ON THE LOOKOUT
Early morning in the Sabie Sands Game Reserve, this Tawny Eagle was resting on a branch when it suddenly took off and was clearly on the lookout for a potential meal.
Tawny Eagle -Aquila rapax
The Tawny Eagle is a large bird of prey, capable of reaching 16 years of age. It breeds in most of Africa, both north and south of the Sahara Desert and across tropical southwestern Asia to India. There is a huge variation in their plumage colour, ranging from blonde to tawny brown. They are versatile raptors, eating anything from dead elephants to termites. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family, Accipitridae.
Nikon D5 with Nikon VR80-400mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with Nikon 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 550mm, 1/1000 sec @ f9, ISO 3200
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
SKELETON COAST SEAL FAMILY
Mid-day on the Skeleton Coast, this family, part of a 45,000-strong seal colony, was perched on a rocky area near the sea, engaged in heated discussion.
Cape Fur Seals - Arctocephalus pusillus
Cape Cross seal colony, located on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, is one of Southern Africa’s largest Cape Fur Seal colonies, home to some 80,000-100,000 seals. Cape Fur Seals are the largest of the fur seal species, and can live up to 21 years of age. They are named for their thick pelt, as unlike true seals which have only a thin covering of hair, Cape Fur Seals have a thick layer of short, soft fur, which is protected by a layer of longer, harder hair. The top layer gets wet, while the bottom layer stays dry. The bottom layer, in addition to the fat formation under the skin, provides the seals with excellent insulation against the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nikon D5 with Nikon VR80-400mm f4.5-5.6G lens with Nikon 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 550mm, 1/2000 sec @ f14, ISO 2000
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
BEADY EYE BASS
This Bass was found maintaining station under a ledge out of the strong current on the north-east undersea ridge on Aliwal Shoal. This individual is territorial and although wild, has had exposure over time to divers and eye’ d me as I slowly approached, the dome of the camera to its eye. The ledge provides protection and also a base for the Goldies and Cleaner wrasse to approach the bass and eat the parasites and algae that might be growing on its skin. Whilst it is very large it doesn’t have teeth like sharks do but rather a large mouth that it sucks food into and then crushes and swallows.
Potato Bass or Grouper - Epinephelus tukula
The Potato Grouper, also called the Potato Cod or Potato Bass, is a native fish to Australia, Indian Ocean and Asian countries. It can reach a length of 2.6m and can weigh as much as 110kg. Mainly found in deep reef channels and seamounts, in current prone areas. Juveniles may be found in tide pools. Feeds on reef fishes, skates, crabs, and spiny lobsters and is considered to be exceedingly territorial and very aggressive towards intruders. Vulnerable to spear fishers but also hand fed by divers in certain areas, although potentially dangerous to the inexperienced.
Nikon D300 Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 Fisheye lens, 1/80th sec @ f11, ISO 200, Sea & Sea Housing and Two Sea & Sea YS250 strobes on ¼ power. Taken on scuba at 20m at Aliwal Shoal, South Africa.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
“CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!”
Early evening in the Hoanib region of Namibia, a breeding herd of elephants was moving along a ridge of sandy rocks when a baby elephant decided it was time to play. He slithered down a slope and appeared to challenge the female elephants to try and “catch him if they could”. The females chased after the baby to try and discipline him but were unsuccessful in their chase.
African Elephant - Loxodanta
The African Elephant is a genus comprising two living elephant species, the African Bush Elephant and the smaller African Forest Elephant. Loxodanta is one of two existing genera of the family Elephantidae, the other being Asiatic Elephants. The name refers to the lozenge-shaped enamel of their molar teeth. African Elephants are the world’s largest land animals and can weigh up to 7 tons in weight. Elephants roam across much of sub-Saharan Africa, but face increasing threat from poaching, habitat loss and conflict with humans.
Nikon D5 with Nikon VR80 – 400 mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with Nikon 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 360mm, 1/800 sec @ f13, ISO 3600
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
AFFECTIONATE NGALA WHITE CUB
Early morning in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the Kruger National Park, this white lion cub was found affectionately rubbing his head against two lionesses.
