tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78196881237642290652024-02-22T19:08:06.988+03:00Notes From Kenya: MSU Hyena ResearchMichigan State University students in the Holekamp Lab blog about their experiences in Kenya, research on spotted hyenas and adventures in the field.MSU CNShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997499077027854416noreply@blogger.comBlogger769125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-75957311275773894852024-01-12T12:52:00.000+03:002024-01-12T12:52:45.857+03:00Jambo from Brianna<p>Hello!</p><p><br /></p><p>My name is Brianna Zapata. I graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz this past June. I have lived in Kenya since August 1st. What an adventure it has been! Getting to know the individual hyenas has brought such a sense of wonder into my life, leading me to have more questions about their behaviors and how it correlates to human behaviors. </p><p><br /></p><p>My hobbies include reading, rock climbing, and anything to do with nature. Four days before embarking to Kenya I finished traveling across Costa Rica into Panama via bicycle. These past six months have taught me, even more so, the intrinsic value of nature. I plan to head into my future with this at my core. </p><p><br /></p><p>There is no doubt how important the Mara Hyena Project is; long-term continual data collection can facilitate scientific inquiry to better understand ourselves and other animals. My predecessors have written papers supporting this claim! Our mammalian counterparts hold primal instincts that we humans have lost; this project will shed light on these in the navigation of our future. </p><p><br /></p><p>This time in Kenya is incredibly important to me. From attempting to learn Swahili to what to do with my life as a recent grad has taught me discipline and patience. Life in camp is made wonderful with the help of Philomon, Moses, and Stephen, ensuring the cleanliness of camp, morning chai, delicious food to sustain us, and all the responsibility that comes with managing a camp in the bush. They have helped ease the feelings of homesickness, especially around the holiday season. Granted, The Mara Triangle is the furthest landscape imaginable from Los Angeles, and I am happy to be here. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8APruW0q6NFv0VXbOQupMU5YN_PY5JRs51a62BqHy_jKTzl3FCe-6IXe4EIxtBgBJRTQ84rtUkV9AGsbdsI3cHKIMam0p_PS-QCWrAgWItw5nzp-JhxcM-vAwUVak7eenHliEmXQ6wHCK6SJkTMhslGrD9W2U7bssfzBPwE2b90IT6TWNr9a-dcebrRu/s1024/c8cd5e53-55be-4f58-983e-0f33f4cfcda7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8APruW0q6NFv0VXbOQupMU5YN_PY5JRs51a62BqHy_jKTzl3FCe-6IXe4EIxtBgBJRTQ84rtUkV9AGsbdsI3cHKIMam0p_PS-QCWrAgWItw5nzp-JhxcM-vAwUVak7eenHliEmXQ6wHCK6SJkTMhslGrD9W2U7bssfzBPwE2b90IT6TWNr9a-dcebrRu/s320/c8cd5e53-55be-4f58-983e-0f33f4cfcda7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Hike at the Ngiro outpost.<div><br /></div><div>Taking it day by day these next six months to get the most out of my time here! </div><div>Till next time, </div><div><br /></div><div>Brianna Zapata</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Brianna Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01317705130851652304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-3572897952386937292023-09-28T13:11:00.006+03:002024-01-22T20:32:15.957+03:00Jambo from Maya<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px;">Greetings from Fisi camp! My name is Maya and I’m one of the newest research assistants for the Mara Hyena Project. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgVf7Z5eAmOg_L_Oxy-cyn4azdugGln5SxwuFVshthcuMZJ2dz-Wn6204Bo56BMZpZ4LfTAcfJR9ahJe8jZAL0zjF12HxrEzvPusyO5dYgtjJVgZzpupSrYvI9WNGIZ21vnlP0ay-coaH0OhsXj4lgakh2rmEEtbLgsndG3fBQ3dENau5JrkAuCmLb3s/s1440/5A3BEBFD-963D-457E-A4C7-A98F240F8116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1440" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgVf7Z5eAmOg_L_Oxy-cyn4azdugGln5SxwuFVshthcuMZJ2dz-Wn6204Bo56BMZpZ4LfTAcfJR9ahJe8jZAL0zjF12HxrEzvPusyO5dYgtjJVgZzpupSrYvI9WNGIZ21vnlP0ay-coaH0OhsXj4lgakh2rmEEtbLgsndG3fBQ3dENau5JrkAuCmLb3s/w319-h318/5A3BEBFD-963D-457E-A4C7-A98F240F8116.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br clear="none" style="outline: none;" /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;">It’s been wonderful to be here and experience the Mara. During our daily observational sessions, we drive to each clan’s territory to find the hyenas and observe their behaviors. During these sessions we record hyena behaviors and the presence of any charming mongooses, or other predators, that we see along the way. It has also been great to get to know the guys here at Serena camp: Philimon Naiguran, Moses Naiguran, Stephen Kimoine, and David Nchoko. They’ve been guiding us through the Mara, camp life, and the world of hyenas.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br clear="none" style="outline: none;" /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iPq_d4J7B4EUSQFdaoCYzYw7JA4lJhHDozjD4g4m2qgQFuGaMjo4XL4POYjCDZPgHzkTcnXg5m-ivR0kJRUOULh2EgYtunwWNZpLcvopwHGHrA14pxpatmBVYTpDXL625wrUyk5HyQy13SKhI5OFo8QQ9XBBQLh_hUZqcb_7eGNhjVveuRHIHctxNGo/s7952/DSC01645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iPq_d4J7B4EUSQFdaoCYzYw7JA4lJhHDozjD4g4m2qgQFuGaMjo4XL4POYjCDZPgHzkTcnXg5m-ivR0kJRUOULh2EgYtunwWNZpLcvopwHGHrA14pxpatmBVYTpDXL625wrUyk5HyQy13SKhI5OFo8QQ9XBBQLh_hUZqcb_7eGNhjVveuRHIHctxNGo/w369-h246/DSC01645.JPG" title="A charming dwarf mongoose" width="369" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br /></div>Our campsite is situated in the middle of The Triangle and we share living space with elephants, hippos, buffalos, lions, hyenas, warthogs and little dwarf mongooses to name just some of our neighbors. It’s clear that many of the animals feel safe around us. For that reason we rarely leave our tents at night. We can often hear elephants eating or hippos munching outside our tents. I think my mother would absolutely freak out if she was here, but none of us have been hurt by our wild neighbors.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbnM0vt7UwWZllM2iIcmolmNRjEjhvFtPVBrNKveEt4nlw_sW2SydY1eTeNyCnx4UzW5Weosm8UiE8RPoo6wCEFdKr-BqxngFq51cj3R4HXR_KQUPbOuEpKT3H38HUTPVzMsLsq3nilL4sgJHs6ujW7WAZWwZjhGXgHaZWetwum6mc9_9MW5y07QZQ1E/s6577/DSC03228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4387" data-original-width="6577" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbnM0vt7UwWZllM2iIcmolmNRjEjhvFtPVBrNKveEt4nlw_sW2SydY1eTeNyCnx4UzW5Weosm8UiE8RPoo6wCEFdKr-BqxngFq51cj3R4HXR_KQUPbOuEpKT3H38HUTPVzMsLsq3nilL4sgJHs6ujW7WAZWwZjhGXgHaZWetwum6mc9_9MW5y07QZQ1E/w376-h250/DSC03228.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br clear="none" style="outline: none;" /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;">This year I graduated from UC Davis where I majored in Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity. While there, I enjoyed studying everything from how termites divide their workload to the variation in how white-crowned sparrows communicate with each other. I arrived with my co-RA’s Brianna and Ben in August - just about the height of the Great Migration! Jana trained us for a couple of weeks and since then I have been fascinated by everything hyena - from their morphology to their unique social structure. It has been tough to remember all the unique spot patterns we use to identify our study hyenas, but we are sharpening our skills each day.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: garamond, "new york", times, serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFW-IAaI7yiNqOk5hbq7A9cWtWY-EWPrqJj0IkE8F6APofdVUQ4hWbcFc-gg362gN9uYNk4jznFAusIrOSkdP1mi2lHWvouT5hToB6fuAQrulAIjL_Fma0j1mMTTC3Ijv1871weoH_iZWv2SfX9648DllxaRIRl322gleHb7V4tBKdreHYx6JcrTQi7Ts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFW-IAaI7yiNqOk5hbq7A9cWtWY-EWPrqJj0IkE8F6APofdVUQ4hWbcFc-gg362gN9uYNk4jznFAusIrOSkdP1mi2lHWvouT5hToB6fuAQrulAIjL_Fma0j1mMTTC3Ijv1871weoH_iZWv2SfX9648DllxaRIRl322gleHb7V4tBKdreHYx6JcrTQi7Ts=w375-h249" width="375" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Maya Michelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14177000747098541692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-72269844229635599322023-06-20T21:23:00.007+03:002023-06-23T17:03:54.502+03:00Jambo from Kayla Fowler!<div><p><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid2" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 168.74px; transform: scaleX(0.925264);"> </span></span></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid2" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 168.74px; transform: scaleX(0.925264);">Jambo! My name is Kayla Fowler, and I’m here to tell you a little bit about the time I</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 191.14px; transform: scaleX(0.919151);"> spent this past semester with the Mara Hyena Project.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 213.34px; transform: scaleX(0.921719);">I always knew I wanted to work with animals. Living in Chicago meant frequent trips to</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 235.74px; transform: scaleX(0.922502);"> Brookfield Zoo, and I would spend the entire day just watching the animals do what they do</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 258.14px; transform: scaleX(0.917147);"> (sorry Mom and Dad</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 303.846px; top: 258.14px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.033px; top: 258.14px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 317.197px; top: 258.14px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 321.283px; top: 258.14px; transform: scaleX(0.927403);">I know you probably didn’t want to spend an hour watching the zebras!).</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 280.54px; transform: scaleX(0.909502);"> I grew to love and appreciate the animals, especially large mammals, and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 694.165px; top: 280.54px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 698.517px; top: 280.54px; transform: scaleX(0.919411);">it became my dream</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 302.94px; transform: scaleX(0.916692);"> to see these incredible species in the wild. In high school, I wanted to become more involved</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 325.34px; transform: scaleX(0.906576);"> with Brookfield Zoo, so I joined their King Conservation Science Scholars program. Through the</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.924004);"> program, I was able to participate in some pret</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 499.883px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.922342);">ty amazing opportunities, including a week</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 818.967px; top: 347.74px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 824.567px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.921057);">long</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 370.14px; transform: scaleX(0.901016);"> field research experience with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program in Sarasota, Florida. That</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 392.54px; transform: scaleX(0.906411);"> trip sparked my passion for animal behavior research, and as high school was drawing to a close,</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 414.99px; transform: scaleX(0.918923);"> I directed my c</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 259.833px; top: 414.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921968);">ollege search toward universities where I could continue to explore that passion.</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 437.19px; transform: scaleX(0.924288);"> And that’s how I ended up at Michigan State!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid4" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 459.59px; transform: scaleX(0.916107);"><br /><br />At MSU, I am majoring in Zoology with a concentration in Animal Behavior and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 481.99px; transform: scaleX(0.936701);"> Neurobiology, with additional minors in both Documen</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 560.917px; top: 481.99px; transform: scaleX(0.906131);">tary Production and Spanish. My goal is</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 504.39px; transform: scaleX(0.926369);"> to one day combine everything I’ve learned to produce nature documentaries and other</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 526.79px; transform: scaleX(0.926231);"> conservation</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 246.633px; top: 526.79px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 252.233px; top: 526.79px; transform: scaleX(0.920112);">focused educational materials in a variety of languages. I started working with Dr.