When one envisions the perfect African Safari, images of the Big Five tickle the imagination, and for a good reason! The uncanny power of lions and leopards and their fascinating lives, leave us in awe. But behind the scenes a much larger force plays an invaluable role. They might not be as beautiful, majestic or nearly as large as these animals, but their role in the well being of a healthy ecosystem outweighs the Big Five ten fold.
White backed Vultures
Werner Breedt
Trevor Ryan McCall-Peat
“Hawk-eyed” is a byword for excellent vision and observation. “Vulture-eyed” gives new meaning to the word. These phenomenal birds are able to spot a three centimeter object at over a kilometre away.
Vultures, like hyenas have been made out to be ‘evil’ for all the wrong reasons. Both feed on carrion or animals on the verge of dying – thereby classifying them as scavengers.
They are perfectly adapted to perform these tasks with their exceptional eyesight (second to none), strong bills and ability to utilize thermals (a vortex of warm rising air) to soar high above the ground without expending too much energy in search of food. One of their most important tasks is to control the spread of anthrax. They are able to feed on infected meat, which their extremely corrosive digestive system breaks down. They are able to consume 20% of their bodyweight in one sitting thereby minimising the spread of this deadly disease.
Dung Beetles
Werner Breedt
The dung beetles are out in swarms and make for very exciting sightings in the summer months. Generally you will see a dung ball being rolled by the male, with the female clinging to the side.
Dung beetles (coprophages, which means feces eaters – although some do feed on mushrooms and rotting vegetation), are principle members of the clean-up crew of the bushveld, able to carry off and scatter a pile of dung in an amazingly short time.
Dung beetles play a remarkable role in the ecological balance of Londolozi. By burying dung (in which they also lay their eggs) they effectively aerate, fertilize and enhance the structure of soils. They also indirectly protect other animals by removing balls of dung which, if left, could provide habitat for various pests, such as flies. Their work results in a healthy environment.
Spotted Hyenas
Werner Breedt
James Tyrrell
The hyena has traditionally been feared and loathed as the embodiment of evil. Let’s try and change the perception of this astonishing animal. Thanks to its acute eyesight, excellent sense of smell, and also a social way of life, hyenas are one of the most skilful and dangerous predators. They are however more revered for their ability to utilize every last scrap or bone of a carcass.
Their jaws and teeth are capable of crunching the densest bone, which they are able to digest (only a handful of other animals are capable of doing this) Thereby taking advantage of proteins and calcium that other animals simply can’t eat.
By having these wonderful olfactory capabilities, hyenas just like the rest of the clean up crew creates a safer, cleaner bush environment for us to enjoy.
Contributed by Werner Breedt
Rich Laburn is filmmaker, photographer and writer who is based at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa. Spending his time capturing scenes of the wild and communicating the beauty of the African bushveld, he runs the Londolozi Blog as a way to entertain and engage people wishing to visit these wild lands.
