About Adam Bannister
Recent Posts by Adam Bannister
Saddle-Billed Stork and the ‘Big 6 Birds’ in Africa’s Bush
May 12, 2012 by Adam Bannister
The Big 5 represent the 5 game species that were most desired as hunter’s trophies in times gone past. They now represent the 5 species that visitors to classic African wilderness areas most want to see. The Kruger National Park set about establishing the ‘Big 6 Birds’ in an attempt at mirroring what the traditional big 5 mammals do for public eagerness to spot species.
Aimed at the layman birder, all 6 birds are large, easy to identify and instantly recognizable. These species are also limited substantially in their distribution and have had their ranges negatively impacted upon by human encroachment; habitat degradation and other pertinent conservation issues.
It is hoped that by making the public aware of these 6 bird species that they can be recognized and so some kind of pressure will be put on the conservation bodies to conserve the areas that house these species.
The Big 6 Birds are:
Kori Bustard
Martial Eagle
Lappetfaced Vulture
Pel’s Fishing Owl
Saddle-billed Stork
Southern Ground Hornbill
Just yesterday on drive, I discovered that a pair of Saddle-billed Storks appear to be nesting. It is estimated that there are only between 25 and 30 breeding pairs of Saddle-billed Storks in the greater Kruger area. These numbers make them far rarer and more threatened than animals such as cheetah and wild dog, not to mention the big five.
The males have a dark eye with two small yellow wattles (hidden in this photo) at the base of the bill, while females have a yellow eye. These birds can also be individually recognised by the details of the front edge of the black band across the red bill.
Saddle-billed Storks are classified as Endangered in South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust does a lot of work to try ensure their survival. The question as to why they are struggling is still not completely known, although here area a couple of thoughts.
The demographic profile of the bird is poor. It is a big bird that occurs in isolated, widely spread pairs. It also breeds very slowly and irregularly. Secondly, it has quite specific resource requirements; needing large trees for nesting and fresh water as a source of descent sized fish. Thirdly, it is thought to be very sensitive to human disturbance and will not nest if under any stress. Another issue is that the stork’s dependence on wetlands, and in particular large rivers, means that it is exposed to the effects wrought by dams, soil erosion and silting, and to the chemical pollution of these systems.
Male (right) and female at the edge of a seasonal pan
So all in all this bird is exceptionally rare in the area and any sighting is a real treat. If, on your safari, you get lucky enough to see a Saddle-billed Stork (or any of the Big 6 Birds for that matter), take a moment to reflect that even though they may not be as glamerous as the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo, they are in fact under the hammer and in dire need of our time and effort!
A map of the Kruger National Park showing the positions of members of the ‘Big 6 Birds’ after a census. You can see how scare the Saddle-billed Stork is (green triangle);- photo courtesy of the South African National Parks website
Southern Ground Hornbill investigating nesting sites – Rich Laburn
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
The African Bush and its Misty Beautiful Mornings
April 26, 2012 by Adam Bannister
We are currently in the midst of one of my favourite times of the year. The reason: the unbelievable mornings in the African bush. The bushveld is always pretty, but it is now that I think it is spectacular! Each morning, I jump out of bed, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and then drive out of camp, hoping for mist. The day is thick with opportunity and potential; so much so that you can nearly taste it in the air!
The mornings are fresh and cold; but they are rejuvenating. They make for the most marvelous photographic opportunities, allowing one to get creative and to capture a different mood of safari. Even if I don’t see a single animal in the first half an hour I am still grinning from ear to ear. After all, I am driving around on the most beautiful patch of planet earth! Come join me and experience the thrill of the morning drive…
A dead tree in the foreground often helps to add to the composition of the picture
Yet another distnat view over the Kruger National Park. For this shot I used ISO of 400, F-stop at 2,8, Auto WB and the picture style set to landscape.
The glorious view out across Stwise Koppie
The fog that forms here is classified as radiation fog. This is formed by the cooling of land after sunset by thermal radiation in calm conditions with clear sky. The cool ground produces condensation in the nearby air by heat conduction. In perfect calm skies the fog layer can be less than a meter deep, but turbulence can promote a thicker layer. Radiation fogs occur at night, and usually do not last long after sunrise. It is common in autumn and early winter.
Animals, such as this Zebra, look wonderful when bathed in fog
A distant view of gentle colours
What also makes for a wonderful image is if you can get to some water in the early hours of the morning. Here, at first light, a darter can be seen sunning itself whilst a pod of onlooking hippos snort in dissaproval
Nothing beats a misty sunrise. All the colours amplified by the surrounding haze and moisture. And with the rising sun comes the reassuring warmth of another spectacular day in the bushveld
Did you know : Fog is defined as cloud which reduces visibility to less than 1 km, whereas mist is that which reduces visibility to less than 2 km.
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
Ever Curious How Elephants PLAY and Have Fun?
April 24, 2012 by Adam Bannister
I have lately been writing a lot about the outrageously exciting lion dynamics. I may indeed be more of a ‘lion man’, but I certainly appreciate the numerous other wonders that take place with elephants.