</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 549.19px; transform: scaleX(0.897561);"> Kay Holekamp (you know who she is...</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 433.883px; top: 549.19px; transform: scaleX(0.91062);">) in January 2022, helping her compile data from research</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 571.59px; transform: scaleX(0.910213);"> papers on the density and feeding ecology of spotted hyenas across Africa, and editing chapters</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 593.99px; transform: scaleX(0.917351);"> of a book she is writing. I was so interested by what I was learning and wanted to get more</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.932789);"> involved i</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 221.633px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.910331);">n the animal behavior analysis, so I reached out asking how I could get more involved.</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 638.79px; transform: scaleX(0.910494);"> (To be clear</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 237.569px; top: 638.79px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 241.833px; top: 638.79px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 250.997px; top: 638.79px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 255.033px; top: 638.79px; transform: scaleX(0.908268);">I was envisioning myself reviewing videos of hyena behavior and helping analyze</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 660.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921927);"> that data.). She took me completely by surprise and responded with an offe</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 713.717px; top: 660.99px; transform: scaleX(0.914554);">r to spend my spring</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 683.423px; transform: scaleX(0.90961);"> semester at the Mara Hyena Project’s field lab in Kenya. I was ecstatic! As only a sophomore, it</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 705.823px; transform: scaleX(0.913946);"> was an absolute (and unexpected) dream come true.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 728.223px; transform: scaleX(0.914996);"> </span></span></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 728.223px; transform: scaleX(0.914996);">I spent four months at the Project’s Serena Camp with Jana Woerner (who many of you</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 750.623px; transform: scaleX(0.951166);"> alr</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 169.433px; top: 750.623px; transform: scaleX(0.91356);">eady know from previous blog posts), and I can confidently say that the experience changed</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 773.023px; transform: scaleX(0.918548);"> my life. Waking up every morning and being surrounded by such an incredible diversity of</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 795.423px; transform: scaleX(0.921738);"> untouched nature and wildlife was a gift, and the work was so fun to be a pa</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 719.517px; top: 795.423px; transform: scaleX(0.930458);">rt of (...although I</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 817.823px; transform: scaleX(0.915422);"> could have done without mashing up stinky fecal samples. Yuck!). I worked with Jana to do the</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 840.223px; transform: scaleX(0.920312);"> regular behavioral observations that the Project is responsible for year</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 675.517px; top: 840.223px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 681.117px; top: 840.223px; transform: scaleX(0.904207);">round, and was also</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 862.623px; transform: scaleX(0.920561);"> lucky enough to help with a special collaring proj</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 512.683px; top: 862.623px; transform: scaleX(0.919602);">ect (which you can read about in the previous</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.910128);"> post) with the hyenas in South Clan.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid6" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 907.223px; transform: scaleX(0.927702);">Beyond that, I was able to take a couple of different brief trips to see other parts of</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 929.623px; transform: scaleX(0.91543);"> Kenya, and was just stunned by the beauty everywhere I went. I’ve included some of m</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 798.967px; top: 929.623px; transform: scaleX(0.948188);">y favorite</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 952.023px; transform: scaleX(0.932698);"> moments from the experience below</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 426.647px; top: 952.023px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 430.883px; top: 952.023px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 440.047px; top: 952.023px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 444.283px; top: 952.023px; transform: scaleX(0.917655);">I already miss it and can’t wait to go back! For now, I’ve</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 974.473px; transform: scaleX(0.925739);"> returned to the States and will continue my studies at Michigan State in the fall. I will be</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 996.873px; transform: scaleX(0.937097);"> continuing to work virtually with the Mara Hyena Project</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 573.608px; top: 996.873px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 578.117px; top: 996.873px; transform: scaleX(0.900421);">and hope to be back in Kenya</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 1019.27px; transform: scaleX(0.918627);"> sometime very soon.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid7" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 1041.67px; transform: scaleX(0.915683);"> </span></span></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid7" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 1041.67px; transform: scaleX(0.915683);">At the risk of sounding like a long</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 457.283px; top: 1041.67px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 462.883px; top: 1041.67px; transform: scaleX(0.910495);">winded Oscars speech, I’d like to thank a few people</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 1064.07px; transform: scaleX(0.926415);"> before I end this post:</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid8" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page3R_mcid8" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 270.033px; top: 1086.47px; transform: scaleX(0.896479);">First, Dr. Kay Holekamp</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 444.189px; top: 1086.47px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 448.483px; top: 1086.47px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 457.647px; top: 1086.47px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 461.683px; top: 1086.47px; transform: scaleX(0.921769);">thank you. Thank you for offering me this once</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 810.367px; top: 1086.47px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 815.967px; top: 1086.47px; transform: scaleX(0.966977);">in</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 829.767px; top: 1086.47px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 835.367px; top: 1086.47px;">a</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 844.167px; top: 1086.47px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 1108.67px; transform: scaleX(0.94671);">lifetime experie</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 327.283px; top: 1108.67px; transform: scaleX(0.924644);">nce, and for trusting me, supporting me, and encouraging me to follow</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 1131.07px; transform: scaleX(0.915314);"> my dreams. Thank you for being such a role model in the field of conservation and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 1153.47px; transform: scaleX(0.925539);"> research, and for paving the way for students like me to follow in your footsteps. You</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid0" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.924825);"> are an inspiratio</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 331.283px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.925762);">n. It has been such an honor to work with you, and I’m looking forward</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 146.34px; transform: scaleX(0.926978);"> to what next year brings.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid1" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 270.033px; top: 168.74px; transform: scaleX(0.902329);">Jana Woerner</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 374.012px; top: 168.74px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 378.283px; top: 168.74px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 387.447px; top: 168.74px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 391.483px; top: 168.74px; transform: scaleX(0.913372);">what can I say? You were the best research mentor and field</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 191.14px; transform: scaleX(0.923066);"> buddy I could have asked for. Thank you for putting up with my ridiculous excitemen</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 839.967px; top: 191.14px; transform: scaleX(0.984376);">t at</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 213.34px; transform: scaleX(0.92132);"> seeing all the animals (I promise, you’ll never have to stop for another impala for me</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 235.74px; transform: scaleX(0.917447);"> again) and for being so supportive of my passions for photography and film (I know you</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 258.14px; transform: scaleX(0.932722);"> didn’t want to spend 10 minutes with lions or a random elephant, but thanks f</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 792.967px; top: 258.14px; transform: scaleX(0.923406);">or sticking</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 280.54px; transform: scaleX(0.915982);"> it out). Thank you for all the uncontrollable laughs, your guidance and advice, and being</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 302.94px; transform: scaleX(0.929354);"> such a good friend. I’m not sure what I would have done without you!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid2" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 270.033px; top: 325.34px; transform: scaleX(0.890159);">Thanks especially to Dr. Eli Strauss, Dr. Andy Gersick, and Dr. Frants Havmand</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.853429);"> Jensen</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 260.633px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.91637);">, for all your insights into field research, conservation, and academia</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 768.547px; top: 347.74px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 772.767px; top: 347.74px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 781.93px; top: 347.74px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 786.167px; top: 347.74px; transform: scaleX(0.913832);">I learned</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 370.14px; transform: scaleX(0.929361);"> so much from you all during your time in camp and I look forward to continue working</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 392.54px; transform: scaleX(0.931914);"> with all of you! Whenever I think of our hilarious conversations at dinner or</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 771.325px; top: 392.54px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 775.567px; top: 392.54px; transform: scaleX(0.977335);">the</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 414.99px; transform: scaleX(0.925489);"> unfortunate situations we got ourselves into (like fishing a hyena collar out of a den), it</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 437.19px; transform: scaleX(0.896285);"> always makes me smile.