October 19, 2011

Aloe Cancer
A rather strange photo today!
This is the second year that the Aloes on the rockery have not flowered.
The 'hairy' seeds that have clung to it, make a very interesting picture, though.
Note to self: I will have to get rid of these plants....
  The "Aloes of Southern Africa" book states that Aloe cancer is caused by a severe infestation of mites that cause abnormal cellular growth in the effected parts of the Aloe.

October 18, 2011

Ellies in an assortment of sizes!
Although the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is looking very lush and green,
one cannot help but think about the threat of de-forestation.
As the photo shows, recent fires seem to have destroyed most of the young Acacia trees
and the Ellies are uprooting and eating the new saplings.
We watched them for a long time, and this was their food of choice.
This was a herd of about 50 to 60 & considering the fact that they eat all day,
 one wonders how many (would-be) trees they consume?

October 17, 2011

Dwarfed by the tree
This photo was taken on Friday afternoon in the game reserve.
Of all the photos I took of the herd, this one is my favourite.
The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow on the gigantic tree,
while the shadow of the big Ellie's trunk casts a collar on the baby.
This week is a very busy week at school. We are interviewing for the 2012 intake.
By the time I get home the light is no longer good for photography.
I guess I will be sharing more wildlife photos this week...