuct5QFv3TFgc03IyTLp5WcVukEmBCVsx6NluYHjDf9JYO22dHxbSjvXZn5ku7tcLlpaBDk2DtP6FUdwRagbPWl0CmGs/s640/DSC_0231+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEbKVlQa6WQXnuDSh0r3OXwQWPiulo9FqlEVzKKJaBVvdVQ-_VHcx0WQiIQC-YiEWU_wcJwP2UVcigT2LcJNMe5b24IBjxmKaIKtbM__-s4auAixqzoCoIU6Yv29kcJyFaWvdA9_d9-g/s1600/DSC_0237+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEbKVlQa6WQXnuDSh0r3OXwQWPiulo9FqlEVzKKJaBVvdVQ-_VHcx0WQiIQC-YiEWU_wcJwP2UVcigT2LcJNMe5b24IBjxmKaIKtbM__-s4auAixqzoCoIU6Yv29kcJyFaWvdA9_d9-g/s640/DSC_0237+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was only one sighting of these females this week. They were with the two dark maned Matimba’s on Mantaan Mphisi moving west towards Tamboti drive. As is their way, we can go for several days without seeing these females and then they just turn up out of the blue. Hopefully next week proves this theory true!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSletBY83TE4k1_1n7wNJJtPD6RXKoSWzG032k_RUj5lJVfc0ymDRH0hdeyR23-lP3O2vLCoieSUe8vbWppPZ2deDkQHjsYv2bFJz2aLlEvt_F-ZJQo9iBtUi_YdbXQLm1B6t0m1bKuw/s1600/Koppies+map+24+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSletBY83TE4k1_1n7wNJJtPD6RXKoSWzG032k_RUj5lJVfc0ymDRH0hdeyR23-lP3O2vLCoieSUe8vbWppPZ2deDkQHjsYv2bFJz2aLlEvt_F-ZJQo9iBtUi_YdbXQLm1B6t0m1bKuw/s640/Koppies+map+24+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mbiri Pride</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq5ZRmc6lNNGoww2e8qxUzidNLYjlViLusydyJFcdHpqr1JTsNcEaYAZeJlErITPakdS_tv-W6a6S8qWQlUQSjv4L_VLnHC3C3H2OQnlgcVFUV4JZ76gfP5Q9nw5fjVQm9Sd-1IH3ysE/s1600/DSC_0717+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq5ZRmc6lNNGoww2e8qxUzidNLYjlViLusydyJFcdHpqr1JTsNcEaYAZeJlErITPakdS_tv-W6a6S8qWQlUQSjv4L_VLnHC3C3H2OQnlgcVFUV4JZ76gfP5Q9nw5fjVQm9Sd-1IH3ysE/s640/DSC_0717+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It’s been almost a year since the tragedy of the cub killing Matimba’s. A quick recap: Last year the Matimba’s were found killing the Mbiri cubs on Bee-eater road. The sad part of it all was, these were Matimba cubs! However the two surviving cubs have thrived ever since and have turned into males that are full of character and always good to watch. The Matimba’s have accepted the young Mbiri’s and they are tolerated by the big guys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiostP21DoYRTYwqC9_vMW9BDOIDHRS-pcG9SDPMGFd1vd6Wa8jhIQce0HXC6DJWKlli-2Eqct2udI0sJEJCGgZmxP3imfcskeSVGYWs14CHa4AVGPTR8sqGFOqxy831nfPD3sujP2eW9E/s1600/DSC_0754+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiostP21DoYRTYwqC9_vMW9BDOIDHRS-pcG9SDPMGFd1vd6Wa8jhIQce0HXC6DJWKlli-2Eqct2udI0sJEJCGgZmxP3imfcskeSVGYWs14CHa4AVGPTR8sqGFOqxy831nfPD3sujP2eW9E/s640/DSC_0754+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwtWHHOtfxoivkHinNIG11D0B0-ivlJK12U5Gnqb_2UU_R9h9Fw9_YczZEKoOYCBfYXlknqK6w-dXEWNV7HX2gx1S82IxlnSw4WNvLYaiMrfQ_OgO3Klc6XMUso4zjkZ7wJiEiUD99_A/s1600/DSC_0765+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwtWHHOtfxoivkHinNIG11D0B0-ivlJK12U5Gnqb_2UU_R9h9Fw9_YczZEKoOYCBfYXlknqK6w-dXEWNV7HX2gx1S82IxlnSw4WNvLYaiMrfQ_OgO3Klc6XMUso4zjkZ7wJiEiUD99_A/s640/DSC_0765+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHWMWWagHRWTACecrOrHMk5dV0mQXZGikgCPxJ7ms16zE_w_rIkVxlkLgQy2YfVR2_lEhDGUI5JNi2qVevEKEjWKeRfNZzZScz2a7Oam5eEARzY0fPqG3GekVb_tg4d790zEFFWFu0EE/s640/IMG_0117.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This week was no different and the Mbiri pride managed to take down a fully grown female Giraffe close to Zebra pan. Luckily for the Mbiri’s, Giraffe carcasses are big and they can all feed in relative peace. The big guys did however let the youngsters know who was boss and the young males approached the kill with care whenever they wanted to feed. They were very submissive to the Matimba’s, but that is the way of Lions. Males just don’t tolerate competition in any form!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0EvLfdrnC4Jti9GHK_Ykdu6N1HScVCWhcIc1HrCZmEcwOU0YFK56m1EY6isqbvBOCy9QEoJ2r9JXgZum8oEvolf_GlZ-Ek3wDPqOxTdD9Iq_OuQhXMvHx0srngQ879765n1rFxBJNWQ/s1600/Mbirhi+map+24+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0EvLfdrnC4Jti9GHK_Ykdu6N1HScVCWhcIc1HrCZmEcwOU0YFK56m1EY6isqbvBOCy9QEoJ2r9JXgZum8oEvolf_GlZ-Ek3wDPqOxTdD9Iq_OuQhXMvHx0srngQ879765n1rFxBJNWQ/s640/Mbirhi+map+24+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Cheetah</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X6yYD08C1HKP9TXnpYXJwK4JhQz2vC-v7CcV2jXDpiwYsUPGqao1-Gf_aYSUZxQR4AWI7vJTFK0RKS9LNIJW9tbe94C2YxACE07DPWyiz26gnYeancx-n0bag8-oXEI-ILpQT6jdh9I/s1600/DSC_0286+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X6yYD08C1HKP9TXnpYXJwK4JhQz2vC-v7CcV2jXDpiwYsUPGqao1-Gf_aYSUZxQR4AWI7vJTFK0RKS9LNIJW9tbe94C2YxACE07DPWyiz26gnYeancx-n0bag8-oXEI-ILpQT6jdh9I/s640/DSC_0286+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAfnQeADzX6y3n5umCHBYGgU2qIhvkMOsZ5ZBPbNY33maF6UuKuFZm0MRywSy4KeB_wqrAWTJIzMvylgtDI8q5BK954lcHgFb3EWHhZlPnTK-6-ig_cGFIU2ESJ-UaAz72Lc4sNu_3Ro/s1600/DSC_0294+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAfnQeADzX6y3n5umCHBYGgU2qIhvkMOsZ5ZBPbNY33maF6UuKuFZm0MRywSy4KeB_wqrAWTJIzMvylgtDI8q5BK954lcHgFb3EWHhZlPnTK-6-ig_cGFIU2ESJ-UaAz72Lc4sNu_3Ro/s640/DSC_0294+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn4B0gbgTw3kSBzaLlwMRRpmkDiPoWIfzmYioV4bgAGxH7WnFYL99mRknQj3B1dxdDFNg7ylzq7thG1J2BdO7om2g4jkcIT1e1qOewFcCv_wow4s-QZLTpBjYr3pQZAWLeNgF4B2yHQU/s1600/DSC_0305+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn4B0gbgTw3kSBzaLlwMRRpmkDiPoWIfzmYioV4bgAGxH7WnFYL99mRknQj3B1dxdDFNg7ylzq7thG1J2BdO7om2g4jkcIT1e1qOewFcCv_wow4s-QZLTpBjYr3pQZAWLeNgF4B2yHQU/s640/DSC_0305+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOWzpFRnwBtcTDmvbrUWqSfqpS7TbjPQEZ50oXx1caEKCMu97XwIkemdQ-UMUSaYuuTG9wcM9NyF0dSfPuridO4Rol0F6N0j0zWs_r51rCxpi8BjTa90KU2zF0NuOTwbJLowe7S0elEM/s1600/DSC_0307+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOWzpFRnwBtcTDmvbrUWqSfqpS7TbjPQEZ50oXx1caEKCMu97XwIkemdQ-UMUSaYuuTG9wcM9NyF0dSfPuridO4Rol0F6N0j0zWs_r51rCxpi8BjTa90KU2zF0NuOTwbJLowe7S0elEM/s640/DSC_0307+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The good Cheetah viewing has continued this week. The female with the cub was once again seen close to the western boundary, which is an area that provides a lot of our Cheetah sightings. This area has very little Lion activity and this probably why the Cheetah prefer the area. Lately the Cheetah have hugged the western boundary and utilised the open bush in the area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9FN6QZGMYTOlZIs8OmYBOvn4K7lNY9cRL-KOlwNj-z0HQ1U2iIrXwvExkIa01WJ7mdGlgEkiognSX0EYnZ_65trkccvtlnjJcVE9hMkFlW03anNn1zYYlzpoh1pOoXTr00WNiYVz5e0/s1600/DSC_0340+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9FN6QZGMYTOlZIs8OmYBOvn4K7lNY9cRL-KOlwNj-z0HQ1U2iIrXwvExkIa01WJ7mdGlgEkiognSX0EYnZ_65trkccvtlnjJcVE9hMkFlW03anNn1zYYlzpoh1pOoXTr00WNiYVz5e0/s640/DSC_0340+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yWsJNPEvyWV41r3R-6JUmbO2C2125NJMCUINMD4ZG1dOKJXBpbGNohHjoxHwhEkaVEuszPNKVkeFqBFZYKkD8i4ww_eIjhgg00S9UVgrOTnv7lQxRH44UOFtysJ5qWFuptB5LGHfx0I/s1600/DSC_0364+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yWsJNPEvyWV41r3R-6JUmbO2C2125NJMCUINMD4ZG1dOKJXBpbGNohHjoxHwhEkaVEuszPNKVkeFqBFZYKkD8i4ww_eIjhgg00S9UVgrOTnv7lQxRH44UOFtysJ5qWFuptB5LGHfx0I/s640/DSC_0364+edited.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYenRL3t34kQ-LUeDXJbaDQwzK2pSVyjNpEPkoRg_9rq83jRcrjOk2Fw8b47j6DrtLw8B79VD7y3C7IZvsv3LwHc_7p92oZ_1Cvv57FaqzLbhfno8RRO29zQG5g6rvGREI8eI1q_kik/s1600/Cheetah+map+24+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYenRL3t34kQ-LUeDXJbaDQwzK2pSVyjNpEPkoRg_9rq83jRcrjOk2Fw8b47j6DrtLw8B79VD7y3C7IZvsv3LwHc_7p92oZ_1Cvv57FaqzLbhfno8RRO29zQG5g6rvGREI8eI1q_kik/s640/Cheetah+map+24+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDRk8K2QrMw8w7CojrPs_mnG_Gsg3tFsQXspA_CeEKeYRJBgpet4jnwyMA4C3vlRx1Ed1U1RdQV_NYNC9tx7CbXBwSZtT8KdA8T3C2TON_3CR-QAC7IfWFImElZaTMqqa5rgZdwfwAIg/s1600/DSC_0180+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDRk8K2QrMw8w7CojrPs_mnG_Gsg3tFsQXspA_CeEKeYRJBgpet4jnwyMA4C3vlRx1Ed1U1RdQV_NYNC9tx7CbXBwSZtT8KdA8T3C2TON_3CR-QAC7IfWFImElZaTMqqa5rgZdwfwAIg/s640/DSC_0180+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjVrgfIPjDGxOJq_q9n5zY6GlvanhR-_J23CPfJgK2isDELyD-rNxq5ZCm1oBUBzffIMwA_m8D8qetc5NcQSL5JH9NQePJkVye7DMeDewsTkrhQCZEdwRwrcDEINcLcsGvW0jvEZFqck/s1600/DSC_0427+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjVrgfIPjDGxOJq_q9n5zY6GlvanhR-_J23CPfJgK2isDELyD-rNxq5ZCm1oBUBzffIMwA_m8D8qetc5NcQSL5JH9NQePJkVye7DMeDewsTkrhQCZEdwRwrcDEINcLcsGvW0jvEZFqck/s640/DSC_0427+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5pGDXhOlAM-VRlNiA8XxToN2uOt7pmhHgOKLOinsKl5Y4lDKZQkSDvta__QxuBmO8vWFwSYio8-iiRDiYoV2IuNm-EWC-LuUCDKgpOchXxxHq1SjMfaagz3XkfHBF9ch1cmECrVXk3w/s1600/DSC_0480+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5pGDXhOlAM-VRlNiA8XxToN2uOt7pmhHgOKLOinsKl5Y4lDKZQkSDvta__QxuBmO8vWFwSYio8-iiRDiYoV2IuNm-EWC-LuUCDKgpOchXxxHq1SjMfaagz3XkfHBF9ch1cmECrVXk3w/s640/DSC_0480+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvue0UYPs2dI9aMWOOpo6WTyb8IWW8cbXWCYlDvH3fUkUoGHTMVmijgtR7bbC7HigX6_l07qaUbKVTvgrw4ug9I10Ow5K365Bs7pzrXbgWfvaD9Bmw3KvzLHFCMa2tBGKI7MyVK9JnoI/s1600/DSC_0552+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvue0UYPs2dI9aMWOOpo6WTyb8IWW8cbXWCYlDvH3fUkUoGHTMVmijgtR7bbC7HigX6_l07qaUbKVTvgrw4ug9I10Ow5K365Bs7pzrXbgWfvaD9Bmw3KvzLHFCMa2tBGKI7MyVK9JnoI/s640/DSC_0552+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNWDSAMwHdut5y-oN1Rv0L_3_klWz4lEJux5EdjMHz9NrxHyWgvCgL3BtT_TK-L2kd9pWOQZNW7JLLZ0HBh11nfIPQbR4QLW748R3GwsR78etzA0IRaQU1q7WPfoRZ2GbIXZ6ekMt7Ss/s1600/DSC_0575+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNWDSAMwHdut5y-oN1Rv0L_3_klWz4lEJux5EdjMHz9NrxHyWgvCgL3BtT_TK-L2kd9pWOQZNW7JLLZ0HBh11nfIPQbR4QLW748R3GwsR78etzA0IRaQU1q7WPfoRZ2GbIXZ6ekMt7Ss/s640/DSC_0575+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCtMazQ75wpL05QmyogfyIV6Xyb8ucxzMZmOJTuVusxpzmSqzaMPUjWs89STWTRhVGxG11aQxwCR51OSTjtoPXonN2O-4JbmVsO1G0_fgKIs8vp_TlBtFgUWyilMXYjksMcNggdyfyhg/s1600/DSC_0589+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCtMazQ75wpL05QmyogfyIV6Xyb8ucxzMZmOJTuVusxpzmSqzaMPUjWs89STWTRhVGxG11aQxwCR51OSTjtoPXonN2O-4JbmVsO1G0_fgKIs8vp_TlBtFgUWyilMXYjksMcNggdyfyhg/s640/DSC_0589+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulHwbpXgUZdA_o6NeT5RaFQrTvZInsyT6Ll_oMgRquUOhRoWAPIerPPXlu_GJa_IkAg4AKoMCJsSRnhrKs0pFgdgF_lS2To7p0jtSyCjnsDsxLsC2NuEKSVAVbbePdZZAMypCUorW4pA/s1600/DSC_0596+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulHwbpXgUZdA_o6NeT5RaFQrTvZInsyT6Ll_oMgRquUOhRoWAPIerPPXlu_GJa_IkAg4AKoMCJsSRnhrKs0pFgdgF_lS2To7p0jtSyCjnsDsxLsC2NuEKSVAVbbePdZZAMypCUorW4pA/s640/DSC_0596+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14HPFB9W0S-Nj5ICUJbAUqXPRRTT-PDz8v-P00Sc6WOU-SDqhds71BSAzBfg5NUuaeiB_Poh1-BYk_EUm3jQsn6ZO5-qVmgWvK0YvyWRYMMCLW8fDggzXesI9Xr_BLKOtD_K5LvrXvMI/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14HPFB9W0S-Nj5ICUJbAUqXPRRTT-PDz8v-P00Sc6WOU-SDqhds71BSAzBfg5NUuaeiB_Poh1-BYk_EUm3jQsn6ZO5-qVmgWvK0YvyWRYMMCLW8fDggzXesI9Xr_BLKOtD_K5LvrXvMI/s640/IMG_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IcCp0YRGRscaR_RPSrPqIo86gohtnIpPRpXG6GyJCUpX7rjgpzNOjXZgk-g3qkvOJMNoZ3HnVF8wWT14C_qI3OsaCINCTwlgJVDLfp5EdysXfpASCehBpEd2DpAXbctIYwCtIZox5cY/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IcCp0YRGRscaR_RPSrPqIo86gohtnIpPRpXG6GyJCUpX7rjgpzNOjXZgk-g3qkvOJMNoZ3HnVF8wWT14C_qI3OsaCINCTwlgJVDLfp5EdysXfpASCehBpEd2DpAXbctIYwCtIZox5cY/s640/IMG_0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV850t8upIDoe9G0x4O9LMQyfQfmgRYf3njmbolne3H0EhwkNHZ0Pdy-BB79FStMttjFCgBBWQuo-DjmLWjaAqytlnUgE2XEk747IqfZS6q1StFntojdA3IkqSpYkG2iUEzZ4nlqFlK2o/s1600/IMG_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV850t8upIDoe9G0x4O9LMQyfQfmgRYf3njmbolne3H0EhwkNHZ0Pdy-BB79FStMttjFCgBBWQuo-DjmLWjaAqytlnUgE2XEk747IqfZS6q1StFntojdA3IkqSpYkG2iUEzZ4nlqFlK2o/s640/IMG_0164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We hope you enjoyed the blog!<br />
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Darren the Safari Team<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-19333785486264087362013-07-27T20:55:00.001+02:002013-07-27T20:56:44.495+02:00Sightings Update: 10 - 17 June 2013<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCggP_djb9Ysun_eVnLh-Dtu3z91x6ztH2ztsSS23VGunCqx5DjZVnbADEk1k_3mKa-8g8xfB_27HjVnyIf84lsnMdiX64jnlOIUMIOJXliI9Vf3zcjKjAGKXzBI36LI8nPgdeWwHqr48/s1600/Chameleon+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCggP_djb9Ysun_eVnLh-Dtu3z91x6ztH2ztsSS23VGunCqx5DjZVnbADEk1k_3mKa-8g8xfB_27HjVnyIf84lsnMdiX64jnlOIUMIOJXliI9Vf3zcjKjAGKXzBI36LI8nPgdeWwHqr48/s640/Chameleon+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This week we have seen the fantastic Cheetah viewing continue in the central Manyeleti. The two males moved east in the Kruger National Park, but were replaced by a female and her cub. The Lion and Hyena density in the Manyeleti is fairly low and this is an attractive proposition to the Cheetah population. This could be the reason we are seeing a fair amount of Cheetah in comparison to our neighbors.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba Males</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGyhUcUqpTkPk-u8_ez057mqbWlBwszLIDU79GCPqGQl-ZdQw0EGPqzH7JWGbHjplxsGEuo1GLuXQ9SlbSYQ6KqOAGE6DJVbKe-HOl13PHiR549lhTAbk1z7663o0l7-Eo4LyVh0FHTk/s1600/Matimba+male+pat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGyhUcUqpTkPk-u8_ez057mqbWlBwszLIDU79GCPqGQl-ZdQw0EGPqzH7JWGbHjplxsGEuo1GLuXQ9SlbSYQ6KqOAGE6DJVbKe-HOl13PHiR549lhTAbk1z7663o0l7-Eo4LyVh0FHTk/s640/Matimba+male+pat+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkA56lo_O-kY-XcbHB7wCCs2D4b9yfEkD23XCH21RJgo-ZSHdXrf2hebPLjGpczPAVb2-UuLLst1-FfOqX4TK1lzrFeN2TWEAa9tKITqfastiwvh1N3cqW3qruOW5ugFLQ6HuG7DA_5I/s1600/Matimba+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkA56lo_O-kY-XcbHB7wCCs2D4b9yfEkD23XCH21RJgo-ZSHdXrf2hebPLjGpczPAVb2-UuLLst1-FfOqX4TK1lzrFeN2TWEAa9tKITqfastiwvh1N3cqW3qruOW5ugFLQ6HuG7DA_5I/s640/Matimba+males.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though the Lion density is fairly low, the residents have definitely put up a good show. The big males have been around and we've had three Matimba’s in the central Manyeleti this week. To start off with, we found them at Zebra pan after dark. Having three huge male Lions roaring together, makes finding them just that little bit easier. This was a massive show of power and the combined vocal capabilities would have told all other Lions exactly who the bosses are of the area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTVp6Ex4ST-qboXoMjeM7tl6q0AW59eFxIdIEF1OK4U7A3CA1QmJgrhSroeWqKIxoue_OR7JXhii71vnQqpp6d1KiVSFfv2pOxz5jf0dt4SxiIOGwDHlx-wLKT5eHPzqlWLHFjgmQLP8/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTVp6Ex4ST-qboXoMjeM7tl6q0AW59eFxIdIEF1OK4U7A3CA1QmJgrhSroeWqKIxoue_OR7JXhii71vnQqpp6d1KiVSFfv2pOxz5jf0dt4SxiIOGwDHlx-wLKT5eHPzqlWLHFjgmQLP8/s640/Matimba+male+darren+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk5nyW9VYGCr2VR3qgxxyikgisjA1MqqBaSs3IWPYBCL6zfm7cFOK1Vca_DwW4C6SuoQWEUHPi8u1BKfF6iKXsqEQXsJCySQXZ-aBzVcby0rg-qvzTf4NAEHCobAIxIS_UeQRaeQXlok/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk5nyW9VYGCr2VR3qgxxyikgisjA1MqqBaSs3IWPYBCL6zfm7cFOK1Vca_DwW4C6SuoQWEUHPi8u1BKfF6iKXsqEQXsJCySQXZ-aBzVcby0rg-qvzTf4NAEHCobAIxIS_UeQRaeQXlok/s640/Matimba+male+darren+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvAQnRQsUPXc1i8m5zJeZ2ExBCgctQT-YrpyZz0pP80bDpQjEe37O1X6h385RXH0TnMQRn1Pp3s2EqwHrPcrxtrrOBr8WYb8E4WWrCmO_6p12zua4jQdLaxc3PWPslF3PoRvfcwvDoDM/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvAQnRQsUPXc1i8m5zJeZ2ExBCgctQT-YrpyZz0pP80bDpQjEe37O1X6h385RXH0TnMQRn1Pp3s2EqwHrPcrxtrrOBr8WYb8E4WWrCmO_6p12zua4jQdLaxc3PWPslF3PoRvfcwvDoDM/s640/Matimba+male+darren+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few days later we once again heard the Lions roaring east of Buffalo plains and decided to follow up. Between Eric and myself, we thought the best place to look would be Tamboti road. We drove around looking for the fresh signs to start tracking, however found absolutely nothing. We decided to move west and try Madache in an easterly direction, however it was further than we thought, and still no results. We were very confused as to where the lions could be, but the show had to go on. We decided to leave the Lions and see what else we could find. We moved to the western side of Main Dam and as we approached S6 pan, we bumped into the Lions we had heard roaring earlier on! They were about double the distance we initially thought, almost seven kilometers away. Two Matimba’s were at the pan itself, each with a Koppies female. Sometimes you create your own luck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJazNc_RofaJfY_Oc9tAWaBNDizXdhZ1edKR9k0ZVRMnx-EXmqitzVCtcpRhP5KJt3zlE9PgD7RksJ2AG2JQm-qqG5SOd0PioDcLhQjPUaq7TFJVvIcqR9OdMAvLvBu-2iNCWmx-G4f_c/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJazNc_RofaJfY_Oc9tAWaBNDizXdhZ1edKR9k0ZVRMnx-EXmqitzVCtcpRhP5KJt3zlE9PgD7RksJ2AG2JQm-qqG5SOd0PioDcLhQjPUaq7TFJVvIcqR9OdMAvLvBu-2iNCWmx-G4f_c/s640/Matimba+male+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlrU10BTBj8RcNCVBrnNO3deZnbOvfToMQnAhGfUT44i1vVJe7zEKpFUgbSFYteKfJQSyAejMRsd7hhTDe2z0FtzUZdCKdgih2zLGWxbt0C5p4-Eb6itHBdVGTjdvHmkHMS9nLmVaFd8/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlrU10BTBj8RcNCVBrnNO3deZnbOvfToMQnAhGfUT44i1vVJe7zEKpFUgbSFYteKfJQSyAejMRsd7hhTDe2z0FtzUZdCKdgih2zLGWxbt0C5p4-Eb6itHBdVGTjdvHmkHMS9nLmVaFd8/s640/Matimba+male+darren+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLupIgB7L4s3eGt5C-3-WxMO9SwzAAWMRsKMiE_fQGWpUWuDZZFPckp_XjtEJAAA88VXRz-RQJCBLyTriSd0R5pdIlv-eJiCIPLMf95cee1kscvNtKXBSvZq90jvDw32MICDqZbLplh14/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLupIgB7L4s3eGt5C-3-WxMO9SwzAAWMRsKMiE_fQGWpUWuDZZFPckp_XjtEJAAA88VXRz-RQJCBLyTriSd0R5pdIlv-eJiCIPLMf95cee1kscvNtKXBSvZq90jvDw32MICDqZbLplh14/s640/Matimba+male+darren+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGuPpq7P5foaRTU8G84S_cEhl6R2ZAAja5wKr0KAVgS87NRwhg0BPO5cMjzRb1R231jLFe1pMk2b6Lvc2FwBGmwZyJEzXRqgO83Bvxy7XfJN6mpeq-fWK6_-LphHX8E3Rn2UQOFzgZbQ/s1600/Matimba+male+darren+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGuPpq7P5foaRTU8G84S_cEhl6R2ZAAja5wKr0KAVgS87NRwhg0BPO5cMjzRb1R231jLFe1pMk2b6Lvc2FwBGmwZyJEzXRqgO83Bvxy7XfJN6mpeq-fWK6_-LphHX8E3Rn2UQOFzgZbQ/s640/Matimba+male+darren+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g0vRybqv9j4tHnVG9nCw260DST4ymN4UPv6CMhPdx3-W1SwFSA6sohSZMW_XBH2yv_vv6uqT9SpUKl-bg2Z_HapsaykEzte05yslPvSQakQe7a2QnAfWOlVinR_M_kjg-RyBKdBu65k/s1600/Matimba+male+pat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g0vRybqv9j4tHnVG9nCw260DST4ymN4UPv6CMhPdx3-W1SwFSA6sohSZMW_XBH2yv_vv6uqT9SpUKl-bg2Z_HapsaykEzte05yslPvSQakQe7a2QnAfWOlVinR_M_kjg-RyBKdBu65k/s640/Matimba+male+pat+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkA56lo_O-kY-XcbHB7wCCs2D4b9yfEkD23XCH21RJgo-ZSHdXrf2hebPLjGpczPAVb2-UuLLst1-FfOqX4TK1lzrFeN2TWEAa9tKITqfastiwvh1N3cqW3qruOW5ugFLQ6HuG7DA_5I/s1600/Matimba+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkA56lo_O-kY-XcbHB7wCCs2D4b9yfEkD23XCH21RJgo-ZSHdXrf2hebPLjGpczPAVb2-UuLLst1-FfOqX4TK1lzrFeN2TWEAa9tKITqfastiwvh1N3cqW3qruOW5ugFLQ6HuG7DA_5I/s640/Matimba+males.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd_x0HwmzSJCZtFOV0ut8tYMFSRWw_mHFCEsTrCHtqNf-xY-kPTnufuor8GQ6mOxcLRUi3NQm28WFZHOGTWfk0PR2nD2ZRPwhP1A8VAGrTMkhkgEV8To-5fArUK9bb5NbvVIslirgBvw/s1600/Matimba+map+17+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbd_x0HwmzSJCZtFOV0ut8tYMFSRWw_mHFCEsTrCHtqNf-xY-kPTnufuor8GQ6mOxcLRUi3NQm28WFZHOGTWfk0PR2nD2ZRPwhP1A8VAGrTMkhkgEV8To-5fArUK9bb5NbvVIslirgBvw/s640/Matimba+map+17+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies Females</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBczz7XdI0m-qRu5RQ2LBPcOBoMNcql9G2Ln0TWR7yeslT6HiEcAADiXFBu5NZpJHc3hWFQGRmNczPKMeivpGjQhF-uyOvTSJts-R1xxspMBuAMUv1ei0DA7xnizXLXdnB42h6fFnYuec/s1600/Koppies+female+darren1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBczz7XdI0m-qRu5RQ2LBPcOBoMNcql9G2Ln0TWR7yeslT6HiEcAADiXFBu5NZpJHc3hWFQGRmNczPKMeivpGjQhF-uyOvTSJts-R1xxspMBuAMUv1ei0DA7xnizXLXdnB42h6fFnYuec/s640/Koppies+female+darren1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The week started off with these females on a Nyala kill, far out of their normal territory. They were just to the south of Bee-eater road in the far east of the reserve. We have noticed that the Koppies and Mbiri females tolerate each other in their core territories. This area is core Mbiri area! But they are related females from the Orpen super pride and there is still some sort of relationship remembered by both groups.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdgU9dIrNE0G8P-34iAdLsqIIdygmQChi5B2ggUccA2WqpBQE1sQ008b1Ws7m_rgR5tSDrnl1Nc1fGhZa8CklIyZNOLKEdTZ6BguNZZnpiZXGq01cN8hXuE3XSNB1V3HywsaMF-gcds/s1600/Koppies+map+17+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdgU9dIrNE0G8P-34iAdLsqIIdygmQChi5B2ggUccA2WqpBQE1sQ008b1Ws7m_rgR5tSDrnl1Nc1fGhZa8CklIyZNOLKEdTZ6BguNZZnpiZXGq01cN8hXuE3XSNB1V3HywsaMF-gcds/s640/Koppies+map+17+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later on in the week we found them with two of the Matimba’s at S6 pan. The area around S6 seems to be a favourite area for these females and we often find them here.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Javas Male</strong></span></div>
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We had one sighting of the young male at Panicum Bridge, south east of the Lodge in the riverine bush along the Nwasisontso dry river. This area has been a favourite with this youngster, as there is lots of prey and plenty of cover for him. With the politics that seems to be happening with the Beacon male and this new male, only time will tell what effect it will have on him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k0bLyTvWmNC-qJnit4GnE9W9w2CJvtM8meY3voPoeKy1bU5bTRDr7XseF2tq8-ZSUqhNzZtzPwZ3C48L_N14HltbjXkEKaSby_k2iWF_IbK-uN5SyTUneqXsZhdwTWLsFef7pegunvA/s1600/Javas+young+male+leopard+17+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k0bLyTvWmNC-qJnit4GnE9W9w2CJvtM8meY3voPoeKy1bU5bTRDr7XseF2tq8-ZSUqhNzZtzPwZ3C48L_N14HltbjXkEKaSby_k2iWF_IbK-uN5SyTUneqXsZhdwTWLsFef7pegunvA/s640/Javas+young+male+leopard+17+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8xfXrvc5LECDo68mOC1uhvkWpJjuwFCRQJuQcOIfnvkGIMZ0uYpPLRjNLQA5o04bQTjs24d6OXhSAPptmTNSICRRrdBRW-ITYzrNH4V4F5iMIcb0hHMt5KiUyd_31T0opnvfvlzU-u0/s1600/Cheetah+apt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8xfXrvc5LECDo68mOC1uhvkWpJjuwFCRQJuQcOIfnvkGIMZ0uYpPLRjNLQA5o04bQTjs24d6OXhSAPptmTNSICRRrdBRW-ITYzrNH4V4F5iMIcb0hHMt5KiUyd_31T0opnvfvlzU-u0/s640/Cheetah+apt+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were thrilled to find a mother with her cub, who we think is probably about six months old now. She was first seen by Patrick, very close to the northern gate. She started hunting but ran onto a burnt area and he could not follow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFQgIt96rTny8_YyLSWPRk-c3SBWfLBgwrJA_MY4o4RfALYt1PlAKexnfQuDLt341CEk6UckF1m_2SHxswOdHucrFkn5Fw_rxgc12REAO5ScGuVw1hl8ydpHtAmpwtMI6R64_g6MA2xs/s1600/Cheetah+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFQgIt96rTny8_YyLSWPRk-c3SBWfLBgwrJA_MY4o4RfALYt1PlAKexnfQuDLt341CEk6UckF1m_2SHxswOdHucrFkn5Fw_rxgc12REAO5ScGuVw1hl8ydpHtAmpwtMI6R64_g6MA2xs/s640/Cheetah+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9PhYAAi8hyphenhyphenKtDv7-tJnFdHWq1AjheDHWxpdvq4fhkBvO_6pij3S69pNdilHNsyM5o7SF4K1lsUoZFkYBqcnMIs_g4if-Q4JSfJik_3xBt7emTz8FkXO5XzeGfsYJZ22vUdXm3e1cP4k/s1600/Cheetah+darren+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9PhYAAi8hyphenhyphenKtDv7-tJnFdHWq1AjheDHWxpdvq4fhkBvO_6pij3S69pNdilHNsyM5o7SF4K1lsUoZFkYBqcnMIs_g4if-Q4JSfJik_3xBt7emTz8FkXO5XzeGfsYJZ22vUdXm3e1cP4k/s640/Cheetah+darren+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cdfl5vFulCM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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A few days later, Patrick found them again, but they were very close to the south gate. They were lying up in an open area, which gave us some gorgeous photographic opportunities. She stayed in the area for a while and the next morning Eric found her close to Scratches plain, to the south of Main dam. He stayed with her for most of the morning and witnessed her hunt a young Impala ram. As the bush was too thick, he could not get any good photo’s or video. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3QjhyPMyE4fy83s9w4ZrsECDiN6ycDZAzHsncC8-lIC4K1r2bd2UfsauNvlyEzgwv_-p5Nyum7quD6llPvlOk_Pzpga8cRVqdldGZesdVZOQ9QRMUpzGRhAVH6f2LYKr7bnt_JdmrZ8/s1600/Cheetah+pat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3QjhyPMyE4fy83s9w4ZrsECDiN6ycDZAzHsncC8-lIC4K1r2bd2UfsauNvlyEzgwv_-p5Nyum7quD6llPvlOk_Pzpga8cRVqdldGZesdVZOQ9QRMUpzGRhAVH6f2LYKr7bnt_JdmrZ8/s640/Cheetah+pat+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLSeARknEGob6HvWr7oHYg5YLlnhpjrnZZQfyuiVr7Q951QCvSX_3LfZBf7InwiQeCOUEsYVvre8Tq1V5c21TPzoF-LoC6UmICiybxuEcWgdpVaIBe1KlIY-Pa65kXNa47kw5-VqrbI/s1600/Cheetah+pat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLSeARknEGob6HvWr7oHYg5YLlnhpjrnZZQfyuiVr7Q951QCvSX_3LfZBf7InwiQeCOUEsYVvre8Tq1V5c21TPzoF-LoC6UmICiybxuEcWgdpVaIBe1KlIY-Pa65kXNa47kw5-VqrbI/s640/Cheetah+pat+3.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The next morning I found them on Skankaan road, west of Scratches plain. They seemed to be moving towards the Gabbro plains around the lodge, an area known as a Cheetah hotspot. It will be great to follow up on these Cheetahs and follow the progress of the youngster.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfobNpi8f0pG49Z3IswXqXIMBUjyVvD6Gqo1CphcNamxaZsVYyvKDiYcOwTdnrPp-5OoqxnfBNxspk2rtHnFjXHBZGCM6FMNHKbyYu-ko2cDsCuqqkc4On15-tdy92mufsDpufUsgdeM/s1600/Cheetah+map+17+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfobNpi8f0pG49Z3IswXqXIMBUjyVvD6Gqo1CphcNamxaZsVYyvKDiYcOwTdnrPp-5OoqxnfBNxspk2rtHnFjXHBZGCM6FMNHKbyYu-ko2cDsCuqqkc4On15-tdy92mufsDpufUsgdeM/s640/Cheetah+map+17+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush </span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapxkThrrzpfWDdyAmkkgprn6knTbRpBW59iqSGKUAOQ-37eWHosHNbwOsOU6nYtFIin3YlysYObyxBxdFG4btaroc3YRTuR2tNJsa38Fzfr7eDGmmLW7uF_9I8qocJCFZBsegwe08ufI/s1600/elephant+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapxkThrrzpfWDdyAmkkgprn6knTbRpBW59iqSGKUAOQ-37eWHosHNbwOsOU6nYtFIin3YlysYObyxBxdFG4btaroc3YRTuR2tNJsa38Fzfr7eDGmmLW7uF_9I8qocJCFZBsegwe08ufI/s640/elephant+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjUrztGU80UFZ7QNMAlqV15cwVr5JINfkFdhfU3HEe4HXmoDmeAzWiKsuXJ7BFyOIl_HNsnTKAt7z9TyyCF7iuzX9av0FWjj9OonzOv7Np5a7UnDmM2UFVIY7lWbjZCgqpmvXgY67rFw/s1600/Elephant+marisa+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjUrztGU80UFZ7QNMAlqV15cwVr5JINfkFdhfU3HEe4HXmoDmeAzWiKsuXJ7BFyOIl_HNsnTKAt7z9TyyCF7iuzX9av0FWjj9OonzOv7Np5a7UnDmM2UFVIY7lWbjZCgqpmvXgY67rFw/s640/Elephant+marisa+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6Xhm7h4ebd1t41uFdJkeviZzIkw9g-zzZ9yvdxUyu1YTOCvvf9uknuHHUnEnixCuK0pK_uokbqFDsm3SmO3AMXsZqGGc0RBh48WHmPMSNfj1oNhIasy62kQ6tlLOLCjH_pFy-EVZ7Cs/s1600/Elephant+pat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6Xhm7h4ebd1t41uFdJkeviZzIkw9g-zzZ9yvdxUyu1YTOCvvf9uknuHHUnEnixCuK0pK_uokbqFDsm3SmO3AMXsZqGGc0RBh48WHmPMSNfj1oNhIasy62kQ6tlLOLCjH_pFy-EVZ7Cs/s640/Elephant+pat+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraHmUVPR_p0-ZNpSddoMJ_JfGv9JxjKkDrPsPJf83HXS1-EFeWD8L1eGKFPiJh4Ymm9GB4NlS0MnRjOodofrD61T5jus9_-hAdsAtDV8e9bdV0Gop58vtoIXrJGahDSSZ870gqTlsF2E/s1600/Giraffe+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraHmUVPR_p0-ZNpSddoMJ_JfGv9JxjKkDrPsPJf83HXS1-EFeWD8L1eGKFPiJh4Ymm9GB4NlS0MnRjOodofrD61T5jus9_-hAdsAtDV8e9bdV0Gop58vtoIXrJGahDSSZ870gqTlsF2E/s640/Giraffe+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgO8vHQcZ-94iySugewlFAdEdTbKWihmbEz-5JG4DJQE69GI0_Mr15cTm8Z3l8Yi5V3pkP6Ly698W9USw2cmAIEB5m7jByrHIqxnm-rlALdb0poRs17eyYoGd-RsiS1x_ERt8a9LSjBU/s1600/Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgO8vHQcZ-94iySugewlFAdEdTbKWihmbEz-5JG4DJQE69GI0_Mr15cTm8Z3l8Yi5V3pkP6Ly698W9USw2cmAIEB5m7jByrHIqxnm-rlALdb0poRs17eyYoGd-RsiS1x_ERt8a9LSjBU/s640/Giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ESrTpe2PelzZz-WsL6aFi0gFt0-wLlewQMDaJ97L_foBixbjdCSCeyGBkUMACiu5iDtmLwb6zIIf05RhFl7fUN3iSY35eUDX-5j-eBDdiU34vqJXv_467qghqahwC2TuNcN-L2loe0/s1600/Kudu+-+darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ESrTpe2PelzZz-WsL6aFi0gFt0-wLlewQMDaJ97L_foBixbjdCSCeyGBkUMACiu5iDtmLwb6zIIf05RhFl7fUN3iSY35eUDX-5j-eBDdiU34vqJXv_467qghqahwC2TuNcN-L2loe0/s640/Kudu+-+darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZwX1I15euO0yqmDuRXXm4fWxEVECrdEhsk5oHAJ7UIGxUrZzY-YJ-zkAioOiccbr3Giz4lHlaLQDDcYO__hSuhlw2kAt-4u78osuu-g3iwJiDOEtpQOj47TKBCp3BUv8LvvK9A789wk/s1600/Warthog+marisa+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZwX1I15euO0yqmDuRXXm4fWxEVECrdEhsk5oHAJ7UIGxUrZzY-YJ-zkAioOiccbr3Giz4lHlaLQDDcYO__hSuhlw2kAt-4u78osuu-g3iwJiDOEtpQOj47TKBCp3BUv8LvvK9A789wk/s640/Warthog+marisa+1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzSCynNCLgrksyWkoaOSB1bhwN-RghQ_8r9ArZPbvlKu4LEQcBkXFQksxfFLPomD0gcvZFlWK__XtvtgchJJao3QFU6gVVfdyYzdRQN69GxKF-QPHFjbK2cop0kdjnU4ZOL3cTkypjJQ/s1600/Warthog+marisa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzSCynNCLgrksyWkoaOSB1bhwN-RghQ_8r9ArZPbvlKu4LEQcBkXFQksxfFLPomD0gcvZFlWK__XtvtgchJJao3QFU6gVVfdyYzdRQN69GxKF-QPHFjbK2cop0kdjnU4ZOL3cTkypjJQ/s640/Warthog+marisa+2.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWaGd6ikh5v7qN7VIz791RSDVtHsN_nySuQpfmGO5K6r25qI34-mD3Ps7-GetflghFz8MJz2qATKV4pTy6HPsV4iJyLs6z7KOM5vpYMr60GSdYB_Pi9g71r6fAZqPc_-cVL5K31E9P7g/s1600/Waterbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWaGd6ikh5v7qN7VIz791RSDVtHsN_nySuQpfmGO5K6r25qI34-mD3Ps7-GetflghFz8MJz2qATKV4pTy6HPsV4iJyLs6z7KOM5vpYMr60GSdYB_Pi9g71r6fAZqPc_-cVL5K31E9P7g/s640/Waterbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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We hope you have enjoyed the update! </div>