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 270.033px; top: 459.59px; transform: scaleX(0.914201);">Thank you to everyone who made me feel so at home during my time in Kenya.</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 481.99px; transform: scaleX(0.909987);"> It can be isolating to live in a remote research camp, so I deeply</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 682.711px; top: 481.99px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 687.317px; top: 481.99px; transform: scaleX(0.93548);">appreciated the time we</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 504.39px; transform: scaleX(0.914314);"> got to spend with these individuals and more. Thank you to Brian and Sue Heath, for</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 526.79px; transform: scaleX(0.906779);"> graciously hosting us for dinners and taking us out on game drives; to Benson Pion and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 549.19px; transform: scaleX(0.911657);"> Junior Pion, for always cracking me up at the drop</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 582.117px; top: 549.19px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 587.717px; top: 549.19px; transform: scaleX(0.924988);">offs and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 647.995px; top: 549.19px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 652.117px; top: 549.19px; transform: scaleX(0.908403);">being such great friends and</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 571.59px; transform: scaleX(0.900352);"> co</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 227.633px; top: 571.59px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 233.233px; top: 571.59px; transform: scaleX(0.922148);">workers; to our guys</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 385.972px; top: 571.59px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 390.083px; top: 571.59px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 399.247px; top: 571.59px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 403.283px; top: 571.59px; transform: scaleX(0.904908);">Philimon, Moses, and Stephen</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 629.088px; top: 571.59px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 633.317px; top: 571.59px;">–</span> <span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 646.717px; top: 571.59px; transform: scaleX(0.929163);">for everything you do for us</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 593.99px; transform: scaleX(0.907951);"> and Serena Camp (I’ll always remember the special birthday cake you made for me</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 826.562px; top: 593.99px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 830.967px; top: 593.99px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.923688);"> you guys are the best!); to the Talek staff</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 515.713px; top: 616.39px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 520.083px; top: 616.39px;">–</span> <span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 533.317px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.868694);">Joseph, Samwe</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 647.117px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.903462);">ll, and Chief</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 734.903px; top: 616.39px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 738.917px; top: 616.39px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 748.08px; top: 616.39px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 752.367px; top: 616.39px; transform: scaleX(0.917186);">for always</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 638.79px; transform: scaleX(0.908332);"> being so kind; to Warden Alfred Bett, Rakita, and Benson Ketere, for giving us some</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 660.99px; transform: scaleX(0.913367);"> incredible sightings (including my first leopard, my first cheetah, and Risasi and her</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 683.423px; transform: scaleX(0.910011);"> cubs); to Aruasa David, for the laughs and fun times over</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 632.461px; top: 683.423px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 636.917px; top: 683.423px; transform: scaleX(0.91296);">dinner and drinks; to Jake Wall</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 705.823px; transform: scaleX(0.914573);"> (Mara Elephant Project) and his family</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 495.289px; top: 705.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 499.683px; top: 705.823px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 508.847px; top: 705.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 512.883px; top: 705.823px; transform: scaleX(0.933451);">Christina, Willow, and Wolf</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 715.909px; top: 705.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 720.117px; top: 705.823px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 729.28px; top: 705.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 733.317px; top: 705.823px; transform: scaleX(0.918637);">for being so kind</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 728.223px; transform: scaleX(0.917205);"> and welcoming, and for being so receptive to my interest in MEP’s</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 703.061px; top: 728.223px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 707.517px; top: 728.223px; transform: scaleX(0.896872);">research</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 771.767px; top: 728.223px; transform: scaleX(0.89155);">; to Shachar</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 750.623px; transform: scaleX(0.912171);"> Gelbart, for his hospitality and giving us such</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 543.037px; top: 750.623px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 547.317px; top: 750.623px; transform: scaleX(0.917788);">cool experiences with the balloon safaris;</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 773.023px; transform: scaleX(0.908597);"> to Lenaipa Daniel Losieku, Robert Lemaiyan, and our ranger for making my time at</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 795.423px; transform: scaleX(0.911064);"> Sarara Camp in Samburu so unforgettable; and especially to the groups that we had the</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 817.823px; transform: scaleX(0.93193);"> pleasure of talking to throughout my time in K</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 554.117px; top: 817.823px; transform: scaleX(0.901554);">enya</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 590.089px; top: 817.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 594.117px; top: 817.823px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 603.28px; top: 817.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 607.317px; top: 817.823px; transform: scaleX(0.928005);">your interest in the Mara Hyena</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 210.033px; top: 840.223px; transform: scaleX(0.913948);"> Project was so appreciated and we loved answering your questions!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.926412);"><br /><br />Signing off for now</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 290.947px; top: 884.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 295.033px; top: 884.823px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 304.197px; top: 884.823px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);">nitarudi tena! (I will come back again).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lp3736DDfI-Jr7nfVUiOM1SEDgGCHPBP93qlcMrAHlKsBJi0K0RWPdYK6agcMf5Ggs4FnnTu57q9thhcBZDd7ljIYW114_QWSqtEhhE7mfnd8XuQ4diskzh2IUBMsVWgKr9SbAOAMcZG96pa0Z0s-81RXGV3EjkkJF8Q4TSh3YDp2mxCUVceqqYL88c/s3072/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lp3736DDfI-Jr7nfVUiOM1SEDgGCHPBP93qlcMrAHlKsBJi0K0RWPdYK6agcMf5Ggs4FnnTu57q9thhcBZDd7ljIYW114_QWSqtEhhE7mfnd8XuQ4diskzh2IUBMsVWgKr9SbAOAMcZG96pa0Z0s-81RXGV3EjkkJF8Q4TSh3YDp2mxCUVceqqYL88c/w640-h426/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><span class="markedContent" id="page16R_mcid1"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 603.99px; transform: scaleX(0.877794);">Tiny Kayla was always so</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 333.47px; top: 603.99px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 337.883px; top: 603.99px; transform: scaleX(0.912415);">happy</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 383.626px; top: 603.99px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 387.883px; top: 603.99px; transform: scaleX(0.912438);">to see the zebras at Brookfield Zoo!</span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><span class="markedContent" id="page16R_mcid1"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 387.883px; top: 603.99px; transform: scaleX(0.912438);"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGaspNFwVijwmeM59S7t6Bg_fJq-dBIMpL0dnCS2CjftBughuW5U9Bkb8OY4EWET2n6kFfFRl2EVV02hv1Q_stgy_OpZskjbGK0PYMsvEjrK-stt-PybQf9WZWgojEDymBsk_03i5tePbL4UzwZi8_cithYsmnTnto7vBIPWf0XUfCoPMtug-qypbS0Y/s4032/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGaspNFwVijwmeM59S7t6Bg_fJq-dBIMpL0dnCS2CjftBughuW5U9Bkb8OY4EWET2n6kFfFRl2EVV02hv1Q_stgy_OpZskjbGK0PYMsvEjrK-stt-PybQf9WZWgojEDymBsk_03i5tePbL4UzwZi8_cithYsmnTnto7vBIPWf0XUfCoPMtug-qypbS0Y/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page20R_mcid0" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.913349);">One of my</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 227.522px; top: 123.94px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 231.833px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.937302);">all</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 249.033px; top: 123.94px;">-</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 254.433px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.948944);">time favorite moments</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 426.161px; top: 123.94px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 430.283px; top: 123.94px;">–</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 439.447px; top: 123.94px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 443.683px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.903291);">darting KNIN (South Clan) to remove her collar. I was so</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 146.34px; transform: scaleX(0.926312);"> excited</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 204.033px; top: 146.34px;">!</span></span></div><p></p><p><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><span class="markedContent" id="page16R_mcid1"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 387.883px; top: 603.99px; transform: scaleX(0.912438);"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdClty_6aWDPHK3_7vijaNE8vgEA61emYE09b6F7VE0UfhgeEJCl4Qocd128659Yi_FWNNcEJh563YzcDj18Vvf9VhXVhEQ0pJVEwb76-0BipXfvczIur1ImVZhrha9G1R7llFiTkclvauVzXzYV7wBCJlbOe4d_9tukxAZnoDYZJyA_3p5h_p9xbrEac/s6000/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdClty_6aWDPHK3_7vijaNE8vgEA61emYE09b6F7VE0UfhgeEJCl4Qocd128659Yi_FWNNcEJh563YzcDj18Vvf9VhXVhEQ0pJVEwb76-0BipXfvczIur1ImVZhrha9G1R7llFiTkclvauVzXzYV7wBCJlbOe4d_9tukxAZnoDYZJyA_3p5h_p9xbrEac/w640-h426/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page20R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 671.19px; transform: scaleX(0.899424);">LORI, a South Clan cub, having a photoshoot moment.</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page20R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 671.19px; transform: scaleX(0.899424);"> <br /><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoyKN0E36ga0TzGPQa5IM80zSt0ya8Xn3twnVPBqlxeHeDc91WXyZFlQ42lPjAY60-vA_n_ya1S_Mk7R1wFdbyhjWxwDI4cvD3_RD1BDWtXXA5B5nX0IBUE8LToQShuL4Y_l5NodEsCB37jlbhiB_7eHp69hR7Z_hlO2Vtf0o6MMcuwtb_p_cygVz8OI/s6000/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoyKN0E36ga0TzGPQa5IM80zSt0ya8Xn3twnVPBqlxeHeDc91WXyZFlQ42lPjAY60-vA_n_ya1S_Mk7R1wFdbyhjWxwDI4cvD3_RD1BDWtXXA5B5nX0IBUE8LToQShuL4Y_l5NodEsCB37jlbhiB_7eHp69hR7Z_hlO2Vtf0o6MMcuwtb_p_cygVz8OI/w640-h426/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page24R_mcid0" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.91386);">The sunsets in the Maasai Mara are just so beautiful!