africa

Hello Shrew

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Ellie and Edmond ©

Hello Shrew

We are off to the southern part of the country for a day trip to locate one small mammal. They are named after elephants, but we can assure you they are not elephants. Grab your gear and let’s head off on today’s adventure to meet the cape elephant shrew.

cape elephant shrew

Cape Elephant Shrew Fun Facts:

  • Shrews are distantly related to moles. They are not rodents.
  • They are also called the Cape Elephant Sengi.
  • The cape elephant shrew weighs around 50 grams.
  • These insectivores eats insects of all kinds.
  • They get their names from their long noses like look like and elephant’s trunk.
  • Their scientific name includes the word- Elephantulus.
  • They prefer dry, rocky and arid habitats.
  • They are listed as LEAST CONCERN by the IUCN.

 

What a joy it was to spot this tiny little animal. It’s not easy and it took some patience waiting in an area where they are known to hunt for insects. Sometime we forget that habitats all around the world have some amazing little animals. These forgotten creatures are important too.

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, elephants, Environment, mammals, nature, science, Today's Post, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Infamous Badger

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Ellie and Edmond ©

The Infamous Badger

We have spent our day looking for an infamous inhabitant of the Serengeti- the honey badger! These tenacious creatures are the stuff of legends. We learned so much about them!

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Date: 2/22

Location: Serengeti

Honey Badger Fun Facts:

  • Another name for the honey badger is the ratel.
  • They have loose thick skin that helps protect them from predators. Even porcupine quills can not penetrate it.
  • Honey badgers live in burrows. They can dig a hiding burrow in a matter of minutes.
  • Honey badgers are intelligent and are known to use tools.

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  • They are tenacious and will attack animals much larger than themselves, including lions.
  • Honey badgers have a gland at the base of their tale that releases a foul smelling liquid. It is used to mark their territory and to ward off predators.
  • They partner with honeyguide birds to locate a hive. The birds enjoy the spoils after the honey badger destroys the hive.

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We love these nasty, tough critters. They are one of the most fascinating animals we have seen. We sure wouldn’t pick a fight with one!

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, science, Today's Post, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

We’re Monitoring a Monitor

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Ellie and Edmond ©

We’re Monitoring a Monitor

We’re spent our day looking for a large lizard that calls the Serengeti home. The monitor family includes the famous Komodo dragon! The lizard we were searching for does not get to be as big as a komodo, but they are just as cool!

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Date: 2/6

Location: Serengeti

Nile Monitor Fun Facts:

  • Nile monitor lizards are known by many names including the African small grain lizard.
  • Nile monitor lizards have long sharp claws for climbing, digging and ripping apart prey.
  • They have a range of colors from olive to to brown.
  • Nile monitors are the largest lizard in Africa.
  • They have a stout strong tail to help ward off predators.

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  • Those forked tongues give the Nile monitor a keen sense of smell.
  • They are known to hunt cooperatively. One monitor will lead a crocodile away from the  nest, while another eats the eggs.
  • Nile monitors are excellent swimmers and will take to water to escape a predator.

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We watched a monitor for quiet a while. These amazing lizards are intimidating to see in the wild. They are often kept as pets. As with all exotic pets, it is important to do your homework before getting a pet that will grow large and possibly unruly. There are now populations of Nile monitors in California and Florida. These lizards can be harmful to the local wildlife.

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, reptiles, science, Today's Post, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Spots! Spots Everywhere!

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Ellie and Edmond ©

Spots! Spots Everywhere!

After spending our first night and day adjusting, we stayed up in to the wee hours of the night to go exploring for some spotted hyenas! These social mammals are mostly nocturnal, so it was best to try and spot them at night. One of our guides is even teaching us and Professor Rita, Swahili! She’ll be sharing some of the vocabulary with you each day!

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Date: 2/2

Location: Serengeti plain

Spotted Hyena Fun Facts

  • Spotted hyenas are the largest species of hyena.
  • They live in large clans that are led by the dominant females. The females are larger then the males.
  • Their have very complex social structures that look more like that of primates then of any other carnivore.
  • Hyenas are intelligent and resourceful predators and scavengers.

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  • They can digest every part of prey- including skin and bone!
  • Hyena have stout forelimbs and shoulders. They can run for long distances without getting tired.
  • Their large strong heads can produce a bite more than 40% stronger than that of a leopard.
  • Hyenas are very vocal and use a rang of sounds, including the famous “laughing” sound. That “laugh” is a signal of agitation or aggression.

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These marvelous animals can out hunt lions and chase them away from a kill. They are one of the most successful predators in the Serengeti. They have earned a bad reputation over years- one that is not deserved. These intelligent amazing animals have much to teach us. Remember, even the predators of the plains deserve our love and respect (from a distance of course :)!

 

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, Environment, mammals, nature, science, Today's Post, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Welcome to the Serengeti

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Ellie and Edmond ©

Welcome to the Serengeti

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Whew! After heading back to HQs at the University, we unloaded all our ocean adventurer stuff and began packing for a three weeks in the Serengeti. We need rain gear as the wet season is just beginning and warm weather gear for the days and sweaters for the cool nights. Many think these dry plains are always hot, but it can get quiet cold at night. We packed our trunks – the box ones- not Ellie’s and we head all the way Africa!

We arrived at camp- it is lovely. We have a nice tent/cabin and great rangers to help us find the animals we are looking for this trip! We learned more about this magical place. The Serengeti is home to many species, including Ellie’s wild cousins- the African Elephant! There are many more fun facts about the Serengeti! Let’s learn more before we meet our first official animal tomorrow!