White Lion - Panthera leo
White lions are not albinos, nor a different species of lion. Their condition is known as ‘leucism’, a rarity where a recessive genetic mutation causes the lion’s coat to vary from near white to blonde, rather than the common tawny. Interestingly, their skin and eyes retain their natural pigment. A cub is born white only if both of its parents carry the recessive gene, as such, there are instances where there will be a mix of classic tawny lion cubs and white cubs born in the same litter.
Nikon D5 with Nikkor VR80 – 400mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with Nikon 1.4 x Teleconverter,effective focal length 112mm, 1/800 sec @ f16, ISO 2200
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
RESTING BUT ALERT
Early morning in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, this young hyena pup was resting in the warm morning sun but had a keen eye open for potential danger.
Spotted Hyena - Crocuta crocuta
The Spotted Hyena, also known as the laughing hyena due to its giggle-like vocalisations, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and the largest animal in the Hyaenidae family. It has a widespread range, with numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The Spotted Hyena is the most social of the large carnivores, it can live in groups consisting of up to 80 individuals and demonstrates complex social behaviours.
Nikon D5 with Nikon VR80-400mm f4.5-5.6G lens with Nikon 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 550mm, 1/800 sec @ f16, ISO 18 000
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
NAMIBIAN DESERT BLACK RHINO
Early morning in the Damaraland region of Namibia, this Desert Black Rhino was enjoying the rays of sunlight while grazing on the toxic bush found in that area.
Black Rhinoceros - Diceros bicornis
Some of the world’s last remaining black rhinos still roam freely in the barren wilderness of the desert regions in Namibia. The black rhino has a beak like upper lip, pointed and flexible, which it employs as a grasping tool. Horns are extremely variable in size and shape, the front horn is thinner and usually longer than the rear horn. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, the total number of black rhinos grew from 2,410 in 1995 to more than 5,000 today. To protect black rhinos from poaching and habitat loss, the WWF is taking action in three Africa rhino range countries namely: Namibia, Kenya and South Africa.
Nikon D5 with Nikon VR80-400mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with 1.4 x Teleconverter,effective focal length 550mm, 1/640 sec @ f13, ISO 1600
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
AFRICAN WILDCAT
Late afternoon in the Skeleton Coast Nature Reserve, Namibia, this African Wildcat, looking remarkably like a domesticated cat, emerged from the bush and slowly approached our vehicle. As it got nearer, it showed its long fangs, leaving us in no doubt that it was, in fact, a wild cat.
African Wildcat - Felis lybica
The diminutive African Wildcat is often overlooked in favour of its more impressive feline cousins. What it lacks in size and strength, it more than makes up for in stealth and success. It is the wild prototype of a tabby cat, distinguished from the domesticated version by longer legs, a more upright seated posture, and reddish earmarked translucent ears. Wildcats live wherever rats and mice thrive.
Nikon D5 with Nikkor VR80 – 400mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 185mm, 1/640 sec @ f10, ISO 5600
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
PLAYFUL CUBS
Late afternoon in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the Kruger National Park, this family of leopards, comprising the mother and two sub-adult cubs, was enjoying themselves playing on the trunk of a large fallen tree.
Leopard - Panthera pardus
The leopard is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera, a member of the Felidae. It occurs in a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa, and small parts of Western and East Asia. The leopard’s skin colour varies between individuals from pale yellowish to dark golden with dark spots grouped in rosettes. Its belly is whitish and its ringed tail shorter than its body. The pattern of rosettes is unique in each individual. Leopards are the embodiment of feline beauty, power and stealth, being long and low slung, with short muscular limbs.
Nikon D5 with V80 – 400mm f4.5 – 5.6G lens with 1.4 x Teleconverter, effective focal length 165mm, 1/640 sec @ f8, ISO 18 000
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
TORTOISE TENACITY
The Radiated Tortoise is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful tortoises. This baby was making its way as best as possible across a river bed of water rounded stones which was a feat to observe as some stones were bigger than it was. I lay down to be at its level and that was punishing enough for me with the stones providing an incredibly uncomfortable base for photography, the tortoise seemed unconcerned and with an exhibition of tortoise tenacity continued its herculean task.