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page14R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 308.433px; top: 884.823px; transform: scaleX(0.92208);"> </span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-FC-YZAzsVQOGh0IV-XZJdqaCQPTwYvz6eUjnQIb6lIASd_l2_I9uSarcHJa01ELy2uxqKKBHpIgpRP1zxnpqdrXGHyKadYgEZpiFZ7MEqD1Cw4fHLxTnVsd-ftSYRmArq-itT73VPMwUPzKH9E6fG7lXnDfeebxNaCf83kSCSIv2DoyeNnvzmV2gDk/s6000/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-FC-YZAzsVQOGh0IV-XZJdqaCQPTwYvz6eUjnQIb6lIASd_l2_I9uSarcHJa01ELy2uxqKKBHpIgpRP1zxnpqdrXGHyKadYgEZpiFZ7MEqD1Cw4fHLxTnVsd-ftSYRmArq-itT73VPMwUPzKH9E6fG7lXnDfeebxNaCf83kSCSIv2DoyeNnvzmV2gDk/w640-h426/5.JPG" width="640" /></a><span class="markedContent" id="page24R_mcid0"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.91386);"> </span></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page24R_mcid0" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 123.94px; transform: scaleX(0.91386);">The sunsets in the Maasai Mara are just so beautiful!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page24R_mcid3" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 648.79px; transform: scaleX(0.912113);"> We were so lucky to see a newborn</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 414.614px; top: 648.79px;"> </span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 418.683px; top: 648.79px; transform: scaleX(0.907972);">Thomson’s gazelle as it took its first steps.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMhP-_4ViQrDdZuu7yxP0O2MFZ-QtaM4wH9zD_TF1whP-Ci8lXs2vn7byQbSwAqvw7JkzVPrF0YUwvyf38hT70YrzrcOyOswDU_DcebZVM9zUXN9rwuwUhVmfHJgsVSv3Hv964lEkiQcRl0vLOww5WE-8E7kMb3JaL6tVgMkuFcgJQPt8X1V4dLjj14I/s6000/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMhP-_4ViQrDdZuu7yxP0O2MFZ-QtaM4wH9zD_TF1whP-Ci8lXs2vn7byQbSwAqvw7JkzVPrF0YUwvyf38hT70YrzrcOyOswDU_DcebZVM9zUXN9rwuwUhVmfHJgsVSv3Hv964lEkiQcRl0vLOww5WE-8E7kMb3JaL6tVgMkuFcgJQPt8X1V4dLjj14I/w640-h426/7.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span class="markedContent" id="page28R_mcid2" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 626.39px; transform: scaleX(0.904699);">Lots of cubs at the Happy Zebra den!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIv45wqLZYZH0EokvmM5f1B5wfUMwTK4beoULSbcgK5_ZLZCdjydwq29oy2kwzm-y0fWPWnmekNnw6_V7RYQRe6-3hsJbU-CJF2FrOn6ehVEvb2ObI70xeI1FPxrsXTW-1qJ2VM-DQMhz1NorOLeB9-fLaKDjYx6q9g_TdoENEOl9hR1d8P01SSbG-Nc/s6000/8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIv45wqLZYZH0EokvmM5f1B5wfUMwTK4beoULSbcgK5_ZLZCdjydwq29oy2kwzm-y0fWPWnmekNnw6_V7RYQRe6-3hsJbU-CJF2FrOn6ehVEvb2ObI70xeI1FPxrsXTW-1qJ2VM-DQMhz1NorOLeB9-fLaKDjYx6q9g_TdoENEOl9hR1d8P01SSbG-Nc/w640-h426/8.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="canvasWrapper" style="height: 1319px; text-align: left; width: 1019px;"><span class="markedContent" id="page28R_mcid2" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 626.39px; transform: scaleX(0.904699);">Lots of cubs at the Happy Zebra den!</span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page28R_mcid5" style="font-size: small;"><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 1151.27px; transform: scaleX(0.911271);"> We were able to see Risasi and her cubs during a controlled burn, which made for a stunning</span><span dir="ltr" face="sans-serif" role="presentation" style="left: 150.04px; top: 1173.67px; transform: scaleX(0.923871);"> backdrop. <br /></span></span></div>Laboratory Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12914765397143211951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-46550230412105708612022-10-08T12:27:00.007+03:002022-12-11T10:30:22.342+03:00Welcome to Mara Hyena Project's South Clan!<p>The Mara Hyena Project was established by Dr. Kay Holekamp in 1988 and has been studying the South Clan since 2008. We have two research camps in the Maasai Mara – one based in the Main Reserve, near Talek Town, and one based in the Triangle, near Serena Lodge. We are broadly interested in the ecology, behavior, and evolution of spotted hyenas. Right now, we are working on a large-scale research project to understand how communication drives coordination and decision-making in spotted hyena societies. To do so, we are collaring all hyenas 18 months or older in a single clan – the South Clan. These collars will record the GPS locations, activity levels, and vocalizations for every hyena in the clan for over one month. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZvcIvxrSeAnBpswfd-j9_frBy90D885Vz4cX7AYdeuVosxu7SNpoZcict2XBI21aWO_TXk9tH7UwXta2f86ECoKHJujZ8tXreQaGZf-yNveATpyLSjfGc389nt3ypWxR4v4WFF88-fsNB64bnsYFt6yZscpKVmCVFoDdpN4i46MR8uI9wMVOGPpZ/s4592/cover.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZvcIvxrSeAnBpswfd-j9_frBy90D885Vz4cX7AYdeuVosxu7SNpoZcict2XBI21aWO_TXk9tH7UwXta2f86ECoKHJujZ8tXreQaGZf-yNveATpyLSjfGc389nt3ypWxR4v4WFF88-fsNB64bnsYFt6yZscpKVmCVFoDdpN4i46MR8uI9wMVOGPpZ/w400-h266/cover.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNUG running away with a baby thomson's gazelle she stole from a lower ranker.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Spotted hyenas live in complex fission-fusion groups with stable dominance hierarchies. The fission-fusion dynamics of hyena society allow individuals to avoid competition at carcasses without sacrificing the benefits of group defense against neighboring hyenas and other competitors. We want to see how their vocalizations function to recruit clan-mates for group hunts and defense against lions and neighboring hyena clans.</p><p>Most collars will have unique color codes on the right side of the collar for easy identification of each individual. If you are in the Triangle and spot one of our collared hyenas, please leave us a comment below. You can also connect with us on Facebook (Mara Hyena Project), Instagram (@marahyenaproject), and Twitter (@MaraHyenas). This blog post will be updated regularly as we collar more individuals – we will include the name, color code, and some fun facts about each individual so you can get to know our South Clan 😊</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g6zhxdvKAd47JWAJSJ6cDOl7pMWAERLjHMcpJVjXN5alKEL90qpoeRcN6lMEB2IqdUMCntrrSLA1TaMrvz1MMTFJJJWLGQqc5mchWKegqZxN0QLJ5aD6nuIj4s2IiZAQOrWLc_jSQzrZM0SV1l2reWVep4nuMWm8lm5WXWxBPjFNtKr79hV--hht/s4032/collar.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g6zhxdvKAd47JWAJSJ6cDOl7pMWAERLjHMcpJVjXN5alKEL90qpoeRcN6lMEB2IqdUMCntrrSLA1TaMrvz1MMTFJJJWLGQqc5mchWKegqZxN0QLJ5aD6nuIj4s2IiZAQOrWLc_jSQzrZM0SV1l2reWVep4nuMWm8lm5WXWxBPjFNtKr79hV--hht/w300-h400/collar.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the color codes - these are read from top to bottom and there are four possible colors (blue, green, red, and white). This code is red, green, blue and belongs to MPRS.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Although these hyena names may seem random to you, we do have a system! Each female hyena gets a theme (lineage) after which her offspring are all named. Adult males that immigrate into a clan are named after cities. Lastly, these names are abbreviated into 3-4 letter codes that we use in our data collection. For example, Waffles, a mom in our North Clan, is abbreviated as WAFL and all of her cubs are named after syrups. If you think you’ve cracked the code for some of our South Clan lineages, leave a comment!</p><p><b>Update from December 2022: We officially collard our 25th and final hyena, GYRO, at the beginning of the month. The research team is taking the rest of the year off to spend the holidays with their friends and families, restock on field supplies, and watch a World Cup game or two in Nairobi. We will be back in the field in time for January 1st, when our collars start recording all hyenas around the clock and the real fun begins!</b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Meet The Hyenas</u></span></p><p><b>Silver Nugget – SNUG</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIulDL6nl8uM1Td2c0TXW4nIKIduYFhtE6cMPvnj9r88atQubJW84_yWul6wQ37RFcYTG1y3L-FpvFdTAg-IO5hWLfq31N5Y9HUWThmGLPvq8j7KVmMsjy-yhnaUFszFVQfIp7rX_Eu3e46tgokIJqtQGlFnT_MHgpRhOCjyKylzYOLMJeXdSAhilX/s2809/snugid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIulDL6nl8uM1Td2c0TXW4nIKIduYFhtE6cMPvnj9r88atQubJW84_yWul6wQ37RFcYTG1y3L-FpvFdTAg-IO5hWLfq31N5Y9HUWThmGLPvq8j7KVmMsjy-yhnaUFszFVQfIp7rX_Eu3e46tgokIJqtQGlFnT_MHgpRhOCjyKylzYOLMJeXdSAhilX/w400-h266/snugid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>SNUG is the matriarch of South Clan. With the help of her sisters, she rose to the top of the dominance hierarchy when the old matriarch died in 2018. She successfully raised her daughters ISSA and MPRS to adulthood and currently has two cubs at the communal den.</p><p><b>Issidae – ISSA</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRccoy79isamguWdkiZuG9-MMqfc482MwmAH4vZusQloBLFgTr4Ih8QhAbYFaWl6-uFaPS7SMoz6JqmPb7__Af6MqxDJ9ixhbSK68Y2m13sInnuQWqs2xc_csBkQFQ4DkHr4iQ0g6Zyn0PoRB4eZSAjoq9QSJs-V77e7sHV24yHfSWhN_e0gPw6TrH/s2809/issaid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRccoy79isamguWdkiZuG9-MMqfc482MwmAH4vZusQloBLFgTr4Ih8QhAbYFaWl6-uFaPS7SMoz6JqmPb7__Af6MqxDJ9ixhbSK68Y2m13sInnuQWqs2xc_csBkQFQ4DkHr4iQ0g6Zyn0PoRB4eZSAjoq9QSJs-V77e7sHV24yHfSWhN_e0gPw6TrH/w400-h266/issaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>ISSA is the 2-year-old daughter of the matriarch, SNUG. We suspect that she is currently pregnant for the first time and will hopefully give birth in November or December. Though female hyenas are sexually mature at 24 months, most don’t have their first litter until they are 3+ years old. However, high-ranking hyenas like ISSA are generally on the “fast track” to adulthood – they grow faster, wean earlier, and have their first litter sooner. <div><i>Update from December: ISSA still has not given birth, so our prediction may have been wrong. Nonetheless, we are checking her GPS points frequently to see if she is on a natal den.</i><p></p><p><b>Empress Cicada – MPRS</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeXAV96If3V4JqOA9G6XiOHwKlo8JUW1QjgxFI8LqGVSVYk-UmyWzlA9B8iNd_mryx3lF9J4QOg1IbRRmHlFOHxgblrCA9YzrBrLQW6UluA1AuCHTJpa_QIdbVYEhxbGkyTVbYbFY-tuO7PcTAR5ZHrEfezCOiHvuqywQUPsh4qiKXvZB5NB6jPHO/s2809/mprsid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeXAV96If3V4JqOA9G6XiOHwKlo8JUW1QjgxFI8LqGVSVYk-UmyWzlA9B8iNd_mryx3lF9J4QOg1IbRRmHlFOHxgblrCA9YzrBrLQW6UluA1AuCHTJpa_QIdbVYEhxbGkyTVbYbFY-tuO7PcTAR5ZHrEfezCOiHvuqywQUPsh4qiKXvZB5NB6jPHO/w400-h266/mprsid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>MPRS is the 4-year-old daughter of the matriarch, SNUG, and the older sister of ISSA. She was “second-in-command” to SNUG but is slowly being pushed down the dominance hierarchy as SNUG has more offspring. Hyenas follow what we call a “youngest ascendancy” rule – new cubs inherit the dominance rank immediately below that of their mother, making them higher ranking than their older siblings. MPRS currently has two cubs at the communal den. </div><div><i>Update from December: MPRS gave birth to a new litter of cubs at the end of November and GPS data indicates that she spends most of her time at her natal den - this den is hidden inside a thicket, so we have not seen the new cubs yet.</i><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Stardust – STAR</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf60mEUCaGf7ES6XrryXSjhNHjmPVEa78Ljpr_LHGr5newNj1Uqg4zr6YD-EIScES3ovb7HIZ2qN32LiRvg2xIHwICuWvuXiPJA_ZW-JUdAXszfkp1rhSbo8rAIy1RAZa-MST_3JbNxWk5wj0_b0-uJg-RkkdqrURxMOaw0pMiuG-XAUx642m2OXhY/s2809/starid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf60mEUCaGf7ES6XrryXSjhNHjmPVEa78Ljpr_LHGr5newNj1Uqg4zr6YD-EIScES3ovb7HIZ2qN32LiRvg2xIHwICuWvuXiPJA_ZW-JUdAXszfkp1rhSbo8rAIy1RAZa-MST_3JbNxWk5wj0_b0-uJg-RkkdqrURxMOaw0pMiuG-XAUx642m2OXhY/w400-h266/starid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>STAR is a 10-year-old female who, strangely, has never given birth to any cubs even though she went through puberty at around 2 years of age. We’re not sure why STAR is infertile, but hopefully the blood samples we collected will shed some light on her situation. She is the older sister of the matriarch, SNUG. STAR and SNUG spend a lot of time together, and I suspect that their close alliance allowed SNUG to win the matriarchy over ROUG, their younger sister who was higher-ranking than either of them.