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Darren and the Safari team </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York </em></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-62201576964776744492013-07-14T15:24:00.000+02:002013-07-14T15:24:48.023+02:00Sightings Report: 3 - 10 June 2013<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTIvzRloU4QRn4smIsf7IA7g8xSHBA-FOiFUR_sVxVX_ZlV3LIvnLqTpBt94cMB8HisHooUOvJ9EfaWbZhxDUFuN1tXFjP-AEz3P-gWSpiMRJ1Olos1sYPDby-EPv8mWKk_ZzN1Pz9ck/s1600/Black+and+White+Buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTIvzRloU4QRn4smIsf7IA7g8xSHBA-FOiFUR_sVxVX_ZlV3LIvnLqTpBt94cMB8HisHooUOvJ9EfaWbZhxDUFuN1tXFjP-AEz3P-gWSpiMRJ1Olos1sYPDby-EPv8mWKk_ZzN1Pz9ck/s640/Black+and+White+Buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There really has been a lot of movement by the predators on the reserve this week and the game viewing has been exceptional. The Matimba males have given us many talking points and the two male Cheetahs have made a re-appearance. On top of all this, several herds of Buffalo have been on the reserve. One large herd of 400-500 Buffalo have been hanging around the area to the south and east of the lodge itself. The Lion have still not made their move on these herds, however it’s just a matter of time before they start adding Buffalo to their diet. Elephant sightings have also been very good and the bulls have been quenching their thirst in the small pan in front of the lodge, with many breeding herds moving through the reserve as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ww3Z2azoFSKtGx4FUWPMFEUV3ezSIvXbYuI5PU1w3t-Y8K0JxLeTUlf-w3kRR0MneB5_GXxatH2wDdpr1nH081eDkJS80cC_4kchosrxWJ2btMPGkgxoh_TmRof1K8nnTm58Y5HEO-8/s1600/Common+Reedbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ww3Z2azoFSKtGx4FUWPMFEUV3ezSIvXbYuI5PU1w3t-Y8K0JxLeTUlf-w3kRR0MneB5_GXxatH2wDdpr1nH081eDkJS80cC_4kchosrxWJ2btMPGkgxoh_TmRof1K8nnTm58Y5HEO-8/s640/Common+Reedbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Matimba males</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIndIY7_LqDU4uAoJZAZUkaIJ5YeS7cSKze7rtTAGa16hnfi82iXayVWAWf94osnTDQHoHcT4aGbxG9Zlh7j6aCSz85OCj9s915UTNkZX8TSX5oLuhgSxrIlxI3ZglTulJeOFrRu91IY/s1600/Matimba+male+-+Eric+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIndIY7_LqDU4uAoJZAZUkaIJ5YeS7cSKze7rtTAGa16hnfi82iXayVWAWf94osnTDQHoHcT4aGbxG9Zlh7j6aCSz85OCj9s915UTNkZX8TSX5oLuhgSxrIlxI3ZglTulJeOFrRu91IY/s640/Matimba+male+-+Eric+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YQtcAwMANip9BDMt2s-CztND0hNzBoNXjKmUza3DpzJ0Jbws-5kWl8_cYxON8qJXyRFPn2f1mWe1dWjjBXS5eeRw2XLqVUYWgSORO7JebQIIcndI52A2imGtddiU2wPh4cOZuENA9CM/s1600/Matimba+male+-+Eric+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YQtcAwMANip9BDMt2s-CztND0hNzBoNXjKmUza3DpzJ0Jbws-5kWl8_cYxON8qJXyRFPn2f1mWe1dWjjBXS5eeRw2XLqVUYWgSORO7JebQIIcndI52A2imGtddiU2wPh4cOZuENA9CM/s640/Matimba+male+-+Eric+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The big guys have been very busy this week. It seems they have been checking in with all the females in their territory. We found the dark maned males on a Zebra kill on Buffalo plains, thanks to the Koppies girls. The males made their way in on the kill and forced the girls off their kill. They then decided to do what every male in history has done, attempt to kiss and make up. The girls were having none of it. The males were met with growls and two very cold shoulders. But they persevered and it eventually paid off, and by that afternoon, one of the pairs was mating. They stayed with the koppies girls for the week, from Tamboti to Khoka Moya dam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5y88RhA8OB2SDJmdgsunh8RM-rC4LDpmPRnqzgls0gXILq9Uf-HoMjLuE6ERzilaFaiUxjYu_1pACEgXING9bU8ZyKzBvQ_ZebTACclWTADnnqymECutYc_FaTI1anzuXssrbkxCBN4/s1600/Matimba+male+-+Darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5y88RhA8OB2SDJmdgsunh8RM-rC4LDpmPRnqzgls0gXILq9Uf-HoMjLuE6ERzilaFaiUxjYu_1pACEgXING9bU8ZyKzBvQ_ZebTACclWTADnnqymECutYc_FaTI1anzuXssrbkxCBN4/s640/Matimba+male+-+Darren+1.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJya9ZqUnyc_jBcJ2fFE4rmdZPuzUN8H8MPbDA9gxQ1mz8VmIl-Luu-OQL_pYv_fLYI5dg0pHkVwBlr7kUwFovzBJFOT4Ikyog0uhMSfiV6O0dM19gVkNx6Haazto5yTkKqMvx9zFhJ_c/s1600/Matimba+and+koppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJya9ZqUnyc_jBcJ2fFE4rmdZPuzUN8H8MPbDA9gxQ1mz8VmIl-Luu-OQL_pYv_fLYI5dg0pHkVwBlr7kUwFovzBJFOT4Ikyog0uhMSfiV6O0dM19gVkNx6Haazto5yTkKqMvx9zFhJ_c/s640/Matimba+and+koppies.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF-9yU4JLs6KLdfGvYRY7GOQzb2IDhh2WMJLWxyV0BbFTJgLgqtSZdBe_SPBig8wxmrOAGVm5CH9SmeK7rkG02cOfASGJmPLeDX8TTV6pOB9Hn3XeCqilAkpKgPct9RYTKPhApuDycSY/s1600/Matimba+male+Mpho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF-9yU4JLs6KLdfGvYRY7GOQzb2IDhh2WMJLWxyV0BbFTJgLgqtSZdBe_SPBig8wxmrOAGVm5CH9SmeK7rkG02cOfASGJmPLeDX8TTV6pOB9Hn3XeCqilAkpKgPct9RYTKPhApuDycSY/s640/Matimba+male+Mpho.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the blonde males, who has been in the northern parts of Matimba territory joined up with the Mbiri pride and was also attempting to mate with one of the females, to the absolute confusion of the young males. On a few occasions he met the two youngsters and the remaining female with real aggression and even went as far as putting himself in between her and the others. He too was met with growls from the female, but his persistence was never ending. One interaction that was very funny to watch, was the two youngsters when the male tested the female’s vulva. The two youngsters were all over the male and got a serious scolding, when curiosity almost killed the cats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTj6xap-9sPOU8Eztgo0YYZE9nJkReuSSTMS8vm1YCQa0daNSuV6rHAHkGYp8-9mPNUCKnCqAXyv-RYs0Pf1EhIpH7XggxbYM28eG5_BMAyOsLb18tMcFSX5UZ7Zzcoc9QCjeVIQnIpc/s1600/Matimba+male+-+Eric+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTj6xap-9sPOU8Eztgo0YYZE9nJkReuSSTMS8vm1YCQa0daNSuV6rHAHkGYp8-9mPNUCKnCqAXyv-RYs0Pf1EhIpH7XggxbYM28eG5_BMAyOsLb18tMcFSX5UZ7Zzcoc9QCjeVIQnIpc/s640/Matimba+male+-+Eric+3.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGN6Jcptv8YZ2K1uPFiFvRq-6RoNupgzEDXMkqY9nyDOzSFB1itWgN1ZmuqeYlTyX3I8YZ05XGAdjTr-lTYI7y-OAXQAuWTKLmM6mv8A-gIBKgCQs7XpqqkOfiwSMmM9-0n6G91U7KFI/s1600/Sepia+Matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGN6Jcptv8YZ2K1uPFiFvRq-6RoNupgzEDXMkqY9nyDOzSFB1itWgN1ZmuqeYlTyX3I8YZ05XGAdjTr-lTYI7y-OAXQAuWTKLmM6mv8A-gIBKgCQs7XpqqkOfiwSMmM9-0n6G91U7KFI/s640/Sepia+Matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZtpwdZT5mPqFx3h_ztkBlRZUetQyEexRJIsdMswiR17Y6uSLgaWb4VhL1bsinCnpS9U8ebJgLxTZLb8Kt9T6QWlMCWBfBxnjOQyCr24c8CUfKal7moOTcyV9v6kaQ_NLrT_Ta5gg2c/s1600/Matimba+map+10+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZtpwdZT5mPqFx3h_ztkBlRZUetQyEexRJIsdMswiR17Y6uSLgaWb4VhL1bsinCnpS9U8ebJgLxTZLb8Kt9T6QWlMCWBfBxnjOQyCr24c8CUfKal7moOTcyV9v6kaQ_NLrT_Ta5gg2c/s640/Matimba+map+10+june+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<strong>Koppies females</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMco1J1AKXMO2m_XMffUfWE37dTlTrac0vYSIHbC1QCQgWDybqgWAm5_O9NgM2pP6j-C15LlDfMTXeZ7wZlxTkS-s6IS1C5xAh2W7yKHVx9v9r6nPI_f8ZQu35sb66Ot4cCq4kGCn4YQ/s1600/Koppies+female+-+Darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMco1J1AKXMO2m_XMffUfWE37dTlTrac0vYSIHbC1QCQgWDybqgWAm5_O9NgM2pP6j-C15LlDfMTXeZ7wZlxTkS-s6IS1C5xAh2W7yKHVx9v9r6nPI_f8ZQu35sb66Ot4cCq4kGCn4YQ/s640/Koppies+female+-+Darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The girls started the week off with a nice, big Zebra kill on Buffalo plains. But as I mentioned before, two Matimba males pushed them off the kill. Luckily the koppies girls had a day and a half on the kill and had a good feed. But the Males tracked them down on Tamboti and followed the girls for the rest of the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuHADYidQknBIpqToPS7tRhNaqaeW0nxrUlPJTxavpW_t4d0fPikgQBYMwKgg4N4xw9hmgbAeKap3I9ZI9G8glLIi1yyx-_EpD00bG89i2DeL7fr-i1y9k8axnUUCCHEFrGnDmSgsOSI/s1600/Koppies+and+Zebra+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuHADYidQknBIpqToPS7tRhNaqaeW0nxrUlPJTxavpW_t4d0fPikgQBYMwKgg4N4xw9hmgbAeKap3I9ZI9G8glLIi1yyx-_EpD00bG89i2DeL7fr-i1y9k8axnUUCCHEFrGnDmSgsOSI/s640/Koppies+and+Zebra+kill.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDPBM8I0AzRkloXcgtbnpg0at9bWB0Rp9q9qOj5Yknzn8_BeqeYB-063rCZ5qFdV6IX6ckzj3kUeKCl4dJK-0_N6oDWUH44OZT2AjNzur85XmpQqDL5q1NGAY3e4TG1fZfNksmsk7rdk/s1600/Koppies+female+-+pat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDPBM8I0AzRkloXcgtbnpg0at9bWB0Rp9q9qOj5Yknzn8_BeqeYB-063rCZ5qFdV6IX6ckzj3kUeKCl4dJK-0_N6oDWUH44OZT2AjNzur85XmpQqDL5q1NGAY3e4TG1fZfNksmsk7rdk/s640/Koppies+female+-+pat+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__yGQl3qrsEIGtNYSaWIm1fCq64uoPpNYj-LlOtLVjsxxUCkR33KJOCQNLTP1mp9PFxWeZpCZUUSeLoGRhx8_xC8rQYCSyzP4VpMrAd4FJ_Sz_i40PtQtGYZCx4wu-BIs0-_y5ET2Zcw/s1600/Koppies+map+10+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__yGQl3qrsEIGtNYSaWIm1fCq64uoPpNYj-LlOtLVjsxxUCkR33KJOCQNLTP1mp9PFxWeZpCZUUSeLoGRhx8_xC8rQYCSyzP4VpMrAd4FJ_Sz_i40PtQtGYZCx4wu-BIs0-_y5ET2Zcw/s640/Koppies+map+10+june+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mbiri Pride</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6yUMzu6HtL_Nbh4sKHLpz552TYumd9hVSDdEGj9d4F3UMjjOItee-EUpzI1G5ukFveSNOhGHnwY3liyGq2DpRxek4joKfo9peLp0ieHNPeRXTUoLYdThsnRkeRlleM_ItwPjGuF54Xs/s1600/Mbiri+young+male+Mpho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6yUMzu6HtL_Nbh4sKHLpz552TYumd9hVSDdEGj9d4F3UMjjOItee-EUpzI1G5ukFveSNOhGHnwY3liyGq2DpRxek4joKfo9peLp0ieHNPeRXTUoLYdThsnRkeRlleM_ItwPjGuF54Xs/s640/Mbiri+young+male+Mpho.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKR8ofYWOz_mq0Nhcz-GtuZO2f5W_YaaFELi85xGhmV1q-kjOshGsBuq8VJZJLP_PS_czEMxatXZp1YPhvGn0ASFlKCDcBOjegEeD_QdHmGdUxf4OTz4A2Vye2puWUxIynJI6J7vbGzE/s1600/Mbiri+young+males+1+mpho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKR8ofYWOz_mq0Nhcz-GtuZO2f5W_YaaFELi85xGhmV1q-kjOshGsBuq8VJZJLP_PS_czEMxatXZp1YPhvGn0ASFlKCDcBOjegEeD_QdHmGdUxf4OTz4A2Vye2puWUxIynJI6J7vbGzE/s640/Mbiri+young+males+1+mpho.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mbiri pride was seen close to the air strip at the beginning of the week and moved up to Malcolm’s bridge at the inflow to Main dam. The real story for them began when one of the blonde Matimba’s joined up with them on Bee-eater drive towards the end of the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfkuvS6xvk3BYLWv6JIs-OZUyJ3_SOXGUxgevBKUfx0WbGV9bAV84ipotNYGKEy-RcoFoVzL3NYYFzdAF9rEiGVYH_2c_knzQzH9FfJJXkrCVL_0ZhuM6-RrsdwRJd1gM9xj3SeCASZ8/s1600/Mbiri+female+and+Matimba+-+pat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfkuvS6xvk3BYLWv6JIs-OZUyJ3_SOXGUxgevBKUfx0WbGV9bAV84ipotNYGKEy-RcoFoVzL3NYYFzdAF9rEiGVYH_2c_knzQzH9FfJJXkrCVL_0ZhuM6-RrsdwRJd1gM9xj3SeCASZ8/s640/Mbiri+female+and+Matimba+-+pat+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the members of the Orpen Super pride that have managed to add to their numbers with the addition of the two young males. Around this time last year the Matimba’s killed four of their cubs, siblings of the two youngsters and unfortunately the female cubs were killed. This was sadly a case of mistaken identity on the part of the Matimba’s and it’s about time that they mated with these females again to ensure the growth of the pride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSY_GIedEz6gZcWCS6C-WOfMlyZkGRpZN31Mn4PeLRO5qsrhDAJNj68QtG2sFofhU-l8APXaSSKQ0jB9l-0Blv4uJhbUgtH1npA6ZdTXUufHAWtOHFxaC6jy-j9p1ZktdUNKNw_ODEg/s1600/Mbiri+map+10+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSY_GIedEz6gZcWCS6C-WOfMlyZkGRpZN31Mn4PeLRO5qsrhDAJNj68QtG2sFofhU-l8APXaSSKQ0jB9l-0Blv4uJhbUgtH1npA6ZdTXUufHAWtOHFxaC6jy-j9p1ZktdUNKNw_ODEg/s640/Mbiri+map+10+june+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride</span></strong></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/shnJv4nEbPg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The week started off with the Nkuhuma’s still feeding on the Wildebeest they had killed. They spent a few days still feeding on the kill, and we enjoyed the antics of the cubs. From there they stayed around the Sarabanga area and eventually moved east into the Kruger National Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P94hpS_Q9SPwbQTstLn9r01Mim3XxenaTGV8O6FhbZqxgRAx1jaQsHZl6pYPGQ6O-UFFhW5d4qn2tLuNI9UjhpECHIfDGpfuHL29Gc5XyrxB7wUY5scmZ83Xq_WamsCZc5B344Pjbc0/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+10+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P94hpS_Q9SPwbQTstLn9r01Mim3XxenaTGV8O6FhbZqxgRAx1jaQsHZl6pYPGQ6O-UFFhW5d4qn2tLuNI9UjhpECHIfDGpfuHL29Gc5XyrxB7wUY5scmZ83Xq_WamsCZc5B344Pjbc0/s640/Nkuhuma+map+10+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<strong>Cheetah</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mStK25fp-jdbZEFaqvXr3Yh2gqdEC1mxb54i7VAmBx25RJNv7qjJl5bptpn7m9_y1NzEGZVIRBVUOVDma_z4-drFASakhcLeKyhQgJYwY0gGYDxoqI7hKoeNwJHkCQuK5QTfupR_MoE/s1600/Cheetah+male+-+Darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mStK25fp-jdbZEFaqvXr3Yh2gqdEC1mxb54i7VAmBx25RJNv7qjJl5bptpn7m9_y1NzEGZVIRBVUOVDma_z4-drFASakhcLeKyhQgJYwY0gGYDxoqI7hKoeNwJHkCQuK5QTfupR_MoE/s640/Cheetah+male+-+Darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0oIkHRcx8IsBnEo6JHDT8XKcCwuiDj3j-OLoXfWOTgMJ6sl7xFVF2nP89J3MiBxPq9mwZh2adJ-7Q9xsR30F5JMSWmAt1Ymu17ZzagDeAotSqV88_NDcMJYUG5vcXL7ffclz9zcor7E/s1600/Cheetah+males+-+Darren+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0oIkHRcx8IsBnEo6JHDT8XKcCwuiDj3j-OLoXfWOTgMJ6sl7xFVF2nP89J3MiBxPq9mwZh2adJ-7Q9xsR30F5JMSWmAt1Ymu17ZzagDeAotSqV88_NDcMJYUG5vcXL7ffclz9zcor7E/s640/Cheetah+males+-+Darren+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp148sU3E0HYYOcEKuKNBsPcD9KKjTzeJt6h3VrS2_MtAxkAOVSWaIMzpWs_OaLTY4RUehAmtXIzUJeITew1pdItcTjoAE4wH4wPBqOkJZn54l41hBW4gkI71sjkCvNNmKEnhQ0QXQrjE/s1600/Cheetah+males+-+Darren+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp148sU3E0HYYOcEKuKNBsPcD9KKjTzeJt6h3VrS2_MtAxkAOVSWaIMzpWs_OaLTY4RUehAmtXIzUJeITew1pdItcTjoAE4wH4wPBqOkJZn54l41hBW4gkI71sjkCvNNmKEnhQ0QXQrjE/s640/Cheetah+males+-+Darren+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had the pair of brothers this week, on several different sightings. They were found first at the back of Wild dog Dam, and the males were moving south towards the open plains south of the lodge. While we followed them they spotted a lone bull Wildebeest and started stalking it. This would probably be a little bit of wishful thinking, as Cheetah, unlike Lion and Leopard, are not designed to tackle large prey species, however large coalitions of males have been known to take down large Kudu before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl4oVXkQOHBZSEYUFi-Jpj0ufdbOGKTvXtWeYIOVdSC30bsE1JDPm3NqJJUEqvTcmst5ejEwY0N4S-OFZth2FuDPHqrYlQX48U9blFlswIfV8E5esLhCYXdVP9mvFVKb1WI6DrJrhRik/s1600/Cheetah+males+mpho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl4oVXkQOHBZSEYUFi-Jpj0ufdbOGKTvXtWeYIOVdSC30bsE1JDPm3NqJJUEqvTcmst5ejEwY0N4S-OFZth2FuDPHqrYlQX48U9blFlswIfV8E5esLhCYXdVP9mvFVKb1WI6DrJrhRik/s640/Cheetah+males+mpho.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next morning we found the two brothers after tracking the big herd of Buffalo. They were just to the south of the airstrip and only about 100 meters from the Buffalo. They continued south and east, moving from termite mound to termite mound as they were looking for any opportunity for a kill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0PoY4TCVdDDKv8_aFVPe0SsS7NyJFi18lfIytRvvrhztu1c2P9lPlO_US-OZ3JSrdr6mnK9cgLFTutjf2GSjkTVe8QeE7elnq88-zNGgb7IAXgw-QPNDIACQ8QZzFt7PBBnFWPWhxMU/s1600/Cheetah+male+-+MArisa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0PoY4TCVdDDKv8_aFVPe0SsS7NyJFi18lfIytRvvrhztu1c2P9lPlO_US-OZ3JSrdr6mnK9cgLFTutjf2GSjkTVe8QeE7elnq88-zNGgb7IAXgw-QPNDIACQ8QZzFt7PBBnFWPWhxMU/s640/Cheetah+male+-+MArisa1.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47tnuJokzpKm6ZhtA6OTkGt2bGOg2H1WnWkMu_0OZ8FnkyUfyFqI8NWqnkaj7TX0PNN6LCa_UI9knfvgpvG1ozT4ZgY1tCIQWshVDmPVFfZ2UqotxhcD_L2aLkUl8-xl3e3cYX1jDi4c/s1600/Stalking+Cheetah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47tnuJokzpKm6ZhtA6OTkGt2bGOg2H1WnWkMu_0OZ8FnkyUfyFqI8NWqnkaj7TX0PNN6LCa_UI9knfvgpvG1ozT4ZgY1tCIQWshVDmPVFfZ2UqotxhcD_L2aLkUl8-xl3e3cYX1jDi4c/s640/Stalking+Cheetah.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next afternoon they were again found on scratches plain south west of Main Dam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtf_NXPp0L5qKqMDLqkOhgpdvfGHPViQFAVaqJ4LyhzfOGz40ZR8E9efAT-UMcl6x1jA_whDdNeB5oM1V680qPpancYaq3hNEPfdaPGc-H3CtwCv2MDWD2I_qwIaAO642xptGPCbEnlw/s1600/2+male+Cheetah+10+June+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtf_NXPp0L5qKqMDLqkOhgpdvfGHPViQFAVaqJ4LyhzfOGz40ZR8E9efAT-UMcl6x1jA_whDdNeB5oM1V680qPpancYaq3hNEPfdaPGc-H3CtwCv2MDWD2I_qwIaAO642xptGPCbEnlw/s640/2+male+Cheetah+10+June+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<strong>Other views from the Bush</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbzVABJmd_AdjOs_v_JYB37OidFZISl-A9G0fTc6J8X_H_741SxrxgcqY0iPBawUXqnIjd-3oUupn8jj_bPgsEraS3nYqExLyDCV7ZSGVzwlnHSwt_Tofe9tji9RCBJjHHq9_4AeBjaQ/s1600/Buffalo+-+Mpho+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbzVABJmd_AdjOs_v_JYB37OidFZISl-A9G0fTc6J8X_H_741SxrxgcqY0iPBawUXqnIjd-3oUupn8jj_bPgsEraS3nYqExLyDCV7ZSGVzwlnHSwt_Tofe9tji9RCBJjHHq9_4AeBjaQ/s640/Buffalo+-+Mpho+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tY6jBKqAhMtGFRSQyXm7xkPh6NW0p5MpXUYKj1jbUfBQxD3_6219rzIbpNf2t93T8jJ1DuTP6mNu4zJ7CaETqQaGov5IFHuCJi0TirNFYdHAr2aznNJGc_rYDQ7eL5kJWNMog8NCGLs/s1600/Buffalo+pat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tY6jBKqAhMtGFRSQyXm7xkPh6NW0p5MpXUYKj1jbUfBQxD3_6219rzIbpNf2t93T8jJ1DuTP6mNu4zJ7CaETqQaGov5IFHuCJi0TirNFYdHAr2aznNJGc_rYDQ7eL5kJWNMog8NCGLs/s640/Buffalo+pat+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49kt5JSM8_gssaX5Gm_Qpv6RRz6Cq3FwZVeZi1EQ4jLDplqCCgrOxvWFrXKGnh0bhIREY8Pdr1_mfK5gey7Yj3SNHp5FzmTGc582SoeAJ5V3F0m_BNFtbibzh57lo7Y46sCmIZj944WY/s1600/Hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img -width="640" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49kt5JSM8_gssaX5Gm_Qpv6RRz6Cq3FwZVeZi1EQ4jLDplqCCgrOxvWFrXKGnh0bhIREY8Pdr1_mfK5gey7Yj3SNHp5FzmTGc582SoeAJ5V3F0m_BNFtbibzh57lo7Y46sCmIZj944WY/s640/Hippo.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBZCOD016gxQYcXlHCbsxshE2orvL9JIyRAun1C6a7AGMv9PyztG01bgWCHWtNLVx1201V7JDHQpUoEAUp4e1naiW_UoN3MnmAR3r11nogtg7VkMHwBNXAEpgva63z5Mt7pIMdMcL8Ok/s1600/Kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBZCOD016gxQYcXlHCbsxshE2orvL9JIyRAun1C6a7AGMv9PyztG01bgWCHWtNLVx1201V7JDHQpUoEAUp4e1naiW_UoN3MnmAR3r11nogtg7VkMHwBNXAEpgva63z5Mt7pIMdMcL8Ok/s640/Kudu.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqIkUio6elNbTBj2WZqN5o9Ye34mNdvfXd5I2MyzffZUyvMNkx3hk_8LE41HtExxTb0O6UobgGIbEjLqXwIDidpa_IdzVRdn-qr7Ivo3PAc_di6a07oyavfi9pwMaUuD_-T_Fg9NWsdY/s1600/Nyala+cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqIkUio6elNbTBj2WZqN5o9Ye34mNdvfXd5I2MyzffZUyvMNkx3hk_8LE41HtExxTb0O6UobgGIbEjLqXwIDidpa_IdzVRdn-qr7Ivo3PAc_di6a07oyavfi9pwMaUuD_-T_Fg9NWsdY/s640/Nyala+cow.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JMHs8t3qJeAw1pnh6YgSjsXVZ6mPmGW_l5PdetvYQVAr2AiSgF1X6qxaXa7fxBnTXzZGwDC_fgxaEdX2Qwukyo_uAGXBFkq6xFHKWuulAumLD4nDLV5Ts9Z0u7iGQ5ePxX_S9jsGXgM/s1600/Nyala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JMHs8t3qJeAw1pnh6YgSjsXVZ6mPmGW_l5PdetvYQVAr2AiSgF1X6qxaXa7fxBnTXzZGwDC_fgxaEdX2Qwukyo_uAGXBFkq6xFHKWuulAumLD4nDLV5Ts9Z0u7iGQ5ePxX_S9jsGXgM/s640/Nyala.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<div align:justify="">
Darren and the Safari Team <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</em></span> <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-50283511006970265772013-06-21T19:04:00.000+02:002013-06-21T19:04:01.857+02:00Sightings Report: 27 May - 3 June 2013<div style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
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Puff Adder</div>
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It’s been an interesting week and we've had our first bit of possible drama for the dry season. During the dry season, game is forced closer to the remaining water sources and behind them the predators come into contact with one another more regularly. This is a time when territories are fought for and expanded or lost. It’s a time of plenty, but at a possible cost as the war for land and resources comes into full swing and tests the strength of the hardiest killers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VU5AxUYD30/UcHS4rKrAPI/AAAAAAAADsU/bvD-_ivjjx0/s1600/DSC_8062+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VU5AxUYD30/UcHS4rKrAPI/AAAAAAAADsU/bvD-_ivjjx0/s640/DSC_8062+edited.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions</span> </strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males</span></strong></div>
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These males are still split but one of the blonde males from the south has come over to visit his dark maned coalition mates. The dark maned males have spent most of the time in the northern parts of their territory, looking for the Koppies females, who frequent the same area. Their interaction with these females has been interesting and it seems that the females are once again tempting the males. The positive side of this, is that the Matimba males spend more time in the area which therefore reinforces their dominance and protects the females from the possibility of marauding nomadic males. The biggest threat to them in this area is the three Timbavati males from the north. These males killed the last Koppies cubs who were sired by the Sizanani males before they were de-throned by the Matimba’s. Hopefully all the scent marking and roaring will keep these males out of the territory.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zvp1_MGRCo/UcHVqZqNBTI/AAAAAAAADvQ/lpJ1bbZQmcA/s1600/Matimba+map+3+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zvp1_MGRCo/UcHVqZqNBTI/AAAAAAAADvQ/lpJ1bbZQmcA/s640/Matimba+map+3+june+2013.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females</span></strong></div>
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These females have been spending the week in the area around the airstrip. This area holds very good numbers of Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala. This seems to be the staple diet of the big Koppies girls and most of their recent kills have been these three species. We didn’t find them on a kill this week, but they had nice, big bellies. This tells us that their kill must have been on the smaller side and probably suggests Impala. <br />
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These females haven’t shown any further signs of pregnancy but as the Matimba males are showing interest again, we might have some more mating in the near future. While cementing their position in the area with the girls, they will grow their dominant pride in the central Manyeleti.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xj_c9cMep4/UcHVn5bIwbI/AAAAAAAADvI/6OlsRs2wlJA/s1600/koppies+pride+3+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xj_c9cMep4/UcHVn5bIwbI/AAAAAAAADvI/6OlsRs2wlJA/s640/koppies+pride+3+june+2013.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride</span></strong></div>
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This pride has provided some fantastic viewing in the southern areas of the reserve. All eight cubs were seen with the females and are looking fat and healthy. They were first seen at Sarabanga by Jan, who after sitting with them for a while, noticed a large Buffalo bull coming directly towards them and the cubs. This scenario had potential chaos written all over it and chaos and cubs are not the words you want to hear. The females identified a potential meal and sprung into action. The cubs however looked on with the instinctive fear that these bulls deserve. The Buffalo caught onto the females and they aborted the hunt as the Buffalo snorted and ran.</div>
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The second sighting was one that lasted a few days. The females managed to bring down an adult Wildebeest and there was enough meat for all. Once again the cubs entertained our guests with their antics. There is nothing cuter than watching the clumsy attempts of a fat bellied cub trying to hunt a sibling. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Leopard</strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Newly seen male</strong></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_cJ3-LnsMA/UcHTFolBj5I/AAAAAAAADsk/F4p3jSkv3fg/s1600/DSC_8083+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b_cJ3-LnsMA/UcHTFolBj5I/AAAAAAAADsk/F4p3jSkv3fg/s640/DSC_8083+edited.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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As mentioned before, the drama has begun. We found a huge male Leopard in the centre of the Beacon male’s territory. He was following a female in the area of Metsikitsoro plains, which is one of Beacon’s favourite haunts. Whether these two giants have met, is still to be seen, but we've noticed a lot of movement all over the central Manyeleti from both males. Their tracks are slightly different and Beacon's looks to be slightly larger. From what we can piece together, this male came from the north. He is very relaxed with the vehicles and got to within a few meters of the vehicle. This would suggest that he is probably from the Timbavati area and if anyone has any information on him, we would appreciate a comment. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlDA0gnFjL4/UcHVr6FHrUI/AAAAAAAADvY/PfA_Loxb_RY/s1600/New+male+leopard++3+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlDA0gnFjL4/UcHVr6FHrUI/AAAAAAAADvY/PfA_Loxb_RY/s640/New+male+leopard++3+june+2013.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Unidentified Leopard</strong></span></div>
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We had three sightings of Leopards that we couldn’t identify or photograph this week. The female that the new male was following was the on Metsikitsoro plains. She was however moving quickly and Patrick wasn’t able to get a shot of her. We think it may have been the Main dam female, but there is no confirmation of this. She was fairly relaxed with the vehicle, but moving away from the male. This is very different behaviour from the other female that is moving around the eastern side of the dam, who bolts at the first sight of a vehicle. Another Leopardess was seen at Mantwaan Mphisi pan, also in the territory of the Main dam female. She moved into the drainage line to the south of the pan and Jan wasn’t able to follow. Lastly, the third sighting of a female was in the south. She was fairly skittish of the vehicle, suggesting that she may be a Kruger Leopard. All this information helps us to understand our Leopard population better and aids us in trying to work with them successfully. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoG2DW7mg3U/UcHVv8yy6HI/AAAAAAAADvo/7wA_aZyxvb4/s1600/unidentified+leopard+3+june+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoG2DW7mg3U/UcHVv8yy6HI/AAAAAAAADvo/7wA_aZyxvb4/s640/unidentified+leopard+3+june+2013.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Other views from the bush </strong></span></div>
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Hope you all enjoyed the read and the photographs!