Radiated Tortoise - Astrochelys radiata
Growing to a carapace length of up to 41cm and weighing up to 16kg , the Radiated Tortoise is a species in the family Testudinidae. Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Réunion and Mauritius. It is a very long-lived species, with recorded life spans of at least 188 years. As Radiated Tortoises are herbivores, grazing constitutes 80–90% of their diets, while they also eat fruits and succulent plants. A favorite food in the wild is the Opuntia cactus, commonly known as the prickly pear. These tortoises are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, mainly because of the destruction of their habitat and poaching.
Nikon D70 Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Macro lens, 1/100 sec @ f20, ISO 200. Taken in Madagascar
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
MANTA RAY FREE RIDE
The group of remoras hitch a ride underneath this ocean-going Manta Ray as it glides in to a coral reef where cleaner fish live and wait to remove the parasites and ocean growth from the manta. They are gentle creatures and will often approach divers in order to satisfy their curiosity. Divers can interact with them near cleaning stations like this one under a set of guidelines. They are so big that when they swim overhead it’s as if a cloud has blocked the sun, they move like a magic carpet in the water with unparalleled grace and speed.
Manta Ray - Manta Birostris
Manta Rays are large rays. The larger species, M. birostris, reaches 7m in width, while the smaller, M. alfredi, reaches 5.5m. Both have triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins and large, forward-facing mouths. Mantas are found in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical waters. They are filter feeders and eat large quantities of zooplankton, which they gather with their open mouths as they swim. However, research suggests that they are actually deep sea predators, feeding on fish and other organisms that inhabit areas of the sea between 200–1,000m below the surface. They are listed as vulnerable, threats include pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, and direct harvesting for their gill rakers for use in Chinese medicine. They are protected in international waters.
Nikon D300 Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 Fisheye lens, 1/160 sec @ f10, ISO 200, Sea & Sea Housing and Two Sea & Sea YS250, strobes on ¼ power. Taken on scuba at 27m at Amazon dive site off Tofo, Mozambique
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
SUNSET STORKS
This phalanx of storks was getting ready to roost, enjoying the last rays of the African sun in the famous Kruger Park in February. They have migrated south and therefore are not nesting but will forage for frogs, fish, insects, earthworms, small birds and mammals daily before heading north for the European summer. They created this iconic African sunset image, adding their unique silhouettes to the setting summer sun during a sunset game drive.
Yellow-billed Stork - Mycteria ibis
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks dwell in many regions and tend to live in drier habitats. Storks tend to use soaring, gliding flight, which conserves energy. Storks are heavy, with wide wingspans, and their nests are often very large and may be used for many years. Storks were once thought to be monogamous, but this is only partially true. They may change mates after migrations, and may migrate without a mate. Storks’ size, serial monogamy, and faithfulness to an established nesting site contribute to their prominence in mythology and culture.
Nikon D7000, DX format, Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG OS lens @ 500mm, 1/640 sec @ f7.1, ISO 100, -0.3EV. Taken near Olifants Rest Camp, Kruger Park, South Africa.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Wandering Whale Shark and Remoras
This gentle giant was spotted while on a science safari specifically looking for whale sharks in order to photograph their spot patterns, situated to the rear of their gill slits. These spot patterns can be used by scientists to identify each individual whale shark and therefore track their Indian ocean movements across multiple locations. This large female had a whole school of remora fish under her belly, using her as transport and a food source, feeding off either plankton swarms or small baitfish shoals.
Whale Shark – Rhincodon typus
The whale shark is a slow-moving, filter-feeding shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8m (61.7 ft). The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the largest living nonmammalian vertebrate. The whale shark is found in open waters of the tropical oceans and is rarely found in water below 21 °C (70 °F). Studies looking at vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks have estimated whale shark lifespans at 80-130 years. Whale sharks have very large mouths and are filter feeders, they feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes, and pose no threat to humans.
Nikon D300, Nikkor 10.5mm F2.8 Fisheye, F9 @ 1/80" sec, IS0 200, Sea & Sea Housing.
Taken on snorkel at Tofo, Mozambique.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Colourful Approach
Late afternoon in the Sabie Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Lilac-Breasted Roller took off from a branch and soon assumed the cruise mode for its colourful approaching flight.