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Palazzo – PALA</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmZZSbd3Q3SG9FeWb8bhRdssRO5yd6lO4dSCypTZQI2QRGZoD89u0mGz1gRZ9ZJEwKDa2ssQ0mNOhP4R0Rc-ioJRDyqq4RiGX6ARp6mPHB8_fKiH1KXOWl3xIO-2NTev98ZPYgf4nRfmHBRJYakV6545egVibKfe__sMGhBqjE7G8pzifJ6-zOCF/s2809/palaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAmZZSbd3Q3SG9FeWb8bhRdssRO5yd6lO4dSCypTZQI2QRGZoD89u0mGz1gRZ9ZJEwKDa2ssQ0mNOhP4R0Rc-ioJRDyqq4RiGX6ARp6mPHB8_fKiH1KXOWl3xIO-2NTev98ZPYgf4nRfmHBRJYakV6545egVibKfe__sMGhBqjE7G8pzifJ6-zOCF/w400-h266/palaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>PALA is a 12-year-old female who managed to raise both SAMI and JOJO successfully to adulthood. She is the older sister of SNUG and STAR, but she is currently experiencing a decline in rank. We’re not quite sure what happened, but PALA was badly beaten up by her younger sisters and their offspring in both June and October of this year. Her two current cubs still spend a lot of time with their clan-mates, though PALA herself seems to avoid them at the moment. </div><div><i>Update from December: PALA is recovering nicely from her injuries and is starting to spend more time in the vicinity of her clan-mates.</i></div><div><p><b>Jojo McDodd – JOJO</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkmQ6vaqqBv-GhlwOPIhabpk7-85NbbgzYH_UeVeyNAnNj6rh8lS4x7verbE4Z_RhXXrMEOjs9iyKyVZJkN956lrn454bvcDFlr41wenx2JtF1hmbGepcAEQThLA3nR7t5OtnuTbfM9tjbAc-yDKKBKmcc0QkyKmQDNbUHRvG6pu7YEGcLorKpd_8/s2809/jojoid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkmQ6vaqqBv-GhlwOPIhabpk7-85NbbgzYH_UeVeyNAnNj6rh8lS4x7verbE4Z_RhXXrMEOjs9iyKyVZJkN956lrn454bvcDFlr41wenx2JtF1hmbGepcAEQThLA3nR7t5OtnuTbfM9tjbAc-yDKKBKmcc0QkyKmQDNbUHRvG6pu7YEGcLorKpd_8/w400-h266/jojoid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>JOJO is the 3-year-old daughter of PALA. JOJO was the subordinate cub in her litter but was able to flourish when lions sadly killed her dominant sibling. Hyenas usually give birth to 1-2 cubs at a time. Immediately after birth, the two cubs fight over who becomes dominant. The dominant cub generally grows faster and fares better than the submissive cub, especially if the mother is low-ranking. JOJO is currently at a natal den, raising her first litter of cubs. </p><p><i>Update from December: JOJO unfortunately lost her first litter of cubs, though this is pretty common for first-time moms. Generally, hyenas are pregnant again within a month or two after losing a litter.</i></p><p><b>Sam I Am – SAMI</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS2q2dm4omVaNXWHPZWYjBB8JydZG9Uh8yCFw_kZy9Mwhpm0-s_8RoEEOxhG7XpnV_nN_qIArN_KiPdKlbGoBixsHxe1RptzByroHEgdVPQWEWKuEr39ri_qQOPoHdllrcOkQqD2th-AGpOfsE6CHsR585l-8LnFdX4cy0busb59GQOx_SyE2DPDf/s2809/samiid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS2q2dm4omVaNXWHPZWYjBB8JydZG9Uh8yCFw_kZy9Mwhpm0-s_8RoEEOxhG7XpnV_nN_qIArN_KiPdKlbGoBixsHxe1RptzByroHEgdVPQWEWKuEr39ri_qQOPoHdllrcOkQqD2th-AGpOfsE6CHsR585l-8LnFdX4cy0busb59GQOx_SyE2DPDf/w400-h266/samiid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>SAMI is the 5-year-old daughter of PALA and the older sister of JOJO. She is currently raising her second litter at the den, a single cub named TOD. However, she likes to keep her distance from the main action. As a mid-ranker, this behavior seems to be more typical: one of the lab’s former PhD students found that mid-ranking hyenas actually have smaller social networks (friends/alliances) than low- and high-ranking hyenas.<p></p><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Bellagio – BLG</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPbloq1L9l89ytYi9oY2VkYpv8C0n9eJvz1moIAS-bDoxGrE0_GnspfUphYoyBHcrEXsH2hzH7ENySZOXjdO1p5VgpPEDkw99K6qwcjc0X0whmZkHNfb1VuIZZTTggdH5o08ISsIrUrbfcfqGVFrl2mXHJMHr3P5951DHxDLQkYRSg5ZE22w1CFV4/s2809/blgid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPbloq1L9l89ytYi9oY2VkYpv8C0n9eJvz1moIAS-bDoxGrE0_GnspfUphYoyBHcrEXsH2hzH7ENySZOXjdO1p5VgpPEDkw99K6qwcjc0X0whmZkHNfb1VuIZZTTggdH5o08ISsIrUrbfcfqGVFrl2mXHJMHr3P5951DHxDLQkYRSg5ZE22w1CFV4/w400-h266/blgid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>At 14 years old, BLG is the oldest member of South Clan! Though she is the older sister of the matriarch, the “youngest ascendancy” rule has pushed her down the dominance hierarchy into a mid- to low-ranking position. She is currently raising her 8th litter of cubs, a single cub named WINX. Nonetheless, her linage remains relatively small as she has only raised her daughter, BSCT, and her son, PHRH, to adulthood successfully.</div><div><p><b>Seabiscuit – BSCT</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFc_9Nx1tf0tJ9bi3lnK3VJ64k-aDxJXFnYb39XzGaJ1h8nOlprQshhIsifcEjT-24OZ3U5cFQNJX7H43PNlumRmyUyPrd2GBUG90oNpEB21Ao768bZ02pbK-U8v2tSKEp8sbFmgzWdF0U4VJ1zQOGLGRjcvXa_jmC5sGNIHokg22nqJsumfLujL-/s2809/bsctid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFc_9Nx1tf0tJ9bi3lnK3VJ64k-aDxJXFnYb39XzGaJ1h8nOlprQshhIsifcEjT-24OZ3U5cFQNJX7H43PNlumRmyUyPrd2GBUG90oNpEB21Ao768bZ02pbK-U8v2tSKEp8sbFmgzWdF0U4VJ1zQOGLGRjcvXa_jmC5sGNIHokg22nqJsumfLujL-/w400-h266/bsctid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>BSCT is a 9-year-old female and currently has one cub that is becoming independent of the den. After a brief period at the natal den, spotted hyenas bring their cubs to a communal den. Each communal den functions as a social “hot spot” for the clan and allow the cubs to meet the other clan members. Once the cubs are 8-12 months old, they start to explore the territory and venture farther away from the den until they no longer reside there at all. We call this process “den graduation.” </div><div><i>Update from December: BSCT's cub went missing at the end of October. She gave birth to a new litter at the end of November, so she was already pregnant while her cub was still alive. Higher ranking hyenas can usually sustain a pregnancy while also nursing the previous litter, though mid rankers like BSCT may have a harder time doing both. </i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Gyro – GYRO</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj11cMUM5HzgxhXCdufgVKuz8jbW6Vat3CX3BXAIChCmwbStq2Dz4EBydV7llZPEwtXptpjaOx_nZZJaiAtZqY15iPBOzWo9r0-c1lvtC_9uNi8aDq4Av4aUchgdQ4U_KsagibBA_I-dvyzFkkrQVsxLVy2i7Efy8o_Eiat_heeYwxN-V84l9WkCK/s2809/gyroid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj11cMUM5HzgxhXCdufgVKuz8jbW6Vat3CX3BXAIChCmwbStq2Dz4EBydV7llZPEwtXptpjaOx_nZZJaiAtZqY15iPBOzWo9r0-c1lvtC_9uNi8aDq4Av4aUchgdQ4U_KsagibBA_I-dvyzFkkrQVsxLVy2i7Efy8o_Eiat_heeYwxN-V84l9WkCK/w400-h266/gyroid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div><div>GYRO is a 2.5-year-old female subadult and belongs to BSCT. Like RACH, she grew up during the pandemic when our monitoring efforts were drastically reduced. Nonetheless, we regularly see her wandering around the territory alone, or interacting with others over a tasty wildebeest carcass. As a mid-ranker, she likely won’t give birth to her first litter for another year or so, but we expect to see her more often at the communal den once her mother, BSCT, brings her latest litter from her current natal den to the communal den.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Lamborghini – LMBO</b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagc1t_V6kCkczPGCaGRk3s5u3k2oqq2vHmVulwRSu8CcEHTQoGNjoJFDiPTPcWA6qNnnpZbQFGDZ1H-OabRIpjeyrbQsngVnbggmLOeFL4rshyVZGinX9ju5IdssAx1G7E1MtQpw5yZV4Jww2OfUHFrCaW-6e96V6IpkaH8wxvgWc8c8qAaZ_54KQ/s2809/lmboid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagc1t_V6kCkczPGCaGRk3s5u3k2oqq2vHmVulwRSu8CcEHTQoGNjoJFDiPTPcWA6qNnnpZbQFGDZ1H-OabRIpjeyrbQsngVnbggmLOeFL4rshyVZGinX9ju5IdssAx1G7E1MtQpw5yZV4Jww2OfUHFrCaW-6e96V6IpkaH8wxvgWc8c8qAaZ_54KQ/w400-h266/lmboid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>LMBO is a 6-year-old female that has not been able to raise any cubs to adulthood successfully. She is the granddaughter of former matriarch CLOV, but lost her high rank when SNUG and company took over. As a lower-ranking hyena, LMBO spends more of her time at the edge and outside of the clan’s territory. In fact, the GPS data we’ve received so far indicates that lower rankers tend to hang out in the northern part of the territory, whereas higher rankers prefer the southern part. </div></div><div><p><b>Rachel Carson – RACH</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauoAPKNL_nVu-aGDguNz_SlUP-ESYpehJDSsDwDb-IiI0zkX4-9NfHn6NOKm910R6NvZesYA38DqcZDlx0qRZUEpkvzkIY8zM0gl-cr-v-ow_WkyK0bTqnpcObZ7Peq7Rwu9lkzJfmwsFKkcyNgQ5UtfAIE3sepKkkzoH1emu3RMV0B7fO84kyTl3/s2809/rachid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauoAPKNL_nVu-aGDguNz_SlUP-ESYpehJDSsDwDb-IiI0zkX4-9NfHn6NOKm910R6NvZesYA38DqcZDlx0qRZUEpkvzkIY8zM0gl-cr-v-ow_WkyK0bTqnpcObZ7Peq7Rwu9lkzJfmwsFKkcyNgQ5UtfAIE3sepKkkzoH1emu3RMV0B7fO84kyTl3/w400-h266/rachid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>RACH is a subadult male who grew up during the pandemic. His mother has been missing since last year, so his only remaining kin is his cousin, DETH. RACH is almost 3 years old; he will likely leave South Clan soon to find a new clan. Right before dispersal, subadult males tend to distance themselves from the other natal animals – we generally see them hanging out with immigrant males, other subadults who may be dispersing soon, or by themselves along the edge of the territory.<p></p><p><b>Death Star – DETH</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p1x-aGVDx5mUX1o7YnRQmHch3SejRZ5KEqTe_SQpOB2pc1hsYe7zPuulUu23Tj_aM6WfQmuxyuD44u80kCRETwbHf7rv1TStRxWr52uA_HLvlpuMdAhcY_5BVdFIKUZcytGW2sKW0BxvE6HVubGyevfncHfAc4uj5fRT-RblxmxM5UYw-sPD6TU-/s2809/dethid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p1x-aGVDx5mUX1o7YnRQmHch3SejRZ5KEqTe_SQpOB2pc1hsYe7zPuulUu23Tj_aM6WfQmuxyuD44u80kCRETwbHf7rv1TStRxWr52uA_HLvlpuMdAhcY_5BVdFIKUZcytGW2sKW0BxvE6HVubGyevfncHfAc4uj5fRT-RblxmxM5UYw-sPD6TU-/w400-h266/dethid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>DETH is a 9-year-old female and the granddaughter of the former matriarch, JAVA. She was pushed from the top of the hierarchy to the bottom third when SNUG and her sisters took over after JAVA’s death. Generally, a matriarch’s youngest adult daughters will fight over the matriarchy when she dies, but both Happy Zebra and South Clan experienced drastic hierarchy shifts after the deaths of their most recent matriarchs. Since losing her high rank, DETH has not been able to raise any of her litters to adulthood successfully.</p><p><b>Honor Harrington – HONR</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdf3m-HFba8GvhKFyDL_7_8omlJuFqSiuU2nIJ5XPQ-8_Hu6AyDpYa8ISZsNEOqCYpC-jVDEc9e0NUztk_Wc6lVbJRKmRZwkkdiiB3oRgvYQq9dfG-LrSn8tiDMXksdN6Y4r9dHtJYaxHkiqwod9dAwg0yLrpu8S7KEmIYipjx5HtKun_JyU4dwUz/s2809/honrid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdf3m-HFba8GvhKFyDL_7_8omlJuFqSiuU2nIJ5XPQ-8_Hu6AyDpYa8ISZsNEOqCYpC-jVDEc9e0NUztk_Wc6lVbJRKmRZwkkdiiB3oRgvYQq9dfG-LrSn8tiDMXksdN6Y4r9dHtJYaxHkiqwod9dAwg0yLrpu8S7KEmIYipjx5HtKun_JyU4dwUz/w400-h266/honrid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>HONR is an 8-year-old female that is relatively low-ranking. She had her first litter when she was 5 years old (recall that the high-ranking ISSA may already be pregnant at 2). HONR is currently at a natal den, though we have not seen her new cubs yet. Spotted hyenas give birth in a secluded den (natal den), where they keep their cubs for 2-4 weeks before bringing them to the communal den. </p><p><i>Update from December: HONR moved her cubs to the communal den for a couple of weeks, before ultimately moving them to her sister's natal den. </i></p><p><b>Capellini – CAPE</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDmY_lKtcguNb9LhIc-kByzLdqFWAONsxnioZNxYOJNYSPyLBJLI662Z8oWtNXMjucfjZlEj5pBkf_l6pQgF1FUquXOrpwWt4c0CQLykO9cJ_FT5dTtDTphglkNF9oEgB5Q-49poNeclpFICCDU4wSY_BW5-ZkyRVH4_MtsWVxivuSm0pE8PP_ioS/s2809/capeid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDmY_lKtcguNb9LhIc-kByzLdqFWAONsxnioZNxYOJNYSPyLBJLI662Z8oWtNXMjucfjZlEj5pBkf_l6pQgF1FUquXOrpwWt4c0CQLykO9cJ_FT5dTtDTphglkNF9oEgB5Q-49poNeclpFICCDU4wSY_BW5-ZkyRVH4_MtsWVxivuSm0pE8PP_ioS/w400-h266/capeid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>CAPE is a 2-year-old male subadult and a master of disguise. In the Mara Triangle, we rarely see den-graduated cubs and subadults during our regular observation sessions. Many earlier blog posts have alluded to this, but the tall grass, wallows, and