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Darren and the safari team
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-78450365392802893492013-06-12T09:07:00.001+02:002013-06-12T09:07:46.802+02:00Sightings Report: 6 - 27 May 2013<div style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPRfcDVWS0g/UbXHY6-WIyI/AAAAAAAADnQ/cCZgstpuAYM/s1600/wildebeest+and+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPRfcDVWS0g/UbXHY6-WIyI/AAAAAAAADnQ/cCZgstpuAYM/s640/wildebeest+and+sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">As the winter months are setting in, the mornings are cooling and the colours in the bush changing daily. Cool bush burns are being employed as a management tool by the reserve management as fire is essential in bush management. By burning certain areas at this time of the year, the growth from previous years is removed creating more grazing in the early growing season without changing the composition of the bush.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Only certain areas are burnt and not the entire reserve. This is burnt on a rotational basis ensuring sweet grazing for our huge herds and a food source for our predators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The big males have still been moving around the area north of Main dam. The blonde males in the south have been south of our boundary. There was one sighting of one of the blonde males with the two dark maned males on Vulture pan road. These little visits keep those bonds strong and ensure that the huge territory is secured for the future. By marking their territory they advertise their strength in size and numbers to all other lions on the verges of their territory.</span><br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Lx_ckuYUzic/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Lx_ckuYUzic&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Lx_ckuYUzic&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One sighting of interest was of one Matimba male with a Mbiri female, who were bumped into by the TREC team. The humans were as surprised as the lions. It’s always an interesting sighting to have lions on foot and increases the excitement levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOUCD0rEQ0/UbXF2fEgEaI/AAAAAAAADlQ/AnkAIpXbqnE/s1600/Matimba+map+27+May+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOUCD0rEQ0/UbXF2fEgEaI/AAAAAAAADlQ/AnkAIpXbqnE/s640/Matimba+map+27+May+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">These females have been around the Matimba males lately and have been seen on two separate occasions. The first sighting was at Khoka moya dam and both females were with the two dark maned males. A few days later we found one female with one Matimba very close to the shooting range and it looked like he wasn't taking no for an answer. It’s about time these females produce cubs and grow the pride and secure their future under the protection of the Matimba males.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kszo1b5fmXI/UbXFnDxD7OI/AAAAAAAADk4/3zLZ6SzAEpA/s1600/Koppies+map+MAy+2103+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kszo1b5fmXI/UbXFnDxD7OI/AAAAAAAADk4/3zLZ6SzAEpA/s640/Koppies+map+MAy+2103+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOfuYCNvaEM/UbXGCMbhZ4I/AAAAAAAADlw/_-RczEQ6dqU/s1600/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOfuYCNvaEM/UbXGCMbhZ4I/AAAAAAAADlw/_-RczEQ6dqU/s640/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">We had one sighting of the pride with the cubs far down in the south. Duncan had a fantastic view of the cubs playing close to a seasonal pan. On the banks was a fallen log which became a play thing as the cubs chased and climbed, entertaining our guests to the fullest.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSztarAO5Gc/UbXGBe_Q2KI/AAAAAAAADlo/VkQX-3IOgAo/s1600/nkuhuma+map+6+may-+27+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSztarAO5Gc/UbXGBe_Q2KI/AAAAAAAADlo/VkQX-3IOgAo/s640/nkuhuma+map+6+may-+27+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sungula pride</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msBpdHC7W9w/UbXGv_f97xI/AAAAAAAADmQ/D5XnHxrTcOw/s1600/sungula+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msBpdHC7W9w/UbXGv_f97xI/AAAAAAAADmQ/D5XnHxrTcOw/s640/sungula+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm7291ec8tc/UbXGyT7LzPI/AAAAAAAADmY/q8OfvnXxqCU/s1600/sungula+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm7291ec8tc/UbXGyT7LzPI/AAAAAAAADmY/q8OfvnXxqCU/s640/sungula+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24nPimrcV1c/UbXG0SlUFeI/AAAAAAAADmg/XIuRStwcscM/s1600/sungula+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24nPimrcV1c/UbXG0SlUFeI/AAAAAAAADmg/XIuRStwcscM/s640/sungula+males.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/J1_gdGGlPJY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/J1_gdGGlPJY&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/J1_gdGGlPJY&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We had a sighting of our least seen pride just to the west of Koppies. When Mpho found them they were stalking a herd of Zebra. They were on the wrong side of the wind and the young males made a complete hash of the hunt. After the attempted hunt, the two males moved up to a large termite mound and gave us some beautiful photographic opportunities with the Koppie in the background. They still seem to be moving in the area just to the north of the Matimba territory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LuaclLUwFg/UbXGNn9jjyI/AAAAAAAADl4/It2-z_emeGQ/s1600/Sungula+27+May+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LuaclLUwFg/UbXGNn9jjyI/AAAAAAAADl4/It2-z_emeGQ/s640/Sungula+27+May+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwfg7XFhMjY/UbXEjRLwxPI/AAAAAAAADi4/y51qcFujRaU/s1600/beacon+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwfg7XFhMjY/UbXEjRLwxPI/AAAAAAAADi4/y51qcFujRaU/s640/beacon+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Duncan had a sighting of the big guy at Rians Folley road and was able to follow him for a short while before he moved into a drainage line. This male is still being seen mostly only in the northern part of his territory. We have been seeing the tracks of another male in the same area which might be a reason for him sticking to the north. This would be the first threat to his dominance in the central Manyeleti that we have seen since we started the blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Le0aOhIuPmc/UbXEgs4Ar3I/AAAAAAAADiw/qjUdxaWJiH8/s1600/beacon+male+6+may+-+27+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Le0aOhIuPmc/UbXEgs4Ar3I/AAAAAAAADiw/qjUdxaWJiH8/s640/beacon+male+6+may+-+27+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Young male leopard</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The young male that has been hanging around the lodge was eventually successfully photographed and named. He is the </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">son of the Main dam female and the Beacon male. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have decided that the person that takes the first identifiable photograph, has the honour of selecting a name for it. The below image was taken by my guest, Ken Chias, and he decided to call him Javas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Javas is the Sanskrit word meaning run or swift.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viWWp1zizqo/UbXFhmoq8HI/AAAAAAAADkw/wz1uXK-Dpbg/s1600/Javas+male+leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viWWp1zizqo/UbXFhmoq8HI/AAAAAAAADkw/wz1uXK-Dpbg/s640/Javas+male+leopard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photograph courtesy of Ken Chias</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mpho found him at the lodge boom gate and he allowed us to follow him to the lodge access road. He is starting to relax with the vehicles a bit and we hope that he sticks around for a while.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoR5LcbmG3A/UbXFb_u_wfI/AAAAAAAADkY/fCd4Pe8xjrc/s1600/Java+male+leopard+27+May+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoR5LcbmG3A/UbXFb_u_wfI/AAAAAAAADkY/fCd4Pe8xjrc/s640/Java+male+leopard+27+May+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The guys from TREC found a single male Cheetah just to the south of Wild dog dam. As they were walking, the Cheetah disappeared before they could click a quick image. This is one of the areas that we have a fairly high frequency of Cheetah sightings and have identified at least five different individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lUVDT67Z0g/UbXEuNpK0fI/AAAAAAAADjQ/wDHYDlOXKew/s1600/Cheetah+27+May+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lUVDT67Z0g/UbXEuNpK0fI/AAAAAAAADjQ/wDHYDlOXKew/s640/Cheetah+27+May+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wild dog</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyiG9Jeutzg/UbXHCdXYsuI/AAAAAAAADmo/2ZKGhhIVdFs/s1600/wild+dog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyiG9Jeutzg/UbXHCdXYsuI/AAAAAAAADmo/2ZKGhhIVdFs/s640/wild+dog+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc-aqyD7sG8/UbXHD8173LI/AAAAAAAADm8/XlSW5boLcWY/s1600/wild+dog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc-aqyD7sG8/UbXHD8173LI/AAAAAAAADm8/XlSW5boLcWY/s640/wild+dog+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O56JlV5gQ7U/UbXHIy6WrtI/AAAAAAAADnI/E9iHrTIZTLI/s1600/wild+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O56JlV5gQ7U/UbXHIy6WrtI/AAAAAAAADnI/E9iHrTIZTLI/s640/wild+dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We had a few sightings of a pack of eleven Painted dogs revisiting old denning sites all around Pod mahogany and S8 dam. This time of the year they are on the lookout for suitable real estate and have to take a few things into account. They need to consider the amount of prey in the area and the amount of other predators around. All these factors are considered before the first denning site for the pup season is chosen. We are holding our thumbs!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWC4JQFi5NA/UbXHEY3FBnI/AAAAAAAADnA/vpMjJNYcQLQ/s1600/wild+dog+6+may-+27+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWC4JQFi5NA/UbXHEY3FBnI/AAAAAAAADnA/vpMjJNYcQLQ/s640/wild+dog+6+may-+27+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyztK0E3pVA/UbXE0ZVA8CI/AAAAAAAADjY/j6PCuxMccgE/s1600/dwarf+mongoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyztK0E3pVA/UbXE0ZVA8CI/AAAAAAAADjY/j6PCuxMccgE/s640/dwarf+mongoose.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1RxQaORAhQ/UbXEnkzOW7I/AAAAAAAADjA/_ILPH0k0vaQ/s1600/Buffalo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1RxQaORAhQ/UbXEnkzOW7I/AAAAAAAADjA/_ILPH0k0vaQ/s640/Buffalo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVDEmk_0vOQ/UbXEqQXSD7I/AAAAAAAADjI/DuUfRVnVUfA/s1600/Buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVDEmk_0vOQ/UbXEqQXSD7I/AAAAAAAADjI/DuUfRVnVUfA/s640/Buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFn-CVKZIIU/UbXE4XaNw6I/AAAAAAAADjg/or9goXDI0A8/s1600/elephant+and+buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFn-CVKZIIU/UbXE4XaNw6I/AAAAAAAADjg/or9goXDI0A8/s640/elephant+and+buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02WooQKvAdo/UbXE5w1fFaI/AAAAAAAADjo/pAbtpt4gsRQ/s1600/elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02WooQKvAdo/UbXE5w1fFaI/AAAAAAAADjo/pAbtpt4gsRQ/s640/elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol16hXu2Ans/UbXFLUF9BEI/AAAAAAAADj4/Y_zvElfacSM/s1600/Giraffe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol16hXu2Ans/UbXFLUF9BEI/AAAAAAAADj4/Y_zvElfacSM/s640/Giraffe+1.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v-celpMNmk/UbXFSSrn6PI/AAAAAAAADkM/1sQ9_bbQ_u8/s1600/giraffe+and+koppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v-celpMNmk/UbXFSSrn6PI/AAAAAAAADkM/1sQ9_bbQ_u8/s640/giraffe+and+koppies.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeVwj39AjnU/UbXFNmqe6nI/AAAAAAAADkA/ie3iKMjOxdc/s1600/giraffe+and+calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeVwj39AjnU/UbXFNmqe6nI/AAAAAAAADkA/ie3iKMjOxdc/s640/giraffe+and+calf.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sspPHkoM4OY/UbXFJAPqP4I/AAAAAAAADjw/jX1XWwNRdj0/s1600/giraffe+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sspPHkoM4OY/UbXFJAPqP4I/AAAAAAAADjw/jX1XWwNRdj0/s640/giraffe+3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNn-T-bnMW4/UbXFSF_1FcI/AAAAAAAADkQ/SQ8dZV5uh54/s1600/Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNn-T-bnMW4/UbXFSF_1FcI/AAAAAAAADkQ/SQ8dZV5uh54/s640/Giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3exGXmnI0/UbXFcHvzpGI/AAAAAAAADkg/y_jzYqy6pmI/s1600/hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3exGXmnI0/UbXFcHvzpGI/AAAAAAAADkg/y_jzYqy6pmI/s640/hippo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SscHvvnMCM/UbXFgbXaaCI/AAAAAAAADko/z9B2LwEfWM0/s1600/Impala+backlit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SscHvvnMCM/UbXFgbXaaCI/AAAAAAAADko/z9B2LwEfWM0/s640/Impala+backlit.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUhejYQvWyQ/UbXFwTNw99I/AAAAAAAADlA/h9QeEIGyt74/s1600/kudu+backlit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUhejYQvWyQ/UbXFwTNw99I/AAAAAAAADlA/h9QeEIGyt74/s640/kudu+backlit.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dg59Kz8VFJY/UbXFxquzlvI/AAAAAAAADlI/x0h7R-wGL1U/s1600/kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dg59Kz8VFJY/UbXFxquzlvI/AAAAAAAADlI/x0h7R-wGL1U/s640/kudu.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiF_FP82cZk/UbXF-xNHz1I/AAAAAAAADlg/5Q3egvywxR8/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiF_FP82cZk/UbXF-xNHz1I/AAAAAAAADlg/5Q3egvywxR8/s640/monkey.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2gxrs5ySU/UbXGjjiO-zI/AAAAAAAADmI/Z8T-euAPsbM/s1600/spotted+hyena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2gxrs5ySU/UbXGjjiO-zI/AAAAAAAADmI/Z8T-euAPsbM/s640/spotted+hyena.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o7BE-suUc/UbXGPZZO72I/AAAAAAAADmA/YkWvt0VMc-0/s1600/nyala+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o7BE-suUc/UbXGPZZO72I/AAAAAAAADmA/YkWvt0VMc-0/s640/nyala+bull.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4QSI7zXl1Ac/UbXHDVlsIkI/AAAAAAAADm4/c5SYnwSPvPk/s1600/waterbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4QSI7zXl1Ac/UbXHDVlsIkI/AAAAAAAADm4/c5SYnwSPvPk/s640/waterbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lNZCilLVUU/UbXHawPi2-I/AAAAAAAADnY/1FaIqViFvAg/s1600/Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lNZCilLVUU/UbXHawPi2-I/AAAAAAAADnY/1FaIqViFvAg/s640/Zebra.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d_xtc0ifSU/UbXHcjVwEfI/AAAAAAAADng/AerP-EHtvBQ/s1600/Wildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d_xtc0ifSU/UbXHcjVwEfI/AAAAAAAADng/AerP-EHtvBQ/s640/Wildebeest.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Darren and the safari team</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-46857139814633397012013-06-04T22:25:00.001+02:002013-06-04T23:28:47.562+02:00Sightings Report: 30 April - 6 May 3013<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o2f6UPZTo4/UassF-qu9AI/AAAAAAAADaw/LVTllCCbUGw/s1600/Main+dam+mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1o2f6UPZTo4/UassF-qu9AI/AAAAAAAADaw/LVTllCCbUGw/s640/Main+dam+mist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week saw the return of the Wild dogs to the Manyeleti and with that return came a lot of action. The large herds of Buffalo are still moving around the reserve and tend to moving to and from Main dam and the gabbro plains in the north and west. The biggest talking point has to be the huge amounts of Elephant at the moment. These pachyderms are providing us with fantastic sightings either just feeding or swimming in the large dams on the reserve.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZ4qQkSRDM/Uasq121utlI/AAAAAAAADZY/iFojzLl2Rdk/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZ4qQkSRDM/Uasq121utlI/AAAAAAAADZY/iFojzLl2Rdk/s640/Elephant+bull.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzE_NDUN-qk/UasrAgNrdwI/AAAAAAAADZo/g0iK5uX_f1Y/s1600/elephant+bull1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzE_NDUN-qk/UasrAgNrdwI/AAAAAAAADZo/g0iK5uX_f1Y/s640/elephant+bull1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgfW-lig6xk/Uasq9LwqMPI/AAAAAAAADZg/mDF981_nkUg/s1600/elephant+calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgfW-lig6xk/Uasq9LwqMPI/AAAAAAAADZg/mDF981_nkUg/s640/elephant+calf.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-waINeggshlE/UasrAgZPQvI/AAAAAAAADZs/3KEr67YLL6I/s1600/elephant+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-waINeggshlE/UasrAgZPQvI/AAAAAAAADZs/3KEr67YLL6I/s640/elephant+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4O-pUq2Q6zg/UasrEHYnhtI/AAAAAAAADZ4/oyNwCxkTg0U/s1600/Elephant+sepia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4O-pUq2Q6zg/UasrEHYnhtI/AAAAAAAADZ4/oyNwCxkTg0U/s640/Elephant+sepia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbf12Xqh5ks/UasrnQIqL_I/AAAAAAAADaA/sURXEBjIJSk/s1600/Elephant+swimming+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbf12Xqh5ks/UasrnQIqL_I/AAAAAAAADaA/sURXEBjIJSk/s640/Elephant+swimming+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzcX5RROSgQ/Uasr6u7MwxI/AAAAAAAADao/EDudNxQSRBA/s1600/Elephant+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzcX5RROSgQ/Uasr6u7MwxI/AAAAAAAADao/EDudNxQSRBA/s640/Elephant+swimming.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Lions</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Matimba Males</span></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grbcxPlpSBQ/UassNpbSQzI/AAAAAAAADbA/ku_pHLCv8cM/s1600/Matimba+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grbcxPlpSBQ/UassNpbSQzI/AAAAAAAADbA/ku_pHLCv8cM/s640/Matimba+male.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="separator" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">The big males have started moving to the south of their newly acquired territory and we have been seeing them more and more in the area close to Main dam again. This area was the core of their territory for most of the rainy season. They have however been very sly in their wonderings by staying very close to the drainage lines and moving in the thick bush along the dry river beds. This habit of theirs has made us work just a little harder in finding them as well as keeping sight of them. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ilzn5yELUog/UassTD3bYsI/AAAAAAAADbI/L9XuQ_uFdkg/s1600/Matimba+male1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ilzn5yELUog/UassTD3bYsI/AAAAAAAADbI/L9XuQ_uFdkg/s640/Matimba+male1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnmDJ9m0Ftk/UassV-rYmnI/AAAAAAAADbY/je4U6wVY9nA/s1600/Matimba+male2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnmDJ9m0Ftk/UassV-rYmnI/AAAAAAAADbY/je4U6wVY9nA/s640/Matimba+male2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">One of the blonde Matimba’s was seen with the Nkuhuma pride in the south and was interacting with the cubs. It seemed that he had become a large, fluffy play thing and seemed to enjoy it as much as the cubs. They will definitely not have this level of tolerance towards the cubs if they were not their own.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohkKzWaV4A/UassLGuDRZI/AAAAAAAADa4/-lgP0DLN7Do/s1600/Matimba+male+drinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohkKzWaV4A/UassLGuDRZI/AAAAAAAADa4/-lgP0DLN7Do/s640/Matimba+male+drinking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-515EN7sSSRE/Uassg2CUv7I/AAAAAAAADbg/r1SorDGIDEQ/s1600/Matimba+male+and+Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-515EN7sSSRE/Uassg2CUv7I/AAAAAAAADbg/r1SorDGIDEQ/s640/Matimba+male+and+Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3tEdVI6cLE/UassVSbp-4I/AAAAAAAADbQ/gn2GrpkqQKk/s1600/Matimba+map+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3tEdVI6cLE/UassVSbp-4I/AAAAAAAADbQ/gn2GrpkqQKk/s640/Matimba+map+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Koppies Females</span></strong></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We only had one sighting of the big girls of the central Manyeleti. They had killed a young Giraffe calf on Incha road to the south-west of the koppies and fed on it for three days.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHKAFnRDkk/UasrwDYevcI/AAAAAAAADaQ/sF55ZqaHrkU/s1600/Koppies+map+6+map+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHKAFnRDkk/UasrwDYevcI/AAAAAAAADaQ/sF55ZqaHrkU/s640/Koppies+map+6+map+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; height: 115%;">The mother of the calf was hanging around the kill site for almost two days and was seen approaching and watching as the females fed on the calf. This naturally brought some very mixed feelings to the guests, but also reminded us that the African bush has some harsh realities. Just a few months back the same pride lost one member and her cubs to starvation and the unfortunate bi-products of that starvation. The truth is that some have to die so that some can live.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Nkuhuma Females</span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo4bzzDyq8o/Uassz4eKmRI/AAAAAAAADcA/wxrz8JywPYA/s1600/Nkuhuma+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo4bzzDyq8o/Uassz4eKmRI/AAAAAAAADcA/wxrz8JywPYA/s640/Nkuhuma+pride.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; height: 115%;">These Lions are doing incredibly well. Eight cubs are still with the females and the Matimba males are doing a sterling job at protecting the Nkuhuma’s. The history of this pride has always been a tough life of marauding males unsettling the pride and several deaths of cubs and young males. They really are thriving under the Matimba males and control a large section of the southern part of the reserve with no competition from other lions at all.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_5M4EnextI/Uassu6N_HfI/AAAAAAAADb0/0kZOAtBj5_k/s1600/Nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_5M4EnextI/Uassu6N_HfI/AAAAAAAADb0/0kZOAtBj5_k/s640/Nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGWuN8I8XW8/UassumThoiI/AAAAAAAADbw/bsawnW6xTyM/s1600/Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGWuN8I8XW8/UassumThoiI/AAAAAAAADbw/bsawnW6xTyM/s640/Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">The only sighting we had of them was with one of the big guys and showed just how patient the males are with their own cubs.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPW9ljp6thc/Uassq3bMYfI/AAAAAAAADbo/T6uFfebtGco/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPW9ljp6thc/Uassq3bMYfI/AAAAAAAADbo/T6uFfebtGco/s640/Nkuhuma+map+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Leopard</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Beacon Male</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">We had one sighting of the big male Leopard just off Mala run road. He still seems to be spending plenty of time in this area. A few theories as to why he is mostly in this area are that the Matimba males spend more time to the south and east and therefore have pushed him into this area. Another theory is that the bush around this area contains a lot of drainage lines and sodic sites which is perfect for Leopard.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MR7LCMOkXQ/UasqmHaP3II/AAAAAAAADY4/5Px37WB8AXI/s1600/Beacon+male+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MR7LCMOkXQ/UasqmHaP3II/AAAAAAAADY4/5Px37WB8AXI/s640/Beacon+male+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Skybeds Male</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">This relaxed big tom put in a rare appereance this week. We often see his tracks in the area around the dam and this shows us his favourite haunts. Duncan was lucky enough to see him just to the west of the dam itself. He's a huge cat and we hope to find him more often.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuZJL6dfRQ4/Uass5p_gH6I/AAAAAAAADcQ/gGI7Pr6piDI/s1600/Skybeds+male+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuZJL6dfRQ4/Uass5p_gH6I/AAAAAAAADcQ/gGI7Pr6piDI/s640/Skybeds+male+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Cheetah</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">We had one sighting of two young male Cheetah this week. They were found on the Kruger National Park boundary moving north, but were incredibly skittish and moved west into the bush. We tried to relocate them, but were classically outsmarted. The more we see them, the more relaxed they will become with the vehicles.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GErWYbWXO3U/UasqrL3UBhI/AAAAAAAADZA/JMP3n22VWFE/s1600/cheetah+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GErWYbWXO3U/UasqrL3UBhI/AAAAAAAADZA/JMP3n22VWFE/s640/cheetah+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Wild Dogs</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">There was one incredible sighting of the dogs at Main dam. The pack of 18 dogs was found chasing Impala on the banks of the dam. They chased one impala into the dam and the impala was taken by a large crocodile. Within minutes though, the dogs had a kill of their own just behind the wall of Main dam. This was an awesome sighting and one that will stick in the minds of the guests that witnessed it for a very long time.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFPqt4S_PnI/Uass8AfVoCI/AAAAAAAADcY/lbttqPf39tc/s1600/Wild+dog+6+may+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFPqt4S_PnI/Uass8AfVoCI/AAAAAAAADcY/lbttqPf39tc/s640/Wild+dog+6+may+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FySSeBlh_6Q/Uasq0Us7JXI/AAAAAAAADZQ/he8hO7fUVFE/s1600/Common+Reedbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FySSeBlh_6Q/Uasq0Us7JXI/AAAAAAAADZQ/he8hO7fUVFE/s640/Common+Reedbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrw47RLybw8/UasrqquckgI/AAAAAAAADaI/qLB-sPYbxz8/s1600/Hippo+and+calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrw47RLybw8/UasrqquckgI/AAAAAAAADaI/qLB-sPYbxz8/s640/Hippo+and+calf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND-16eKBJ0k/Uasrw4ykWpI/AAAAAAAADaY/7eOsQdSQ_gU/s1600/Hippo+yawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND-16eKBJ0k/Uasrw4ykWpI/AAAAAAAADaY/7eOsQdSQ_gU/s640/Hippo+yawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3KzPypsKio/UasrycoC-fI/AAAAAAAADag/9JGxAWI_k3w/s1600/Impala+ram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3KzPypsKio/UasrycoC-fI/AAAAAAAADag/9JGxAWI_k3w/s640/Impala+ram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlabEZD7ON4/Uassz-_wI7I/AAAAAAAADcE/qKUprLiwpX0/s1600/sepia+kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlabEZD7ON4/Uassz-_wI7I/AAAAAAAADcE/qKUprLiwpX0/s640/sepia+kudu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3Vm_QUxMs/UastBm4bnLI/AAAAAAAADcg/HFtx-0fcAIs/s1600/Slender+mongoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3Vm_QUxMs/UastBm4bnLI/AAAAAAAADcg/HFtx-0fcAIs/s640/Slender+mongoose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd8awZ41nSU/Uastb8c5C_I/AAAAAAAADco/0o59ryPC8Jk/s1600/Wildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd8awZ41nSU/Uastb8c5C_I/AAAAAAAADco/0o59ryPC8Jk/s640/Wildebeest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have a good week!</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Darren the Tintswalo team</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</em></span></div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-11060662908524322002013-05-17T13:44:00.000+02:002013-05-17T13:44:19.334+02:00Sightings Update: 22 - 29 April 2013<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPBO6mUmvSs/UZTcPDSubTI/AAAAAAAADNQ/SiLKcLt6e5I/s1600/impala+staring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPBO6mUmvSs/UZTcPDSubTI/AAAAAAAADNQ/SiLKcLt6e5I/s640/impala+staring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well the mornings are getting colder and the rain is gone for the next few months. Winter is fast approaching and we’re looking forward to the oncoming dry season. The grass will start to thin, making our game viewing easier. The big cats will start their season of plenty and by the end of the dry season, territories will be fought for, as prey animals are forced closer to water sources.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4A3tuUXGAC8/UZTYEu4FRNI/AAAAAAAADLo/Zh6oPdhxZiE/s1600/buffalo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4A3tuUXGAC8/UZTYEu4FRNI/AAAAAAAADLo/Zh6oPdhxZiE/s640/buffalo+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjwRONJsQR4/UZUwqPENgqI/AAAAAAAADPg/foy-Yzms9Tg/s1600/Buffalo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjwRONJsQR4/UZUwqPENgqI/AAAAAAAADPg/foy-Yzms9Tg/s640/Buffalo+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There have been several large herds of Buffalo on the reserve and they are in good shape after the rainy season. The Lion population has to first wait for their favourite prey species to weaken as the dry season takes its toll. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61rlCq6HOAY/UZUxbpaRa8I/AAAAAAAADPo/YkDvoqvPnkA/s1600/Buffalo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61rlCq6HOAY/UZUxbpaRa8I/AAAAAAAADPo/YkDvoqvPnkA/s640/Buffalo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXQ6S--rSDs/UZUyI0nck9I/AAAAAAAADPw/b_T-RtIe1ds/s1600/Buffalo+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXQ6S--rSDs/UZUyI0nck9I/AAAAAAAADPw/b_T-RtIe1ds/s640/Buffalo+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5Xd-QnR5TM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Matimba males</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-of2vtLhBs2s/UZXSFbviq5I/AAAAAAAADQA/gHniGNtg_dg/s1600/Matimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-of2vtLhBs2s/UZXSFbviq5I/AAAAAAAADQA/gHniGNtg_dg/s640/Matimba+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The week started off with one of the blonde Matimba’s venturing north and spending some time with the Koppies females at Zebra pan quarry. He was obviously interested in testing the females and looking for a mating opportunity. His dark maned coalition mates have already beaten him to it a while ago. He spent two days with the girls and was attentive every time they moved.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMeQyrfTw9U/UZXSzTVEkAI/AAAAAAAADQI/HG2eIyXRrjA/s1600/MAtimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMeQyrfTw9U/UZXSzTVEkAI/AAAAAAAADQI/HG2eIyXRrjA/s640/MAtimba+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dark maned males produced the bulk of the Matimba sightings this week as they continued to explore their new patch. No major drama with these guys, just the consolidation of the territorial take-over.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a50gtH8da70/UZXTWReATKI/AAAAAAAADQY/m2Yqz7GSTnQ/s1600/Landscape+Credits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a50gtH8da70/UZXTWReATKI/AAAAAAAADQY/m2Yqz7GSTnQ/s640/Landscape+Credits.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The big question to ask however, is the territory just getting too big. We have been asked by several people regarding the Skybeds males and what impact we believe they are going to have on the Matimba’s and their ever growing territory. My belief is that they are going to settle in an area that is easier to take over. The basic concept of anything natural is that nature will always find the path of least resistance, and at the moment the Matimba coalition, even though divided and far flung, presents a lot of resistance. I don’t believe that the Skybeds males will challenge for Matimba territory. There must be easier territories to take.</span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbkDWB1s04/UZXT8YeYG6I/AAAAAAAADQk/vs-mOx6wMwQ/s1600/Matimba+yawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbkDWB1s04/UZXT8YeYG6I/AAAAAAAADQk/vs-mOx6wMwQ/s640/Matimba+yawn.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXltLYBby4/UZXUe2eCmqI/AAAAAAAADQs/1R8fyMNWn1Q/s1600/Matimba+map+29+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXltLYBby4/UZXUe2eCmqI/AAAAAAAADQs/1R8fyMNWn1Q/s640/Matimba+map+29+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Koppies females</span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2DtsceXAUs/UZXVIGOAwrI/AAAAAAAADQ4/pdP_ZL43BxM/s1600/koppies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2DtsceXAUs/UZXVIGOAwrI/AAAAAAAADQ4/pdP_ZL43BxM/s640/koppies+1.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLSuSorK2Y/UZXV5xtXqAI/AAAAAAAADRI/NJ9EEsNduWw/s1600/koppies+drinking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLSuSorK2Y/UZXV5xtXqAI/AAAAAAAADRI/NJ9EEsNduWw/s640/koppies+drinking+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLSuSorK2Y/UZXV5xtXqAI/AAAAAAAADRI/NJ9EEsNduWw/s1600/koppies+drinking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufEgt-KlwbE/UZXVg-Y5MgI/AAAAAAAADRA/HSswwdVR_TU/s640/Koppies+drinking.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females moved around quite a bit this </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">week. After spending two days with one of the Matimba’s at Zebra pan quarry, they were seen at Mazambaan corner, moving towards Helens road, with one Matimba not far behind. They moved into thick bush, and we couldn’t follow. They were found again a few days later on Catwalk west and once again the blonde Matimba was with them. Can’t blame a guy for trying!</span></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aQbVxxRWhw/UZXWfkXqqgI/AAAAAAAADRQ/fpGUvxv60FE/s1600/koppies+scratch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aQbVxxRWhw/UZXWfkXqqgI/AAAAAAAADRQ/fpGUvxv60FE/s640/koppies+scratch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6pcd2L9NEo/UZXWxQJQQqI/AAAAAAAADRY/WAOobKU4b3g/s1600/Koppies+map+29+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6pcd2L9NEo/UZXWxQJQQqI/AAAAAAAADRY/WAOobKU4b3g/s640/Koppies+map+29+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride</span></b>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rQXJZtHaVE/UZXYgpr42-I/AAAAAAAADRo/S0YRoxnbOyI/s1600/Nkuhuma+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rQXJZtHaVE/UZXYgpr42-I/AAAAAAAADRo/S0YRoxnbOyI/s640/Nkuhuma+pride.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one fantastic sighting of the three of the females with eight cubs. We don’t know what happened to the other cub, but they seem to be doing well under the protection of the Matimba males.</span><br /><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKrUZxQ3GF0/UZXY79qZ09I/AAAAAAAADR0/CuMUl_wc228/s1600/Nkuhuma+cub+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKrUZxQ3GF0/UZXY79qZ09I/AAAAAAAADR0/CuMUl_wc228/s640/Nkuhuma+cub+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify;">Eric found them on the morning drive all the way down south. He found them on a Zebra kill very close to Bushbuck dam. This is about 200 meters from our southern boundary, but the fact that they had a kill meant that they were going to be there at least the whole day. So we decided to make our way there in the afternoon. When we arrived they started making their way off the kill. They then moved south towards the dam for a drink.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s always such a special sighting, when you get Lion cubs and watching the interaction between the cubs and their mothers.</span><br /><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNqX5a6V3hc/UZXZk4kv56I/AAAAAAAADSA/ehurS4q6jLQ/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+29+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNqX5a6V3hc/UZXZk4kv56I/AAAAAAAADSA/ehurS4q6jLQ/s640/Nkuhuma+map+29+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Leopards</span><br /><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Beacon male</span></b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of the Beacon male this week, and Duncan (our relief ranger) was the lucky one. Unfortunately he didn’t have a camera to capture the moment.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duncan found him on Ngala loop, west of Khoka moya dam. He seems to be favouring this area at the moment and has been found around this area quite frequently in the last few weeks. Duncan mentioned that he stayed with him for half an hour before he moved into a drainage line and couldn’t follow any more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think that all Matimba males activity is keeping him west of the dam. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW9qhmgLk6Y/UZXZ3kmT5NI/AAAAAAAADSI/BZyql2EVcqs/s1600/Beacon+male+leopard+map+29+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW9qhmgLk6Y/UZXZ3kmT5NI/AAAAAAAADSI/BZyql2EVcqs/s640/Beacon+male+leopard+map+29+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Main dam female’s male cub</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a character that we are hoping to relax as he is doing the most amazing things at the moment. He seems to be alone and is hanging around the lodge area. What is truly amazing about this young male is that he is only ten months old now and already killing fully grown male Impala. What we think is happening is that he has taken advantage of the rut. We have found him on two separate kills this week but every time we come in with the vehicle he runs off.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At ten months, his confidence may not be what it will be and he leaves the kill. When we try and relocate him on the kill a little later, he has moved it. When we find him on the kill again, he runs off again. And so this little game of cat and mouse (pardon the pun) continues. It’s only a matter of time before he gives in and relaxes. With this start, he is bound to be an incredible character to follow.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jthsjyZhpgA/UZXaKeWBaFI/AAAAAAAADSQ/JBJznzD6-nI/s1600/MAin+dam+female+leopard+male+cub+map+29+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jthsjyZhpgA/UZXaKeWBaFI/AAAAAAAADSQ/JBJznzD6-nI/s640/MAin+dam+female+leopard+male+cub+map+29+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></b>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DthVsW_t-k/UZXcvm3TkqI/AAAAAAAADSg/rESjRc5NTZY/s1600/Crocodile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DthVsW_t-k/UZXcvm3TkqI/AAAAAAAADSg/rESjRc5NTZY/s640/Crocodile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NCL4sb66NU/UZXdMN-SIYI/AAAAAAAADSo/T5yT7r0rYdg/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NCL4sb66NU/UZXdMN-SIYI/AAAAAAAADSo/T5yT7r0rYdg/s640/Elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQAAdEWnyZg/UZXdqS22CII/AAAAAAAADSw/gfLdCFHeeYo/s1600/Elephant+feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQAAdEWnyZg/UZXdqS22CII/AAAAAAAADSw/gfLdCFHeeYo/s640/Elephant+feeding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EbNngdtRKUw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOXRyM4QfG0/UZXedv7CdDI/AAAAAAAADS8/Cw94xH9L3oc/s1600/Giraffe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOXRyM4QfG0/UZXedv7CdDI/AAAAAAAADS8/Cw94xH9L3oc/s640/Giraffe+1.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHQEOwTyUjg/UZXe8MvmZFI/AAAAAAAADTE/3fwAKkmXjWA/s1600/Giraffe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHQEOwTyUjg/UZXe8MvmZFI/AAAAAAAADTE/3fwAKkmXjWA/s640/Giraffe+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C54_wJoyCfw/UZXfZgZQm4I/AAAAAAAADTM/-pSJcG-suyk/s1600/Hippo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C54_wJoyCfw/UZXfZgZQm4I/AAAAAAAADTM/-pSJcG-suyk/s640/Hippo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtrBglOjqwI/UZXfxyfd6WI/AAAAAAAADTU/LzOOC5b_4CQ/s1600/Hippo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtrBglOjqwI/UZXfxyfd6WI/AAAAAAAADTU/LzOOC5b_4CQ/s640/Hippo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNZwaHLKmkg/UZXgWsm8GqI/AAAAAAAADTc/XGAHJ6HIXBE/s1600/Zebra+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xNZwaHLKmkg/UZXgWsm8GqI/AAAAAAAADTc/XGAHJ6HIXBE/s640/Zebra+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a great week once again and I hope you enjoyed it!</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the safari team</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-4364611076729459302013-05-10T16:16:00.000+02:002013-05-10T16:16:02.221+02:00Sightings Update: 15 - 22 April 2013<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoeJfoYMyxs/UYYuXQlS_TI/AAAAAAAADF4/cxBBu0jHoAQ/s1600/impala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoeJfoYMyxs/UYYuXQlS_TI/AAAAAAAADF4/cxBBu0jHoAQ/s640/impala.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70HLxbggWac/UYYu1QnjkDI/AAAAAAAADGI/91SY9liDKAM/s1600/Hippo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70HLxbggWac/UYYu1QnjkDI/AAAAAAAADGI/91SY9liDKAM/s640/Hippo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lions have once again
proved to be the stars of the show. Last week we were treated to a fair amount of
Leopard activity. As it happens in the bush, everything is cyclic and when the largest predator is active, the smaller predators go into hiding.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFOnQnvKTR0/UYYuV3D2O3I/AAAAAAAADFw/G1dQxg5Wxak/s1600/Giraffe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFOnQnvKTR0/UYYuV3D2O3I/AAAAAAAADFw/G1dQxg5Wxak/s640/Giraffe+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba Males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JL7UryfmSyM/UYYvPUFdhpI/AAAAAAAADG4/EGyXeS3POuI/s1600/Matimba+B+%2526+W+flehmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JL7UryfmSyM/UYYvPUFdhpI/AAAAAAAADG4/EGyXeS3POuI/s640/Matimba+B+%2526+W+flehmen.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males are really starting to enjoy all the new
real estate they have acquired when they ousted the Sizanani brothers. As a
result they have stayed north of Main dam and pushed further and further north.