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  • The Serengeti is not just flat savannas. It has hills, mountains, volcanic craters and forests.
  • The Serengeti National Park sits in Tanzania and Kenya. The park was originally established in the 1920s.
  • The Maasai tribe of people are probably one of the areas most famous group of people! They are known for their cattle.
  • There is one active volcano in the Serengeti- Ol Doinyo Lengai.
  • Many people know of the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes. There are over a million animals that travel miles and miles to get to areas where fresh are.
  • Many animals call the Serengeti home, including antelope, buffalo, leopard, elephants, baboons, giraffes, wild dogs and many many more.
  • Some of the oldest human ancestors were found here- including Lucy, one of the most famous fossils ever found.

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We’re super excited to meet the animals of the amazing habitat! We’ll see you tomorrow to meet an amazing predator!

 

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, science, Today's Post, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MAMMAL MONDAY # 68

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Ellie and Edmond ©

MAMMAL MONDAY # 68

It’s off to Africa for us today to meet a member of the canine family! We’re heading into the desert so grab your mud sunscreen SPF 35 and your sunglasses and let’s head out on today’s adventure!

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MEET THE BLACK BACKED JACKAL!

black backed jackal   Range/Habitat: East-Southern Africa/ desert, scrub

   Diet: Omnivore: plants, reptiles, eggs

   Length/Weight: 18-35”/ 13-26 lbs

   Conservation Status: common

 

Fun Facts:

  •          Black backed jackals are red brown in color with a black saddle of fur on their backs.
  •          They are territorial.
  •          Black backed jackals mate for life.
  •          Black backed jackals have bushy tails.
  •          They live in small family groups.

These jackals are gorgeous with their colors. The canine family is so diverse, which one is your favorite?

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Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 57

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Ellie and Edmond ©

REPTILIAN TUESDAY #57

We’re back to our regular schedule after celebrating black and white birds and small fluffy tailed rodents! We’re off to the deserts of South Africa today to meet one cute reptile! Grab your sunscreen and khakis and let’s head out on today’s adventure!

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MEET THE WEB FOOTED GECKO!

web footed gecko   Range/Habitat: Western Southern Africa/ desert

   Diet: Carnivore: insects

   Length: 4 ¾-5 ½”

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Web Footed Geckos are pink with dark markings.
  • They have webbed feet that helps them run across the sand.
  • Web Footed Geckos have large eyes.
  • They dig long tunnels in the sand for shelter.
  • They drink water that condenses on their skin overnight.
  • Web footed geckos have wide range of vocalizations.

We really think these awesome little reptiles are cute! They have some amazing adaptations for living in a harsh desert environment.

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Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, lizards, nature, reptiles, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 55

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

REPTILIAN TUESDAY #55

Are you ready to meet a cute little reptile today? We’re staying on the continent of Africa but heading to the deserts of Northern Africa. So grab your sunglasses and sunscreen and let’s head out on an adventure!

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MEET THE ELEGANT SAND GECKO!

elegant sand gecko   Range/Habitat: Northern-Eastern Africa/ desert

   Diet: Insectivore: ants, beetles, moths

   Length: 3 ½-4 ¼”

  Conservation Status: common

 

Fun Facts:

  • Elegant sand geckos have long limbs and long tails.
  • They are sand colored to help them camouflage in with the desert.
  • Elegant sand geckos live in holes in the sand.
  • They are excellent diggers.
  • Elegant sand geckos have large eyes.
  • They are most active at dusk

Elegant sand geckos are so cute with their big eyes. They are all the better to spot bugs with my dear! Hahahaha!

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Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, reptiles, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

MAMMAL MONDAY # 55

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

MAMMAL MONDAY #55

It’s that special day of the week when we meet a mammal and today’s adventure takes us to a small area in the West of Africa. Get ready to do some monkying around! Let’s do this!

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MEET THE GUINEA BABOON!

guinea baboon   Range/Habitat: West Africa/ grasslands

   Diet: Omnivore: roots, grubs, eggs

   Length/Weight: 27”/ 39 lb

   Conservation Status: near threatened

 

Fun Facts:

  • Guinea baboons are the smallest of all baboons.
  • Male guinea baboons have large manes of fur.
  • They live in troops of around 40 individuals.
  • Guinea baboons forage for food on the ground, but sleep in the trees at night.
  • They are also called the savanna baboon.
  • Guinea baboons are highly vocal.

We love baboons and the Guinea baboons are so handsome with their large manes. These highly social and vocal primates are so fun to observe!

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Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MAMMAL MONDAY # 54

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

MAMMAL MONDAY #54

We’re back from vacation and it’s time to head off to the deserts of North Africa to meet a special little member of the feline family! Let’s grab the mud SPF 30 sunscreen & our favorite hats and head out on a new adventure across the sands!

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MEET THE SAND CAT!

sand cat   Range/Habitat: Northern Africa-Western Asia/ desert

   Diet: Carnivore: gerbils, rodents

   Length/Weight: 18-22 ½”/ 3 ½-7 ¾ lb

   Conservation Status: near threatened

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Sand cats are solitary and nocturnal.
  • They have yellow-sandy fur with stripes.
  • Sand cats are the smallest cat species in Arabia.
  • They live in burrows or dens during harsh conditions.
  • Sand cats have fur on the pads of their feet to protect them.
  • Sand cats get their water from the good they eat.

Sand cats are super cute. They have great adaptations for living in the harsh desert habitat! We just love how animals have such different adaptations to survive all over the world.

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Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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