rocks all provide perfect cover for the hyenas to hide from us (or, more likely, lions). And if you thought that having VHF tracking on these collars would make things easier, think again! The other night, I drove by CAPE three times before I finally found him sleeping in the shade of a massive boulder. </p><p><b>Jean-Luc Picard – JLP</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuKvWmUr_DIF5jbE1EsODy5EFAdqCqEi6HFTyBbhxsEFm7X88DX2HZFwfJbVYAdUq3A3HmWNpIAPKIcWZoNMf8mBZVew7ipwfEhgbS8y37atP91ak-s2RRjql_veHD0eU56Muc-eo_9HQVpJKXoxFHghspdFZiY83pDyuUgwA5kLv_bBi44FVDzSC/s2809/jlpid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuKvWmUr_DIF5jbE1EsODy5EFAdqCqEi6HFTyBbhxsEFm7X88DX2HZFwfJbVYAdUq3A3HmWNpIAPKIcWZoNMf8mBZVew7ipwfEhgbS8y37atP91ak-s2RRjql_veHD0eU56Muc-eo_9HQVpJKXoxFHghspdFZiY83pDyuUgwA5kLv_bBi44FVDzSC/w400-h266/jlpid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>JLP is a 12-year-old adult female in the lowest-ranking matriline of the clan, and the mother of KNIN and MCKY. She is currently at her natal den, nursing ACE, the newest addition to South Clan. Like most low-ranking hyenas, JLP is one of our more elusive individuals and spends most of her time away from the more gregarious high rankers. In fact, we nearly gave up on darting her until the GPS points from HONR, JLP’s sister, led us right to her natal den. Phew! </p><p><b>Mickey Smith – MCKY</b></p><p>At 23 months old, MCKY is the youngest hyena to wear one of our collars. She is currently at the tail-end of the most dangerous life stage for hyenas: the time between den graduation and adulthood. During this time, young hyenas often venture out on their own, or with their littermate if they have one, and encounter all types of troubles… namely lions, but also the risk of starvation as their slow skull development puts them at a huge disadvantage while feeding. However, the odds of survival increase dramatically when a hyena turns 2 years old, so we have our fingers crossed for MCKY!</p><p><b>K9 – KNIN</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDBsFOVx7PS1qwTddC-RabJUsdZIOmYSwzLDwWuebwzCspnn6Ll7vuZemuaJ87HoXRgz8YYHskrBueAuvgCI_qPN2RgL2ZOg5qK1aiV1rSYvP-60SPc4JAJzZBuUfhbw7Q24GHnDH4dGBzzIsaq2ugjKZh4Vx8LzgUmS6vluKf-TYrsyc4kihYL4S/s2809/kninid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDBsFOVx7PS1qwTddC-RabJUsdZIOmYSwzLDwWuebwzCspnn6Ll7vuZemuaJ87HoXRgz8YYHskrBueAuvgCI_qPN2RgL2ZOg5qK1aiV1rSYvP-60SPc4JAJzZBuUfhbw7Q24GHnDH4dGBzzIsaq2ugjKZh4Vx8LzgUmS6vluKf-TYrsyc4kihYL4S/w400-h266/kninid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>KNIN is our lowest-ranking female in the clan. Life’s not easy at the bottom of the hierarchy, but she seems to manage just fine! She is currently raising her second litter of cubs at the communal den and usually has a full belly when we see her. Maybe she’s a talented hunter? Time (and our collar data) will tell! We did find one surprise while collaring her: she is missing one of the toe pads on her hind right paw. We didn’t see any scars, so she was likely born this way.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QNr7BTZd2HLLamTgMLbpEVdMparHlVjybtmXSQzCbB8WUVitokjpkj-W3Ki-F15Q9LOhQHgVMGeJakZBu27Wb_fv6gW_RhDyuNGImGLlOzsQfXkN-AXCywIjAu3xcN07fTXRkGp0vR42JzgWVBtZNgyRgjEHQKG3yHOniWi14JRi1qZnb3wiogis/s4032/IMG_0622.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QNr7BTZd2HLLamTgMLbpEVdMparHlVjybtmXSQzCbB8WUVitokjpkj-W3Ki-F15Q9LOhQHgVMGeJakZBu27Wb_fv6gW_RhDyuNGImGLlOzsQfXkN-AXCywIjAu3xcN07fTXRkGp0vR42JzgWVBtZNgyRgjEHQKG3yHOniWi14JRi1qZnb3wiogis/s320/IMG_0622.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNIN's foot with the missing "toe."</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Texas Slim – SLIM</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmfzuxqm0U4mJMUhczILy-EwFZBJEcKnQfmb8MGYVKt6p9YkoRiJeL6NNPATYRQdNV_z-butYhq6J-_mjbz-jSSVU7SJdD1Kc3Sw8XcaxTIoCqU6U23BXDP_04VSdu6WJ4HLHrQnpeW-UMPt-BGMStM3bwZnFA2GV2zpWTCEy83HPkH_lJvIZ917-/s2809/slimid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmfzuxqm0U4mJMUhczILy-EwFZBJEcKnQfmb8MGYVKt6p9YkoRiJeL6NNPATYRQdNV_z-butYhq6J-_mjbz-jSSVU7SJdD1Kc3Sw8XcaxTIoCqU6U23BXDP_04VSdu6WJ4HLHrQnpeW-UMPt-BGMStM3bwZnFA2GV2zpWTCEy83HPkH_lJvIZ917-/w400-h266/slimid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>SLIM is a 9-year-old immigrant male who stems from North Clan. He joined South Clan in December 2015, making him the highest-ranking adult male in South. Unlike natal animals, immigrant males follow a “queueing” system for their dominance rank: when a male joins a new clan, he usually becomes the lowest ranking hyena in the entire clan. To rise in rank, he must wait for the immigrant males who have been around for longer than him to die or move on by dispersing again to a different clan.<p></p><p><b>Strummer – STRM</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisltrvR0hlnzBG0Oqeym8lrm6icZBU4u3mHrZ0ugZgKll07-ZV_EhIQrfhO0a_BcvrOhyGQnmOm1HNa5Pd1EqCQVqoSVkWhDx2MerMtDANx03AF4erktPF6JIZjWlyNHQfPNBvKlGI4HasVHBnGpXf1oFn-_ZHU48pKgWIePozBasQrDPZCuiK4gSx/s2809/strmid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisltrvR0hlnzBG0Oqeym8lrm6icZBU4u3mHrZ0ugZgKll07-ZV_EhIQrfhO0a_BcvrOhyGQnmOm1HNa5Pd1EqCQVqoSVkWhDx2MerMtDANx03AF4erktPF6JIZjWlyNHQfPNBvKlGI4HasVHBnGpXf1oFn-_ZHU48pKgWIePozBasQrDPZCuiK4gSx/w400-h266/strmid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>STRM migrated from North Clan to South Clan in 2016, making him one of our long-term males in South. Research shows that spotted hyena males undergo an “endurance rivalry”, meaning that they generally must stay in their new clan for at least 2 years before siring their first cub. This is not always an easy feat as the lowest-ranking members of the clan, but STRM seems to have made close alliances with STAR, one of our females, and SLIM, another long-term immigrant.</p><p><b>Bakersfield – BAKR</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv5j53UxQVPpRc9cl3C9YZ1TVJTg3B2rakBdElwBM-Rdd8gu8ynH9Tixe8RXXnchAnPj2s6cfyYBYUyDy62OSIsXmPhARbGQdGDBinb-9z5ZAocUfPxSorw1gbmPLoSOuTrakhWhALEHicB86B7uXSEuznXnaLmqIiYC6c8GUVx6bpqaqKUPW4SWs/s2809/bakrid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv5j53UxQVPpRc9cl3C9YZ1TVJTg3B2rakBdElwBM-Rdd8gu8ynH9Tixe8RXXnchAnPj2s6cfyYBYUyDy62OSIsXmPhARbGQdGDBinb-9z5ZAocUfPxSorw1gbmPLoSOuTrakhWhALEHicB86B7uXSEuznXnaLmqIiYC6c8GUVx6bpqaqKUPW4SWs/w400-h266/bakrid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>BAKR is one of the immigrant males in South Clan. We are not sure which clan is his natal clan (where he was born), but we’re sure glad he chose South as his new home! Although female spotted hyenas stay in their natal clan for their entire lives, males usually disperse when they are sexually mature to find mates. This is an important aspect of hyena ecology that prevents inbreeding. <p></p><p><b>Silver Spring – SLVR</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4dISmLzzYOpNW4FkytagarklRmfC_oL5S0cQ1ErYOAtdDMEtkgEb4M5M-Ht2s3RhtWuNbPo0h8NDU-SssaYsufqGRLYyXXeFpC6jEKvS0BFtbsmD3aN6wsRVJ1uOWkiRahhOTWBH_g97XytWErRLLpp37STw0rntmgLd5FCMDaI0r3pPbt0ly84b/s2809/slvrid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4dISmLzzYOpNW4FkytagarklRmfC_oL5S0cQ1ErYOAtdDMEtkgEb4M5M-Ht2s3RhtWuNbPo0h8NDU-SssaYsufqGRLYyXXeFpC6jEKvS0BFtbsmD3aN6wsRVJ1uOWkiRahhOTWBH_g97XytWErRLLpp37STw0rntmgLd5FCMDaI0r3pPbt0ly84b/w400-h266/slvrid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>SLVR is an adult male who immigrated into South Clan at the end of 2019. Immediately after collaring SLVR, he decided to go on a “vacation” to Tanzania. Our GPS data indicate that KNIN, a lower-ranking adult female, also went to Tanzania for a few days, and several other hyenas have gone on excursions outside of South territory in the past couple of weeks. These hyenas are likely trying to find food as the migration has officially moved back to Tanzania, leaving South territory with relatively few prey animals. <p></p><p></p><p><b>Momo – MOMO</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWaAK0_oeNI_326JpjSmm8Qf_Vx-PH7gLzN74GrnYlnCLzFLbdoh_K4m4vVAJnFeFvSn9P9FH-cTMMzwio2O6Pe6i99Up6KRTSMvGh8MFzFLKcX1VncEL-ALFxZ01kNf2MxH95CoSU0-hZ1UczC0Xb19csZl5re-MvbgV351OeJbLj73EfJMtTGgm/s2809/momoid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWaAK0_oeNI_326JpjSmm8Qf_Vx-PH7gLzN74GrnYlnCLzFLbdoh_K4m4vVAJnFeFvSn9P9FH-cTMMzwio2O6Pe6i99Up6KRTSMvGh8MFzFLKcX1VncEL-ALFxZ01kNf2MxH95CoSU0-hZ1UczC0Xb19csZl5re-MvbgV351OeJbLj73EfJMtTGgm/w400-h266/momoid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>MOMO is a 7-year-old immigrant male originally from our North Clan. MOMO’s mother is a high ranker in North Clan, so MOMO enjoyed the “sweet life” before emigrating. However, once males immigrate into a new clan, they behave submissively to all hyenas they encounter, which makes them automatically lower ranking than all natal clan animals. MOMO seems to have adjusted well to the drastic decline in rank: we found very few scratch/bite marks on his body, and research shows that males who were higher-ranking in their natal clan often have an easier time when immigrating into a new clan.<p></p><p><b>Lexington – LEXI </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cwrgl1Pqk2CwpkltX2V65bKhFEpoGL0nUeTZKNp2-8HcjOBk3X5SHPiiLxXh4hsYPvL1Mm6RnktL7JhCVpuN47aFTv5GNlgcRrg-73Ogww_Uu4prPZiap_esNP73HH7hisRBGMsgIYXPh83hTo7IYXWKNYSNBpL35VrekNX8unweZo9DY2KoGvTb/s2809/lexiid.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cwrgl1Pqk2CwpkltX2V65bKhFEpoGL0nUeTZKNp2-8HcjOBk3X5SHPiiLxXh4hsYPvL1Mm6RnktL7JhCVpuN47aFTv5GNlgcRrg-73Ogww_Uu4prPZiap_esNP73HH7hisRBGMsgIYXPh83hTo7IYXWKNYSNBpL35VrekNX8unweZo9DY2KoGvTb/w400-h266/lexiid.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>LEXI immigrated into South Clan at the beginning of 2020, which seemed to be a hectic time for the clan. During the span of 2 weeks, we saw 9 new aliens in the territory, 8 of which officially joined the clan. Unfortunately, all researchers had to leave the field around this time because the pandemic, so we’re still not sure what caused this immigrant boom.<p></p></div></div></div></div><div><div><b>Goliath Bird-Eating Spider – GOLI</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR-C6_AI8pBVfQBp1S8RVZPIqRlivx2544883cnHsiIffdynQrTdluKkIr28Kw-3AvRVPLR6_40wQdtuoPzRqJMObtHDbZ0344Q5r0A5L3lvVbC11-6QXfExPP0SQ2vcands36rSDBilr9EaSj4GqTVfyI6cbPxrprrXL1RgH1tZPT4SKOzOBqcou/s2809/goliid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="2809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR-C6_AI8pBVfQBp1S8RVZPIqRlivx2544883cnHsiIffdynQrTdluKkIr28Kw-3AvRVPLR6_40wQdtuoPzRqJMObtHDbZ0344Q5r0A5L3lvVbC11-6QXfExPP0SQ2vcands36rSDBilr9EaSj4GqTVfyI6cbPxrprrXL1RgH1tZPT4SKOzOBqcou/w400-h266/goliid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>GOLI is a 6-year-old immigrant male who was born in the Happy Zebra Clan. He joined South Clan in January 2020 and is currently the lowest-ranking hyena in the entire clan. GOLI has been in the clan long enough (2+ years) to sire his first cub, based on some recent work from our lab on endurance rivalry. In fact, we saw him courting MPRS just a few days ago. Unfortunately, MPRS was too busy nursing her two current cubs to pay him any attention, but we wish him all the best during these trying times! Female hyenas have a fully erectile clitoris making coercive sex impossible, and females are higher ranking than all immigrant males, so they can choose which males to mate with, and which males to fight off.</div></div><div><br /></div></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-46292603562199697892022-08-19T13:48:00.001+03:002023-06-06T21:22:48.406+03:00How to dart a hyena<p>Hi all,</p><p>It’s been a busy time in Fisi Camp (“fisi” means “hyena” in Swahili for those of you who are new to the blog), so this will be a short and sweet update. We are currently prepping for a massive study on communication and coordination in spotted hyenas (read more here: <a href="https://www.movecall.group/what-we-do">https://www.movecall.group/what-we-do</a>). If all goes well, we will be deploying custom-made collars on all juveniles and adults in our Serena South Clan starting this fall. These collars will record all vocalizations, fine-scale movements, and GPS locations of each individual, allowing us to monitor the clan around the clock for a few months. Very exciting!! </p><p>We are currently finishing up a small pilot project to test out the collars to make sure that everything works. Last month, we deployed collars on two very lucky KCM females (BRGR and BLLN). Here’s a “behind-the-scenes” look into what it takes to get these collars on:</p><p><b>Step 1: Find the hyena. </b></p><p>This is often easier said than done. Not only do we need to find a specific individual (luckily this time any adult female hyena in KCM clan was good), but we also need to make sure that they are in a “good” darting situation. This means that they are ideally in short grass, away from any water sources, and with no other predators nearby.