Tag Archives: kenya

Oryx in the US…?

Yes. There are wild oryxes (gemsbok) in the U.S.A. No, they are not a native species. They are native to Africa.  In the 1970s the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish wanted to increase “large game” opportunities for hunters. So they intentionally released 95 oryxes into New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range. An AbundanceContinueContinue reading “Oryx in the US…?”

The worlds largest bird

You guessed it…The Ostrich  These birds are not just big, they are powerful. The ostriches’ main defense is its legs. They can run up to 43 mph (70 kph). When running isn’t an option, ostriches use their foot equipped with a 4-inch long claw. A single kick from an ostrich can kill a lion.   OstrichesContinueContinue reading “The worlds largest bird”

Monkeys with caps

The Eastern Black Colobus Monkey. They can leap up to 25ft from tree to tree, using their long fur as a sort of parachute. The name “colobus” comes from the Greek word for mutilated, because their thumbs are just nubs.  They are hunted for their fur which is used to make hats and capes. TheyContinueContinue reading “Monkeys with caps”

The Secretary Bird

The secretary bird is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Their biggest threat is habitat loss. These birds live across sub-Saharan Africa. They can fly but they prefer to walk.    Secretary birds have the longest legs of any bird of prey. They prey on snakes, lizards, amphibians, and small mammals.  They use theirContinueContinue reading “The Secretary Bird”

Rare Zebras…

…..The Grevy’s Zebra The Grevy’s Zebra is listed as endangered by the IUCN. The Grevy’s zebra has a population of only about 2,000 wild individuals. When compared to other zebras the Grevy’s zebras are larger,  have thinner stripes and larger ears. In the last 30 years, their population has declined by 54%. They are threatenedContinueContinue reading “Rare Zebras…”

Queen of the Beast

African Lions are listed as vulnerable. Their population has decreased by 43% in the last 20 years and is still decreasing. Humans continue to destroy and move into lions’ natural habitat increasing the number of human-animal conflicts, where the lions end up getting shot. Lions are also threatened by tick-borne illnesses like distemper and babesia.ContinueContinue reading “Queen of the Beast”

Grey Crowned Crane

A Grey Crowned Crane foraging in Kenya Grey Crowned Cranes live in central and southern Africa. They are an ENDANGERED species.  Their main threats are habitat loss and the illegal capture of the birds and their eggs. In some places, the cranes are kept in captivity by wealthy families or hotels as a symbol ofContinueContinue reading “Grey Crowned Crane”