Lilac -Breasted Roller - Coracias caudatus
Bright, coloured medium-sized birds with robust bills and short legs. Hunt from perches, dropping to the ground or taking prey in the air. Sexes alike. Distinctive with pointed tail streamers, turquoise crown, nape and mantle, lilac breast. Streamers lost during winter moult, but crown and breast distinctive. Juv. duller; lacks elongated tail feathers, best told from juv. European roller by smaller head and bill and blue (not black) flight feathers. Told from juv. Racket-tailed Roller by blue (not brown), median wing coverts buts uniformly dark blue flight feathers (lacking pale blue bases). Voice: Harsh ‘chak’ often repeated when agitated; flight call ‘grak, grak, grarrak’. Status and biology: Common resident in savanna. Perches conspicuously, often along telephone poles.
Nikon D5 with Sigma 50-500 mm, f4.5-6.3G lens, effective focal length 200 mm, 1/3200 sec @f10
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
Tip-toeing across the road
On an overcast day, in the Ngala Game Reserve, part of the greater Kruger National Park, this beautiful green chameleon was crossing the gravel road in a lurching fashion placing each leg and foot gently on the surface using its two-toed feet. His tail is spiralled closed and rotating eyes are constantly checking backwards and forwards for danger.
Chameleon - Trioceros melleri
A chameleon's sticky, two-foot-long tongue snaps out at 13 miles an hour, wrapping around an insect and whipping the yummy snack back into the reptile's mouth. Now that's fast food dining! And the chameleons swift eating style is just one if its many features that'll leave you tongue-tied.
Chameleons mostly live in the rain forests and deserts of Africa. The colour of their skin helps them blend in with their habitats. Chameleons that hang out in trees are usually green. Those that live in deserts are most often brown. They often change colour to warm up or cool down. Turning darker helps warm the animals because the dark colours absorb more heat. They also switch shades to communicate with other chameleons, using bright colours to attract potential mates or warn enemies. The outer layer of their skin is see-through. Beneath that are layers of special cells filled with pigment - the substance that gives plants and animals, including you, colour. To display a new colour, the brain sends a message for these cells to get bigger or smaller. As this happens, pigments from different cells are released, and they mix with each other to create new skin tones. For instance, red and blue pigment may mix to make the chameleon look purple.
All chameleons have a prize pair of eyes. Their peepers can move in two different directions at once, giving the animal a panoramic view of their surroundings.
Nikon Z6iii with Nikon 105mm macro lens, 1/640 sec @ f14, ISO 1400.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Beneficial Relationships
Late afternoon in the Sabie Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Black Rhinoceros was enjoying the late afternoon setting sun while birds happily pecked off insects from its hide as well as those insects which were disturbed by its feet.
Black Rhinoceros – Diceros bicornis
Black Rhinos have a prehensile upper lip and are browsers, as opposed to white Rhino, which have a square lip and are grazers. Due to the increase in demand for Rhino horn (for dagger handles, medicines, aphrodisiacs) they are now more precious than gold. In an effort to save the estimated world population of about 3700 black Rhino left, most black Rhino have electronic chips implanted in a hole drilled in their horns and their ears are notched in a codified manner for ease of identification. Radioactive chips are now also being inserted into holes drilled in the horns for detection at border posts if poachers are attempting to smuggle them out of the country.
Nikon D4S, 16 megapixel resolution, Sigma VR 50-500mm f4.5-6.3G lens,
focal length at 340mm, 1/640 sec @f8, ISO 5000
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
“I’ve Only Got Eyes For You”
Late afternoon in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the greater Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, near the Orpen gate, this young Leopard was found resting in a tree looking upward in a very pensive mood.
Leopard – Panthera pardus
Leopards embody feline beauty with stealth, infinite patience and power. A Leopard will get to within 5 m of its quarry before pouncing, taking it completely by surprise. Tremendously strong, these cats can carry a 70 kg Impala to a feeding position up in a tree.
Nikon D5 with Sigma 50-500mm, lens effective
focal length at 440mm, 1/1600 sec @f14
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
Tough Life!