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mm-v-Q2p6Put3fq4bHubdF_0LL8YzE9HlRjXhLnTjyxYJJW9dqxzsanjvyBTlSK01x1Q1roDsle4VOv7HkSY0rf2KBzyBTU7OWB5leez4Yx4sSKJuFOpQ2i7eef9xXEiLqX2kytqMFeK89ZsWRFKU3Ri1E2qkwLmHXRRuMoZtlFKcOxL0llzRsYO/s4592/DSC01220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mm-v-Q2p6Put3fq4bHubdF_0LL8YzE9HlRjXhLnTjyxYJJW9dqxzsanjvyBTlSK01x1Q1roDsle4VOv7HkSY0rf2KBzyBTU7OWB5leez4Yx4sSKJuFOpQ2i7eef9xXEiLqX2kytqMFeK89ZsWRFKU3Ri1E2qkwLmHXRRuMoZtlFKcOxL0llzRsYO/w400-h266/DSC01220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Step 2: Dart the hyena.</b><p></p><p>This is left to the professionals – we had two vets from Kenyan Wildlife Services who helped us with this step. It is important to note that we darted and handled all individuals with the proper permits. I very highly do<b><i> <u>NOT</u> </i></b>recommend that you go out and dart your neighborhood hyena after reading this blog post.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoZjHVXq9DcurFtgeECmC63hxtXUznsSGBJIqRME7_JnW8l0Avab3Z8fg0ppaanmWtlDriRrcXWJMiLRwT7Zoy6ql8wLONNwpg3P_P0PIFwcoxQCb4K-mZ6UZV4bADuA1mMxQcHpO99IoOx4B2RoCFfZ8oGuiNRTLOQ836dzhoMMTl0qoz3hp9VM3/s4592/DSC01761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoZjHVXq9DcurFtgeECmC63hxtXUznsSGBJIqRME7_JnW8l0Avab3Z8fg0ppaanmWtlDriRrcXWJMiLRwT7Zoy6ql8wLONNwpg3P_P0PIFwcoxQCb4K-mZ6UZV4bADuA1mMxQcHpO99IoOx4B2RoCFfZ8oGuiNRTLOQ836dzhoMMTl0qoz3hp9VM3/w400-h266/DSC01761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Step 3: Wait for the hyena to go down.</b><p></p><p>We generally have to wait 10-15 minutes for the anesthetics to work their magic before we can approach the darted individual. On an unrelated note, these drugs also work great as a hyena laxative.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHvi6xdyRsaevAjVxC8csd8jWyHDOmIGjjalrs9ui3F0U_Myls9rXcKm2Gi5MPTRQYh-Xi4I9O9dFGEXHuxVx4eZXWll9i4OFaiOboTMrq9eUz_42PsbtaD6YofbfUEPDB_0okhwweEhZ_SQu8SSHYXSoiTZWPEwCVhlbmq1mpXq4MCGbXrvChgUH/s4592/DSC01351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHvi6xdyRsaevAjVxC8csd8jWyHDOmIGjjalrs9ui3F0U_Myls9rXcKm2Gi5MPTRQYh-Xi4I9O9dFGEXHuxVx4eZXWll9i4OFaiOboTMrq9eUz_42PsbtaD6YofbfUEPDB_0okhwweEhZ_SQu8SSHYXSoiTZWPEwCVhlbmq1mpXq4MCGbXrvChgUH/w400-h266/DSC01351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Step 4: Collect biological samples and body measurements.</b><p></p><p>Dartings give us a unique opportunity to collect critical data about the hyenas that we wouldn’t be able to get from purely observational studies. We generally collect blood, saliva, paste, and hair samples, as well as body and dental measurements.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aP1qr8k05N_pRlIpW2DlVn4abd8_kOvAYaBJSg5qcb8l-_2ZnLM9GvzlNg2nMIKVzOQRNuJR5rxHov5gA-Hb3BI-UUQUa08ugayWJ2ttkOUvvPomr9mgKh_47sdRIaU7tob_jn_2lF22zI-kfSvFPpl07PaTtew0ZYioQIv1Xarw_EfXnGGDnF-j/s4032/IMG_1073.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aP1qr8k05N_pRlIpW2DlVn4abd8_kOvAYaBJSg5qcb8l-_2ZnLM9GvzlNg2nMIKVzOQRNuJR5rxHov5gA-Hb3BI-UUQUa08ugayWJ2ttkOUvvPomr9mgKh_47sdRIaU7tob_jn_2lF22zI-kfSvFPpl07PaTtew0ZYioQIv1Xarw_EfXnGGDnF-j/w300-h400/IMG_1073.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGURfK7KY7RPEQoFvMVNhvQvGWtEbby7gON97e08IsVHO04N2OlmPLS5mfAt9Y9m69ZTSCmQLYrSpIkLU2UBNufZlzbznhYkKETBz1J3IMMOgriRpRV8A2de3_61NaCxCBSRKfPePO_leZy6R67u_FRSGij6aMct-6u2zMasrW8Jf9cLc5sK5yxmEs/s1334/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGURfK7KY7RPEQoFvMVNhvQvGWtEbby7gON97e08IsVHO04N2OlmPLS5mfAt9Y9m69ZTSCmQLYrSpIkLU2UBNufZlzbznhYkKETBz1J3IMMOgriRpRV8A2de3_61NaCxCBSRKfPePO_leZy6R67u_FRSGij6aMct-6u2zMasrW8Jf9cLc5sK5yxmEs/w225-h400/IMG_1958.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><p><b>Step 5: Fit the collar.</b></p><p>Now comes the fun part: attaching our precious collars to the individual. This is a pretty simple step – we just need to ensure that the collar is loose enough to not cause discomfort, but tight enough to not fall off easily. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAjRZvv43A0wu7eKe3GD9PK9AsSFeky5S7_Xq1nlBDKHymaP0ksav7Wf_LEK7I3bb7NGEy2xiM3kYk0Av1hNWxfSJADRx04x9NndjXnnj6z_rT2A_ISgtF6rVNa1g9V6Cr4lZvs0p0kAchoq3kmphzoihg9bafsGGwRSNnxr5FwDqXMI6sRLA9-K-/s3417/IMG_9167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2563" data-original-width="3417" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAjRZvv43A0wu7eKe3GD9PK9AsSFeky5S7_Xq1nlBDKHymaP0ksav7Wf_LEK7I3bb7NGEy2xiM3kYk0Av1hNWxfSJADRx04x9NndjXnnj6z_rT2A_ISgtF6rVNa1g9V6Cr4lZvs0p0kAchoq3kmphzoihg9bafsGGwRSNnxr5FwDqXMI6sRLA9-K-/w400-h300/IMG_9167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Step 6: Let the hyena recover.</b></p><p>Once we’re done collecting our samples and attaching the collar, the vets will administer the antidote. Within 10-20 minutes, the hyena is awake and ready to rumble (with a fancy new necklace!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbckGU68LWda1D-TH-aMVQPtHaYtsrXLVWoBHt_Gg5pxkQdefKjV-_sQjfJqTOrYjgscNBtzSt8krZys9dEycZUvwPrnaIiAUgLBFfsIlTG1-z8TAGvZr1sdFLEcsApdp6rWyHwWAvrnvJBq6PlTN3GP_CkWo2KVu1D3qzg7RniNDwqj5kHAzrJEQM/s4592/DSC04784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbckGU68LWda1D-TH-aMVQPtHaYtsrXLVWoBHt_Gg5pxkQdefKjV-_sQjfJqTOrYjgscNBtzSt8krZys9dEycZUvwPrnaIiAUgLBFfsIlTG1-z8TAGvZr1sdFLEcsApdp6rWyHwWAvrnvJBq6PlTN3GP_CkWo2KVu1D3qzg7RniNDwqj5kHAzrJEQM/w400-h266/DSC04784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-76471405875306429782022-06-30T15:43:00.001+03:002022-06-30T15:43:19.873+03:00Jambo from Kenya: Part 3<p>Hi all, I’m backkkk!</p><p>For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jana (Yah-nah) and I’ve been working with the Mara Hyena Project for a little over three years now. I started out as a Research Assistant in our Serena Camp in 2019, before joining the lab officially as a PhD student last summer. After finishing my first year of classes at MSU, I returned to Kenya at the beginning of last month to help teach BEAM, a study-abroad course run through the Holekamp lab for MSU undergrads. After BEAM, I spent a couple of weeks in Serena Camp before heading over to Talek Camp. That’s right! This Serena girl is making the Big Move to Talek!* If everything goes according to plan, I will be working with the Pond Clan over in Talek until April 2023 for my dissertation research. So, if you’re a Talek fan, rejoice! This blog will be featuring lots of exciting updates in the next coming months. And if you’re a Serena fan, fret not! This post will focus exclusively on our beloved clans, and I hope to visit Serena Camp while I’m out here. So, let’s get started!</p><p>*For our new readers, we have two camps: Talek Camp, which is in the Main Reserve, and Serena Camp, which is in the Mara Triangle. These two camps allow us to compare how hyenas respond to different management strategies and disturbance levels.</p><p><b>South Clan</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKV2XXGkx38uKR_s0JUGC3Efa9M5crnz4JBlkbKEPzQGLnng5VPjWGatsJYgXqSi_0jElAcQcJyJxxsOa9XUkcJFxtJRTnfqlZHFAgPrjU4HGp_ISbD125erUskmWjULZgi9es_Y-tUQdZld1xCsKtrqOppz8Ru0xJMjxcvv7Uod7cm_ZZLv3BnPr/s4592/DSC07820.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKV2XXGkx38uKR_s0JUGC3Efa9M5crnz4JBlkbKEPzQGLnng5VPjWGatsJYgXqSi_0jElAcQcJyJxxsOa9XUkcJFxtJRTnfqlZHFAgPrjU4HGp_ISbD125erUskmWjULZgi9es_Y-tUQdZld1xCsKtrqOppz8Ru0xJMjxcvv7Uod7cm_ZZLv3BnPr/w400-h266/DSC07820.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OWEN, the dominant cub of MPRS's first litter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">South Clan is back to its former glory and truly living its best life right now. Brian Heath, the Conservancy manager, burned a big portion of their territory earlier this year, which means lots of delicious new grass. Yum, hyenas love grass! Not quite… but their prey does. Impalas, warthogs, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras… you name it, South territory has lots of it. And lots of prey = lots of big, fat, happy hyenas = lots of new cubs. The South communal den currently has 11 cubs romping around, including 4 black ones. Most notable, MPRS, who was just a cub herself when I first met her, is nursing her first litter of two – DYDA and OWEN. They grow up so quickly! </span><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*MPRS: Empress Cicada, DYDA: Eko Dyddah, OWEN: Dady Owen</span></i></div><p><b>Happy Zebra Clan</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWtF99aN3u92cvr34Nd9T_QZaUDRv5DUvPmci_ejTA05CA0e17SGDlwSbrnLHOUzoxoX8ACBGynMXwtIge2g7FbcwN7gehNbLbJGEl4mLx4FSSQWrdfEU9TpIGa3GBygZ37KHjI1soFcMgG3qQgkb089NICT4C0Z1-45qmZWV6fkH00MTMbJ_wXHn/s4592/DSC09520.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWtF99aN3u92cvr34Nd9T_QZaUDRv5DUvPmci_ejTA05CA0e17SGDlwSbrnLHOUzoxoX8ACBGynMXwtIge2g7FbcwN7gehNbLbJGEl4mLx4FSSQWrdfEU9TpIGa3GBygZ37KHjI1soFcMgG3qQgkb089NICT4C0Z1-45qmZWV6fkH00MTMbJ_wXHn/w400-h266/DSC09520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHET, JLYR's latest offspring and one of the newer cubs at the HZ den</td></tr></tbody></table>Happy Zebra Clan is still obsessed with buffalos. When I first returned to Serena Camp, David, our Kenyan Research Assistant, was complaining that he rarely saw the hyenas away from the den. Though I could commiserate, I knew that I had hacked the secret to finding HZ hyenas while I was den hunting for 4 months last year: buffalo herds. Sure enough, the next day we headed straight to a big buffalo herd, where we managed to see 7-8 hyenas. Within a couple of days, we even found their new communal den, aptly named Buffalo Den. Unlike South, their communal den is relatively boring right now – I only saw 4-5 cubs during my two weeks in Serena Camp. Nonetheless, both JLYR and ANDO have new black cubs. The Great Migration should also arrive next month, so hopefully they will have more prey around and experience a cub boom soon. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*JLYR: Jolly Roger, ANDO: Andor, CHET: Mary Critchett</span></i><p></p><p><b>North Clan</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMj10FHx06XINlDnBkq-rTDrScLsXaC_ZTg9MyGxRTZ-K6cjF2NlVcG4rJpyUj8V6dRw53kEz4EaQCcXC9nBHIbGxM8fdPWDF4jWBpg5t2P0qqkGhbQlkHjheSsJ8PUwsJ8t6RHySzKiQ96ki7XQqnNvNqFWY6UpHf4ZoURsb3Mx30vsL52wLcYxe/s4592/YANA!.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMj10FHx06XINlDnBkq-rTDrScLsXaC_ZTg9MyGxRTZ-K6cjF2NlVcG4rJpyUj8V6dRw53kEz4EaQCcXC9nBHIbGxM8fdPWDF4jWBpg5t2P0qqkGhbQlkHjheSsJ8PUwsJ8t6RHySzKiQ96ki7XQqnNvNqFWY6UpHf4ZoURsb3Mx30vsL52wLcYxe/w400-h266/YANA!.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YANA, daughter of the current matriarch and hopefully future matriarch of North Clan</td></tr></tbody></table><p>North Clan has been unusually elusive. During the nine months that I was back in the States, David only had their communal den for 3 weeks. Unfortunately, half of their territory turns into an impenetrable swamp during the rainy seasons, so our den hunting is very limited during those times. However, the long rains are officially over as of last week, so hopefully the territory will dry up soon. Either way, the North Clan hyenas graced us with a big hippo carcass, so I was able to confirm that the two most important hyenas are still alive: WAFL and YANA. WAFL was even nice enough to deposit a fecal sample for me to collect – science at its finest! <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*WAFL: Waffles, YANA: Solyanka</span></i></p><p><b>Spotted in Serena:</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtvINyS3naqBNndaVELa2cycwfLrNUs3mn3VxiLJdI7ZjWgqCp1vt8oD77lFAZoRxUplSp_guz1Cbx-bt8uzaHbiE-cYYt7vITIQLmW4NR-0Gda8RI_CEoPe5eQpDiart7EdD5V4Eunq3-Q2skq0fQME2J365pwBMcCK1q8lr_Useev3gFkrSeOR1/s4592/DSC07984.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtvINyS3naqBNndaVELa2cycwfLrNUs3mn3VxiLJdI7ZjWgqCp1vt8oD77lFAZoRxUplSp_guz1Cbx-bt8uzaHbiE-cYYt7vITIQLmW4NR-0Gda8RI_CEoPe5eQpDiart7EdD5V4Eunq3-Q2skq0fQME2J365pwBMcCK1q8lr_Useev3gFkrSeOR1/w400-h266/DSC07984.