World Image Magazine Issue 31 April 2016 | Page 31

Blue wildebeest do not have the forward facing horns of the Black wildebeest. Pre orbital glands beneath the eyes are used to lay scent onto trees and bushes for intra-species communication. This lioness at the Goas water hole was nurturing three very small cubs [Unfortunately not photographed] Lions are the only sociable cats, [Felidae] females bond together to protect cubs. The bonding also helps to ensure better success when hunting and capturing large prey needed to sustain them. Elephant at the Halali water hole. The Halali water hole is near the Halali camp [walking distance] and is frequented by many of the larger mammals that need to drink daily. The large ears of the elephant make up more than 10% of the entire body surface. They are the main cooling mechanism. Elephant have no sweat glands and the dark body colour could result in overheating. The flapping of the large ears helps to cool the blood flowing through the intricate system of veins seen in the ears. Elephants also like to stand in the shade. They also cool their bodies by rolling and bathing in sand, soil and water. Gemsbok and Kudu at Goas fountain. Some of the larger mammals like this Black rhino roll in the pans to cover their bodies in mineral salts and soil; this helps to cool them in the hot sun and also keeps parasites away. Blue wildebeest. [Brindled gnu] Website = www.worldimagemag.com Page 31 email = [email protected]