The other day I witnessed one of the most sensational lighthearted events that only the African bush can create. In amidst the turmoil that the lion saga is creating, it is refreshing every once in a while, to just see sheer beauty in action.
The two elephant bulls splashing around in Maidies Dam – Adam Bannister
We were on the way back from a glorious afternoon game drive when we stumbled upon two elephant bulls playing around in a watering hole. It was pure magic to watch these whale-like figures bounce, swim, flop, run, splash and play in the cool water. Momentarily suspended in bliss.
Words and explanations are not needed to convey this moment that I was privileged to captured on film. I know that for many people it is the African Elephant which exudes power, strength and stability. It is also many people’s favourite animal. Enjoy the magic!
Written and filmed by Adam Bannister
Lion Warfare: Incredible Shots of Mapogo Lions
April 16, 2012 by Adam Bannister
Lion Warfare is so apparent at the moment that the still nights are punctuated by the continual sounds of lion roaring. A wondrous sound, guttural, deep and heart-felt. Deep into the night you can hear these giants as they attempt to sort out territorial disputes and differences.
There are currently six coalitions of lions that are running around, vocalizing and causing havoc. The four Southern Males, the two Kruger National Park Males, the three males being lead by Solo, the four Majingilane Males, the six Matimba Males and then the two Mapogo. With this much firepower in the area, someone is going to give. The general consensus is that it will be the two sole survivors of the aging Mapogo Coalition.
Just a few days ago the Mapogo Males showed us that they still had it in them to kill a very large buffalo. They fed on this for three days. We hope that this big feed will provide them with the reserves to forge ahead and try squeeze out a piece of land to make a living in this warzone.
Makhulu, the oldest of the Mapogo males maneuvering around his buffalo carcass.
Even at close on 14 years of age this male still possesses immense strength. He he is seen pulling the carcass.
Eyes that could tell a thousand tales.
I have never seen lion dynamics this choatic, yet exciting. The reality is that the Mapogo are being chased in all directions; being hit by force on all fronts. I hope it is not the case but these may just turn out to be some of the last images of the mighty old male of the Mapogo, known affectionately as Makhulu “The Big One”. As of yesterday we know that these two Mapogo Males were still alive as they have been feeding on a giraffe carcass in a near in-penetrable drainage line.
We will follow this story with intrigue and will keep you posted as stories and encounters arise.
A drink in the perfect late afternoon light.
Written, photographed and filmed by Adam Bannister
Africa aka African Herds in Abundance in the SOUTH!!
March 8, 2012 by Adam Bannister
There is nothing more spectacular than watching an animal in the wild. Perhaps the only thing that can rival this is to see not just one animal but lots of animals. Great big herds of individuals making up groups that simply take your breathe away. Traditionally, it has been East Africa that has been known for these large herds, but in southern Africa, we are often graced by magnificent congregations of animals too.
To sit in amongst a herd of any animal is a privilege and a very special moment in anyones life. To see the sheer abundance of life in Africa is mind-blowing. We are so fortunate here to have large numbers of big charismatic species; graced in beauty and intrigue. A highlight of any safari at Londolozi may be the chance to live this dream and be held momentarily in a space of joy and wonder. To watch these animals interact with each other and be part of ‘a greater being’.
Written and filmed by Adam Bannister
Goodbye to the Sycamore Fig
February 22, 2012 by Adam Bannister
The great floods of January 2012 will forever be remembered and spoken about at Londolozi Game Reserve. The sheer volume of water that poured down the Sand River was staggering. Leaving a wake of change in it’s path, this river showed us that humans will never be able to control Mother Nature! I use the word ‘change’ rather then ‘destruction’ because this cycle is natural…a cleansing process and a form of transformation. But change is sometimes hard to take.
The ancient and magnificent Sycamore Fig found on the northern banks of the Sand River, is no more. Swept away in the floods there is no evidence that this tree ever existed in the first place. But her memories will live on forever captured in the minds and photographs of the many guests, rangers and trackers who shared wonderful moments under this iconic tree.
The view upstream from the gorgeous Sycamore Fig on Marthly River Road – photo taken just prior to the floods of January 2012
The Sycamore Fig will forever be remembered for the magnificent yellow colour of it’s trunk. An ideal backdrop to any photograph – Ryan Graham
Considered a favourite tree by many who visited Londolozi, especially kids who used to love trying to clamber up its massive trunk – Adam Bannister
Looking up into the branches of this iconic tree of Londolozi. Fully laden with fig fruit this tree would provide ample food for numerous birds.
Up close and personal – Rich Laburn
The shot used by Londolozi for the 2008 brochure
The tree truly was a symbol of beauty. I really wish that there was some way to have aged this giant accurately. What a phenomenal story it could tell.