Late afternoon in the Sabie Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Giraffe was demonstrating just how tough life is for a Giraffe, not only contending with birds pecking off insects, but also having to bend down to drink with such long legs.
Giraffe – Giraffa camelopardalis
Giraffes are the biggest ruminant and the tallest mammal. Very long neck with short, upstanding mane, high shoulders sloping steeply to hind quarters, long legs nearly equal in length. The male weighs up 1900 kg and the female 1200 kg. Horns: solid bone, skin covered, a main pair in both sexes but female’s thin and tufted, male’s thick and bald at the top. Possible scent glands on eyelids, nose and lips.
Nikon D4S with Nikkor VR600 mm f/4G with 1.4 Teleconverter,
effective focal length 850 mm, 1/2500 sec @f/6.3, ISO 7200
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn
The “Upside down” tree on an oceanless island
As we were leaving Kubu island a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana we visited this red baobab somehow growing out the rocks way above the salt pan floor and dominating the skyline into the clear deep blue sky.
Baobab – Adansonia
The Baobab Tree is also known as the tree of life. The cork-like bark and huge stem are fire resistant and are used for making cloth and rope. The leaves are used as condiments and medicines. The fruit, called "monkey bread", is edible, and full of Vitamin C. The tree can store 120 000 litres of water. Radio-carbon dating has measured the age of some Baobab trees at over 2 000 years old. For most of the year, the tree is leafless and looks very much like it has its roots sticking up in the air.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro 2.2mm 1/1715"sec @ 2,2 IS0 40.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Nebu the White Lioness
The Timbavati area hosts Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the Kruger National Park, and has become famous for its white lions. This alpha female, Nebu, has been observed throughout her life. Nicknamed Princess, she is now a mother herself to white cubs, as can be seen lying with normal coloured lions, lazing about within the pride as the heat of the day begins to build.
White Lion - Panthera leo
White lions are not albinos, nor a different species of lion. Their condition is a rarity where a recessive genetic mutation causes the lion's coat to vary from near white to blonde, rather than the common tawny. Interestingly, their skin and eyes retain their natural pigment. A cub is born white only if both of its parents carry the recessive gene, as such, there are instances where there will be a mix of classic tawny lion cubs and white cubs born in the same litter.
Nikon Z6.ili with Nikkor VR80 - 400mm f4.5 - 5.6G lens, 1/800 sec @ f22, ISO 25600.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Leopard shark and hitch hikers
This Leopard Shark, lying on a sand patch in the Indian Ocean off Tofo, Mozambique, is accompanied by two small Golden Trevally which signifies their juvenile status. Sucking onto its underside is a Remora (sucker fish). This shark eats shellfish, crabs and bony fishes which it can suck into its powerful mouth. The Remoras will catch a free ride on the host darting off to pick up drifting morsels of food as the shark breaks up the prey it has caught.
Leopard shark - Stegostoma fasciatum
Golden Trevally - Gnathanodon speciosus
Remora - Remora Remorina
Leopard Sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks found between 0-65m deep in the ocean and grow to more than 1.7m in length. They are frequently found on sandy floors or coral reefs, resting during daytime and hunting nocturnally. They are frequently found accompanied by Remoras which have a suction pad on the top of their heads with which to hitch a ride on their hosts. These sharks are classed as vulnerable due to human predation for their meat, the fins being used for soup and their oily livers for vitamins.
Nikon D300, Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8G fisheye lens, 1/60"sec @ {10, IS0 200.
Photograph by Andrew Woodburn
Resting After a Challenging Year
Late afternoon in the region of the Ngala Tented Camp, part of the Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the greater Kruger National Park, near the Orpen gate, this Leopard was preparing to rest as the sun started to set.
Leopard – Panthera pardus
Leopards embody feline beauty with stealth, infinite patience and power. A Leopard will get to within 5 m of its quarry before pouncing, taking it completely by surprise. Tremendously strong, these cats can carry a 70 kg Impala to a feeding position up in a tree
Nikon D4S, 16 megapixel resolution, FX formal, Sigma VR 50-500 mm f4.5-6.3 G lens,
focal length 140mm, 1/500 sec @f8, ISO 3600
Photograph by Trevor Woodburn