Samburu National Reserve There is no denying that warthogs are not the most aesthetically pleasing of Africa’s wildlife. Large, flat heads covered in ‘warts’, four sharp tusks, sparse hair – they are not likely to win any beauty contests. However, there is a toughness and tenacity to these little animals that we cannot help but admire. They do have some odd habits – entering burrows backwards, trotting with erect tails, and bending their forelegs to graze – but their undeniable charisma will leave a memorable mark on your safari. Here are facts about warthogs. 1. They’re vegetarians. Warthogs may appear to be ferocious little animals, and contrary to Pumba the warthog eating worms in the Lion King, they are not carnivores. Warthogs are grazers, eating grasses, plants, berries and bark. They also use their snouts to dig up roots and bulbs. 2. They’re wallowers. Warthogs enjoy wallowing! If there is water available, they will often submerge themselves in it to cool down. They also like to wallow in mud – it cools them down and offers respite from pesky, biting insects. 3. Their tusks are teeth. The large tusks of a warthog are actually enlarged canine teeth. They have to pairs – the shorter, lower pair and the longer, upper pair. The upper pair of tusks can grow up to 25cm in length! Warthogs use their tusks for digging, fighting rival warthogs and defending themselves from predators. 4. They live in dens. Warthogs are known for using empty dens left by aardvarks. They use these dens to have their young. They also use them as hiding spots from predators. Warthogs go for flight over fight and will often back into their den, using their tusks to guard the entrance.
Samburu National Reserve White-headed buffalo weavers were named for their elaborate nests, which often have multiple compartments and tunnels, that they "weave" together using thorny branches.
Samburu National Reserve AFRICA’S CUTEST ANTELOPE It looks like a miniature springbok and giraffe combined into one. The Gerenuk is a part of the gazelle family and classified as an antelope. They are most commonly found in Tanzania, Kenya, southern Somalia, Ethiopia and Eretria. They are 80 to 100 centimetres in height with extremely long necks, small heads and big eyes and ears. Here are five facts about these unusual (and adorable) little animals. 1. Unusual Eating Habits Unlike other antelopes who eat by grazing, the gerenuk often stands on its two hind legs and uses its two front legs to graze from tree branches. By standing up like this in combination with their long necks mean they can sometimes reach plants up to 2 metres (6 feet) high. 2. No Water Required The gerenuk never has to drink water. Like giraffe, the plants they eat contain enough water to prevent them actually needing to drink it. This is what allows them to survive in desert areas. 3. Interesting Glands Because its appearance wasn’t unusual enough, the gerenuk also has unusual glands. Like many other gazelles, they have preorbital glands in front of their eyes. These glands emit a tar-like substance to mark territory. More uniquely, they also have scent glands on their knees and in the split of their hooves. 4. Good Mamas The gerenuk females are extremely caring mothers. They clean their young immediately after birth, feeds them two to three times a day and eats any leftover food to remove traces of scent that might attract predators. They also speak to their fawns in gentler tones, with soft bleating noises. 5. Threatened Population Despite remaining under the radar, these little antelope are currently listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in terms of conservation status. Habitat loss and fragmentation caused by people has led to a decline in their population. There are only 95 000 remaining across four countries.
