There is often a huge focus on finding the big game for the guests. At times, we almost need to check ourselves as field guides from getting into a mode of chasing after the big sightings. I made a big effort of trying to introduce the guests to some of the remarkable behaviour and smaller animals of the African bushveld, as well as the flora. During my training in norther Natal, we had some severe flooding. What was quite incredible as we later discovered was that the trapdoor spiders had survived this flooding. The density of their burrows was one every square metre in places along the river bank. This area was completely covered by a raging torrent during the flooding, and yet just a few days after the water subsided, we were able to lure the females from their burrows. What an impressive construction that the circular opening to their burrows is closed so tight that the water is unable to penetrate. Female trapdoor spiders live in burrows for their entire lives and are territorial, building the burrow a minimum distance from her neighbours. The burrow diameter is slowly increased as the female grows in size. Females may live for up to 20 years. The female hunts from the burrow, lying in wait for passing insects. She dashes out to grab the unfortunate victim. Interesting to note the numerous spiderlings in the above photograph, setting out from the mothers burrow. Adult male trapdoor spiders are free ranging, not constrained to any burrows.
The MUN-YA-WANA leopard research project is based in northern Natal, South Africa, and is trying to find ways to foster tolerance of leopards outside of protected areas. Leopard until recently, were not studied and understood as much as the other large flagship species such as elephant, lion and rhino. Because leopards are more adaptable than many other large cats, the assumption is that they are extremely tolerant of high levels of persecution. We know this is not true because they have been exterminated from at least one-third of their historical range in Africa. A sighting of a leopard in the wild is definitely a highlight of any bush experience, and in many reserves a rare one too!
Bethesda Outreach is a ministry of Evangelical Baptist Missions. Bethesda's mission is to encourage and assist local churches in meeting the needs of orphan children, that they may become disciples of Christ. Bethesda is carrying out that mission in South Africa, where nearly one in five people are infected with AIDS. Thousands of parents are dying daily, leaving behind countless numbers of orphan children who are desperately trying to survive. By placing these children in a loving home with godly South African parents, Bethesda is trusting God to build strong families for His glory. The organization is committed to providing a quality education which will help the children not only find future employment, but also to serve God with their resources. Bethesda’s hope is that as the children become disciples of Christ, they will develop a passion to see others follow Christ.
There is often a huge focus on finding the big game for the guests. At times, we almost need to check ourselves as field guides from getting into a mode of chasing after the big sightings. I made a big effort of trying to introduce the guests to some of the remarkable behaviour and smaller animals of the African bushveld, as well as the flora. During my training in norther Natal, we had some severe flooding. What was quite incredible as we later discovered was that the trapdoor spiders had survived this flooding. The density of their burrows was one every square metre in places along the river bank. This area was completely covered by a raging torrent during the flooding, and yet just a few days after the water subsided, we were able to lure the females from their burrows. What an impressive construction that the circular opening to their burrows is closed so tight that the water is unable to penetrate. Female trapdoor spiders live in burrows for their entire lives and are territorial, building the burrow a minimum distance from her neighbours. The burrow diameter is slowly increased as the female grows in size. Females may live for up to 20 years. The female hunts from the burrow, lying in wait for passing insects. She dashes out to grab the unfortunate victim. Interesting to note the numerous spiderlings in the above photograph, setting out from the mothers burrow. Adult male trapdoor spiders are free ranging, not constrained to any burrows.