We often find the Koppies and Mbiri females in this area and
as it is at the moment, this one territorial takeover has yielded two sets
of females.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29Fvt32_vEQ/UYYve-6f-HI/AAAAAAAADHQ/dfFD_nGRrV4/s1600/MAtimba+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29Fvt32_vEQ/UYYve-6f-HI/AAAAAAAADHQ/dfFD_nGRrV4/s640/MAtimba+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one very impressive sighting of the dark maned males. It showcased their ability to find one another over a fairly long distance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YMzV8NsITY/UYYvUuqeEDI/AAAAAAAADHI/pekeKGwS4yI/s1600/MAtimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YMzV8NsITY/UYYvUuqeEDI/AAAAAAAADHI/pekeKGwS4yI/s640/MAtimba+male+2.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLIGKkg1vD8/UYYvSjO1e7I/AAAAAAAADHA/u0uae6n57Ak/s1600/Matimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLIGKkg1vD8/UYYvSjO1e7I/AAAAAAAADHA/u0uae6n57Ak/s640/Matimba+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found the blue eyed male on Giraffe road and within
minutes he started to stare intently in an easterly direction. He
gave soft contact calls, still staring. We then heard the
distant calls of another male in the east. The behaviour of this male told us that it was another Matimba male calling. He
then got up and started making his way east, straight towards the other male.
We thought that the other male had to be in the Kruger National Park, probably
over four kilometres away. We decided to follow him as he called back and
continued east. After about half an hour we saw the other male close to the
Kruger National Park boundary. The two stood and looked at each other for a moment and then
went straight to each other. They started with the typical Lion head rub
greeting and then treated us to a rarely seen display. The serious killer
Matimba males started playing. They carried on playing for a few minutes,
wrestling and rolling around, reinforcing their social bonds in the process.
Eventually they settled down into a bit of grooming, before we left them to it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok_sUaaSkIY/UYYv9zG-PBI/AAAAAAAADHo/F16MMGzaSbE/s1600/Matimba+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok_sUaaSkIY/UYYv9zG-PBI/AAAAAAAADHo/F16MMGzaSbE/s640/Matimba+males.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbbSCTe_0uM/UYYvnpnH4TI/AAAAAAAADHg/55I7BfvsX2Y/s1600/Matimba+males+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbbSCTe_0uM/UYYvnpnH4TI/AAAAAAAADHg/55I7BfvsX2Y/s640/Matimba+males+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWuqD0ONKWc/UYYvjsAFu8I/AAAAAAAADHY/2T7w1JrLMa4/s1600/MAtimba+males++1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWuqD0ONKWc/UYYvjsAFu8I/AAAAAAAADHY/2T7w1JrLMa4/s640/MAtimba+males++1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/t-tAEyDd_4c/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/t-tAEyDd_4c&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="640" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/t-tAEyDd_4c&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPXRpokC_BY/UYYwCdSVIHI/AAAAAAAADHw/l_N6AqXo1fw/s1600/Matimba+map+22+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPXRpokC_BY/UYYwCdSVIHI/AAAAAAAADHw/l_N6AqXo1fw/s640/Matimba+map+22+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies Females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruoVk8to6n4/UYYvA79eQGI/AAAAAAAADGg/rc1nZyCWPHw/s1600/Koppies+%252B+zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruoVk8to6n4/UYYvA79eQGI/AAAAAAAADGg/rc1nZyCWPHw/s640/Koppies+%252B+zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWHqv4nCpNQ/UYYu8rcZ2-I/AAAAAAAADGQ/Cvzxc4TVgWA/s1600/Koppies+%252B+zebra+B+%2526+W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWHqv4nCpNQ/UYYu8rcZ2-I/AAAAAAAADGQ/Cvzxc4TVgWA/s640/Koppies+%252B+zebra+B+%2526+W.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We only had two sightings of these females this week.
They pulled down a Zebra at the end of last week and they were still feeding on
it into this week. One of the Matimba males joined them at the kill, just
before the kill was finished. True to Matimba style, he chased the Koppies
girls off the precious kill and finished it by himself. The next morning Mpho found them a
short distance from the kill site, digesting and taking it very easy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_GsKrRgdkU/UYYu-DBhDMI/AAAAAAAADGY/1NI1Ssr-rRY/s1600/Koppies+map+22+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_GsKrRgdkU/UYYu-DBhDMI/AAAAAAAADGY/1NI1Ssr-rRY/s640/Koppies+map+22+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Mbiri Females</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGTJwQSEAQ/UYYwHLQZFiI/AAAAAAAADIA/9_KFFX48Rbc/s1600/Mbiri+female+stretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGTJwQSEAQ/UYYwHLQZFiI/AAAAAAAADIA/9_KFFX48Rbc/s640/Mbiri+female+stretch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After carefully scrutinising
these females, we realised that we have misidentified them in the past. We originally thought they were
part of the scattered Nkuhuma pride, however the C branding on their side,
identifies them as part of the dissolved Opren super pride. The two young males
are still doing very well and are still very intrigued by the vehicles. We
found them on Madache road, not far from the lodge. One of the blonde matimba’s
had come up from the south, and was with them.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqsuoLaxBk8/UYYwdjBR1BI/AAAAAAAADIY/2dHMdublCU8/s1600/Mbiri+young+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqsuoLaxBk8/UYYwdjBR1BI/AAAAAAAADIY/2dHMdublCU8/s640/Mbiri+young+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The young males treated him
with the respect he deserves and head rubbed him in a very submissive way.
After this, they got up and started stalking the trackers on the front of the vehicles.
One of the young males got to within two meters of Alfred, before losing
confidence and moving away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsGIj7kOlRA/UYYwNgI7IOI/AAAAAAAADII/bF3dadR5lDI/s1600/Mbiri+young+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UsGIj7kOlRA/UYYwNgI7IOI/AAAAAAAADII/bF3dadR5lDI/s640/Mbiri+young+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5u-FkDFQTk/UYYwek3jGNI/AAAAAAAADIg/puXL-19axL8/s1600/Mbiri+young+male+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5u-FkDFQTk/UYYwek3jGNI/AAAAAAAADIg/puXL-19axL8/s640/Mbiri+young+male+smile.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These two youngsters really
are characters and we do enjoy watching them grow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yub8KfTKgVU/UYYwGfxaKDI/AAAAAAAADH4/8osfkA_N5-E/s1600/Mbiri+Map+22+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yub8KfTKgVU/UYYwGfxaKDI/AAAAAAAADH4/8osfkA_N5-E/s1600/Mbiri+Map+22+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7v2QSsRlqc/UYYtvdg81jI/AAAAAAAADEw/uQUQTd1yfZg/s1600/Black-backed+Jackal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7v2QSsRlqc/UYYtvdg81jI/AAAAAAAADEw/uQUQTd1yfZg/s640/Black-backed+Jackal+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pramvQdT6SA/UYYt4ej6vzI/AAAAAAAADFI/oV1OxC6lNVc/s1600/Drinking+Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pramvQdT6SA/UYYt4ej6vzI/AAAAAAAADFI/oV1OxC6lNVc/s640/Drinking+Giraffe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amy3H6bHE1o/UYYuA6vCm8I/AAAAAAAADFQ/xONqqAbFHEc/s1600/Drinking+Zebra+B+%2526+W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amy3H6bHE1o/UYYuA6vCm8I/AAAAAAAADFQ/xONqqAbFHEc/s640/Drinking+Zebra+B+%2526+W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufSMnddJWPc/UYYwmMbqbcI/AAAAAAAADIo/CyEG0s5Ce_4/s1600/Zebra+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufSMnddJWPc/UYYwmMbqbcI/AAAAAAAADIo/CyEG0s5Ce_4/s640/Zebra+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5cQj0n9FdI/UYYwoKnNLNI/AAAAAAAADIw/F2qhVMgfNXk/s1600/Zebra+backlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5cQj0n9FdI/UYYwoKnNLNI/AAAAAAAADIw/F2qhVMgfNXk/s640/Zebra+backlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a great week in the
bush, and we hope you have all enjoyed it with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Darren and the safari team<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-55424808367773657232013-04-29T21:38:00.000+02:002013-04-29T21:38:21.921+02:00Sightings Update: 8 - 15 April 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW6ZqSR79nI/UX5_03COzdI/AAAAAAAADEQ/_lU64IigSr0/s1600/Zebra+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW6ZqSR79nI/UX5_03COzdI/AAAAAAAADEQ/_lU64IigSr0/s640/Zebra+smile.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week the leopard were out to play! The lion have graced us with several sightings
and we had one single Cheetah sighting on top of all this. The bush is turning
back to the familiar colours of the dry season. Reds, yellows and the golden
sheen of dry African grass, signal the start of a time of struggle for some and
plenty for others. Territories will shift during this season and the strong
will dominate the plains and woodlands of the Manyeleti Game Reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjij3nNjgf4/UX5_eAxl3dI/AAAAAAAADDc/SeSMlTdf6hQ/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjij3nNjgf4/UX5_eAxl3dI/AAAAAAAADDc/SeSMlTdf6hQ/s640/Sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba Males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dark males have once
again delivered on the bulk of the sightings this week. They seem intent on
pushing the boundaries of their already massive territory and have continued
venturing further and further north. A few months ago they spent most of their
time south of Main dam, but the females they required were north and west of
their area. After chasing the Sizanani males, they secured the Mbiri females as
well as the Koppies pride. This brought a change in their behaviour and they
have settled into a role of strong, dominant pride males.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week we had sightings of
them at some of their favourite haunts around Metsikitsoro plains and Ndulamiti
road area. As I mentioned before, a lot of their time was spent in the
Catwalk west area and again on Vulture pan road, but much further north than
usual.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The blonde males were seen
only once this week. They were seen close to the S10/S9 area and moved south
again shortly after that. These males look after the Nkuhuma females, who spent
the week south of our border. We’re sure that this was what they were looking
for, the females!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1zMrRAqEBI/UX59hEV-EwI/AAAAAAAADCw/oDSA89V1ymk/s1600/Matimba+map+15+bApril+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1zMrRAqEBI/UX59hEV-EwI/AAAAAAAADCw/oDSA89V1ymk/s640/Matimba+map+15+bApril+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies Females</span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2h8OAFiKg/UX58tjojLAI/AAAAAAAADCo/mzeWnSEeSXc/s1600/Koppies+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2h8OAFiKg/UX58tjojLAI/AAAAAAAADCo/mzeWnSEeSXc/s640/Koppies+female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females were first seen
with the Matimba males on Metsikitsoro plains. After that the males went off
and gained more territory, leaving the females to do what they do best, hunt!
After struggling to find them for a few days, Mpho picked up on the girls with
a fresh Zebra kill, just off Sable west road. The youngest koppies girl hasn’t
been seen in a while again. The last time we saw here she wasn’t looking
too good. She was really skinny and her condition was bad. It seems like the
inevitable may have happened. She stood up for herself with the Matimba male on
a Waterbuck kill and looked as if she was going to pull through and become a
strong, confident lioness. Unfortunately it seems this didn’t happen. This
is all still speculation, and she might still turn up, but her pride mates were
on a kill and she wasn’t there. It doesn’t look good!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGRtj7DHsec/UX5_WN-B21I/AAAAAAAADDM/2g1wbLekAag/s1600/Koppies+zebra+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGRtj7DHsec/UX5_WN-B21I/AAAAAAAADDM/2g1wbLekAag/s640/Koppies+zebra+kill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sei_cSrLv1g/UX58srf0KvI/AAAAAAAADCY/s1SqsN-F6cQ/s1600/Koppies+map+15+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sei_cSrLv1g/UX58srf0KvI/AAAAAAAADCY/s1SqsN-F6cQ/s640/Koppies+map+15+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nOlx9lo2Kc/UX5795Gp2TI/AAAAAAAADBI/hF4g0DNJdzg/s1600/Beacon+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nOlx9lo2Kc/UX5795Gp2TI/AAAAAAAADBI/hF4g0DNJdzg/s640/Beacon+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The big male of the central
Manyeleti graced us with two sightings this week. The first was at Main dam,
where he was seen with the unidentified female we found a few weeks ago.
Unfortunately she was quite skittish and moved into thick bush below the dam
wall, and he followed her in. They were mating and could also be heard mating in the
riverine bush about ten minutes after we had seen them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHkyB7UmOzs/UX5_h1exOfI/AAAAAAAADDo/nSzkeG4xz20/s1600/UF_20130410_76_ZA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHkyB7UmOzs/UX5_h1exOfI/AAAAAAAADDo/nSzkeG4xz20/s640/UF_20130410_76_ZA.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nuiuN8yI4gw/UX5_lkzCBbI/AAAAAAAADDw/GK1fUd3-ECc/s1600/UF_20130410_79_ZA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nuiuN8yI4gw/UX5_lkzCBbI/AAAAAAAADDw/GK1fUd3-ECc/s640/UF_20130410_79_ZA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many thanks to Ulrich Foster
for sharing the above two photos of the sighting with us.</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second sighting was at
Khoka moya dam, five days later. This is also the farthest north we have seen
him and adds to what we know his territory to be. He was in the riverine bush,
lying on the sand when Mpho found him. Mpho managed to get a few photos for
identification purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-LAxRO1h-o/UX58DOBBtLI/AAAAAAAADBQ/p2g95rX16Xk/s1600/Beacon+male+leopard+15+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-LAxRO1h-o/UX58DOBBtLI/AAAAAAAADBQ/p2g95rX16Xk/s640/Beacon+male+leopard+15+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bambamala male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The big news on the leopard
front this week was a visitor from the Kruger National Park, in the south of
the reserve. We have decided to call him Bambamala male, as at the first
sighting we had of him he was hunting Impala. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1EDKEzolFc/UX574eCwMGI/AAAAAAAADAw/KFJ2nyBPIGg/s1600/bamba+mala+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1EDKEzolFc/UX574eCwMGI/AAAAAAAADAw/KFJ2nyBPIGg/s640/bamba+mala+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opcHc_nzVrQ/UX575PxuLtI/AAAAAAAADA0/0Zhhr18gio8/s1600/Bamba+mala+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opcHc_nzVrQ/UX575PxuLtI/AAAAAAAADA0/0Zhhr18gio8/s640/Bamba+mala+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He was seen, once again by
Mpho, south east of S10 dam. This now brings the number of big dominant sized
males seen in the Manyeleti to three. After speaking to some of the other
guides based in the south, it seems he may move around the S8 area as well. However,
we wouldn’t speculate on this and only record confirmed sightings to
establish where territories have been established.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACc0hsPksw/UX577v7_oHI/AAAAAAAADBA/A6c0sOLR-gM/s1600/Bamba+mala+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACc0hsPksw/UX577v7_oHI/AAAAAAAADBA/A6c0sOLR-gM/s640/Bamba+mala+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/40fz5lfmERA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So his discovery is very
exciting for our Leopard Identification Project, and adds a little more
information to it. Many thanks to Rosie and Claire for all the help in
identifying this male.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wACuyW13msE/UX5_bUWOATI/AAAAAAAADDU/gIDP4JJ5_Zg/s1600/S10+male+leopard+15+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wACuyW13msE/UX5_bUWOATI/AAAAAAAADDU/gIDP4JJ5_Zg/s640/S10+male+leopard+15+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of the
young male again. This time he was seen on Red road, heading up towards the
Manyeleti main gate. We have noticed that he follows this route, just before
the gate he turns east, and then follows a drainage line back south again. We
then usually see his signs on Buffalo plains and south towards the lodge
again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVR4roIQPbI/UX5_xpDZ1DI/AAAAAAAADEA/TUH1Y8kzMoY/s1600/Young+male+Cheetah+15+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVR4roIQPbI/UX5_xpDZ1DI/AAAAAAAADEA/TUH1Y8kzMoY/s640/Young+male+Cheetah+15+April+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the Bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_CU9EDOhxA/UX5_yzyewxI/AAAAAAAADEI/rCJF9jZBpHg/s1600/what+lies+beneath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_CU9EDOhxA/UX5_yzyewxI/AAAAAAAADEI/rCJF9jZBpHg/s640/what+lies+beneath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV0ecdRK-mM/UX59ns1KnII/AAAAAAAADDA/FL8rVr1Mrj0/s1600/Nyala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV0ecdRK-mM/UX59ns1KnII/AAAAAAAADDA/FL8rVr1Mrj0/s640/Nyala.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqbAUgJGw_E/UX59iQfn7AI/AAAAAAAADC4/Luyxg4zPDMc/s1600/Main+Dam+Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqbAUgJGw_E/UX59iQfn7AI/AAAAAAAADC4/Luyxg4zPDMc/s640/Main+Dam+Zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLZaLEefMcE/UX58sHTpTCI/AAAAAAAADCc/c5_5Wka2Diw/s1600/impala+rams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLZaLEefMcE/UX58sHTpTCI/AAAAAAAADCc/c5_5Wka2Diw/s640/impala+rams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahQd53juDNc/UX58pncjsXI/AAAAAAAADCQ/kwPMYxm-o4U/s1600/Giraffe+fighting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahQd53juDNc/UX58pncjsXI/AAAAAAAADCQ/kwPMYxm-o4U/s640/Giraffe+fighting+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEn6qg1ebbo/UX58emTPygI/AAAAAAAADCI/M86QqFAD7qY/s1600/Giraffe+fighting+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEn6qg1ebbo/UX58emTPygI/AAAAAAAADCI/M86QqFAD7qY/s640/Giraffe+fighting+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6vOcbqvvjY/UX58b9meDGI/AAAAAAAADCA/yLpjuVFTGDU/s1600/Elephants+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6vOcbqvvjY/UX58b9meDGI/AAAAAAAADCA/yLpjuVFTGDU/s640/Elephants+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqALQMGiKXM/UX58aSh85iI/AAAAAAAADB4/SOVoWE18FTs/s1600/Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqALQMGiKXM/UX58aSh85iI/AAAAAAAADB4/SOVoWE18FTs/s640/Elephant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you all enjoyed the
blog!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Darren Roberts-York and the safari team</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-21326614178173070762013-04-21T19:08:00.002+02:002013-04-21T19:08:34.134+02:00Sightings Update: 1 - 8 April 2013<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bpF5EsBiUE/UW5zY8CsyHI/AAAAAAAADAQ/cOiLBtLNykQ/s1600/Wildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bpF5EsBiUE/UW5zY8CsyHI/AAAAAAAADAQ/cOiLBtLNykQ/s640/Wildebeest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week has been a fairly
quiet one,as far as the big cat politics goes. The Matimba males seem quite
content to hang around with the females they have secured. Slowly they are
beginning to act like territorial males and less like marauding killers,
securing their territory and achieving security in an area that has lacked
stability for well over a year now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPAw-P7ZnTk/UW5x-cpb0dI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/SKHeq4vab5Y/s1600/Crocodile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPAw-P7ZnTk/UW5x-cpb0dI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/SKHeq4vab5Y/s640/Crocodile.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwBZvs3TXe4/UW5zL8bMJDI/AAAAAAAAC_w/xDkh4c6mXc4/s1600/Matimba+map+april+8+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwBZvs3TXe4/UW5zL8bMJDI/AAAAAAAAC_w/xDkh4c6mXc4/s640/Matimba+map+april+8+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dark males with the Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPTrBZawD0g/UW5yiwjEGtI/AAAAAAAAC-g/h06KqCkvtms/s1600/koppies+b%2526w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPTrBZawD0g/UW5yiwjEGtI/AAAAAAAAC-g/h06KqCkvtms/s640/koppies+b%2526w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This big coalition is still
split into two groups, the blonde males in the south and the dark males in the
central Manyeleti. As it stands at the moment, the dark males have spent most
of the week with the Koppies females with two sightings of them together. The
first sighting was at S6 pan to the north west of Main dam. When we arrived the
female was just beginning to stir and after a few minutes she started moving
east towards Main dam. Within seconds the Matimba male made his move to where she
had been lying. He sniffed around looking for any sign that she might be ready
to mate. They mated with these females a few weeks back, so his
chances weren’t good, but you can’t blame a guy for trying though!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmal55UIqUQ/UW5ytyTIYmI/AAAAAAAAC-4/32EeKgdofLc/s1600/Koppies+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmal55UIqUQ/UW5ytyTIYmI/AAAAAAAAC-4/32EeKgdofLc/s640/Koppies+female.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvxrPnUc15k/UW5zB4E3VII/AAAAAAAAC_g/Y2iCC03en80/s1600/Matimba+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvxrPnUc15k/UW5zB4E3VII/AAAAAAAAC_g/Y2iCC03en80/s640/Matimba+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHABXlQjnBg/UW5y_j97zfI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/2_AvC04vGhI/s1600/Matimba+male+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHABXlQjnBg/UW5y_j97zfI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/2_AvC04vGhI/s640/Matimba+male+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9vtFwqpNBg/UW5zEe45xfI/AAAAAAAAC_o/fejiWwhDwFk/s1600/matimba+male3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9vtFwqpNBg/UW5zEe45xfI/AAAAAAAAC_o/fejiWwhDwFk/s640/matimba+male3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few days later, Patrick
found both males with two of the Koppies girls on Mantwan Mphisi. It had been a
little chilly that morning, and all four lions were huddled together. After 15
minutes or so, the oldest Koppies girl got up and started moving east and the
slow procession started after her. Being a matriarchal society, she would
dictate the movement of the group and it was interesting to see the mighty
Matimba males fall in line like that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l17xtu0nbjU/UW5yzvHSomI/AAAAAAAAC_I/FtfRApVfOoY/s1600/Matimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l17xtu0nbjU/UW5yzvHSomI/AAAAAAAAC_I/FtfRApVfOoY/s640/Matimba+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJD2rx1mGPY/UW5ykXeCzHI/AAAAAAAAC-o/upHJXwG5nN4/s1600/koppies+female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJD2rx1mGPY/UW5ykXeCzHI/AAAAAAAAC-o/upHJXwG5nN4/s640/koppies+female+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALvDYuEBuko/UW5ysCmdeMI/AAAAAAAAC-w/EXQjOdzFVEU/s1600/koppies+map+8+april+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALvDYuEBuko/UW5ysCmdeMI/AAAAAAAAC-w/EXQjOdzFVEU/s640/koppies+map+8+april+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blonde males with the Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first sighting of these
Lions was on Pungwe access, where Mpho found one Matimba male with two Nkuhuma
girls and worryingly only one cub. The split of this pride is still very
apparent and even though they were together last week, they again have moved
in different directions. Only time will tell what happened to the older cubs. They were following a herd of
Buffalo, so this may just be the clue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8JW9M__y1c/UW5zQVjesvI/AAAAAAAAC_8/JjMTkoErsyI/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+8+april+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8JW9M__y1c/UW5zQVjesvI/AAAAAAAAC_8/JjMTkoErsyI/s640/Nkuhuma+map+8+april+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few days later we found two
of the blonde males close to Bushbuck dam in the extreme south. They spent the
day lying in a Guarrie thicket and just after sunset made their way to the
water to have a drink. The male that had the injury to his front left paw came
first. As the other male caught up he started roaring and the injured male
joined in. The sound of two big male lions roaring is one that you won’t forget
quickly and is one of the most impressive sights and sounds in the bush.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvlh6I6NA9o/UW5ywdW25kI/AAAAAAAAC_A/pldUcBPOP1Q/s1600/Matimba+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvlh6I6NA9o/UW5ywdW25kI/AAAAAAAAC_A/pldUcBPOP1Q/s640/Matimba+drink.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCizFjcV79g/UW5y8drk-gI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/Jb79Muwc-t8/s1600/Matimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCizFjcV79g/UW5y8drk-gI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/Jb79Muwc-t8/s640/Matimba+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Cv02g3PVRk/UW5zQnfHvkI/AAAAAAAADAA/KDGvZHj4f1U/s1600/Matimba+roar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Cv02g3PVRk/UW5zQnfHvkI/AAAAAAAADAA/KDGvZHj4f1U/s640/Matimba+roar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other sights from the bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oneNhhPl4W0/UW5zYh7tN0I/AAAAAAAADAM/etsF_xljA-g/s1600/Waterbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oneNhhPl4W0/UW5zYh7tN0I/AAAAAAAADAM/etsF_xljA-g/s640/Waterbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqXMMrJLfKo/UW5yDX_h04I/AAAAAAAAC9g/vsO_p1hYUmE/s1600/elephant+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqXMMrJLfKo/UW5yDX_h04I/AAAAAAAAC9g/vsO_p1hYUmE/s640/elephant+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT0oAUrgaFw/UW5yBnJobyI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cXRk4UVsRK0/s1600/Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT0oAUrgaFw/UW5yBnJobyI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cXRk4UVsRK0/s640/Elephant.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGjaBZ0kVfw/UW5yFHMC5lI/AAAAAAAAC9o/aOT33yhRcnc/s1600/elephant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGjaBZ0kVfw/UW5yFHMC5lI/AAAAAAAAC9o/aOT33yhRcnc/s640/elephant1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMu3Z8SlLj4/UW5ySsZopTI/AAAAAAAAC98/olYAbe__FDc/s1600/giraffe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMu3Z8SlLj4/UW5ySsZopTI/AAAAAAAAC98/olYAbe__FDc/s640/giraffe+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9SadP1wEaA/UW5ySQFy7WI/AAAAAAAAC94/dFkDtGaJrjo/s1600/giraffe+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9SadP1wEaA/UW5ySQFy7WI/AAAAAAAAC94/dFkDtGaJrjo/s640/giraffe+walk.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgJUDvuNjQY/UW5yXMZNnbI/AAAAAAAAC-I/-5ACLM8dr9M/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgJUDvuNjQY/UW5yXMZNnbI/AAAAAAAAC-I/-5ACLM8dr9M/s640/giraffe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdXW1--Kj14/UW5yeIAV9oI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/N9TkxV9bnFc/s1600/Hippo+fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdXW1--Kj14/UW5yeIAV9oI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/N9TkxV9bnFc/s640/Hippo+fight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGFKJfcMozA/UW5yhaFr5oI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/4tsXWiQRKhI/s1600/Hyena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGFKJfcMozA/UW5yhaFr5oI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/4tsXWiQRKhI/s640/Hyena.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you all enjoyed the
blog. I can’t wait to see what next week brings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the safari team</span></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">All photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-29318140750966492082013-04-11T21:24:00.000+02:002013-04-11T21:24:37.147+02:00Sightings Update: 19 March - 1 April 2013<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctLrt6tLGrQ/UWV0w85mVnI/AAAAAAAAC4I/B5VOyegiScM/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctLrt6tLGrQ/UWV0w85mVnI/AAAAAAAAC4I/B5VOyegiScM/s640/Elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The big cats have once again delivered with incredible cheeah sightings and lions aplenty. Slowly but surely the morning and evening air is cooling and the autumn colours are returning to the bush. This really is a beautiful time in the lowveld.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoQS9aaAIT8/UWV1JLhw6RI/AAAAAAAAC4o/oCoQUFDJiBU/s1600/matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoQS9aaAIT8/UWV1JLhw6RI/AAAAAAAAC4o/oCoQUFDJiBU/s640/matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males are still split
at the moment and we still haven’t seen Induna for a while. The dark maned
males have been with the Koppies females and most of their activity has been
around and just west of Main dam. No major happenings have occurred and it
seems that peace has settled in Matimba territory, for the moment. They have
been a little scarce and there were some days that we couldn't find them at
all. One of the blonde males showed an injury on his left foot and moved
quite gingerly. It looks as if he was in a big fight and this male frequents the south, he may have picked it up south of our border.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc4gigZYLGA/UWV1FrgoVqI/AAAAAAAAC4g/n3w1ICVmFYE/s1600/matimba+paw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc4gigZYLGA/UWV1FrgoVqI/AAAAAAAAC4g/n3w1ICVmFYE/s640/matimba+paw.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8K1lQvz2aYQ/UWV08Hz7nvI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bp2Ayt5r-Sw/s1600/Matimba+map+25+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8K1lQvz2aYQ/UWV08Hz7nvI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bp2Ayt5r-Sw/s640/Matimba+map+25+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1I6ddf6Ja_s/UWV13EQ9OfI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/_e1mb6A10Po/s1600/nkuhuma+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1I6ddf6Ja_s/UWV13EQ9OfI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/_e1mb6A10Po/s640/nkuhuma+female.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aBOxfBcBuKs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females have been
around the south over the last two weeks, mostly in the area around S8 and S9.