A classic shot by David Dampier – the Vomba Female walks beneath the fig’s canopy.
but all of that has now changed…
Tracker Solly Mhlongo looks out onto the enlarged Sand River at the site where the Sycamore Fig used to stand
Written by Adam Bannister
Wrinkles of Wisdom: When an ELEPHANT Dies
February 22, 2012 by Adam Bannister
This piece was written 2 years ago but we decided that it was worth being shown again as it really does show an incident that is fascinating to watch unfold. People often ask me what kills elephants and what tends to happen to the body after the death. I just though that we would re-post this to let you see for yourself – not for the faint hearted as some of the images are graphic.
Elephants in the midst of a jostle – Adam Bannister
The lightning was an omen. A cracking flash was the conflict. Just as quickly as it had started it was over. Trumpeting, crashing and the thunderous force of two pachyderms raging against one another had given way to silence. There was no more conflict, only peace.
The great bull had not lain in his final resting place for long as the carnivores filtered through the bushes towards him. Ravenous teeth sheared the carcass open and bellies bulged with indulgent glut.
The maggots were quick to strike as well. A noisy waterfall of activity, this festering frenzy encased the lower body with their microvillus compounds and bacteria. It was a scene. For some it was sad, others tragic and for many repulsive. But for the bull himself, it was his final contribution to the mystical bushveld he had roamed for decades.
He was not dead. He was alive to those around him. Serving the best interests of a thriving trophic chain. He was of service to the life that fed off of him and in turn proliferated themselves into the bacteria that would stimulate the growth to feed his scattered offspring and his equally hungry counterparts. In life there are options, possibilities and an ever shifting tide of change. In death there is finality and the tangible gift back to the earth.
By day 7 the great bull was only a skeleton of his previous grandeur. A Leathery hide retained some of its shape and his large tusks protruded awkwardly into the air. The lions had long since left and now hyenas and vultures picked at the scant remains. There he lay, like a monument. His story would serve its metaphor for now, but as with life it will someday be forgotten. The remnants of his existence however, will be seen in the new leaves of spring, the stormy winds of change and the sunlit faces of future life in the bushveld.
Wrinkles of wisdom – Adam Bannister
Filmed by Adam Bannister
Written by Rich Laburn and Adam Bannister
Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?
February 10, 2012 by Adam Bannister
I love collective nouns…a murder of crows, a cloud of bats, a confusion of guinea fowl, a mischief of mice, a prickle of porcupines, a bloat of hippos, a gulp of swallows and my all time favorite a dazzle of zebra.
Each individual zebra has unique markings. Putting science and biology aside; these stripes make for wonderful abstract and pattern photographs.
So what exactly ‘does’ the dazzling ?
The key with zebra is to remember that they are hunted by the big cats, in particular: lions. Now one needs to try put yourself in the shoes, or rather the eyes of a lion or leopard. Your eyes will be very different from what you are used to. You will see things completely different. When you hunt a herd of zebra you won’t see the sharp contrasting black, white and surrounding colours but you will find that the camouflage of the zebra is quite spectacular. The stripes blend in so perfectly with the long grass in which they feed. Their stripes merely look like extensions of the grass stripes.
A big cat’s vision is not exactly black and white as many people think but assumed to be more a pastel-like spectrum of colours. This ‘diluted’ array of colours means that they will not have the ease that we have at distinguishing zebras. Add to the confusion the element of movement. Zebras are very fast. Just like their horse relatives they are capable of reaching high speeds when needed. This is when the stripes come into their own… each zebra when being chased will run for another zebra until they have formed a mass of bodies. The stripes of one zebra will quite simply blend into the stripes of another individual. The result : an optical illusion that makes it very difficult for specific body parts to be identified at speed.
This photograph shows how the stripes blend into each other as the Zebra run. Imagine a herd of over ten zebra together and you will begin to truly understand the dazzling.
So when the lion is mid stride about to pounce he may not actually be aware what area on the body he is attempting to make a killer blow on. If he gets this right then he will have a good meal, get it wrong and you could pay with your life. Im not sure how many of you are aware but the very first lioness of the Tsalala Pride was killed back in 2000 by a powerful kick from a zebra stallion. She lost her life to the dazzling of the zebra!
Looking out from above. One strategy you will see the Zebra use time and time again is to face in all directions when feeding. This behaviour increases their chances of seeing potential predators by widening their perspective.
Elegance, grace and speed…three words often used to describe a dazzle of zebra.
Apart from the dazzling aspect of the stripes there are a number of other reasons which may explain the evolution of the stripes…
1.Believed to play a role in their sexual attractions, as the slight variation of stripes allows the animal to distinguish between individuals. No two zebras have the same stripes. It is also thought that any wounds the zebra receives disrupts the striping pattern and indicates the fitness of the individual to other members of the herd and potential mates.
2. The air above the black stripe heats up and rises; the air above the white stripe will be cooler and will sink. This creates very a slight turbulence and wind over the coat of the animal. This air movement may help cooling the animal down.
3.The disruptive colouration of the stripes can effect the visual system of the Tsetse fly, a blood sucking insect.
Let me know what function you think the stripes play play..Im very interested in any extras that we could add to this list.
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
