10 Mar, 2009

An overcast sky and bright backdrop create a beautiful scene as two mammal species feed in the Okavango Delta.

The skies remain overcast here in Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve where the constant rain is causing a noticeable rise in water levels.

All areas that had previously been dry now have water flowing into or through them. This bodes well for the dry season ahead, but this precipitation makes tracking the animals quite difficult because their spoor is being washed away.

We headed out before sunrise in search of the lions, and although we covered lots of ground, our search was in vain and nowhere did we find any pug marks.

We did find a herd of impala (Aepyceros melampus) in an open area, grazing alongside a small group of zebras (Equus burchelli).

Species which feed on similar vegetation can often be found side by side because they are both there for the food and there is always security in numbers – more eyes, ears and noses to detect any unwelcome predators.

Even though the sun remained hidden, the light during this period was remarkably good for filming. Zebras are always photogenic in my opinion, and today was no exception, especially with the lush green grass as a backdrop. Behind them were the impalas, making for quite a colourful canvas, together with some tall pink flowers that were scattered about in the clearing.

At one point a pair of red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) and their single offspring landed on one of the zebras and commenced feeding.

What was unusual about this is that here in the Okavango Delta, the yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) is the more common of the two species, unlike elsewhere in southern Africa. The family clung around for some time before taking to the air in search of another host.

– by Nick Fenn, Earth-Touch crew © Earth-Touch

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