The cubs are all still doing very well and have given us some fantastic
sightings, doing lots of cubby type things. They haven’t been with the Matimba
males and hopefully these males are protecting their territory well enough to
look after these precious little ones.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDXgpomfARc/UWV1oaVXNtI/AAAAAAAAC5A/iA1hKrktRA8/s1600/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDXgpomfARc/UWV1oaVXNtI/AAAAAAAAC5A/iA1hKrktRA8/s640/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One sighting we had was of
three of the cubs in a tree. The two smaller cubs were trying to escape one of
their larger cousins, who was in a curious mood. He kept at least one of the
small cubs cornered, and kept harassing “this little squirt”. Eventually the
little one used his teeth and bit back, to the surprise of the bigger cousin.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mX8tSGThZQA/UWV1c4dvnBI/AAAAAAAAC4w/wZEQovC9ZDg/s1600/Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mX8tSGThZQA/UWV1c4dvnBI/AAAAAAAAC4w/wZEQovC9ZDg/s640/Nkuhuma+cub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RotAeeUvhhA/UWV1vQy3HPI/AAAAAAAAC5I/VdD1O1rY2qw/s1600/nkuhuma+cub+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RotAeeUvhhA/UWV1vQy3HPI/AAAAAAAAC5I/VdD1O1rY2qw/s640/nkuhuma+cub+1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1tNo-GIN44/UWV3JzA80HI/AAAAAAAAC6A/53RWMj_p9L0/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+25+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1tNo-GIN44/UWV3JzA80HI/AAAAAAAAC6A/53RWMj_p9L0/s640/Nkuhuma+map+25+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzjbH0GwaBU/UWVzLr1q7bI/AAAAAAAAC2w/vDe_ohLnvgA/s1600/Beacon+male+25+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzjbH0GwaBU/UWVzLr1q7bI/AAAAAAAAC2w/vDe_ohLnvgA/s640/Beacon+male+25+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patrick had one sighting of
the big male on the eastern side of Main dam. No photographs this time!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unidentified Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We only had one sighting of
an unidentified Leopard. One of our trackers, Simon, found a young male of about
nine months. We think it might be one of the Main dam females cubs but we are still
trying to get some identity photo’s of him. These youngsters have a
big part to play in our Leopard Identification Project.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buuGGiWNuKw/UWV16l-xOGI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/5zcUpB370GQ/s1600/unidentified+leopard+25+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buuGGiWNuKw/UWV16l-xOGI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/5zcUpB370GQ/s640/unidentified+leopard+25+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj6prnPC_j0/UWV0vVAPAPI/AAAAAAAAC4A/OM4Aj0oCqTw/s1600/Cheetah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj6prnPC_j0/UWV0vVAPAPI/AAAAAAAAC4A/OM4Aj0oCqTw/s640/Cheetah.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were once again lucky
enough to have an incredible Cheetah sighting. We found the young male with an Impala
kill at Xigamba pan and he was extremely relaxed. From what we can piece
together, he is the son of the female that we find around the lodge. She
had four cubs two years ago and all were male. Sadly, we think the others were
killed, which is unfortunately normal. This male has fortunately returned to the area and
is treating us to great sightings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyrj_hTM_EI/UWV0PjpqBrI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/lLiON7gNAQU/s1600/Cheetah+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyrj_hTM_EI/UWV0PjpqBrI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/lLiON7gNAQU/s640/Cheetah+2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4NF80LhCl4/UWV0OgVGzkI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/-RvSQUsW8zg/s1600/Cheetah+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4NF80LhCl4/UWV0OgVGzkI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/-RvSQUsW8zg/s640/Cheetah+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCa3C0ZPD18/UWV0Q0txj4I/AAAAAAAAC3k/qywh3Xq_bDI/s1600/Cheetah+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCa3C0ZPD18/UWV0Q0txj4I/AAAAAAAAC3k/qywh3Xq_bDI/s640/Cheetah+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other sighting was of two
males at Vincent’s pan, close to the Kruger National Park boundary. They killed a
young Waterbuck and were feeding on it. We think these may be the two males
that killed and ate another male a few months back. They are possibly making a play at setting
up territory in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLhz9nxMCks/UWV0REixHbI/AAAAAAAAC3o/b_lm4is2Meg/s1600/Cheetah+brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLhz9nxMCks/UWV0REixHbI/AAAAAAAAC3o/b_lm4is2Meg/s640/Cheetah+brothers.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the Bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynQUE3Lh8Wg/UWVzspQRnDI/AAAAAAAAC3E/goLfbLuqXBc/s1600/buffalo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynQUE3Lh8Wg/UWVzspQRnDI/AAAAAAAAC3E/goLfbLuqXBc/s640/buffalo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEV_ZoagPt4/UWV058eGLrI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Sc5nN_qTcG0/s1600/hippo+yawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEV_ZoagPt4/UWV058eGLrI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Sc5nN_qTcG0/s640/hippo+yawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you enjoy enjoyed blog!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the Safari team</span></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">All photographs and videos edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-10785542081180911362013-04-03T22:00:00.002+02:002013-04-03T22:00:23.688+02:00Tintswalo Leopard Identification Project<span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman;"><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The project<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leopard in the Manyeleti Game Reserve have unfortunately not been studied in the same way as our neighbours to the north and south have, and we decided the best way to improve our leopard sightings is to understand the population on the reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is how we started the
process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Step one</u>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try to get photos of every leopard seen. Through this we can start to document the spot patterning of each leopard. On top of this we have through the blogs, kept all the maps of where each individual was seen. These maps aid us to understand where territories lie and where the best place is to locate certain individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even leopards that we couldn’t manage to get a photo of were recorded on maps. Through this we can identify “hotspots” and focus on these areas in the second part of the project.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Step two</u>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that we have a fair amount of information, we can make “educated guesses” as to where the best places are to look for tracks. Once we find tracks, our newly formed
tracking teams can start working the particular area. As soon as the animal is located, we can begin to apply a little more pressure and start habituating the found leopards. We can also concentrate on the relaxed leopards and ensure through these processes that we can deliver consistent leopard sightings to our guests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main aim is to relax more female leopards. This will assist us to start documenting and working with leopard from a young age, when these females have cubs. This project won’t be completed in a few months and it has already taken us a few months just to gather enough information to start implementing step two. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will initially focus our attention to the area around our concession and will spend a few months concentrating specifically on this area. Once we have started making some good successes in the area, we can start moving on to the next hotspots and begin working on the
leopards in those areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through this step by step process we should make plenty of progress and ensure top quality and consistent leopard sightings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the successes we have had on this project so far include identifying the Beacon male as the top male in the central Manyeleti area and the Main dam females territory has started making sense. This will be one of the females we’ll be working to relax more
as well as her cubs at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below are some of the characters we have managed to watch so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong>The Males</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Beacon male<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK2pysyrVcs/UVljy_V2qdI/AAAAAAAAC0A/JdHl31S23xg/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK2pysyrVcs/UVljy_V2qdI/AAAAAAAAC0A/JdHl31S23xg/s640/Beacon+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This big tom frequents most of our concession on the Manyeleti. He is about eight years old and already bares the scars of a successful male leopard. The areas that we have found him tend to be around Main dam as well as to the north of the lodge. We believe his territory stretches from Lompfane pan in the north to the lodge in the south and from Main dam in the east to the lodge again in the west.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmZa0VSUg6A/UVljzY57UZI/AAAAAAAAC0I/rEDt7Mhs1Jg/s1600/beacon+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmZa0VSUg6A/UVljzY57UZI/AAAAAAAAC0I/rEDt7Mhs1Jg/s640/beacon+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He definitely has some of the best territory in the Manyeleti, as he has the plains of plenty around Main dam and the sweet grazing in the west. These areas attract a lot of prey species, and is perfect for a big male. Lots of food means lots of opportunities to meet
females. His territory is limited by a huge male in the north, and another big male east of Main dam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqB-7cMKwbY/UVlj2OqIFOI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/VeUHkmiPU6E/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqB-7cMKwbY/UVlj2OqIFOI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/VeUHkmiPU6E/s640/Beacon+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At his age, he probably has at least another four to five years to rule over his territory. The females that he would have interactions with in his territory are the Main dam female, the Rhulani female and probably a few other unidentified females.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bpndun.blogspot.com/-b2tEsBhdRX0/UVlj6gshTcI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/K0paufungvc/s1600/Beacon+male+map+until+21+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2tEsBhdRX0/UVlj6gshTcI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/K0paufungvc/s640/Beacon+male+map+until+21+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One drawback of his territory is that most of it is also a favourite haunt of the Matimba male lions and the Koppies pride. These present serious threats to his safety and future success.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Skybeds male<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdfhYPRM3E/UVlkIvm9v0I/AAAAAAAAC0g/NvPIwKobIWM/s1600/DSCN1380+edited+10+Oct+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdfhYPRM3E/UVlkIvm9v0I/AAAAAAAAC0g/NvPIwKobIWM/s640/DSCN1380+edited+10+Oct+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We don’t have a lot of information on this male. He is seen at Skybeds dam itself and his tracks are found from the Khoka Moya dam east to Koppies and north to Skybeds and Morubisi dams. He rules the whole northern section of the reserve. His tracks have been identified by one foot being a little skew, probably from a prior injury. He has been noticed in this area from 2010 as is a very relaxed leopard. He is definitely one of our target leopards for this project.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATSeubm8mvU/UVll-0EG7mI/AAAAAAAAC2A/Ex0NK24tZqk/s1600/Skybeds+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATSeubm8mvU/UVll-0EG7mI/AAAAAAAAC2A/Ex0NK24tZqk/s640/Skybeds+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Induna male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao9FGkiOaLM/UVlkrwrozNI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/A4VYEOmSUvg/s1600/DSCN8950+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao9FGkiOaLM/UVlkrwrozNI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/A4VYEOmSUvg/s640/DSCN8950+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj2dOw61Iug/UVlknqIhYFI/AAAAAAAAC1A/JytkHZ23nz0/s1600/DSCN8976+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj2dOw61Iug/UVlknqIhYFI/AAAAAAAAC1A/JytkHZ23nz0/s640/DSCN8976+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have so far only had one sighting of this male. He was found on S7 cutline in September 2012 and we think that he is in the southern Manyeleti. We have identified the area around S8 dam as a good area to concentrate on looking for him. Leopards love land marks and this would most definitely be a promising area for him to frequent.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lF8J_iqMGs/UVllG3kA1iI/AAAAAAAAC1o/Rnxqc7NdmY4/s1600/S7+leopard+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lF8J_iqMGs/UVllG3kA1iI/AAAAAAAAC1o/Rnxqc7NdmY4/s640/S7+leopard+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Rhulani male<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud6ethxxBbs/UVllBVRkB0I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/veKjxThOtww/s1600/rhulani+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud6ethxxBbs/UVllBVRkB0I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/veKjxThOtww/s640/rhulani+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43nSgFq7XQA/UVllCjXzsZI/AAAAAAAAC1g/lJddf756Gtw/s1600/Rhulani+male+stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43nSgFq7XQA/UVllCjXzsZI/AAAAAAAAC1g/lJddf756Gtw/s640/Rhulani+male+stare.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This interesting male comes from the north and was found earlier this year to the south of Lompfane pan. We believe the area he moves in to be the north-western part of the reserve from Red road, east to probably Khoka moya dam. This area falls within the first section to be concentrated on, so hopefully we’ll have more on this male very shortly.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUuxPkTN02U/UVllnmvmBnI/AAAAAAAAC1w/EDIE4YGUdMs/s1600/Rhulani+male+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUuxPkTN02U/UVllnmvmBnI/AAAAAAAAC1w/EDIE4YGUdMs/s640/Rhulani+male+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The young males</span></span></span></strong>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have also found a few up and coming youngsters. These have often been once off sightings, but these youngsters have to keep moving around and are difficult to pinpoint because of the large males around. These males will be staying on the outskirts of the bigger males territories awaiting their chance, waiting for any sign of weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>The Females<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Main dam female</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4z4EPCZ2pWY/UVljwHWDoSI/AAAAAAAACz4/0E4qBVzAjcI/s1600/_DSC7052+copy+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4z4EPCZ2pWY/UVljwHWDoSI/AAAAAAAACz4/0E4qBVzAjcI/s640/_DSC7052+copy+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the only female that has given us any good information. She had cubs around Main dam in June 2012. She tends to be a little skittish with the vehicles during the day time, but is a lot more confident at night. This is the female that we have identified as the best female to work on initially. Her two cubs are also on our list to work with. Her territory stretches from Tintswalo east to Main dam and south to Powerlines road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZpjiFvnOD4/UVlkNIgwbfI/AAAAAAAAC0o/d_pCbQl00tQ/s1600/DSCN1402+edited+9+dec+2012+2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZpjiFvnOD4/UVlkNIgwbfI/AAAAAAAAC0o/d_pCbQl00tQ/s640/DSCN1402+edited+9+dec+2012+2048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We believe her to be a fairly young female, probably around four to five years old. The area she frequents was open for a take over and she was quite lucky. Her predecessor in this territory was a female named the Tintswalo female, and she was unfortunately killed by the Matimba males when they first came onto the Manyeleti. It just goes to show what an impact these Lions have on the area. Sadly, as she was a very relaxed female, it impacted our leopard sightings in a big way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb88SDOvb2o/UVlkq7VYRfI/AAAAAAAAC1I/acVz0z3T5LI/s1600/Main+dam+female+until+21+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb88SDOvb2o/UVlkq7VYRfI/AAAAAAAAC1I/acVz0z3T5LI/s640/Main+dam+female+until+21+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Unidentified Leopards<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qWDFh2cXtU/UVlkno56p8I/AAAAAAAAC08/JByVaAo5hHI/s1600/Leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qWDFh2cXtU/UVlkno56p8I/AAAAAAAAC08/JByVaAo5hHI/s640/Leopard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBb-C1bc5uM/UVlkNptUtMI/AAAAAAAAC0w/mZ9_EPp3bQA/s1600/DSCN3231+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBb-C1bc5uM/UVlkNptUtMI/AAAAAAAAC0w/mZ9_EPp3bQA/s640/DSCN3231+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far in this project we have identified a few hotspots for leopard. The best places for us to start are the area around the lodge as well as the skybeds area. Most of the unidentified leopard sightings have been close to these areas and the more we work on these areas, the pieces of the puzzle will start to fall into place.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn-RSpjkwXU/UVllxtvU4-I/AAAAAAAAC14/yrCqyhgBFiw/s1600/Unidentified+leopard+until+21+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn-RSpjkwXU/UVllxtvU4-I/AAAAAAAAC14/yrCqyhgBFiw/s640/Unidentified+leopard+until+21+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lot depends on relaxing as many females as we can. Firstly to understand the dynamics better and to give our guests an an even better safari experience.</span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-12872549778919443642013-03-25T23:01:00.000+02:002013-03-25T23:01:40.767+02:00Sightings Update: 4 - 19 March 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bush is really starting
to dry up and within the next month it will once again begin thinning out. We
have noticed that some of the migratory birds are starting to flock and will be
heading north very soon.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLHfhpd2Rjc/UVCnSVW4SaI/AAAAAAAACxk/4gIdZ9Ik9bs/s1600/main+dam+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLHfhpd2Rjc/UVCnSVW4SaI/AAAAAAAACxk/4gIdZ9Ik9bs/s640/main+dam+sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The resident animals are preparing
for another brutal dry season and it’s going to be a time of plenty for the
predators. Buffalo herds will start aggregating close to permanent water
sources, making them easy targets for the prides of Lion roaming the Manyeleti.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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n<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/N6CyvlpybZ8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C38N4SZT0nM/UVCnTkNoLcI/AAAAAAAACxs/jBu6TdXpUck/s1600/Matimba+map+11mar-19+mar+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C38N4SZT0nM/UVCnTkNoLcI/AAAAAAAACxs/jBu6TdXpUck/s640/Matimba+map+11mar-19+mar+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males have been in the
central Manyeleti most of the time. They are still split, with the blonde males
in the south, the dark males in the central Manyeleti and the singular Induna
male in the east.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv8yiW655HE/UVCnUrVqthI/AAAAAAAACx0/UvE_LvpAxOc/s1600/matimba+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv8yiW655HE/UVCnUrVqthI/AAAAAAAACx0/UvE_LvpAxOc/s640/matimba+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of our sightings have
been of the dark males and their interactions with the Nkuhuma and Koppies
females. The middle Koppies female brought down an adult buffalo bull on Helens
road and was joined by one of the dark Matimba’s. They have most of the central
reserve covered but are continuously pushing further north and west. They were also
seen at Khoka moya dam in the north, an area the Sizanani males favoured
whenever the Matimba’s pushed them. I’m sure that it’s safe to say that the
take-over is complete and the Matimba’s are claiming it all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukmpDMN60nA/UVCnlEDM9_I/AAAAAAAACyE/WCxAmyOsG4E/s1600/matimba+marking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukmpDMN60nA/UVCnlEDM9_I/AAAAAAAACyE/WCxAmyOsG4E/s640/matimba+marking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the dark males was
also seen on a Buffalo calf kill at the shooting range in the far east of the reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/v4Wjt-GYWuE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs0C_uW1vvE/UVCtoRTO34I/AAAAAAAACyk/gIgMqlCVEmY/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs0C_uW1vvE/UVCtoRTO34I/AAAAAAAACyk/gIgMqlCVEmY/s640/Nkuhuma+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females are still separated
and the bulk of their pride still resides in the south with all the cubs fine
and looking good. Fritz had a great sighting of the three females and nine cubs
on a Zebra kill on Pod mahogany open area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was some bad news for
the Nkuhuma’s though. The oldest Nkuhuma female was killed by other lions at
Main dam. We suspect that the guilty lions were the Koppies girls. She was
found early morning with clear signs of a lion attack. They were at the Ntzaka
sewerage area the previous evening, while the Koppies girls were less than a kilometre
away at Main dam. I suppose that all the interactions were bound to boil over
at some point and lion politics, in all shapes and forms, is extremely violent.
When Fritz returned to the area in the afternoon, he found evidence of drag
marks where Crocodiles have dragged her into Main dam. This female had it tough
during her lifetime. Her pride was terrorised first by the Mapogo’s, then the
Majingalanes and finally the Matimba’s. During her time, the Nkuhuma’s have
been split by all these large coalitions of male lions. They have however seem
to have found some peace in the reign of the Matimba’s. RIP big girl, your
legacy continues!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxQeIdtQd6I/UVCnkwH2CXI/AAAAAAAACyA/7iYnJGvNUIM/s1600/nkuhuma+and+matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxQeIdtQd6I/UVCnkwH2CXI/AAAAAAAACyA/7iYnJGvNUIM/s640/nkuhuma+and+matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also had a sighting on S6
open area and ended off the week with these females and a Matimba on a Buffalo
kill at the shooting range. We think that this was probably a Nkuhuma kill
taken by a Matimba.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRc8u1BMNG4/UVCmgdbLJjI/AAAAAAAACxE/Ln3AQnDdYKw/s1600/Koppies+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRc8u1BMNG4/UVCmgdbLJjI/AAAAAAAACxE/Ln3AQnDdYKw/s640/Koppies+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Koppies fermales were
seen with the Matimba males on three occasions. They shared a Buffalo kill on
Helens road and were together on separate occasions at Malcoms bridge and close
to Ingwe manzi. As mentioned before, we suspect that they killed the old
Nkuhuma female, but these things need to happen as it establishes territory and
dominance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjEAct49z8Y/UVCmxQ0JyfI/AAAAAAAACxM/oYDhegBoCcs/s1600/Koppies+and+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjEAct49z8Y/UVCmxQ0JyfI/AAAAAAAACxM/oYDhegBoCcs/s640/Koppies+and+kill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RbHr2aPSyKw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It will be interesting to
watch what happens to these females in the next few months. How will they
continue to interact with the Matimba’s? Also, how will they continue to
interact with the Nkuhuma’s? Are they possibly related? We have so many
questions and only time and timing will answer these.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sungula pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H8_3w-TA9g/UVCnu9xc2BI/AAAAAAAACyM/t8hPx-rtgNg/s1600/Sungula+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H8_3w-TA9g/UVCnu9xc2BI/AAAAAAAACyM/t8hPx-rtgNg/s640/Sungula+map+11-19+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our youngest pride has
returned! They seem to move mostly in the northern areas of the reserve. Sightings
of this pride are still sparse and they are still fairly skittish. Because we’re
seeing them more often, we have decided to name them. Previously referred to as
“The New Pride” we have now named them the “Sungula pride”, meaning beginning
in Zulu. We know that they are related to the Koppies pride as the females have
branding from veterinary checks in the Kruger National Park. They are a
break-away group from the original Orpen super pride.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVdydLQCqjM/UVCn343gTbI/AAAAAAAACyY/nDAz7qH0JYA/s1600/Sungula+young+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVdydLQCqjM/UVCn343gTbI/AAAAAAAACyY/nDAz7qH0JYA/s640/Sungula+young+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their first sighting in a few
months was on Red road where they took down a Zebra. We still have to work very
carefully with these cats in order to establish trust. Soon enough we’ll have
them paying the rent and getting some nice photo’s to show and tell.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unidentified Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIujg4kjhXc/UVCn4CxKPBI/AAAAAAAACyc/-vstbRvSdAQ/s1600/unidentified+Leopard+11-19+March+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIujg4kjhXc/UVCn4CxKPBI/AAAAAAAACyc/-vstbRvSdAQ/s640/unidentified+Leopard+11-19+March+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had three unidentified sightings
of leopard! Fritz found a nice relaxed male on Pod mahogany, but as he had no
camera with him, we couldn’t verify any identity. We also found a very skittish
young male close to Ingwe manzi. As the main dam female keeps her two cubs
around the lodge area we think it might be her youngest cub.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An unidentified female was also
seen at Main dam and Eric managed to get a few shots of her. These photos of
unidentified animals are priceless in our quest to understand the Leopard
dynamics in the Manyeleti. Our process of identifying hotspots for Leopard and
some individual Leopards is definitely baring some fruit, and we can start
stepping up our efforts to understand and relax the Leopard in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RRHyXgVs2Q/UVClogERHMI/AAAAAAAACwE/UH3oh55tOjk/s1600/Cheetah+map+11-19+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RRHyXgVs2Q/UVClogERHMI/AAAAAAAACwE/UH3oh55tOjk/s640/Cheetah+map+11-19+march+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fritz had a bumper week with Cheetah
sightings. He had two sightings of a relaxed young male around Foot road to the
south-east of the lodge. He also found a relaxed female at Nyathi drive
junction with Veve link to the north of Main dam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8qvIe_gHFI/UVCl7scxngI/AAAAAAAACwU/vfWEbHwsUCk/s1600/drinking+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8qvIe_gHFI/UVCl7scxngI/AAAAAAAACwU/vfWEbHwsUCk/s640/drinking+elephant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL9U8inCZl4/UVCmWtqgxII/AAAAAAAACws/dBw5UMt36GQ/s1600/Elephant+trunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL9U8inCZl4/UVCmWtqgxII/AAAAAAAACws/dBw5UMt36GQ/s640/Elephant+trunk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt7BT3wthCQ/UVCmFttFdsI/AAAAAAAACwc/o-_-oRHDGgc/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt7BT3wthCQ/UVCmFttFdsI/AAAAAAAACwc/o-_-oRHDGgc/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVqrcHDFPKk/UVCmGvY6Q-I/AAAAAAAACwk/3VUsYSVNIzY/s1600/elephant+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVqrcHDFPKk/UVCmGvY6Q-I/AAAAAAAACwk/3VUsYSVNIzY/s1600/elephant+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e25DUo2S3EY/UVCmegHn-pI/AAAAAAAACw8/6L98vsz_0Zk/s1600/hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e25DUo2S3EY/UVCmegHn-pI/AAAAAAAACw8/6L98vsz_0Zk/s1600/hippo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-I6whMPiJ0/UVCm43nsc1I/AAAAAAAACxU/zHvVwZbDMi0/s1600/Kori+Bustard+and+Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-I6whMPiJ0/UVCm43nsc1I/AAAAAAAACxU/zHvVwZbDMi0/s1600/Kori+Bustard+and+Zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NN6c9LddXMg/UVCnECeWCiI/AAAAAAAACxc/9zyBZL0tW38/s1600/kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NN6c9LddXMg/UVCnECeWCiI/AAAAAAAACxc/9zyBZL0tW38/s1600/kudu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great thanks have to go to Eric and Mpho for all the information and great photos they gathered while I was away. Hope you all enjoy the blog!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the safari team<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo & Video editing by Darren Roberts-York<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-35588785020508852272013-03-17T09:13:00.001+02:002013-03-17T09:13:28.172+02:00Sightings Update: 25 February - 4 March 2013<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WEF8dYI4rk/UUQYPXXUBeI/AAAAAAAACrY/xI_CKxNtHJI/s1600/baboon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WEF8dYI4rk/UUQYPXXUBeI/AAAAAAAACrY/xI_CKxNtHJI/s640/baboon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The biggest news from the
Bush this week has most definitely been the lion dynamics that is still on its
head. The interaction between the Koppies and Nkuhuma females continues and proves the
saying, “the only thing you can expect in the bush in the unexpected”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0adZg6a9wgo/UUQZrRTnS3I/AAAAAAAACsQ/IfNgQiuXjIU/s1600/elephants+approaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0adZg6a9wgo/UUQZrRTnS3I/AAAAAAAACsQ/IfNgQiuXjIU/s640/elephants+approaching.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some large Buffalo herds have
been on the reserve and when the dry season kicks in, the most brutal scene
will replay itself again. The Buffalo, slightly weakened by the lack of moisture
and nutrients, will become easier targets for the Lions, who
literally follow the herds and almost kill at will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZKiJzKgl_s/UUQdueI8pyI/AAAAAAAACtw/sbIxHTF6NG4/s1600/Muddy+buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZKiJzKgl_s/UUQdueI8pyI/AAAAAAAACtw/sbIxHTF6NG4/s640/Muddy+buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Matimba males & Koppies females</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nU0oOPrX9GU/UUQbN179JVI/AAAAAAAACtA/h1kHrLSC8qo/s1600/matimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nU0oOPrX9GU/UUQbN179JVI/AAAAAAAACtA/h1kHrLSC8qo/s640/matimba+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFFNDGBuiMw/UUQbfgjyWBI/AAAAAAAACtQ/5Zrw3zERXcw/s1600/MAtimba+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFFNDGBuiMw/UUQbfgjyWBI/AAAAAAAACtQ/5Zrw3zERXcw/s640/MAtimba+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mWuTwkW5UOs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males have been
spending most of their time around the Main dam area. Their attentions have moved
from chasing the Sizanani males to cashing in on their prize, the Koppies
females! One of the males has been mating with the oldest Koppies female for about
four days during this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are hoping
that it results in the birth of some cubs to grow the Koppies pride, which at
three members strong, is in serious need of growth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbEMcN_qoA/UUQbOYXlgEI/AAAAAAAACtI/qgzZranVdF4/s1600/matimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbEMcN_qoA/UUQbOYXlgEI/AAAAAAAACtI/qgzZranVdF4/s640/matimba+male+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTN88y4aKJ8/UUQahL5qTWI/AAAAAAAACsw/Q6fsyNpmLf8/s1600/koppies+female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTN88y4aKJ8/UUQahL5qTWI/AAAAAAAACsw/Q6fsyNpmLf8/s640/koppies+female+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV-phMOgqdY/UUQdQWKYnkI/AAAAAAAACtk/0T8Q0GKxHs8/s1600/mating+matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RV-phMOgqdY/UUQdQWKYnkI/AAAAAAAACtk/0T8Q0GKxHs8/s640/mating+matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5NR5FBiFQy4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since the big incursion into
the Sizanani territory, they have mated with two of the Koppies females, but
are yet to mate with the youngest Koppies girl. At the moment she is
still looking fairly thin and is in no condition to mate. The one big positive that has come
from her ordeal, is that she is more experienced and is showing more confidence
by standing up for herself in the face of Matimba aggression. The truth of the
matter is that she is the future of the Koppies pride and needs to ensure their
future as a bloodline. With Matimba strength and a certain amount of security,
her position is stronger, if she can pull herself out of her current state.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaII9peb6-0/UUQbODxgOfI/AAAAAAAACtE/pB3_rbFPKHc/s1600/koppies+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaII9peb6-0/UUQbODxgOfI/AAAAAAAACtE/pB3_rbFPKHc/s640/koppies+female.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unTGv1WTlEc/UUQc8FMMJOI/AAAAAAAACtc/0qVJ3ESdTmk/s1600/matimba+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unTGv1WTlEc/UUQc8FMMJOI/AAAAAAAACtc/0qVJ3ESdTmk/s640/matimba+male.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three blonde males seem
to have moved south again and we haven’t seen them this week. We believe that Induna (the
Matimba with the stumpy tail) is still spending most of his time in the Kruger
National Park.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWY6JSk69dk/UUQfMjzq9oI/AAAAAAAACvA/l0aoI-tayb0/s1600/koppies+map+4+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lWY6JSk69dk/UUQfMjzq9oI/AAAAAAAACvA/l0aoI-tayb0/s640/koppies+map+4+march+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Koppies Females</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaWETtJQIg/UUQfHW2PhRI/AAAAAAAACuw/uVBdrp19Esc/s1600/matimba+map+4+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaWETtJQIg/UUQfHW2PhRI/AAAAAAAACuw/uVBdrp19Esc/s640/matimba+map+4+march+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matimba Males</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RF0HOVBXaa4/UUQet6rkb1I/AAAAAAAACuQ/AEthpWQp9WQ/s1600/young+nkuhuma+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RF0HOVBXaa4/UUQet6rkb1I/AAAAAAAACuQ/AEthpWQp9WQ/s640/young+nkuhuma+males.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The females with the cubs are
spending a lot of their time in the deep south and south of our border in the Sabi
Sands. We believe that these cubs have been sired by the blonde Matimba’s and a total of
twelve cubs are moving around with six Nkuhuma females. The four
remaining Nkuhuma’s are the females we’ve been seeing interacting with the Koppies
females in the central Manyeleti. It has largely been peaceful interactions
with a few moments of aggression, especially aimed at the two young males.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At one of the sightings, the middle Koppies female launched into one
of the young males sending the Nkuhuma’s running. A Koppies girl chased after them and a very excited Matimba male was in tow, charging after all the chaos. It is going to be
interesting to see what happens. If they do merge, it could be proof of a
historical lineage of lions in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egopzv2mK6k/UUQfKhMbGCI/AAAAAAAACu4/vPMNkYiHe2w/s1600/Nkuhuma+pride+4+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egopzv2mK6k/UUQfKhMbGCI/AAAAAAAACu4/vPMNkYiHe2w/s640/Nkuhuma+pride+4+march+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of the
dominant male of the central Manyeleti. I found him on Ngwenya loop on the western
side of Main dam. He moved in a north westerly direction towards Metsikitsoro
plains. Prey abound on the plains and a lot of our predator
activity occurs on these plains. We did however have one huge concern. One of the Matimba
males was on the plains just before we found the Beacon male. As we followed him, we
tried to keep a look out for the Matimba male. We left the Beacon male in the
riverine bush to the east of the the plains. There was a herd of about 50
Impala on the plains which I’m sure was exactly what he was looking for. Luckily the
Matimba male had moved south towards Helens road by the time the Beacon male got to the
plains.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jQoUWNIGQ/UUQfA7tvrfI/AAAAAAAACuo/qpxz8-SNR-U/s1600/Beacon+male+4+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0jQoUWNIGQ/UUQfA7tvrfI/AAAAAAAACuo/qpxz8-SNR-U/s640/Beacon+male+4+march+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mirFf4hgPAs/UUQdwMVu8PI/AAAAAAAACt4/5A116NNsIfs/s1600/sable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mirFf4hgPAs/UUQdwMVu8PI/AAAAAAAACt4/5A116NNsIfs/s640/sable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one very special sighting of four Sable bulls just north of Pod Mahogany. This is the second time
I’ve seen this regal and rare antelope in the Manyeleti.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNLnfhqTmDs/UUQYv-8xkkI/AAAAAAAACro/_djS4W_WGSE/s1600/drinking+elephant+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNLnfhqTmDs/UUQYv-8xkkI/AAAAAAAACro/_djS4W_WGSE/s640/drinking+elephant+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsXwexBvDA8/UUQYfrdrQGI/AAAAAAAACrg/T1aw-3RdeSA/s1600/elephant+and+calf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsXwexBvDA8/UUQYfrdrQGI/AAAAAAAACrg/T1aw-3RdeSA/s640/elephant+and+calf+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0D_l72b7z28/UUQYwrLeeiI/AAAAAAAACrw/NQlC4GZYFz4/s1600/elephant+and+calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0D_l72b7z28/UUQYwrLeeiI/AAAAAAAACrw/NQlC4GZYFz4/s640/elephant+and+calf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUwXnNk60TI/UUQZkVv_V2I/AAAAAAAACsI/Xxz5SRPeZwo/s1600/elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUwXnNk60TI/UUQZkVv_V2I/AAAAAAAACsI/Xxz5SRPeZwo/s640/elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJfnIVfaoZ0/UUQZZohzi6I/AAAAAAAACsA/dqivdiA8jng/s1600/elephant+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJfnIVfaoZ0/UUQZZohzi6I/AAAAAAAACsA/dqivdiA8jng/s640/elephant+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJMJ-l5Ugow/UUQZV_6xXVI/AAAAAAAACr4/Usfc8TuWmtA/s1600/elephant+stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJMJ-l5Ugow/UUQZV_6xXVI/AAAAAAAACr4/Usfc8TuWmtA/s640/elephant+stare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9C4VQB9wcPs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Elephants have also been
out in full force and have given us some great sightings and interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyGFvq4WuE0/UUQaQhUyoII/AAAAAAAACso/SYnBYASs_YI/s1600/Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyGFvq4WuE0/UUQaQhUyoII/AAAAAAAACso/SYnBYASs_YI/s640/Giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4GTeUCbtk/UUQaO4vmKrI/AAAAAAAACsY/iTmhZ349FR0/s1600/hyena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4GTeUCbtk/UUQaO4vmKrI/AAAAAAAACsY/iTmhZ349FR0/s640/hyena.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gApbAZExko/UUQaQU1a4pI/AAAAAAAACsk/QlkhJkam43E/s1600/impala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gApbAZExko/UUQaQU1a4pI/AAAAAAAACsk/QlkhJkam43E/s640/impala.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLE6IdPeW8g/UUQeBn5lsZI/AAAAAAAACuA/_LTUeuZFPpk/s1600/warthog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLE6IdPeW8g/UUQeBn5lsZI/AAAAAAAACuA/_LTUeuZFPpk/s640/warthog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cyoZZnsABg/UUQeLsf9jPI/AAAAAAAACuI/h7FXoagbHJc/s1600/Waterbuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cyoZZnsABg/UUQeLsf9jPI/AAAAAAAACuI/h7FXoagbHJc/s640/Waterbuck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub81foj7YiU/UUQeu_EdbsI/AAAAAAAACuY/kue5vQzFvOk/s1600/Zebra+and+foal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub81foj7YiU/UUQeu_EdbsI/AAAAAAAACuY/kue5vQzFvOk/s640/Zebra+and+foal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mT3qCIGPVY/UUQe2peL5CI/AAAAAAAACug/L6E0T2SI0RQ/s1600/Zebra+b%2526+w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mT3qCIGPVY/UUQe2peL5CI/AAAAAAAACug/L6E0T2SI0RQ/s640/Zebra+b%2526+w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the Safari team</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>All photo's and video's edited by Darren Roberts-York</em></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-66094778586003960692013-03-04T21:59:00.000+02:002013-03-04T21:59:45.164+02:00Sightings update: 18 – 25 February 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1zaLJ6PIwg/UTSSwWDYCUI/AAAAAAAACl4/DHHUtRAesMI/s1600/Acara+acraea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1zaLJ6PIwg/UTSSwWDYCUI/AAAAAAAACl4/DHHUtRAesMI/s640/Acara+acraea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acara Acraea</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYr1IphXiJw/UTSYIrrdWfI/AAAAAAAACpI/swQGriMnLz4/s1600/orb+spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYr1IphXiJw/UTSYIrrdWfI/AAAAAAAACpI/swQGriMnLz4/s640/orb+spider.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Golden Orb Spider</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_v5SykdjkA/UTSZU9-vDoI/AAAAAAAACqQ/QOOhQPtDXtk/s1600/speke%2527s+hinged+tortoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_v5SykdjkA/UTSZU9-vDoI/AAAAAAAACqQ/QOOhQPtDXtk/s640/speke%2527s+hinged+tortoise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spekes Hinged Tortoise</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtXA35tim9c/UTSS3FqCYsI/AAAAAAAACmA/MQ0oe3Bh_W0/s1600/baboon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtXA35tim9c/UTSS3FqCYsI/AAAAAAAACmA/MQ0oe3Bh_W0/s640/baboon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYP1UJ-pIHo/UTSVNHpSO6I/AAAAAAAACng/1CQZ_T-D2SM/s1600/giraffe+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYP1UJ-pIHo/UTSVNHpSO6I/AAAAAAAACng/1CQZ_T-D2SM/s640/giraffe+sunrise.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm2bGiMTYH4/UTSVQDuh-EI/AAAAAAAACno/Wu0CSjAEGPg/s1600/giraffe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm2bGiMTYH4/UTSVQDuh-EI/AAAAAAAACno/Wu0CSjAEGPg/s640/giraffe+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICzvlMa6xro/UTSVhz6hqQI/AAAAAAAACn4/PgWFfuE6yjc/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICzvlMa6xro/UTSVhz6hqQI/AAAAAAAACn4/PgWFfuE6yjc/s640/giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has by all accounts been a
very dramatic week with a lot of skirmishes and interesting interactions all round.
It seems that the dry season is approaching slowly and territories of our big
cats will hopefully start to settle down soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males have once again
made a huge impact in the area and their aggression seems to never fade. They have
once again taken their anger out on the local females and we had a really tense
sighting of exactly that this week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_msSqRW9GA/UTSW3idzp4I/AAAAAAAACog/T3mYs9KvBsk/s1600/matimba+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_msSqRW9GA/UTSW3idzp4I/AAAAAAAACog/T3mYs9KvBsk/s640/matimba+night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are still camped out in what
used to be Sizanani territory in the western part of the Manyeleti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first sighting was of three Matimba's at Zebra pan. This used to be one of the
favourite haunts of the Sizanani males and it almost seemed like insult to
injury that they spent the day there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few days later, Mpho called
in five lionesses and a male on a waterbuck kill on Piva path. When I approached
the sighting, I noticed that there were three Koppies girls and two Nkuhuma females. This
confused me slightly as these are not related females and shouldn’t tolerate
each other at all. However, one Matimba male had taken the kill and wasn’t
sharing it with anyone. He was incredibly aggressive in defending the kill and I can
only think that his behaviour was enough to diffuse any aggression
between the females.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQjHz0amUYo/UTSWYo-_JzI/AAAAAAAACoI/u4i4Q8822uw/s1600/matimba+fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQjHz0amUYo/UTSWYo-_JzI/AAAAAAAACoI/u4i4Q8822uw/s640/matimba+fight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGtlEb0PUo0/UTSX2a_1-PI/AAAAAAAACo4/ZztvpnmR0Lw/s1600/matimba+fight+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGtlEb0PUo0/UTSX2a_1-PI/AAAAAAAACo4/ZztvpnmR0Lw/s640/matimba+fight+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YPZNTjHzX1k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At one point the urge to
investigate one of the Nkuhuma females meant that he had to take his eyes off the precious kill. The
youngest Koppies girl, still looking very skinny, pounced at the oppertunity to feed. He returned but she stood her ground and several blows were dealt from both lions. Eventually he gave in and allowed her to feed,
something she really needed.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-336bqiEUtpg/UTSW8qYgidI/AAAAAAAACoo/GMnKwM_4bzs/s1600/matimba+stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-336bqiEUtpg/UTSW8qYgidI/AAAAAAAACoo/GMnKwM_4bzs/s640/matimba+stare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65tFbJfo8GM/UTSTGYNQcyI/AAAAAAAACmI/wGrkaZUq5oI/s1600/bloody+matimba+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65tFbJfo8GM/UTSTGYNQcyI/AAAAAAAACmI/wGrkaZUq5oI/s640/bloody+matimba+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akcyyk26CD8/UTSTq0-fHqI/AAAAAAAACmY/c9wv74QgiT0/s1600/Bloody+Matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akcyyk26CD8/UTSTq0-fHqI/AAAAAAAACmY/c9wv74QgiT0/s640/Bloody+Matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9OuLX4SOSg/UTSTHnueq6I/AAAAAAAACmQ/5fIoqcxxMhk/s1600/bloody+matimba+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9OuLX4SOSg/UTSTHnueq6I/AAAAAAAACmQ/5fIoqcxxMhk/s640/bloody+matimba+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/t1AQPhJb1R8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">O</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ne of the males was once
again seen at Nyathi drive/ Rhino Run junction, much further north than where we
typically see the Matimba’s.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erkSwT6VHhE/UTSWlffigSI/AAAAAAAACoY/GSLZvVopzNc/s1600/matimba+males+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erkSwT6VHhE/UTSWlffigSI/AAAAAAAACoY/GSLZvVopzNc/s640/matimba+males+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females have been seen
mostly in the eastern part of their territory. We had a sighting with all three
females together for the first time in months. The youngest female finally managed to
find the others after her ordeal. As she is looking very skinny, this is just
what she needs. With the other females by her side, she has a better chance to hunt
successfully and fatten up a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They managed to get a kill,
but as I previously mentioned, she had to fight really hard and stand her ground to keep some of it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0MQg2yuwo/UTSWC23crcI/AAAAAAAACoA/ARnmJaTW_t0/s1600/koppies+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0MQg2yuwo/UTSWC23crcI/AAAAAAAACoA/ARnmJaTW_t0/s640/koppies+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Nkuhuma females have been
laying low a bit this week. There was a sighting of the three females but
without the cubs on S9. They moved into a drainage line and unfortunately Mpho couldn’t
follow any further.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUEDyMGddwU/UTSZtgkfBDI/AAAAAAAACqw/d3QcQURX_40/s1600/young+Nkuhuma+lioness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUEDyMGddwU/UTSZtgkfBDI/AAAAAAAACqw/d3QcQURX_40/s640/young+Nkuhuma+lioness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second sighting was at
the big lion bash on Piva path. One of the younger females even moved away from
all the fighting and headed towards Main Dam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8J4bkokhLg/UTSXAFzTtJI/AAAAAAAACow/-ScOtonxTh0/s1600/nkuhuma+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8J4bkokhLg/UTSXAFzTtJI/AAAAAAAACow/-ScOtonxTh0/s640/nkuhuma+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rhulani male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lisESIU0f1I/UTSZNAl49TI/AAAAAAAACqA/xFQ54iiqSdQ/s1600/Rhulani+male+stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lisESIU0f1I/UTSZNAl49TI/AAAAAAAACqA/xFQ54iiqSdQ/s640/Rhulani+male+stare.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have for a while been
keeping an eye out for this beautiful young male. He is well known on a neighbouring
reserve and we were sure that he would eventually venture onto our turf as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEKAMNkNctk/UTSYpl2GcgI/AAAAAAAACps/NJFqhA-WgcM/s1600/rhulani+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEKAMNkNctk/UTSYpl2GcgI/AAAAAAAACps/NJFqhA-WgcM/s640/rhulani+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTootzZsMtI/UTSYpnw9A8I/AAAAAAAACpw/H_mwbvzDiok/s1600/rhulani+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTootzZsMtI/UTSYpnw9A8I/AAAAAAAACpw/H_mwbvzDiok/s640/rhulani+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first sighting we had of
this male is probably one of the most memorable sightings I have had in my
entire career! W</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e found him on Nyathi drive
in some thick grass and for the first ten minutes we had to be patient and wait
for him to move. He kept us all on our toes as he moved
through the thick grass and dense bush. A little while later he came to rest
again. My guests decided to stay put and wait for him to give us a good photo
opportunity. Eric left the sighting and about 100 meters from the leopard he
found a pangolin. This is the holy grail for any safari enthusiast and is one of the
rarest sightings in the bush. I informed my guests of what Eric
had found and as he mentioned that he would be staying with the pangolin for a while, we waited for the scene to play out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg43Ag174mE/UTSYS_Hl8TI/AAAAAAAACpY/WxYlJwgj4pA/s1600/rhulani+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg43Ag174mE/UTSYS_Hl8TI/AAAAAAAACpY/WxYlJwgj4pA/s640/rhulani+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huuD-zJOLBY/UTSZVcawSCI/AAAAAAAACqY/pPg7WMsJ6U4/s1600/rhulani+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huuD-zJOLBY/UTSZVcawSCI/AAAAAAAACqY/pPg7WMsJ6U4/s640/rhulani+male.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was not long before the leopard heard the sound
of the pangolin moving through the grass. He was up in a flash and listened intently. He moved towards the sound and went up a termite mound for a better
view. He knew something was there but didn’t know what and where. He then approached
Eric’s vehicle and started sniffing around. He found the “HOLY GRAIL”! At first
he lay next to the Pangolin, not sure what to do with this strange creature. Curiosity then
took over and he started pawing it. Every time the pangolin moved, his
intrigue levels rose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XaWjHDpvums?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvn2-w3nQtU/UTSYIaieACI/AAAAAAAACpA/yx7xZHu3K74/s1600/pangolin+scales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvn2-w3nQtU/UTSYIaieACI/AAAAAAAACpA/yx7xZHu3K74/s640/pangolin+scales.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yPSP2Q8DcY/UTSYNjk0ZNI/AAAAAAAACpQ/e21Q0H-8NUo/s1600/pangolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yPSP2Q8DcY/UTSYNjk0ZNI/AAAAAAAACpQ/e21Q0H-8NUo/s640/pangolin.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Curiosity got the
better of him and he picked the pangolin up. The scales of the pangolin closed and pinched
his lip. He sat staring confused at this strange creature for a little while longer and
left.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not a bad pilot episode for the
new character on our blog.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSNGOH33A_Q/UTSYotqZ0KI/AAAAAAAACpg/PfP-qzD56B0/s1600/rhulani+male+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSNGOH33A_Q/UTSYotqZ0KI/AAAAAAAACpg/PfP-qzD56B0/s640/rhulani+male+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRiJH1lcSVM/UTSZO27rbaI/AAAAAAAACqI/MMag2JGLGRs/s1600/rhulani+male+yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRiJH1lcSVM/UTSZO27rbaI/AAAAAAAACqI/MMag2JGLGRs/s640/rhulani+male+yawning.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5kF5FUWFb8/UTSY2857i3I/AAAAAAAACp4/QqQWcJO2B-0/s1600/Rhulani+male+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5kF5FUWFb8/UTSY2857i3I/AAAAAAAACp4/QqQWcJO2B-0/s640/Rhulani+male+map+25+feb+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Unidentified leopard</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I found
a young male just south of Skybeds with what looked to be a Francolin kill. He wasn’t too keen on paying the rent and went into the drainage line before I could snap a photo. We did manage to get a look none the less.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU0FrPMXNdE/UTSZsZbs0BI/AAAAAAAACqo/yqTsJDsy1rk/s1600/unidentified+leopard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU0FrPMXNdE/UTSZsZbs0BI/AAAAAAAACqo/yqTsJDsy1rk/s640/unidentified+leopard+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZDHMqTAgU/UTSTuTOzh8I/AAAAAAAACmo/ZNNNRJm-8aM/s1600/buffalo+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZDHMqTAgU/UTSTuTOzh8I/AAAAAAAACmo/ZNNNRJm-8aM/s640/buffalo+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ftrXcZUfs/UTSTsd4pg7I/AAAAAAAACmg/K8-fPt7lUhQ/s1600/buffalo+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ftrXcZUfs/UTSTsd4pg7I/AAAAAAAACmg/K8-fPt7lUhQ/s640/buffalo+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVDBOByaF_k/UTST1u6OoBI/AAAAAAAACmw/DerhHbA2bEM/s1600/buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVDBOByaF_k/UTST1u6OoBI/AAAAAAAACmw/DerhHbA2bEM/s640/buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOYNY7fE8ow/UTSUbNyiwCI/AAAAAAAACnA/L_mDommFAzA/s1600/dagga+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOYNY7fE8ow/UTSUbNyiwCI/AAAAAAAACnA/L_mDommFAzA/s640/dagga+boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEf8ix3A9ww/UTSUbT3msQI/AAAAAAAACm8/N_M6p-sG8jw/s1600/elephant+cow+and+calf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEf8ix3A9ww/UTSUbT3msQI/AAAAAAAACm8/N_M6p-sG8jw/s640/elephant+cow+and+calf+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a great week and enjoy
the blog!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren & the Safari Team</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Photo & Video editing by Darren Roberts-York</span></em></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-62538600570924683982013-02-24T16:53:00.000+02:002013-02-24T16:53:02.022+02:00Sightings Update: 11 – 18 February 2013<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W33D9iUIsT4/USnsI4BWUaI/AAAAAAAACho/GvGE2fUhGrY/s1600/wildebeest+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W33D9iUIsT4/USnsI4BWUaI/AAAAAAAACho/GvGE2fUhGrY/s640/wildebeest+sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3gZRWcxg9E/USnn-177yaI/AAAAAAAACc8/JTl2vw6Bmzs/s1600/giraffe_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3gZRWcxg9E/USnn-177yaI/AAAAAAAACc8/JTl2vw6Bmzs/s640/giraffe_edited-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has really been a week
where the pieces of the puzzle have come together. Once again the lion
sightings have been interesting, but there was also a cheetah sighting and
a few leopard sightings to top the cake. We had one good storm and the Nwasitsontso River flowed
once again, if only for a few hours.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GJ9CnkkqcM/USnnlw3s_TI/AAAAAAAACcY/NrGD2nurHEM/s1600/Elephant+b%2526w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GJ9CnkkqcM/USnnlw3s_TI/AAAAAAAACcY/NrGD2nurHEM/s640/Elephant+b%2526w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These girls have been keeping a
low profile since the Matimba males were with them. It’s possible that the
additional pressure coming from these males and the disappearance of the
Sizanani males has turned their world upside down. Mpho had a sighting of the
Koppies females to the south of Mantwan Mphisi pan where they were moving south west
towards Ndlulamiti road. After crossing the small drainage line, they moved
into thick bush and he was unable to relocate them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2b18Pn3P8s/USno_A5QJyI/AAAAAAAACek/_NQAZULWi2A/s1600/koppies+map+18+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2b18Pn3P8s/USno_A5QJyI/AAAAAAAACek/_NQAZULWi2A/s640/koppies+map+18+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This sighting, however short,
tells us that they are content to stay put and not run with their males, the
Sizanani males.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Matimba males & Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCQQgHR5MQ/USnp3pOGCII/AAAAAAAACe4/CBwWzwlM1JM/s1600/Lioness+intent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBCQQgHR5MQ/USnp3pOGCII/AAAAAAAACe4/CBwWzwlM1JM/s640/Lioness+intent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males have once again
delivered exceptional sightings in the last week and these sightings have
confirmed the foothold that they have in the Manyeleti. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G-F9rnI_YE/USnp9ucWCUI/AAAAAAAACfI/JYVgDpMMPtE/s1600/matimba+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G-F9rnI_YE/USnp9ucWCUI/AAAAAAAACfI/JYVgDpMMPtE/s640/matimba+kill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leSh6JlsZ2E/USnrSUOiDkI/AAAAAAAACgw/sY3OvfrscMU/s1600/matimba+kill1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leSh6JlsZ2E/USnrSUOiDkI/AAAAAAAACgw/sY3OvfrscMU/s640/matimba+kill1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWfxUNe7vp8/USnoyB-TbzI/AAAAAAAACeQ/cjp7eYsSnlI/s1600/lion+cub+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWfxUNe7vp8/USnoyB-TbzI/AAAAAAAACeQ/cjp7eYsSnlI/s640/lion+cub+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first sighting we had
this week was between South gate and Pungwe access. They were on a kudu kill
with two of the Nkuhuma females and two of their young male cubs. At first we
thought that the moment the kill was finished, the males would try to find
the young males and kill them. The females were really relaxed and the thought
that these were Matimba cubs never crossed our minds. To our surprise the males were not
aggressive towards the youngsters, except when they approached the food too
closely. We are therefore happy to announce and introduce the young Matimba males.
These cubs are exceptionally lucky because the area they live in is secured by their
powerful fathers.</span></span></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/k7tfEsAx_9E/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k7tfEsAx_9E&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k7tfEsAx_9E&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These youngsters are real
characters and showed the normal curiosity of young lions. They approached the
vehicle, sniffing and trying to get as close to it as they can. It almost
seemed like they were egging each other on. After that they started playing and
like true brothers, they had to play with the same stick.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl9a3kyuKjo/USnow2TU1jI/AAAAAAAACeI/P2uAp6QvlwE/s1600/lion+cubs_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl9a3kyuKjo/USnow2TU1jI/AAAAAAAACeI/P2uAp6QvlwE/s640/lion+cubs_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RKpSN6xsUs/USnp060bHHI/AAAAAAAACew/0qLJpH4wzaQ/s1600/lion+cubs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RKpSN6xsUs/USnp060bHHI/AAAAAAAACew/0qLJpH4wzaQ/s640/lion+cubs1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooAdJqykG2Y/USnp7zSI0aI/AAAAAAAACfA/4n6_EQVV5ZE/s1600/lion+cubs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooAdJqykG2Y/USnp7zSI0aI/AAAAAAAACfA/4n6_EQVV5ZE/s640/lion+cubs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three more Nkuhuma females
were found around S8 and Pod Mahogony accompanied by nine little surprises! These must also
be Matimba cubs as it is slap bang in the middle of their territory. Slowly
but surely they are settling the lion politics that has
unsettled this area for such a long time. Hopefully they’ll dominate this area for a while to come.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkI_ch0PGT0/USnqfQN9lZI/AAAAAAAACfo/5ZS0v_vkEuM/s1600/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkI_ch0PGT0/USnqfQN9lZI/AAAAAAAACfo/5ZS0v_vkEuM/s640/nkuhuma+cubs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx63HUeqMfM/USnrk3Qo3MI/AAAAAAAAChA/IGz2XaP4es0/s1600/nkuhuma+lioness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx63HUeqMfM/USnrk3Qo3MI/AAAAAAAAChA/IGz2XaP4es0/s640/nkuhuma+lioness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The same three Nkuhuma
females were found a few days later on Metsikitsoro plains. Their demeanor was intense and they began hunting a mixed herd on the plains. Impala, Wildebeest and
Zebra were all over the plains and the females were using the wind to their
advantage. We watched as they started to set up a classic lion ambush.
Unfortunately for the lions, the wind changed and the game was up. We followed
them for a while as they started moving south again, back to their cubs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nkhuma Females</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xt5Nys1y6I/USnqYeq74cI/AAAAAAAACfg/3byu1FnHv2Y/s1600/matimba+map+18+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xt5Nys1y6I/USnqYeq74cI/AAAAAAAACfg/3byu1FnHv2Y/s640/matimba+map+18+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matimba Males</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9MSG0kxmIM/USnlq4dOGeI/AAAAAAAACbM/bDXY0pD--H0/s1600/beacon+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9MSG0kxmIM/USnlq4dOGeI/AAAAAAAACbM/bDXY0pD--H0/s640/beacon+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were three sightings of
this male this week. All sightings were around the Main dam area. We noticed
that the Main dam female was in the same area as well and is possibly the
reason why he has not moved around too much this week. He is proving to be a difficult
leopard to photograph and is always in the thick bush close to the dam. He also prefers
moving around fairly late in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWK4RjKrs_U/USnl4JzfpLI/AAAAAAAACbU/VF3CDWvOB1Y/s1600/beacon+male+18+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWK4RjKrs_U/USnl4JzfpLI/AAAAAAAACbU/VF3CDWvOB1Y/s640/beacon+male+18+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unidentified Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQqjUefAYaU/USnrmcjYqzI/AAAAAAAAChI/sf_Wh0ZIJqs/s1600/unidentified+leopard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQqjUefAYaU/USnrmcjYqzI/AAAAAAAAChI/sf_Wh0ZIJqs/s640/unidentified+leopard+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrMbvTPt9tI/USnruq1inpI/AAAAAAAAChQ/ca-3CH3zQS8/s1600/unidentified+leopard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrMbvTPt9tI/USnruq1inpI/AAAAAAAAChQ/ca-3CH3zQS8/s640/unidentified+leopard+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyVVCum8qLI/USnsFls2naI/AAAAAAAAChg/V2PyySC3XWM/s1600/unidentified+leopard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyVVCum8qLI/USnsFls2naI/AAAAAAAAChg/V2PyySC3XWM/s640/unidentified+leopard+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had two sightings of other
leopard in the area. The one was close to the lodge and the other was in the drainage line close
to S8. Both were not very relaxed with the vehicles, but Eric managed to get a
few photos of the male at S8. We will use this to try and figure out where this
male comes from and where he will move to in the future. This is all part of the project we run to try and
understand the leopard population in the Manyeleti. If anyone recognizes this male,
please send us a message with the information.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvIt9LpjnKQ/USns5dxMymI/AAAAAAAACiA/uRffKFXVfqo/s1600/unidentified+leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvIt9LpjnKQ/USns5dxMymI/AAAAAAAACiA/uRffKFXVfqo/s640/unidentified+leopard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJd47ssatGI/USnmHr831cI/AAAAAAAACbk/ZFRR-ZTWBqc/s1600/Cheetah+b%2526w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJd47ssatGI/USnmHr831cI/AAAAAAAACbk/ZFRR-ZTWBqc/s640/Cheetah+b%2526w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjtzB_5MOBA/USnnm1MaQbI/AAAAAAAACck/58Y3VkFOnZ8/s1600/cheetah2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjtzB_5MOBA/USnnm1MaQbI/AAAAAAAACck/58Y3VkFOnZ8/s640/cheetah2_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were lucky enough to find
the female cheetah just outside the lodge again. Patrick found her at Xigamba
pan stalking some Impala. He had only seen her for a few seconds
when she sprung her trap. Pat and his guests were treated to a full chase, but
unfortunately for her, she missed. This is not unusual at all, as cheetah
normally only have a 20% success rate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqrur1-gcgo/USnnlumb1MI/AAAAAAAACcU/B3KnoKkREgQ/s1600/cheetah1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqrur1-gcgo/USnnlumb1MI/AAAAAAAACcU/B3KnoKkREgQ/s640/cheetah1_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She took it all in her
stride and again treated us to a good sighting by posing and giving us excellent
photo opportunities. She moved north towards Buffalo plains, stopping to get a
drink from puddle of water in the road. She was very wary and kept looking around
for any danger. She clearly smelt the Matimba males that were in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8vDlFm6QTY/USnmWxdJElI/AAAAAAAACbw/smzH-CyF92Q/s1600/cheetah+drink_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8vDlFm6QTY/USnmWxdJElI/AAAAAAAACbw/smzH-CyF92Q/s640/cheetah+drink_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQVDlDdTRnA/USnmZCTUYlI/AAAAAAAACb8/kBAUiK5ihgQ/s1600/cheetah+drink1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQVDlDdTRnA/USnmZCTUYlI/AAAAAAAACb8/kBAUiK5ihgQ/s640/cheetah+drink1_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxXjBoy4G64/USnmZPlnB7I/AAAAAAAACb4/09RC-iUb11k/s1600/cheetah+drink2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxXjBoy4G64/USnmZPlnB7I/AAAAAAAACb4/09RC-iUb11k/s640/cheetah+drink2_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Wyf16tajQ/USnl_HFQTII/AAAAAAAACbc/Ec2U-MRbRVk/s1600/cheetah+18+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Wyf16tajQ/USnl_HFQTII/AAAAAAAACbc/Ec2U-MRbRVk/s640/cheetah+18+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnbj0v54V2o/USnlo93qYoI/AAAAAAAACbE/dVnrW_kKCTo/s1600/Abandoned+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnbj0v54V2o/USnlo93qYoI/AAAAAAAACbE/dVnrW_kKCTo/s640/Abandoned+lamb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I01YVGZN3ec/USnns9H6M5I/AAAAAAAACcs/5wJIU8vKmrw/s1600/elephant+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I01YVGZN3ec/USnns9H6M5I/AAAAAAAACcs/5wJIU8vKmrw/s640/elephant+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mph-6DNB-3U/USnn77AOkSI/AAAAAAAACc0/GSfyb_2VaDE/s1600/elephant+stretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mph-6DNB-3U/USnn77AOkSI/AAAAAAAACc0/GSfyb_2VaDE/s640/elephant+stretch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGhNr6Ofr0M/USnoC4uiDEI/AAAAAAAACdE/8M4pVJ9N52I/s1600/impala+chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGhNr6Ofr0M/USnoC4uiDEI/AAAAAAAACdE/8M4pVJ9N52I/s640/impala+chase.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EU6Kzoo1zmk/USnsRsy-wdI/AAAAAAAAChw/O9nis93T8kI/s1600/zebra+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EU6Kzoo1zmk/USnsRsy-wdI/AAAAAAAAChw/O9nis93T8kI/s640/zebra+drink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crr2LAFIf3E/USnsTkibTdI/AAAAAAAACh4/gUwUkOFVKbU/s1600/zebra_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crr2LAFIf3E/USnsTkibTdI/AAAAAAAACh4/gUwUkOFVKbU/s640/zebra_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a great week in the
bush and we hope you enjoyed the blog!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the safari team</span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Photo & Video editing by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-39965914076169716412013-02-16T22:12:00.000+02:002013-02-16T22:12:02.093+02:00Sightings Update: 7 - 11 February 2013<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFANSdqritk/UR9f5PWxmeI/AAAAAAAACYg/GSKEgS--woc/s1600/Orb+spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFANSdqritk/UR9f5PWxmeI/AAAAAAAACYg/GSKEgS--woc/s640/Orb+spider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bush has been a cracker
over the last little while and has produced plenty of fantastic sightings in a
short space of time. Much less rain has fallen and things are starting
to dry up but the dams are at least still full. As we approach the end of the rainy season,
it looks good for the animals going into the dry time. So far, since September,
we have received 763mm of rain. There is plenty of food and water for the
prey species which means that the predators will be spoilt for choice in the coming
dry season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKjY1PQfT_w/UR9gTcUt1EI/AAAAAAAACY4/-MZhnBCHfb8/s1600/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKjY1PQfT_w/UR9gTcUt1EI/AAAAAAAACY4/-MZhnBCHfb8/s640/Sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Lion</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a bit difficult
finding these girls lately as it seem they have moved in a westerly direction
into gabbro plains. Unfortunately this is clay soil and with all the water around,
it’s as good as trying to drive on an oil slick.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did have one sighting in
the last four days but all does not seem well unfortunatley. When we eventually
managed to find the youngest female, she was in pretty bad shape. We
have been waiting patiently for her to show us her cubs, but when she was found
she was no longer lactating and her condition looked a bit worse for wear. She seemed
skinny and had obviously gone through a tough time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few things go through my
mind as to what possibly happened. It may have simply been another predator
that found her cubs and killed them. Another reason might be that she has
been on her own now for a good two months, as lionesses distance themselves
from the rest of the pride to have their cubs. This time away allows for the
lioness to imprint her scent and sound on the cubs. However, this is also the
most difficult time as they have to kill for themselves, by
themselves. For a social hunter this is not easy! The second theory is
therefore that she wasn’t able to kill often enough to sustain her lactation and in the process weakening
herself. It’s not uncommon for young mothers to abandon their cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Either way, we are not sure
what happened, but it does seem that she has lost her cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgcbusOe61w/UR9do827WpI/AAAAAAAACX0/rJI3mcw7Qqc/s1600/Koppies+map+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgcbusOe61w/UR9do827WpI/AAAAAAAACX0/rJI3mcw7Qqc/s640/Koppies+map+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males & Nkuhuma females</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kby4JCF-zc/UR9f6D9JXxI/AAAAAAAACYo/FV0p8eKEcVs/s1600/Nkuhuma+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kby4JCF-zc/UR9f6D9JXxI/AAAAAAAACYo/FV0p8eKEcVs/s640/Nkuhuma+female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-675sHITCuLI/UR9ZtDjD1YI/AAAAAAAACVg/PbuyuQROyuU/s1600/Blonde+Matimba+and+nkuhuma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-675sHITCuLI/UR9ZtDjD1YI/AAAAAAAACVg/PbuyuQROyuU/s640/Blonde+Matimba+and+nkuhuma.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We've had three sightings of these
males in the last four days and as always are providing us with fantastic viewings. One concerning sighting was of one Matimba male close to Vulture
pan. This is usually an area that the Sizanani males move to when the
Matimba males venture into their territory. Hopefully these incursions
deeper and deeper into Sizanani territory don't become habitual.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ufPKE1c7E/UR9aNn24lLI/AAAAAAAACVo/DG6Iox3JSgs/s1600/Blonde+Matimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ufPKE1c7E/UR9aNn24lLI/AAAAAAAACVo/DG6Iox3JSgs/s640/Blonde+Matimba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also found the blonde male with the three Nkuhuma females just off Pungwe access and the two darker males were found close to south gate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems that a pattern of their movements have emerged. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three blonde males have the southern Manyeleti firmly in their grasp and have completely tamed the Nkuhuma females. T</span></span>he two darker males dominate the central Manyeleti and also interacts with the these females but also the
Koppies girls. Induna, the oldest male, moves further east into the Kruger
area but at this stage he is only awarding us with infrequent sightings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWxW5jm04DE/UR9gOBPnhxI/AAAAAAAACYw/L5wnmA0o9bY/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWxW5jm04DE/UR9gOBPnhxI/AAAAAAAACYw/L5wnmA0o9bY/s640/Nkuhuma+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nkhuhuma female movements</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xY4by3Aw2ro/UR9ebbvVdJI/AAAAAAAACYE/zHtFljznQ_s/s1600/Matimba+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xY4by3Aw2ro/UR9ebbvVdJI/AAAAAAAACYE/zHtFljznQ_s/s640/Matimba+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matimba male movements</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This male is really starting
to establish his territory in the central Manyeleti and we are getting more
sightings of him more frequently. One of the hotspots for this male is the area around
Lomfane pan, where he was seen this week. It was at Lomfane pan where he snuck
up to a lion prides buffalo kill and fed from the kill a couple of months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnVSxLSHwS8/UR9ZgM_IcBI/AAAAAAAACVQ/4TtPcdKUkXk/s1600/Beacon+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnVSxLSHwS8/UR9ZgM_IcBI/AAAAAAAACVQ/4TtPcdKUkXk/s640/Beacon+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another hotspot is the area
around the lodge and once again he was seen here in the last four days. He was
seen again on Panicum road and moved north towards Tamboti road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcZGw28-g30/UR9ZXvYijDI/AAAAAAAACVI/xfVXlpc5MV8/s1600/Beacon+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcZGw28-g30/UR9ZXvYijDI/AAAAAAAACVI/xfVXlpc5MV8/s640/Beacon+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other identified hotspot is Main dam
and I’m sure we will find him in this area soon enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRV66CGkCIg/UR9Zlw1WJlI/AAAAAAAACVY/7FJQW_0c43Q/s1600/Beacon+male+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRV66CGkCIg/UR9Zlw1WJlI/AAAAAAAACVY/7FJQW_0c43Q/s640/Beacon+male+map+11+feb+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Main dam female<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At one stage we thought she
had lost one of her cubs, but how wrong we were. Two leopard cubs were seen at
Manor House pan and that night she was seen close to reception. Both were
brief sightings but at least we know her cubs are still alive and well.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last we know of their
movements are that their tracks were seen heading towards Helens road. We will monitor the Main dam area for the next few days to see if she moves into her
traditional area.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-dgRmweXEo/UR9eYAlWu5I/AAAAAAAACX8/VOlOZuaHlfY/s1600/Main+dam+female+ancubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-dgRmweXEo/UR9eYAlWu5I/AAAAAAAACX8/VOlOZuaHlfY/s640/Main+dam+female+ancubs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lcQZrFOA0fc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> </strong><span style="font-size: small;">Fritz managed to get this incredible footage of an African Wild Cat. Usually they are quite shy but this youngster decided to reveal itself.</span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8mkcY_mhI/UR9aWTVw2FI/AAAAAAAACVw/yFsr_NdUBSw/s1600/Buffalo+bulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8mkcY_mhI/UR9aWTVw2FI/AAAAAAAACVw/yFsr_NdUBSw/s640/Buffalo+bulls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iLKrqDkxgaI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsduhlLwHWc/UR9cNqEsEUI/AAAAAAAACWE/KI0omwm2b4c/s1600/Elephant+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsduhlLwHWc/UR9cNqEsEUI/AAAAAAAACWE/KI0omwm2b4c/s640/Elephant+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5taAlC5mcmw/UR9ahjn4g5I/AAAAAAAACV4/sBZSjhxAqf8/s1600/Elephant+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5taAlC5mcmw/UR9ahjn4g5I/AAAAAAAACV4/sBZSjhxAqf8/s640/Elephant+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NtTZRMSNsc/UR9cbV0QWXI/AAAAAAAACXM/g5clcvWJX3A/s1600/Elephant+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NtTZRMSNsc/UR9cbV0QWXI/AAAAAAAACXM/g5clcvWJX3A/s640/Elephant+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpn1OK9APXs/UR9dMasUtdI/AAAAAAAACXc/x0YIghwbiXg/s1600/Elephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpn1OK9APXs/UR9dMasUtdI/AAAAAAAACXc/x0YIghwbiXg/s640/Elephants.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1GGwznp2wQ/UR9cvLynueI/AAAAAAAACXU/seaJG9sOavM/s1600/Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1GGwznp2wQ/UR9cvLynueI/AAAAAAAACXU/seaJG9sOavM/s640/Elephant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kC8-omWaCw/UR9cPWs_IKI/AAAAAAAACWM/ZwS0KmSsmjo/s1600/Elephant+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kC8-omWaCw/UR9cPWs_IKI/AAAAAAAACWM/ZwS0KmSsmjo/s640/Elephant+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcR1NVxr-bc/UR9es2wLdaI/AAAAAAAACYU/E06GtXqizck/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcR1NVxr-bc/UR9es2wLdaI/AAAAAAAACYU/E06GtXqizck/s640/monkey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deep in thought - I wonder what this button does?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-sf8IJCArc/UR9dc73yM0I/AAAAAAAACXk/umFZiqIh1C8/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-sf8IJCArc/UR9dc73yM0I/AAAAAAAACXk/umFZiqIh1C8/s640/giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exJVlsmTCZY/UR9dfI85KTI/AAAAAAAACXs/vqxCZdlAL5Y/s1600/giraffe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exJVlsmTCZY/UR9dfI85KTI/AAAAAAAACXs/vqxCZdlAL5Y/s640/giraffe+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvwmCPt8cOs/UR9enJFXcPI/AAAAAAAACYM/y1GIlx5a9p8/s1600/mixed+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvwmCPt8cOs/UR9enJFXcPI/AAAAAAAACYM/y1GIlx5a9p8/s640/mixed+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueL8qqQa7DE/UR9gjeQpVII/AAAAAAAACZA/ciwknx1y35o/s1600/Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueL8qqQa7DE/UR9gjeQpVII/AAAAAAAACZA/ciwknx1y35o/s640/Zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you enjoyed the blog!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren and the safari team</span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Photo and Video editing by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-77239126395885702202013-02-09T16:08:00.000+02:002013-02-09T16:08:44.503+02:00Sightings Update: 23 January - 7 February 2013<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tHg_u-5odQ/URYzSYU2V3I/AAAAAAAACSU/2i8saXvQ7yI/s1600/elephant+bulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tHg_u-5odQ/URYzSYU2V3I/AAAAAAAACSU/2i8saXvQ7yI/s640/elephant+bulls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things have started settling after the major
flooding we had earlier in January and once again all the rain has altered
the bush. It’s refilled the dams and the cycle between wet and dry, and life
and death, begins again. This week we had a number of electrical storms which were </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">absolutely spectacular to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqAnqn2PSoA/URY0M0B5MzI/AAAAAAAACSo/7OC6MFsnkzI/s1600/hyena+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqAnqn2PSoA/URY0M0B5MzI/AAAAAAAACSo/7OC6MFsnkzI/s640/hyena+102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the big moments we
experienced on safari after the rain was a migration of young African
Bullfrogs. There was literally thousands of small frogs moving from the water
sources where they were born looking to find a place of their own. It’s something they
have to do as once they reach a certain size, their dedicated fathers
who have protected them all their lives, start to see them as potential prey. The instinct is to move away from potential danger and so a spectacular
migration was witnessed. Between all the erratic bouncing I managed to capture at least one photograph of a tiny Bullfrog the smaller than my thumb.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwPlOv4gCvs/URYtJczI1YI/AAAAAAAACPA/uuADxk5-uYE/s1600/Juvenile+African+Bullfrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwPlOv4gCvs/URYtJczI1YI/AAAAAAAACPA/uuADxk5-uYE/s640/Juvenile+African+Bullfrog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzihjPyeiZw/URY4F8xKkwI/AAAAAAAACT8/_WVa3yWxW_0/s1600/Sizanani+map+30+jan+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzihjPyeiZw/URY4F8xKkwI/AAAAAAAACT8/_WVa3yWxW_0/s640/Sizanani+map+30+jan+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two brothers were seen
only once in this period. In the last blog we predicted that they might move
north, away from the Matimba threat that had once again moved in on their turf
and their females. This is exactly what they did! They moved into the area
around Vulture pan and managed to kill a fully grown Buffalo again. Not bad for
two males of which one has a severely bad back leg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQ5P7IjIz94?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They spent several days feeding
on the female Buffalo. Once again the strong male, who we’ve decided to name
the Madiba male (so named after Nelson Mandela because of his unusual
compassion not seen in lion behaviour), left his brother Gimpy to feed in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males and Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OwqD4t6zI/URY3-XPU85I/AAAAAAAACT0/ATaxiiAzYdM/s1600/Matimba+map+and+koppies+30+jan+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OwqD4t6zI/URY3-XPU85I/AAAAAAAACT0/ATaxiiAzYdM/s640/Matimba+map+and+koppies+30+jan+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These males have also
afforded us one sighting. They were once again with the Koppies females and
it will be interesting to see if these females stay with this powerful coalition. One male was with two Koppies girls on Helens road and had already
mated with the middle female (in the previous blog). This time he was showing particular
interest in the older female.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukUMuRANrGw/URYt2wIXACI/AAAAAAAACPQ/gL1JOmVpjio/s1600/matimba+and+koppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukUMuRANrGw/URYt2wIXACI/AAAAAAAACPQ/gL1JOmVpjio/s640/matimba+and+koppies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy3tArQXHyQ/URYvuyrdsSI/AAAAAAAACQs/OwF2R8CEv9E/s1600/MAtimba+and+koppies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy3tArQXHyQ/URYvuyrdsSI/AAAAAAAACQs/OwF2R8CEv9E/s640/MAtimba+and+koppies+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Matimba’s have already
secured the Nkuhuma females in the south and three of the males spend most of
their time with these girls. Two of the males are generally in the central Manyeleti around Main dam. They have on several occasions flirted with the Mbiri females and the Koppies girls. Interestingly enough, the Koppies and Mbiri females are both from the Orpen/ Skybeds pride that
split up early last year. I don’t think
they’ll accept each other in a new pride so only time will tell if these males
will be able to juggle the two groups of females.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wn3pS6m3lc/URYvsyS1TVI/AAAAAAAACQk/CuGlxGwwxCE/s1600/Matimba+and+spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wn3pS6m3lc/URYvsyS1TVI/AAAAAAAACQk/CuGlxGwwxCE/s640/Matimba+and+spider.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJngdpFlUew/URYu8deBdBI/AAAAAAAACPc/ih2wHdQWx2U/s1600/koppies+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJngdpFlUew/URYu8deBdBI/AAAAAAAACPc/ih2wHdQWx2U/s640/koppies+female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyIxQl4GJ-A/URY4NLzNaRI/AAAAAAAACUE/rVkTiDAkIiM/s1600/Nkuhuma+map+30+jan+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyIxQl4GJ-A/URY4NLzNaRI/AAAAAAAACUE/rVkTiDAkIiM/s640/Nkuhuma+map+30+jan+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These females are usually
found in the far south of the Manyeleti, but due to the constant upheaval
caused by big coalitions of males, they have also splintered into smaller
groups. The core of the group still frequents the southern Manyeleti and currently has three cubs sired by the Matimba males. The rest of the
group still has to accept the Matimba males further north.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoBZKA1K7zg/URYxpslpaYI/AAAAAAAACRA/BTTL50UeLk0/s1600/Nkuhuma+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoBZKA1K7zg/URYxpslpaYI/AAAAAAAACRA/BTTL50UeLk0/s640/Nkuhuma+female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found one of the Nkuhuma
females on a Giraffe kill at Ndlovu Manzi. This is by far the furthest north we
have seen any of these females. I think she had a very lucky day as she
had a giraffe carcass of probably more than a ton, all to herself. She had to
be a little careful as the carcass attracted a few Hyenas to the
area. They wouldn’t hesitate killing her given the chance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jo399QNKHhQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3lCj6OIWx4/URY33fZesJI/AAAAAAAACTs/DHNZR_BPjRU/s1600/Cheetah+map+30+jan+2013_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3lCj6OIWx4/URY33fZesJI/AAAAAAAACTs/DHNZR_BPjRU/s640/Cheetah+map+30+jan+2013_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had two good Cheetah
sightings in this period. The first sighting was of the resident female between
Vulture pan road and Rhino Run road. She was looking around, probably for food,
but had a nervous look about her. The first thought was that the Sizanani
brothers had a kill in the area a few days back and she most likely
smelt them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POCgpY0XZq4/URYzStBLSuI/AAAAAAAACSQ/SHWLaOLMXg0/s1600/Cheetah+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POCgpY0XZq4/URYzStBLSuI/AAAAAAAACSQ/SHWLaOLMXg0/s640/Cheetah+102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mpho, in the meantime, had
noticed the tracks of two males in the area. We have seen a few single males
and a coalition of four young males in the area recently. Maybe the four had split into
two, who knows, we thought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKkbIvsOPho/URYy4-SX6-I/AAAAAAAACSI/xt-iBmwsAcs/s1600/Cheetah+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKkbIvsOPho/URYy4-SX6-I/AAAAAAAACSI/xt-iBmwsAcs/s640/Cheetah+101.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few days later we had a very disturbing sighting. As it was a rainy morning no cameras went out. The guys found two male Cheetah that had
killed another male and were busy eating him. I have seen canabalism before with Lion and Leopard but have never even heard of it with Cheetah. It left us all shocked and surprised as we
discussed it after safari that morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Other views from the bush</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sk23RYFLHcU/URY0HpJ4qoI/AAAAAAAACSg/6XcmRYnu3ik/s1600/hyena+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sk23RYFLHcU/URY0HpJ4qoI/AAAAAAAACSg/6XcmRYnu3ik/s640/hyena+101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOC98Zq8rhk/URYroV_z39I/AAAAAAAACOo/SDSEl2GHyLw/s1600/buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOC98Zq8rhk/URYroV_z39I/AAAAAAAACOo/SDSEl2GHyLw/s640/buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMm5F94E234/URYsKz7Pt0I/AAAAAAAACO4/Az1GzyXydF4/s1600/Steenbok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMm5F94E234/URYsKz7Pt0I/AAAAAAAACO4/Az1GzyXydF4/s640/Steenbok.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pRo-dbydEU/URYsE-8nplI/AAAAAAAACOw/XfhRBSxCQDs/s1600/Elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pRo-dbydEU/URYsE-8nplI/AAAAAAAACOw/XfhRBSxCQDs/s640/Elephant+bull.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ra3VxkLloNs/URYyGvsMp3I/AAAAAAAACSA/PMttigikjJ4/s1600/elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ra3VxkLloNs/URYyGvsMp3I/AAAAAAAACSA/PMttigikjJ4/s640/elephant.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/JJVQ0D_kUJM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JJVQ0D_kUJM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JJVQ0D_kUJM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVhb-c5m0ck/URYtTHE3yvI/AAAAAAAACPI/N8VqG1TNuks/s1600/hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVhb-c5m0ck/URYtTHE3yvI/AAAAAAAACPI/N8VqG1TNuks/s640/hippo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s crazy time in the bush
at the moment. Hope you all enjoy the sights!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren Roberts-York and the
safari team</span></span></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Photo and Video Editing by Darren Roberts-York</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-79807157601999191912013-02-05T21:48:00.000+02:002013-02-05T21:48:22.077+02:00Sightings Update: 14 - 22 January 2013<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mCnOHMIt-A/UQ6h8hUBC9I/AAAAAAAACEw/VXutY6zelkE/s1600/Black+backed+Jackal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mCnOHMIt-A/UQ6h8hUBC9I/AAAAAAAACEw/VXutY6zelkE/s640/Black+backed+Jackal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irq0FkEFAAg/UQ6iS7MwFVI/AAAAAAAACFA/GXzUhFJMhVY/s1600/Giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irq0FkEFAAg/UQ6iS7MwFVI/AAAAAAAACFA/GXzUhFJMhVY/s640/Giraffe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It truly has been an
interesting start to the 2013! The Matimba coalition has made a serious impact
on the lion dynamics from where they left off an another massive event
was once again flooding on exactly the same day as last year!
Luckily it was not nearly as much water but we still had 385mm in two days of
raining. The Nwasisontso River was flowing strongly for several days after and whether
we like it or not, we needed it to ensure that our water sources are full for
the dry season that seems so far away. All these events are needed to keep the
balance in the bush and ensures that life carries on as it is intended.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDeRWj--ANE/UQ6iPLJI1uI/AAAAAAAACE4/nEHnlUH8YoU/s1600/Dwarf+Mongoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDeRWj--ANE/UQ6iPLJI1uI/AAAAAAAACE4/nEHnlUH8YoU/s640/Dwarf+Mongoose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani Males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGoq-YoF6bk/UQ9dz0M13QI/AAAAAAAACKo/SJUBhxf_yuI/s1600/Sizanani+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGoq-YoF6bk/UQ9dz0M13QI/AAAAAAAACKo/SJUBhxf_yuI/s640/Sizanani+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems these males are
keeping a bit of a low profile. Having had a close encounter with one of the
Matimba males again, these males are not nearly as vocal as they were a few
months ago. We had four sightings of the Sizanani boys within this period and
they are definitely keeping to the western parts of their territory. Bad news for them is that the Koppies females have been moving further east and
have already interacted with the Matimba’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NI2e8uG2Mfs/UQ9fGTnhR_I/AAAAAAAACLE/8fcKqz6mw98/s1600/Sizanani+map+22+jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NI2e8uG2Mfs/UQ9fGTnhR_I/AAAAAAAACLE/8fcKqz6mw98/s640/Sizanani+map+22+jan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They were seen finishing off
a Buffalo kill close to the airstrip and then moved further to the west, closer to the lodge, where they spent a few days sleeping off their full
bellies. The last sighting we had was very close to the Matimba territory, but as they
usually move to the north west from this area and head towards Khoka Moya dam,
they will stay far out of the way of the Matimba’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK6eVId4R7Q/UQ9d-IzUD1I/AAAAAAAACKw/4YiUo7CrVdQ/s1600/Sizanani+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK6eVId4R7Q/UQ9d-IzUD1I/AAAAAAAACKw/4YiUo7CrVdQ/s640/Sizanani+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Koppies Females</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4rhFO2TuZs/UQ6jgE5FR6I/AAAAAAAACFg/eGU0IcJd4rk/s1600/koppies+female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4rhFO2TuZs/UQ6jgE5FR6I/AAAAAAAACFg/eGU0IcJd4rk/s640/koppies+female+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The older female was seen
with the middle female on Tamboti road, where they also cleaned up the remnants of a Buffalo kill. The older female hasn’t been seen again this week. The middle female was
later seen with one of the Matimba males. They spent three days mating at
Mantwan Mphisi pan. Her last encounter with the Matimba’s was quite violent but this time she was more than willing to give in.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-039EKZjciYA/UQ9bBe2BrKI/AAAAAAAACII/dufFhYFPfm4/s1600/koppies+map+22+jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-039EKZjciYA/UQ9bBe2BrKI/AAAAAAAACII/dufFhYFPfm4/s640/koppies+map+22+jan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCZOGiWZok4/UQ6jqx0V2MI/AAAAAAAACFo/c1zHU5wiW_w/s1600/koppies+female+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCZOGiWZok4/UQ6jqx0V2MI/AAAAAAAACFo/c1zHU5wiW_w/s640/koppies+female+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We don’t know what will
happen next, but should the Matimba’s take over the Sizanani territory they will be
able to settle the Koppies females down. The fear is that as long as the females
are mating with both sets of males, the females will probably keep the cubs
away from the males and the cohesion of their group will suffer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The youngest female’s tracks
have been seen around Panicum to Tamboti but we've had no sign sign of cubs yet.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbZwmhxlkiU/UQ9YYTFAM4I/AAAAAAAACG4/QDEnt7PB6Zo/s1600/Koppies+female+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbZwmhxlkiU/UQ9YYTFAM4I/AAAAAAAACG4/QDEnt7PB6Zo/s640/Koppies+female+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdaqFAdrt7I/UQ6lqxWuizI/AAAAAAAACFw/jZFqhKEtCuk/s1600/matimba+and+koppies+mating+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdaqFAdrt7I/UQ6lqxWuizI/AAAAAAAACFw/jZFqhKEtCuk/s640/matimba+and+koppies+mating+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_LZObzHBAZg/UQ6lsosxfGI/AAAAAAAACF4/zY88DIpskkQ/s1600/Matimba+and+koppies+mating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_LZObzHBAZg/UQ6lsosxfGI/AAAAAAAACF4/zY88DIpskkQ/s640/Matimba+and+koppies+mating.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned before, one male
spent a few days mating with one of the Koppies girls. Usually these males move
around in groups of two or three, but this week while one male was mating, the other
males scattered. They have a large coalition and have always relied on
their numbers for security. The one lone male seemed slightly
anxious, vocalising and looking for the other boys.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7l9ibw1qmE/UQ9cfwwsr3I/AAAAAAAACJg/vEECYXE4j7k/s1600/Matimba+male+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7l9ibw1qmE/UQ9cfwwsr3I/AAAAAAAACJg/vEECYXE4j7k/s640/Matimba+male+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpC_vkpTl0/UQ9duReJaXI/AAAAAAAACKg/BwoZ4ASINDE/s1600/Matimba+map+22+jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpC_vkpTl0/UQ9duReJaXI/AAAAAAAACKg/BwoZ4ASINDE/s640/Matimba+map+22+jan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/0MylE_Z1tbk/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0MylE_Z1tbk&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="640" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0MylE_Z1tbk&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just after the flood, three
of these males were seen with the Koppies female at the shooting range close to the Kruger boundary. We can only wonder what the impact of this will be!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPy1d8udzs/UQ9cUGIE7yI/AAAAAAAACJY/Y0UqL47gBZo/s1600/Matimba+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPy1d8udzs/UQ9cUGIE7yI/AAAAAAAACJY/Y0UqL47gBZo/s640/Matimba+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDm8w63xmws/UQ9cLjmEsPI/AAAAAAAACJM/VGEZawNGzyU/s1600/Matimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDm8w63xmws/UQ9cLjmEsPI/AAAAAAAACJM/VGEZawNGzyU/s640/Matimba+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5G-Xx9Gdzk/UQ9b0t27H4I/AAAAAAAACIQ/zDYpTVvbH8o/s1600/Matimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5G-Xx9Gdzk/UQ9b0t27H4I/AAAAAAAACIQ/zDYpTVvbH8o/s640/Matimba+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Other views from the bush</strong></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmdGAvkMqus/UQ9jMt00xpI/AAAAAAAACNI/ZAyXDiK1gAo/s1600/Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmdGAvkMqus/UQ9jMt00xpI/AAAAAAAACNI/ZAyXDiK1gAo/s640/Zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8igsmuVGEA/UQ9jQFPGfII/AAAAAAAACNQ/hV8Rr6sFH90/s1600/Wildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8igsmuVGEA/UQ9jQFPGfII/AAAAAAAACNQ/hV8Rr6sFH90/s640/Wildebeest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcZwdmydxAA/UQ6iy0siytI/AAAAAAAACFI/Qs99PMjvx-k/s1600/Hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcZwdmydxAA/UQ6iy0siytI/AAAAAAAACFI/Qs99PMjvx-k/s640/Hippo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwXjiqjLMeE/UQ6jIWQIcoI/AAAAAAAACFQ/CmW8IEh-0aY/s1600/Impala+rams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwXjiqjLMeE/UQ6jIWQIcoI/AAAAAAAACFQ/CmW8IEh-0aY/s640/Impala+rams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Darren Roberts-York & the safari team</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-38914623062491151592013-02-01T17:48:00.000+02:002013-02-01T17:48:22.017+02:00Sightings Update: 1 - 14 January 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 is well on its way and so are the animals at Tintswalo Safari Lodge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our guides captured so many amazing sightings that it's difficult to choose between what will be archived and what will be blogged.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elephants</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this clip you'll see a few young elephant crossing one of main dams inlets. The youngsters especial struggled a bit, however after they crossed you can see their youthful excitement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Male elephant just making sure the buffalo know he is not a push-over</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Elephant playfully fighting with a noticeable larger family member.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qd7xBnIAGQ/UP_VZE5_xCI/AAAAAAAAB7g/vGBtem29VNU/s1600/Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qd7xBnIAGQ/UP_VZE5_xCI/AAAAAAAAB7g/vGBtem29VNU/s640/Elephant.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q2-VEUPPMY/UP_bD6UVR-I/AAAAAAAAB_w/yswPVSrwb7o/s1600/Elephant+bulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q2-VEUPPMY/UP_bD6UVR-I/AAAAAAAAB_w/yswPVSrwb7o/s640/Elephant+bulls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two Bull Elephants matching up</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0wsW6O0IVM/UP_ZqJDgymI/AAAAAAAAB_E/uW8nvuF8v4w/s1600/Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0wsW6O0IVM/UP_ZqJDgymI/AAAAAAAAB_E/uW8nvuF8v4w/s640/Elephant.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a4GlG9MitE/UP_bR-_4sEI/AAAAAAAACAo/o1O_yvnnyqI/s1600/elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a4GlG9MitE/UP_bR-_4sEI/AAAAAAAACAo/o1O_yvnnyqI/s640/elephant+bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbevlKLLerI/UP_VcF0zfzI/AAAAAAAAB7o/AZf_wG5iibM/s1600/Cheetah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbevlKLLerI/UP_VcF0zfzI/AAAAAAAAB7o/AZf_wG5iibM/s640/Cheetah.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our resident female cheetah was sighted frequently searching
for potential prey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We followed her for hours while she attempted hunt impala
with little success due to constant changes in wind directions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJ64R0bc6GM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">African Wild Dogs<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vH6nRWM1Jo/UP_Z26ZsY9I/AAAAAAAAB_M/vFd2RuijNbI/s1600/Wild+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vH6nRWM1Jo/UP_Z26ZsY9I/AAAAAAAAB_M/vFd2RuijNbI/s640/Wild+dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Wild dog pack with their nine pups are still doing well. We
are holding thumbs that all nine pups will make it to adulthood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lions<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba Males/ Nkuhuma Females</span></span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iC040x-N9Go/UP_ZOUnJVAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_k9m3IdNNqY/s1600/Matimba+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iC040x-N9Go/UP_ZOUnJVAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_k9m3IdNNqY/s640/Matimba+male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5zWDxuM8js/UP_ZQAmo5II/AAAAAAAAB-8/YNWlBLce10s/s1600/Matimba+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5zWDxuM8js/UP_ZQAmo5II/AAAAAAAAB-8/YNWlBLce10s/s640/Matimba+male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06gxJO2sqnQ/UP_WAgXBqqI/AAAAAAAAB74/sD6rgfgYFB0/s1600/Koppies+female+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06gxJO2sqnQ/UP_WAgXBqqI/AAAAAAAAB74/sD6rgfgYFB0/s640/Koppies+female+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puSn_INVlFI/UP_aG9O30TI/AAAAAAAAB_c/wvCfxJZI120/s1600/Matimba+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puSn_INVlFI/UP_aG9O30TI/AAAAAAAAB_c/wvCfxJZI120/s640/Matimba+male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QbUkkA3nk/UP_ZOZQiIRI/AAAAAAAAB-w/C9uoCAXFfy4/s1600/Matimba+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QbUkkA3nk/UP_ZOZQiIRI/AAAAAAAAB-w/C9uoCAXFfy4/s640/Matimba+male+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matimba males on a buffalo that the Nkuhuma females stole from the Koppies females.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Koppies females<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two days after the koppies females lost their buffalo kill to the Matimba males they brought down a huge adult zebra. They stayed on this kill for 7 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26qMky-7yzc/UP_Wh9KwmGI/AAAAAAAAB8I/o7SD93bpgTU/s1600/Koppies+females.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26qMky-7yzc/UP_Wh9KwmGI/AAAAAAAAB8I/o7SD93bpgTU/s640/Koppies+females.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/y2B6f_Ozg1s/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y2B6f_Ozg1s&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y2B6f_Ozg1s&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJjWJJThme0/UP_WJSgHC4I/AAAAAAAAB8A/zq5I-Yp_aNM/s1600/Koppies+female+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJjWJJThme0/UP_WJSgHC4I/AAAAAAAAB8A/zq5I-Yp_aNM/s640/Koppies+female+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you look closely you can see that this female from the
koppies females might be lactating...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSPn3SMNOqw/UP_WjhxlpBI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/I82T3bFzkr0/s1600/Koppies+female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSPn3SMNOqw/UP_WjhxlpBI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/I82T3bFzkr0/s640/Koppies+female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other sightings</span></span><o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cOKRwSD6zJM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hyena crushing bones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gC2W_2Hohg4/UP_UlnGN-jI/AAAAAAAAB7A/GOQkHxbnocU/s1600/Banded+Groundling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gC2W_2Hohg4/UP_UlnGN-jI/AAAAAAAAB7A/GOQkHxbnocU/s640/Banded+Groundling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_biITKET9g/UP_U2W4sBzI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/EG4mUuFDU5s/s1600/Caked+Buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_biITKET9g/UP_U2W4sBzI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/EG4mUuFDU5s/s640/Caked+Buffalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNZpwtC2onw/UP_V4kJRIvI/AAAAAAAAB7w/RjtVzXWthII/s1600/Hippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNZpwtC2onw/UP_V4kJRIvI/AAAAAAAAB7w/RjtVzXWthII/s640/Hippo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oohx6J9gTys/UP_Uq8xuhxI/AAAAAAAAB7I/6J6vMfiGRcU/s1600/Buffalo+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oohx6J9gTys/UP_Uq8xuhxI/AAAAAAAAB7I/6J6vMfiGRcU/s640/Buffalo+herd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YG55MxQeiA/UP_VR7PC6PI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/4wCAWm7sg4Y/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YG55MxQeiA/UP_VR7PC6PI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/4wCAWm7sg4Y/s640/giraffe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgVbmwPD6fg/UP_aB64hp2I/AAAAAAAAB_U/uzs_d-E76o8/s1600/elephant+bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y1R32Gdmno/UP_YTVStB1I/AAAAAAAAB90/Lk1ln1jxIbY/s1600/Leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y1R32Gdmno/UP_YTVStB1I/AAAAAAAAB90/Lk1ln1jxIbY/s640/Leopard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvrL1FZ2DFI/UP_a60CDPmI/AAAAAAAAB_o/xAEAHyy2qQI/s1600/leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvrL1FZ2DFI/UP_a60CDPmI/AAAAAAAAB_o/xAEAHyy2qQI/s640/leopard.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fritz Breytenbach & the Safari Team</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo & Video Editing: Fritz Breytenbach</span></em></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-16271629053862804822012-12-30T07:58:00.000+02:002012-12-30T07:58:46.155+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRpG74dTIuI/UN8wRPhHdHI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/WCobgLhcr3g/s1600/Skybeds+sunset+2048+edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRpG74dTIuI/UN8wRPhHdHI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/WCobgLhcr3g/s1600/Skybeds+sunset+2048+edit+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_kmfaEUZAU/UN8wBV9IrxI/AAAAAAAAB4I/aAHMtDDpfE0/s1600/pod+mahogany+edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_kmfaEUZAU/UN8wBV9IrxI/AAAAAAAAB4I/aAHMtDDpfE0/s1600/pod+mahogany+edit+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last while has produced
some of the hottest weather so far this summer. Temperatures have been touching
38 degrees Celsius on some days and the animals have definitely been responding
to it. Buffalo have spent most of their days cooling in mud wallows, while
others have been taking shelter in whatever shade they could find.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFf43SdVAoE/UN8tFqGLiTI/AAAAAAAAB3I/MvRhJxHtbxI/s1600/Baboon+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFf43SdVAoE/UN8tFqGLiTI/AAAAAAAAB3I/MvRhJxHtbxI/s1600/Baboon+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtdF7Y2jTAY/UN8voJuLvvI/AAAAAAAAB4A/NvGLgA0H-Os/s1600/Warthog+2048+edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtdF7Y2jTAY/UN8voJuLvvI/AAAAAAAAB4A/NvGLgA0H-Os/s1600/Warthog+2048+edit+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The different groups have
scattered and while we haven’t seen a lot of a specific pride or coalition, we
have seen most of the groups at least once or twice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani and Koppies<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first sighting we had of
these Lions was of a single female on a Buffalo kill on Buffalo plains. She was
quickly joined by one of the other Koppies females and the two of them spent a
few days feeding on the Buffalo. The third and youngest female hasn’t been seen
in a while now, but we have seen tracks for one female around the Madache/ Tamboti
area. After a careful calculation, we believe she may be preparing to have
cubs. She was seen mating with the gimpy leg Sizanani male, as told about in
the blog on the 23<sup>rd</sup> of September, and it is possible that she is
now distancing herself from the other females in order to find a suitable den
site. She’ll more than likely spend the first two months away from her pride
mates, all the while imprinting herself onto her cubs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGg1vzYxHSI/UN8qzuBB7yI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Usb-sbkIv5c/s1600/Koppies+female+2048+edit+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGg1vzYxHSI/UN8qzuBB7yI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Usb-sbkIv5c/s1600/Koppies+female+2048+edit+12.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If this is the case, the area
she has selected is a very good choice. It’s rich in prey species and cover for
the cubs are guaranteed as this is in a drainage line. Also the Matimba males
generally don’t venture this far west and the Ngala males don’t venture this
far south. The local hyena population also prefers the open gabbro area’s to
the west of Tamboti. The only major concern is that it’s a favourite area for a
lot of the Leopard in near vicinity. Now all we can do is wait for her to bring
them out once she is ready to show and tell!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es5cleLVhMc/UN8qeM79shI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Gnn-lQ1nW5E/s1600/Koppies+female+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es5cleLVhMc/UN8qeM79shI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Gnn-lQ1nW5E/s1600/Koppies+female+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other two females were
seen again in the company of the two Sizanani males just off a small track
between Tamboti and Sable west. This was the only sighting we had of the males since
the last sightings report.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBpBDnpYX1o/UN8rqTFR-EI/AAAAAAAAB2o/6Yjq2QvzDlo/s1600/Sizanani+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBpBDnpYX1o/UN8rqTFR-EI/AAAAAAAAB2o/6Yjq2QvzDlo/s1600/Sizanani+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sizanani Males</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKYH9GnVCiM/UN8rQSC3DuI/AAAAAAAAB2g/6Jua8ITyCPw/s1600/Koppies+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKYH9GnVCiM/UN8rQSC3DuI/AAAAAAAAB2g/6Jua8ITyCPw/s1600/Koppies+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Koppies Females</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one very interesting sighting
of these majestic males. Mpho found three of the males not far from
Metsikitsoro plains, close to Main Dam. They were moving quite rapidly and he
had his work cut out for him as they took the lead. They got to the plains and
were sniffing around. Something had really peaked their interest, but the heat
of the day forced them to cut their search off, at least until it cooled in the
afternoon.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrenDcN1gzI/UN8h6gsSLVI/AAAAAAAABy0/OVCfJJnBL8o/s1600/MAtimba+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrenDcN1gzI/UN8h6gsSLVI/AAAAAAAABy0/OVCfJJnBL8o/s1600/MAtimba+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbNd7W4tRrM/UN8ikHy8xiI/AAAAAAAABzE/nK1VYrPYDR4/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbNd7W4tRrM/UN8ikHy8xiI/AAAAAAAABzE/nK1VYrPYDR4/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7RG0VVAmRY/UN8jrERp-kI/AAAAAAAABzc/2rLNsqKGqcE/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7RG0VVAmRY/UN8jrERp-kI/AAAAAAAABzc/2rLNsqKGqcE/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+17.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xttn9LV4HLo/UN8jNGRgh2I/AAAAAAAABzM/ynRb9SIiq7A/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xttn9LV4HLo/UN8jNGRgh2I/AAAAAAAABzM/ynRb9SIiq7A/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+15.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3olxN_8R-0/UN8jdsMkOwI/AAAAAAAABzU/fakRB1m6B6E/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3olxN_8R-0/UN8jdsMkOwI/AAAAAAAABzU/fakRB1m6B6E/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+16.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc-7GKfQdtA/UN8iPYnY3iI/AAAAAAAABy8/r3J2twPO2po/s1600/Matimba+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc-7GKfQdtA/UN8iPYnY3iI/AAAAAAAABy8/r3J2twPO2po/s1600/Matimba+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mpho noticed fresh tracks of
two females heading west into the Koppies females territory. Two of the females
had been here very recently and this is clearly what these males were after. The
Matimba males have done well in securing a big territory but have not yet
secured the females that come with it. It seems they may have some charm
issues!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oJ6V1C6FY0/UN8scSToBhI/AAAAAAAAB24/5hNRqlh-f6k/s1600/matimba+2048+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oJ6V1C6FY0/UN8scSToBhI/AAAAAAAAB24/5hNRqlh-f6k/s1600/matimba+2048+edit+1.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb9MAOGPt8s/UN8s27s8rmI/AAAAAAAAB3A/oRkeo2EvCZU/s1600/matimba+2048+edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb9MAOGPt8s/UN8s27s8rmI/AAAAAAAAB3A/oRkeo2EvCZU/s1600/matimba+2048+edit+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqedCEl1fds/UN8xh_OUCjI/AAAAAAAAB4o/n1SPHwprUNI/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqedCEl1fds/UN8xh_OUCjI/AAAAAAAAB4o/n1SPHwprUNI/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That afternoon we returned to
where they were left that morning and as it was still very hot they were still blissfully
sleeping in the shade. After about 20 minutes they started stirring. First
order was to get a drink and they made their way to the small pan on the
plains. Like old pro’s, they were on the scent trail again. We followed them
and as they found where the ladies had lain down they started Flehmen
grimacing, testing every bit of information they could get out of it. One after
another, they sniffed and walked. The Koppies females have had run-ins with
these males before. This time they were clever enough to outsmart them and
luckily got away in time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW27kJ68mbo/UN8zyxmIjJI/AAAAAAAAB5o/aTS22k2APkw/s1600/Matimba+male+2048+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW27kJ68mbo/UN8zyxmIjJI/AAAAAAAAB5o/aTS22k2APkw/s1600/Matimba+male+2048+edit+1.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvFmTY4Bz-M/UN80WFn9trI/AAAAAAAAB5w/FbntipwDshQ/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvFmTY4Bz-M/UN80WFn9trI/AAAAAAAAB5w/FbntipwDshQ/s1600/matimba+male+2048+edit+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XMla5drc38/UN8j9t5FpyI/AAAAAAAABzk/GtSYRfDHAPw/s1600/Matimba+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XMla5drc38/UN8j9t5FpyI/AAAAAAAABzk/GtSYRfDHAPw/s1600/Matimba+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The New Pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of these
lions but it’s still a battle to gain their trust. Mpho found them on Hippo
rocks, fairly close to Skybeds dam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfSZTVJ_DdU/UN8kNjStmNI/AAAAAAAABzs/OG9wPWIY3lQ/s1600/New+pride+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfSZTVJ_DdU/UN8kNjStmNI/AAAAAAAABzs/OG9wPWIY3lQ/s1600/New+pride+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Skybeds males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsf87ekAVVA/UN8wn6VZ0tI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/_3x4oxzollk/s1600/Skybeds+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsf87ekAVVA/UN8wn6VZ0tI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/_3x4oxzollk/s1600/Skybeds+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfd53ZfcrBs/UN8xNfBTQzI/AAAAAAAAB4g/p1HZ5V2Vff0/s1600/Skybeds+male+2048+edit+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfd53ZfcrBs/UN8xNfBTQzI/AAAAAAAAB4g/p1HZ5V2Vff0/s1600/Skybeds+male+2048+edit+12.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eric found two of these males
once again at Skybeds dam in the north of the Manyeleti. They seem to come back
to this particular dam fairly often and we’re hoping that the other seven males
join them in the north of the Manyeleti. It should be a good area for them as
the competition is very low in the north. If the new pride eventually settles
here, it would be a largely unaccompanied pride.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luoxjl73vOk/UN8sLwfSKvI/AAAAAAAAB2w/rND0mLgOAcI/s1600/Skybeds+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luoxjl73vOk/UN8sLwfSKvI/AAAAAAAAB2w/rND0mLgOAcI/s1600/Skybeds+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0da-xKwOrc/UN8hHlxVbGI/AAAAAAAAByk/rjciLXhDw7A/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0da-xKwOrc/UN8hHlxVbGI/AAAAAAAAByk/rjciLXhDw7A/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+14.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were lucky enough to once
again have a good sighting of this massive male. I saw male Leopard tracks
heading east towards Main dam. The tracks went down into a big drainage line
and I thought that was that. Being unable to follow into a drainage line, the
only option that was left was to cut my losses and continue my search another
day.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7OrfYiZgQo/UN8acwHA8SI/AAAAAAAABws/rgXEy4m7iEI/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7OrfYiZgQo/UN8acwHA8SI/AAAAAAAABws/rgXEy4m7iEI/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+11.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped for drinks at Main
dam, hoping to hear a clue. We decided to head towards Ntzaka loop, as its one
of the favourite haunts of the Matimba’s. On our way we passed the dam wall,
and we got it! Our clue!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11qQK9m6h_I/UN8gm899O7I/AAAAAAAAByU/89R8FGXUbjs/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11qQK9m6h_I/UN8gm899O7I/AAAAAAAAByU/89R8FGXUbjs/s1600/Beacon+male+2048+edit+12.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monkeys were alarm calling
from the Dam wall. We went to have a look and there he was. Lying on the Dam wall
like Lord of the manor. We approached cautiously at first, not too sure which
individual it was, but as we approached he became more relaxed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fdWmkuu0H7U/UN8g2FN5_JI/AAAAAAAAByc/tPVbp2snuJY/s1600/beacon+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fdWmkuu0H7U/UN8g2FN5_JI/AAAAAAAAByc/tPVbp2snuJY/s1600/beacon+male+2048+edit+13.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a few minutes he moved
down the Dam wall, to the east. We couldn’t follow him directly and had to move
around and hope for the best. He patiently waited for us to reroute and we followed
him for a short while. He found some dry Buffalo dung and at first he started
rolling in the dung. It’s believed that big cats do this to mask their scent.
He then started eating it. This is not unusual behaviour as it aids in the replacement
of nutrients they don’t get out of their carnivorous diet. We watched him do
this for a while, until he closed the show and moved into the drainage line.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Other views from the bush</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INUowPtReV4/UN8uOpmnmaI/AAAAAAAAB3g/B_o_Pd2Lf8E/s1600/Elephant+2048+edit+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INUowPtReV4/UN8uOpmnmaI/AAAAAAAAB3g/B_o_Pd2Lf8E/s1600/Elephant+2048+edit+12.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren Roberts-York</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Photo & Video Editing: Darren Roberts-York</em></span> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-66836163991697717412012-12-22T16:38:00.000+02:002012-12-22T16:38:44.579+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDhnwe2UIC0/UNWNBdzZcQI/AAAAAAAABvA/ypaQNGTv1xg/s1600/monitor+lizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDhnwe2UIC0/UNWNBdzZcQI/AAAAAAAABvA/ypaQNGTv1xg/s640/monitor+lizard.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The highlight of this blog is
definitely the return of a small pride of Lion. They are a breakaway group from
the Orpen pride and haven’t been seen for more than half a year!</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Orpen Breakaways<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hr1sOGmEnE/UNWFZfE1EeI/AAAAAAAABsA/RCqS9pDZohg/s1600/lioness+yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hr1sOGmEnE/UNWFZfE1EeI/AAAAAAAABsA/RCqS9pDZohg/s640/lioness+yawning.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/Vg_nO0BoFGw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/Vg_nO0BoFGw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/Vg_nO0BoFGw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last time these lions
were seen was just before the massive flooding that happened in the lowveld.
They were pursued by the Matimba’s and several cubs were killed. After that
they ventured east into the Kruger National Park and we hadn’t seen them since.
Until now! We were having a tough time finding lion. Their tracks were everywhere,
but no lion could be found. Mpho got onto it, and as he does it, within half an
hour, he had lion.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TzFZ95vcRU/UNWFutBtrKI/AAAAAAAABss/KeoxUDhLRzA/s1600/Young+lioness+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TzFZ95vcRU/UNWFutBtrKI/AAAAAAAABss/KeoxUDhLRzA/s640/Young+lioness+1.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwVggVvEy-4/UNWGnxt2y0I/AAAAAAAABs8/bRBiGcfSpgk/s1600/Young+lioness+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwVggVvEy-4/UNWGnxt2y0I/AAAAAAAABs8/bRBiGcfSpgk/s640/Young+lioness+3.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nU1iPonkKHw/UNWGIzXqkMI/AAAAAAAABs0/GNouwQJ3KAY/s1600/Young+lioness+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nU1iPonkKHw/UNWGIzXqkMI/AAAAAAAABs0/GNouwQJ3KAY/s640/Young+lioness+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at the sighting
and at first thought it might be the skittish pride from Kruger and approached very
carefully. These lion did not even look up. The group consists of two adult
females, a young female and a young male. The two youngsters were lying on a
termite mound and were extremely curious. They afforded us great opportunities
to get fantastic shots.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqE93l9HRE/UNWHQozjtvI/AAAAAAAABtM/l59ps--bBN8/s1600/Young+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieqE93l9HRE/UNWHQozjtvI/AAAAAAAABtM/l59ps--bBN8/s640/Young+male+1.jpg" height="640" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxO4ON7RsJo/UNWG6EQ6dUI/AAAAAAAABtE/vBI5Fxfdkos/s1600/Young+lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxO4ON7RsJo/UNWG6EQ6dUI/AAAAAAAABtE/vBI5Fxfdkos/s640/Young+lions.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECUDfhislOo/UNWOwrT14nI/AAAAAAAABv4/Cp_M20CNFO0/s1600/Orpen+breakaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a good half an hour of
watching these youngsters and enjoying their posing, they got up and joined the
adults. After this sighting it seems they moved back towards the Kruger area.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECUDfhislOo/UNWOwrT14nI/AAAAAAAABv4/Cp_M20CNFO0/s1600/Orpen+breakaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECUDfhislOo/UNWOwrT14nI/AAAAAAAABv4/Cp_M20CNFO0/s640/Orpen+breakaway.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani males<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had two sightings of these
males. The first was on Nyathi drive junction with Vulture pan road. They had a
young Wildebeest calf which they had killed. The dominant male was feeding and
the male with the bad leg was watching. The bond between these two still
surprises me and I’m still amazed by their behaviour.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDsKKwzLVUY/UNWODXghgII/AAAAAAAABvg/CFYYrjsHaOc/s1600/Sizanani+males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDsKKwzLVUY/UNWODXghgII/AAAAAAAABvg/CFYYrjsHaOc/s640/Sizanani+males.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dominant Sizanani fed on
the calf for a while, left the kill and approached his brother. They went on to
head rub and the dominant male left his brother the rest of a very small kill.
Normal lion behaviour would have been eating the calf and leaving nothing for
the other male. Lion society revolves around the strongest survives, but these
two have a relationship stronger than I have ever seen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second sighting was a
little closer to home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two staff members
came out of the kitchen at the lodge and got into their car. When they turned the
lights on, both males were about 30 metres away and casually watched them go
past.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InxFH1_fH90/UNWORjV5EcI/AAAAAAAABvo/2F_VXl7MHd4/s1600/Sizanani+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InxFH1_fH90/UNWORjV5EcI/AAAAAAAABvo/2F_VXl7MHd4/s640/Sizanani+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard</span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipdzAmt1_AU/UNWEm4oBJbI/AAAAAAAABr0/NNK37wYLPlM/s1600/Leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipdzAmt1_AU/UNWEm4oBJbI/AAAAAAAABr0/NNK37wYLPlM/s640/Leopard.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one good sighting in
the last while. Patrick found a young male at Rian’s Folly road and it was
clear he was stalking. Fritz and Patrick stayed with the young male and watched
him until he snatched up an Impala lamb. This young male was in the northern
parts of the Beacon male’s territory and we haven’t seen him again. We went
back to see if we could find him again, but an Impala lamb only goes that far.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMRCGKdK8Qw/UNWOgXrnLRI/AAAAAAAABvw/OeoL5oTDeQE/s1600/Leopard+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMRCGKdK8Qw/UNWOgXrnLRI/AAAAAAAABvw/OeoL5oTDeQE/s640/Leopard+map.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Other views from the bush</strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Further than that we have had a lot of big Buffalo herds on the reserve in the last while and the big Elephant congregations have also been a real reward on safari.</span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxFUdMtSh-k/UNWHerK81eI/AAAAAAAABtU/G_PGLzGKMpo/s1600/buffalo+cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxFUdMtSh-k/UNWHerK81eI/AAAAAAAABtU/G_PGLzGKMpo/s640/buffalo+cow.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB_6LyNwjJ4/UNWHrhD5CTI/AAAAAAAABtc/Y-YUUp72qQ8/s1600/buffalo+herd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB_6LyNwjJ4/UNWHrhD5CTI/AAAAAAAABtc/Y-YUUp72qQ8/s640/buffalo+herd.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsxBOv7TC8/UNWL_SPwjbI/AAAAAAAABug/Jx0w501V7Rs/s1600/elephant+black+%2526+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsxBOv7TC8/UNWL_SPwjbI/AAAAAAAABug/Jx0w501V7Rs/s1600/elephant+black+%2526+white.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMQ9syCdEM/UNWMRPLh4qI/AAAAAAAABuo/8Z8pM-NwR9c/s1600/Elephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMQ9syCdEM/UNWMRPLh4qI/AAAAAAAABuo/8Z8pM-NwR9c/s640/Elephants.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSjuQx92pjk/UNWLylcGsxI/AAAAAAAABuY/zW0qPxDaX60/s1600/Crocodile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSjuQx92pjk/UNWLylcGsxI/AAAAAAAABuY/zW0qPxDaX60/s640/Crocodile.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bVJI3_DMrM/UNWMedaHVJI/AAAAAAAABuw/XJ6tfYSDZg4/s1600/Impala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bVJI3_DMrM/UNWMedaHVJI/AAAAAAAABuw/XJ6tfYSDZg4/s640/Impala.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HlK1JAQ1cxM/UNWMwiRQCPI/AAAAAAAABu4/Orvp8Rcc-pU/s1600/kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HlK1JAQ1cxM/UNWMwiRQCPI/AAAAAAAABu4/Orvp8Rcc-pU/s640/kudu.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_S3Ujz6l5ds/UNWNn305KRI/AAAAAAAABvQ/DN9QTwqY_dg/s1600/wildebeest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_S3Ujz6l5ds/UNWNn305KRI/AAAAAAAABvQ/DN9QTwqY_dg/s640/wildebeest+2.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCZZuM5p1Nk/UNWNaC9CHjI/AAAAAAAABvI/2dvmkPn3UUg/s1600/Wildebeest+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCZZuM5p1Nk/UNWNaC9CHjI/AAAAAAAABvI/2dvmkPn3UUg/s640/Wildebeest+1.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPYGE2lOhWQ/UNWN0JHt9rI/AAAAAAAABvY/E3idPDOS9ak/s1600/Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPYGE2lOhWQ/UNWN0JHt9rI/AAAAAAAABvY/E3idPDOS9ak/s640/Zebra.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren Roberts-York</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Photo & Video Editing: Darren Roberts-York</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Lion and Rock Monitor videos: Fritz Breytenbach</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Elephant video: Patrick Gumede</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">All Video taken with a Nikon Coolpix P510</span></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-35878175269407856042012-12-12T20:16:00.000+02:002012-12-12T20:16:45.202+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7O3CK-CCyE/UMeBu-SWVWI/AAAAAAAABmQ/42fg2XexvDY/s1600/_DSC6903+copy+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7O3CK-CCyE/UMeBu-SWVWI/AAAAAAAABmQ/42fg2XexvDY/s640/_DSC6903+copy+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesser Bushbaby at the main lodge</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani and Koppies pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yZ2Rc7ITRU/UMeA6WMxsGI/AAAAAAAABl8/McPSb5XlpeM/s1600/DSCN1053+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yZ2Rc7ITRU/UMeA6WMxsGI/AAAAAAAABl8/McPSb5XlpeM/s640/DSCN1053+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlGCjBjcrJ0/UMd-ETZDOsI/AAAAAAAABlo/zOUNc6zy7mM/s1600/_DSC6667+copy+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlGCjBjcrJ0/UMd-ETZDOsI/AAAAAAAABlo/zOUNc6zy7mM/s640/_DSC6667+copy+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These lions have a real knack
for surviving. They once again had a Matimba incursion into their territory,
this time only one Matimba. The healthy Sizanani male still mated with the
older Koppies girl around Zebra Pan quarry. They mated for about four days! We
then had a bit of a quiet period but Mpho once again soon found these two males
at Khoka Moya dam. They simply did what lion do best. Sleep! A few days later
they were found on GPS loop, west of Khoka Moya dam on another buffalo kill. It
still amazes me how these males are able to bring down an animal the size of a
Buffalo, when one male only uses three legs. The gimpy leg male was seen again
on Lomfane road, this time not in the company of his brother.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSK1q6ltO60/UMd_6tJDcBI/AAAAAAAABlw/J0a8qvfCL3w/s1600/DSCN1045+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSK1q6ltO60/UMd_6tJDcBI/AAAAAAAABlw/J0a8qvfCL3w/s640/DSCN1045+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/Cma9YBsE_aM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cma9YBsE_aM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cma9YBsE_aM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Koppies girls were only
seen once on Madache road.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0cDKez7x0w/UMeBHOXF3HI/AAAAAAAABmI/LGt0Cnr6s7M/s1600/Sizanani+and+koppies+map+2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0cDKez7x0w/UMeBHOXF3HI/AAAAAAAABmI/LGt0Cnr6s7M/s640/Sizanani+and+koppies+map+2048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Main dam female<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19dXas3Q740/UMeJ70li40I/AAAAAAAABnY/bqzkQ5yN3lY/s1600/_DSC7052+copy+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19dXas3Q740/UMeJ70li40I/AAAAAAAABnY/bqzkQ5yN3lY/s640/_DSC7052+copy+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This beautiful leopardess
also gave us a big surprise this week. She was found hunting Impala close to
Xigamba pan, not far from the lodge. This is quite far from her normal area
around S6 cutline and Main dam. She once again showed us how relaxed she is
becoming with the vehicles, and was watching the impala from about ten meters
away from Eric’s vehicle. We decided to leave her to it as we didn’t want to
influence her in any way. We went back the next morning to see if she had succeeded
but didn’t find any evidence of a kill. We believe that her cubs are still
around and we’re waiting patiently for her to introduce them to us so we can
start working on them as well.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsuZxHdFwFc/UMd77ShlWsI/AAAAAAAABlY/TMgzstco8Fs/s1600/main+dam+female+2048+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsuZxHdFwFc/UMd77ShlWsI/AAAAAAAABlY/TMgzstco8Fs/s640/main+dam+female+2048+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3VWVDOnF0/UMd7q8QOK7I/AAAAAAAABlI/Eg6jXo1SdnE/s1600/DSCN1402+edited+9+dec+2012+2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3VWVDOnF0/UMd7q8QOK7I/AAAAAAAABlI/Eg6jXo1SdnE/s640/DSCN1402+edited+9+dec+2012+2048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was one other sighting
of Leopard around Skybeds dam where a pair of unidentified Leopard was found
mating there. I was told that they were fairly relaxed with the vehicles so
this is another area we will be keeping an eye on as we continuously try to
understand the leopard population in the reserve.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9X1f6wdFBc/UMd8LuNjLlI/AAAAAAAABlg/1V_QsgodO1A/s1600/other+leopard+2048+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9X1f6wdFBc/UMd8LuNjLlI/AAAAAAAABlg/1V_QsgodO1A/s640/other+leopard+2048+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheetah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY80hHLT4wU/UMeJNygq5jI/AAAAAAAABnM/G7SvAalfwgY/s1600/_DSC7208+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY80hHLT4wU/UMeJNygq5jI/AAAAAAAABnM/G7SvAalfwgY/s640/_DSC7208+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoJlCBHwjRc/UMd4MWUzwZI/AAAAAAAABkw/i0N9T3ok2SY/s1600/_DSC7187+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoJlCBHwjRc/UMd4MWUzwZI/AAAAAAAABkw/i0N9T3ok2SY/s640/_DSC7187+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have always been fairly
lucky with Cheetah in this reserve and were once again not disappointed. We
found the female Cheetah that we see fairly often on Buffalo plains shortly after
she had finished an Impala lamb meal. She posed for the cameras as she always
does, still bloody around her mouth. This sighting did however take an
interesting turn. A female giraffe spotted her on the plains. She had a calf
and wasn’t at all happy with the predator in the area. She started shadowing
the Cheetah and made sure that she wasn’t a threat to her young calf.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAzBIgxit2g/UMd5W4vlhmI/AAAAAAAABlA/7mz2TeM3JUY/s1600/Cheetah+map+2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAzBIgxit2g/UMd5W4vlhmI/AAAAAAAABlA/7mz2TeM3JUY/s640/Cheetah+map+2048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other views from the Bush<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msajJvoZ5HE/UMhDOeVA56I/AAAAAAAABoc/4YUmIUdpzsQ/s1600/_DSC7068+copy+2048_edited-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msajJvoZ5HE/UMhDOeVA56I/AAAAAAAABoc/4YUmIUdpzsQ/s640/_DSC7068+copy+2048_edited-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The same morning that we saw
the Cheetah, Mpho found a large python that had just killed an impala lamb. He
was in the process of swallowing it when we arrived. For the sake of not
stressing out the snake we had to be happy with the photo’s we got. When snakes
feel threatened they’ll regurgitate their kill which we didn’t want to happen.
Oh well, you can’t win them all!</span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqpdwwouFG0/UMeKuomtZqI/AAAAAAAABns/vXJDaJhFJcI/s1600/_DSC6957+copy+2048_edited-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqpdwwouFG0/UMeKuomtZqI/AAAAAAAABns/vXJDaJhFJcI/s640/_DSC6957+copy+2048_edited-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RyLfMzPLDU/UMhDmIA3smI/AAAAAAAABos/Am4YzAszmfk/s1600/DSCN1130+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048_edited-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RyLfMzPLDU/UMhDmIA3smI/AAAAAAAABos/Am4YzAszmfk/s640/DSCN1130+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048_edited-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCy9Quu8nmQ/UMhDuYLNIKI/AAAAAAAABo0/7Fw6v_GOpd8/s1600/DSCN1423+edited+9+dec+2012++eric+2048_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCy9Quu8nmQ/UMhDuYLNIKI/AAAAAAAABo0/7Fw6v_GOpd8/s640/DSCN1423+edited+9+dec+2012++eric+2048_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRsxjPYahk/UMhD1ADTCbI/AAAAAAAABo8/B1f_gs-Ewqk/s1600/DSCN1434+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048_edited-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRsxjPYahk/UMhD1ADTCbI/AAAAAAAABo8/B1f_gs-Ewqk/s640/DSCN1434+edited+9+dec+2012+eric+2048_edited-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren Roberts-York</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Photo's taken with a Nikon Coolpix P510 and Nikon D600</em></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05530265551951069928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1968817386562536605.post-17439884422977202682012-11-28T23:00:00.000+02:002012-11-28T23:00:04.394+02:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Manyeleti has been really
rewarding lately. We are seeing some good work starting to bare the fruits of
success.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sizanani males and Koppies females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYdlNcphYf0/ULZeV74uBNI/AAAAAAAABg8/oRKFK5pccHA/s1600/Lion+Sizanani+Male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYdlNcphYf0/ULZeV74uBNI/AAAAAAAABg8/oRKFK5pccHA/s640/Lion+Sizanani+Male.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been a little quiet
with these Lions for a while! We finally found the Koppies females on a young
Buffalo kill, on Konkoni road close to Zebra pan quarry. They were seen feeding
on the Buffalo for two days. It’s remarkable how these females have relaxed
with the vehicles ever since the Sizanani males took over the pride.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN2XJbO9KdA/ULZdBqz2MeI/AAAAAAAABgU/yI6kxyCyzjA/s1600/Lion+Koppies+Female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN2XJbO9KdA/ULZdBqz2MeI/AAAAAAAABgU/yI6kxyCyzjA/s640/Lion+Koppies+Female.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So we got wondering, where
were the males? One morning on our way to check on the Koppies girls and their
kill, we found both Sizanani males walking from the Lodge towards Zebra pan,
right towards the females. We followed the males and they settled about 200
meters from the kill, completely unaware of it. During the day, the females
left what little meat was left. That afternoon we found the stronger male with
the older Koppies female at Zebra pan quarry. No need to explain what they were
up to!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/C7_5hzbbO4c/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7_5hzbbO4c&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7_5hzbbO4c&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/00BDJKRhXZM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other male moved off with
the other two Koppies females. Their tracks went up Tamboti road.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1zbdpaHevE/ULZnGcZ1ISI/AAAAAAAABjI/rm4wMQynp7s/s1600/sizanani+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1zbdpaHevE/ULZnGcZ1ISI/AAAAAAAABjI/rm4wMQynp7s/s640/sizanani+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sizanani Males</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Csf5FWH2ZGc/ULZmPC3ajXI/AAAAAAAABiw/H9aKxMM-Kgs/s1600/koppies+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Csf5FWH2ZGc/ULZmPC3ajXI/AAAAAAAABiw/H9aKxMM-Kgs/s640/koppies+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Koppies Females</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matimba males<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGefrCLnYA/ULZdTvnp1fI/AAAAAAAABgc/rx64w0j3cOw/s1600/Lion+Matimba+Male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGefrCLnYA/ULZdTvnp1fI/AAAAAAAABgc/rx64w0j3cOw/s640/Lion+Matimba+Male+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first sighting we had of
these males was on Ntzaka loop. This area seems to be a favourite of the two
Matimba’s that ventures this far north into the Manyeleti. They were just lying
on a big open area, so nothing out of the ordinary. The strange thing about
these Lions is that they dominate a large portion of land, but are hardly seen
with females. The Mbhiri females also frequent this area but it doesn’t seem
like the Matimba’s have managed to settle them down yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NA58h3gKaBo/ULZdphp3hyI/AAAAAAAABgk/JEV_tJKc1vk/s1600/Lion+Matimba+Male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NA58h3gKaBo/ULZdphp3hyI/AAAAAAAABgk/JEV_tJKc1vk/s640/Lion+Matimba+Male+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few days later, we found four
Matimba’s together on S6 cutline not far from Tamboti road. Our concern was that
this was where the Sizanani male and two Koppies females were. If the Matimba’s
got any clue of them, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill the male and they have a
reputation for killing females too. Luckily they went east towards Main dam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6r8xRrSwgs/ULZmhIq_SVI/AAAAAAAABi4/BrZtqlVtVM8/s1600/matimba+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6r8xRrSwgs/ULZmhIq_SVI/AAAAAAAABi4/BrZtqlVtVM8/s640/matimba+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nkuhuma females<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQah8NN-hfY/ULZd7D0T6nI/AAAAAAAABgs/OathbxHxkKc/s1600/Lion+Nkhuma+Female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQah8NN-hfY/ULZd7D0T6nI/AAAAAAAABgs/OathbxHxkKc/s640/Lion+Nkhuma+Female+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfmYv-_uhqo/ULZeH_WA30I/AAAAAAAABg0/F-kBCjKHLLA/s1600/Lion+Nkhuma+Females+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfmYv-_uhqo/ULZeH_WA30I/AAAAAAAABg0/F-kBCjKHLLA/s640/Lion+Nkhuma+Females+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of these
females with a young male at S8 dam. We didn’t see the young Mungana male with
them. This was a dangerous place to be, especially for the young male, as it is
a favourite area of the Matimba males. The drama continues to play itself out
with these Lions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zk6k8It_tLo/ULZmzrTx4iI/AAAAAAAABjA/jEKEnSAUGSk/s1600/Nkuhuma+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zk6k8It_tLo/ULZmzrTx4iI/AAAAAAAABjA/jEKEnSAUGSk/s640/Nkuhuma+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The new pride<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had one sighting of these
nervous Lions on a Buffalo kill on Lomfane pan. After the Beacon male Leopard
fed on the kill, they returned to the carcass and fed. These Lions are still a
work in progress and we are doing everything to help these Lion relax and call
the Manyeleti their home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfTmcGFH2Kw/ULZ4ufZn5NI/AAAAAAAABj4/6Te2muaHU4c/s1600/new+pride+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfTmcGFH2Kw/ULZ4ufZn5NI/AAAAAAAABj4/6Te2muaHU4c/s640/new+pride+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacon male<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pExHvBKqinE/ULZelZGQnpI/AAAAAAAABhE/MvEeZDFMbUc/s1600/Leopard+Beacon+Male+-+Darren+Roberts-York.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pExHvBKqinE/ULZelZGQnpI/AAAAAAAABhE/MvEeZDFMbUc/s640/Leopard+Beacon+Male+-+Darren+Roberts-York.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Leopard male that we
wrote about in the blog on 7 November, has been identified as the Beacon male
from the Sabi Sands. He was seen again a few times and is definitely setting up
territory in the Manyeleti. He was first seen at the airstrip, then on Ingwe Manzi
and lastly at Lomfane pan. The sighting at Lomfane pan just highlighted the
confidence of this male Leopard. The new pride of Lion from the Kruger National
Park (the skittish pride also written about on 7<sup> </sup>November), pulled down
a male Buffalo at Lomfane pan. When Eric found the kill, these Lions ran away
from the vehicle. Without knowing it, the Beacon male had been watching the Lions
from the nearby treeline. He didn’t pass up the opportunity for a free meal and
wittingly fed on the Buffalo kill for about five minutes, always keeping an a
watchful eye for the Lion. He then casually moved south towards Tamboti road
and into the drainage line. The audacity of this cat surprises me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aX0ZpgBE_X0/ULZksuWVxEI/AAAAAAAABiQ/mcbkcUI82Gc/s1600/Beacon+male+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aX0ZpgBE_X0/ULZksuWVxEI/AAAAAAAABiQ/mcbkcUI82Gc/s640/Beacon+male+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Main dam female<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the sensitivity with this
cat is starting to show results! If we compare her to six months ago you might
think that this is a different cat! What is even more exciting is that this is
still a young cat. She must be only about three or four years old. Her
distinctive markings are a heart shaped spot pattern under her right eye and a
notch in her left ear.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a great sighting of
her! We were having sundowners at Mantwaan Mphisi pan when we heard a pair of Side
Striped Jackal alarm calling towards the S6 area. When we found the Jackal,
they pointed us straight to her. She was lying on a termite mound and as always
we approached with care. She started moving and we followed at a respectable
distance. Soon she stopped and so did we. She then did the unthinkable. She
approached the vehicle! She came around sniffing about ten meters or so from us
and then moved again. When she came across an unidentified male Leopard, she
tore into him. He did not see it comin!. He took off with a flash and we have
not seen him since. She then proudly settled down and we watched her from
fifteen meters away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/ASk-5_vC_Ss/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ASk-5_vC_Ss&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ASk-5_vC_Ss&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one concern we have is
that she doesn’t seem to be lactating anymore and the last we knew she had
cubs. This might be the reason for her aggression towards the male Leopard.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBSuJNQqtCU/ULZl8mRXsFI/AAAAAAAABio/_ltLykInawA/s1600/main+dam+female+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBSuJNQqtCU/ULZl8mRXsFI/AAAAAAAABio/_ltLykInawA/s640/main+dam+female+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Other views from the Bush</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2NUiJxBtOQ/ULZex01FVRI/AAAAAAAABhM/GthVZ8kaIUo/s1600/Hyena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2NUiJxBtOQ/ULZex01FVRI/AAAAAAAABhM/GthVZ8kaIUo/s640/Hyena.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spotted Hyena</span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_O3-WnwHiE/ULZkHCF8cFI/AAAAAAAABiA/BRowfnqI9dA/s1600/Leopard+Tortoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_O3-WnwHiE/ULZkHCF8cFI/AAAAAAAABiA/BRowfnqI9dA/s640/Leopard+Tortoise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leopard Tortoise</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbYd4e2q7YA/ULZkafWzbbI/AAAAAAAABiI/-A1ZMUbFYco/s1600/Zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbYd4e2q7YA/ULZkafWzbbI/AAAAAAAABiI/-A1ZMUbFYco/s640/Zebra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plains Zebra</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darren Roberts-York<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">All photos and videos taken with a Nikon Coolpix P510</span></i><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Video taken and edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Photographs edited by Darren Roberts-York</span></em></div>
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