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MPRS with her two cubs, DYDA and OWEN</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8hEkOTVFj_f6AmFhHG6yW2eULojqcS-kduI_2deTVjwZcXk915Ch_6sZXf0Ta043fZD-VKkCRIgM4rwhB_jKr1PGMSLeJuoiZfqh6uG0gVCKeflXS_QprPl_sRx1LWgSo0IGKllD6HmSVmkJqEW5FOB6jWWSs0SZPyc6MRnab_0yEjr3WzhofcZl/s4592/DSC08037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8hEkOTVFj_f6AmFhHG6yW2eULojqcS-kduI_2deTVjwZcXk915Ch_6sZXf0Ta043fZD-VKkCRIgM4rwhB_jKr1PGMSLeJuoiZfqh6uG0gVCKeflXS_QprPl_sRx1LWgSo0IGKllD6HmSVmkJqEW5FOB6jWWSs0SZPyc6MRnab_0yEjr3WzhofcZl/w400-h266/DSC08037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may have lost some of my photography skills while I was gone...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNA7oqbVXuCY6G-7I_J4ZdYRMS8jutUCaqCJx5Zm_bHyTh5EDAjR5DryPM0DSeZF-pr05UClIDOVerge9BcroGzvBGhqutTMIkY0f5DVzHhlpRs1-ipo6uJqRyyVur5prWFehhg1_U3OjK8Z7DOaWZJocBeoucNN7v7eOE34RVrEYiXsHmcvJE4jo/s4592/DSC08191.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNA7oqbVXuCY6G-7I_J4ZdYRMS8jutUCaqCJx5Zm_bHyTh5EDAjR5DryPM0DSeZF-pr05UClIDOVerge9BcroGzvBGhqutTMIkY0f5DVzHhlpRs1-ipo6uJqRyyVur5prWFehhg1_U3OjK8Z7DOaWZJocBeoucNN7v7eOE34RVrEYiXsHmcvJE4jo/w400-h266/DSC08191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying warm on a cold and rainy morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepoT_-oZL5tlr-xKfz8u12IeZXRqXJMaPP4af3Czxx6ZFXogrZDbrq_0SrARCVxEJwG5mygeo6zY21kryjZmOyThlkchapZLmzwHQau3DzKQbm-x5txhIAhMfnd_uAMKMtiE61f2Q8C6-JoW2wUZjIypA8S2xr1creIulyx3y2if3zP8uE-YZAAAG/s4592/DSC08419.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepoT_-oZL5tlr-xKfz8u12IeZXRqXJMaPP4af3Czxx6ZFXogrZDbrq_0SrARCVxEJwG5mygeo6zY21kryjZmOyThlkchapZLmzwHQau3DzKQbm-x5txhIAhMfnd_uAMKMtiE61f2Q8C6-JoW2wUZjIypA8S2xr1creIulyx3y2if3zP8uE-YZAAAG/w400-h266/DSC08419.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Clan getting ready to steal a warthog from three lionesses</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26IMxw427j3OZaLv2koHGODpJwhck7i_Uyes69RoxwPEwMuOY58sZpsiPnHFVEGVwZcjsQrWyBNM3yhLCTJQTVHslVeLJVo9pjlYeK0_XICtTgxnTT9qVsmcjCVWU_tq8I_3gsUd5ydPwnXLNODWhRWouIwJHREm0j_wPfmlfje8mhzTTBFnBJCKs/s4592/DSC08517.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26IMxw427j3OZaLv2koHGODpJwhck7i_Uyes69RoxwPEwMuOY58sZpsiPnHFVEGVwZcjsQrWyBNM3yhLCTJQTVHslVeLJVo9pjlYeK0_XICtTgxnTT9qVsmcjCVWU_tq8I_3gsUd5ydPwnXLNODWhRWouIwJHREm0j_wPfmlfje8mhzTTBFnBJCKs/w400-h266/DSC08517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANUB showing off the hippo skull he found</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioyXijZxI9XaDsAZVEul90uI-lR9RoCp2zVvfORD8bgOljixRtptEwKAg0lK3lJ_MHZ6GQzhj_c1G2heJifItbtXJCYkHPjWK510tCF8Gdc8frkX_dcv8wLKpF7fjJ88vCgzI4YSJy-zvO4m_N8Mmg2LfUCY491WErIvVs1G6e1xajoMIwrQeivbc/s4592/DSC08716.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioyXijZxI9XaDsAZVEul90uI-lR9RoCp2zVvfORD8bgOljixRtptEwKAg0lK3lJ_MHZ6GQzhj_c1G2heJifItbtXJCYkHPjWK510tCF8Gdc8frkX_dcv8wLKpF7fjJ88vCgzI4YSJy-zvO4m_N8Mmg2LfUCY491WErIvVs1G6e1xajoMIwrQeivbc/w400-h266/DSC08716.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a gorgeous field site!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpSn5Kwnkwbt3cEqTB4mIrRR2OIB3oZrTR9P8yMfVSySJr8Q1lsg6mbFwDiNi3htyv7nXZH2iwUp-5Ltbeyav2Ycxy3pmhT6mZRv0BPHlxHhMTbHgtOaeEj4k6zx4eb916LxyaNr9afaqwSk-qgTgWw6K5oOobtWXwcZUHASuBCvGeF1s5gVRK1ji/s4592/DSC08447.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpSn5Kwnkwbt3cEqTB4mIrRR2OIB3oZrTR9P8yMfVSySJr8Q1lsg6mbFwDiNi3htyv7nXZH2iwUp-5Ltbeyav2Ycxy3pmhT6mZRv0BPHlxHhMTbHgtOaeEj4k6zx4eb916LxyaNr9afaqwSk-qgTgWw6K5oOobtWXwcZUHASuBCvGeF1s5gVRK1ji/w400-h266/DSC08447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some quality bonding time between two brothers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzF876SPc3lZQ1AGezE6-8P52jFDuts9pz2TVn0BVv2D9hEqghrAn0ZQUblNVPXpV6-lnE2dOuYMyBGIOLhzQkpBZbp2mM_9JBB46qH-WwTcAhfc1Cp_Drihu0Ftxubr93lSmxuteWkam_-FnKs4W-jNasIhanw_nsaHR6RFE8jrnPPnlJrMRbw80/s4592/DSC08787.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzF876SPc3lZQ1AGezE6-8P52jFDuts9pz2TVn0BVv2D9hEqghrAn0ZQUblNVPXpV6-lnE2dOuYMyBGIOLhzQkpBZbp2mM_9JBB46qH-WwTcAhfc1Cp_Drihu0Ftxubr93lSmxuteWkam_-FnKs4W-jNasIhanw_nsaHR6RFE8jrnPPnlJrMRbw80/w400-h266/DSC08787.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELDR from Happy Zebra following the buffalo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-YHf5v_8frKjwh1hoiR2yO2NHjY0ChNd_ZBOoL0FQA5xv_fDq3GD8nohF2eMWlMAIcce3NOMKVIDZ67jJ1gvkMLIkHkcmG0wyKg-k-P068oAIxKUau-v48ZLH82oZufSePLaZq5KgB7bbqNJRfR7-SQu3mSer78iiEAT-01Xx9pM0gVb-GcYpVJ/s4592/DSC08313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-YHf5v_8frKjwh1hoiR2yO2NHjY0ChNd_ZBOoL0FQA5xv_fDq3GD8nohF2eMWlMAIcce3NOMKVIDZ67jJ1gvkMLIkHkcmG0wyKg-k-P068oAIxKUau-v48ZLH82oZufSePLaZq5KgB7bbqNJRfR7-SQu3mSer78iiEAT-01Xx9pM0gVb-GcYpVJ/w400-h266/DSC08313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lions are thriving in the Triangle right now!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPcOb5igCsySnoF2rzGgSbYR5nyKMjPn02h2rTUERy3jOFzfVo7j9QfH5IahzUhiY2waF1FGXtf4nyQwpc8EzveLjHsa4opBVB7jLL-Ng13VOW0VAAM2KviPnvHwZOmGvPtu-bICp7RReJko5L_ht5sywHjbDBy1f-t69JDkDmqhjLeVGCfX0R6Wm/s4592/DSC09595.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPcOb5igCsySnoF2rzGgSbYR5nyKMjPn02h2rTUERy3jOFzfVo7j9QfH5IahzUhiY2waF1FGXtf4nyQwpc8EzveLjHsa4opBVB7jLL-Ng13VOW0VAAM2KviPnvHwZOmGvPtu-bICp7RReJko5L_ht5sywHjbDBy1f-t69JDkDmqhjLeVGCfX0R6Wm/w400-h266/DSC09595.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cub cuddle puddle </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-28928065042469386032021-09-09T16:56:00.000+03:002021-09-09T16:56:22.182+03:00Goodbye Mara (for now!)<p><span style="text-align: center;">And that’s a wrap! As of last weekend, I’m back in the States for my first semester of classes as a PhD student. I officially joined the Holekamp lab earlier this summer and will hopefully return to the Mara in January for my first round of fieldwork. Until then, David, our latest Kenyan research assistant, will keep an eye on the Serena hyenas to make sure they keep their shenanigans to a minimum. As I embark on my new journey, I can’t help but to reflect on my time in the Mara this year. Although being the only researcher in Serena was challenging at times, I am eternally grateful for this experience.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Brian and Sue Heath</b>, for allowing me to conduct research in the Triangle, taking me on countless game drives, and hosting delicious dinners. Thank you for introducing me to the surrounding mzungu community when I was faced with the social challenges of living in a remote research camp. And most of all, thank you for not accidentally killing me on our last game drive through arguably one of the worst off-road areas I’ve encountered in the Mara. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Warden Alfred, Aruasa, and the other rangers</b> for changing my flat tire in less than 5 minutes and digging me out of mud when I found the only wet patch in the entire Mara Triangle. Thanks for always stopping to chat while out on patrol, taking me out on game drives, and keeping me company at the infamous leopard bush for literally hours at a time. Lastly, I’d like to say the opposite of thank you, for the time you guys got me horribly stuck in black cotton soil for 3+ hours. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Benson and the <a href="http://msuhyenas.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-serena-team.html" target="_blank">entire Serena Team</a></b> for keeping me alive out here. Simply put, I would not have survived in the bush for 7 months if it wasn’t for you guys. Benson, thank you for the endless supply runs, advice, and kindness. This project would not be the same without you.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Lerijin</b> for answering all of my 6am wake-up calls and WhatsApp messages. Thank you for rescuing me 3 times in less than 48 hours, for fixing KAS anytime a problem popped up, and for teaching me African time. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to<b> Fran and her kids</b> for the picnics, lunches, and camping trip. Thank you for coming out to see the hyenas with me – may Austin and Zoe become the newest research assistants in Serena one day. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Simon </b>for the hot showers at the lodge, which drastically improved my quality of life in the bush. Thank you for hosting my friends, the beautiful hippo pool breakfast, and yummy bush dinner. Thank you also for conceding that the “greedy” hyenas can actually be quite cute sometimes.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Stratton, Perry, and all of the other visitors </b>who stayed in Fisi Camp. Thank you for accompanying me on obs, listening to me rant about why hyenas are awesome, and teaching me about your research. Thank you for breaking up the monotony of regular camp life and expanding my social circle.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>Lila</b> for listening to hours and hours of voice messages about literally anything and everything that happened out in the bush. I cannot wait for our reunion in the Mara next year. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <b>the Mara </b>for the beautiful sunsets, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife sightings:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW8W6w38WGjrR6HL8v-qwCkMElph0Zp5uRKMgI5oTDYLl_NS4DGf9XoN6m37pnaifpkR58s-HFYD5pFmlYr7ihjR5dQLGIyv_xjuGas701cfepAS2nRc0p6Xi_0Uteg9vNkN5YvT0y1Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW8W6w38WGjrR6HL8v-qwCkMElph0Zp5uRKMgI5oTDYLl_NS4DGf9XoN6m37pnaifpkR58s-HFYD5pFmlYr7ihjR5dQLGIyv_xjuGas701cfepAS2nRc0p6Xi_0Uteg9vNkN5YvT0y1Y/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxN7eETTkZmJO-rZR60klffhIKAPrXUePn6cPpaKmG8mbc9c3BH3lwyTw5DxjSOgFHduBZIvBNTDZ5Yq2cMs90Zp19B-eBepB_2qxC8UInYEoi9O06lR8duiPPS4a6J2sJq4UQTkAR_c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxN7eETTkZmJO-rZR60klffhIKAPrXUePn6cPpaKmG8mbc9c3BH3lwyTw5DxjSOgFHduBZIvBNTDZ5Yq2cMs90Zp19B-eBepB_2qxC8UInYEoi9O06lR8duiPPS4a6J2sJq4UQTkAR_c/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxN7eETTkZmJO-rZR60klffhIKAPrXUePn6cPpaKmG8mbc9c3BH3lwyTw5DxjSOgFHduBZIvBNTDZ5Yq2cMs90Zp19B-eBepB_2qxC8UInYEoi9O06lR8duiPPS4a6J2sJq4UQTkAR_c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-ZYyb9MEmdsboS4i1Vx0rqan7qOg9BEApvnP6ePaUwCSEHnZbSr97c0unFKBjGm6OxGHkYj_ab4cBk9OYroR5A4GFvls5MleOKEGKazsgc7L8I5h8d41l4cBtvOCakHq4fEtj_jzeew/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxN7eETTkZmJO-rZR60klffhIKAPrXUePn6cPpaKmG8mbc9c3BH3lwyTw5DxjSOgFHduBZIvBNTDZ5Yq2cMs90Zp19B-eBepB_2qxC8UInYEoi9O06lR8duiPPS4a6J2sJq4UQTkAR_c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDLW_vrJyNhv7yStDR3GBGuuRr3rcIL3hmZh7A10UwGAi5kbiwQCVP5dt1ZljvpQRc-062cYpswDM-xnrdZiWHdGlG28_8qFisWBesLCcX4TwYY4sdMm0Dg0jDfeHKBasWFTnajBs4CY/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQyxcqvGJdRCw1fO5JZ7nYR5my3pMXVLVoM3GEEDNI80-fnC2BoSOofy9xwrhsJcFPdHIL_2RaOGikOx42yEmJ_OFEVNZv1PlM-arm9uLdFuuGZEQ60WePF8JqDCtq9Nxo8JyxMt3AUU/" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavXxyFpl8UgF3t0vedwgNIlMhHLLRZ4p29eFw0RI7VwsM0BzbgjyAmRkT3p64p0i0I9QrvEM-0Xw7PTCIi7v_mjgWIWa8hwU02mWKaVbZmIid2-gW0WA6qZAr2n3UxmBF_VTA2u1-ANs/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uv_gJX-PCe62oR0r_rtoghCFZFTKzEzu7ujAWcxD-wWLs3KvDOmOILlsLXcSvtO6yoheD5nAfuU7bQ1FHBqBtGsIXRMOV2lAsXxigxHGa7FRkpQR9LnvpaFscJ31nwOIPsYAr-JLxOQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uv_gJX-PCe62oR0r_rtoghCFZFTKzEzu7ujAWcxD-wWLs3KvDOmOILlsLXcSvtO6yoheD5nAfuU7bQ1FHBqBtGsIXRMOV2lAsXxigxHGa7FRkpQR9LnvpaFscJ31nwOIPsYAr-JLxOQ/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-51881806818110280102021-08-11T15:19:00.000+03:002021-08-11T15:19:16.555+03:00Meet the Wapi Dave Crew!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the last month, Happy Zebra went from my least favorite clan to my most favorite clan. From meeting the new cubs, to figuring out the hierarchy changes, to determining who has gone missing/immigrated while I was gone, there is always something interesting happening during an obs session in Happy Zebra. Last week, I also finally found the second Happy Zebra communal den. Happy Zebra has traditionally had two different dens at the same time: a relatively busy den with most of the high and mid rankers and a slower den with low rankers. Funnily enough, the hyenas are currently at Lugga Den and Wapi Dave Den, the same two places where they were denning at when Lila and I first started out in 2019. Although Wapi Dave Den currently only has 1 cub, it’s always fun watching the hyenas there interact. Here’s the general crew:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>SILK – The Queen of Wapi Dave</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUixjSlLKJiP6CptxyJbNdKn6OQShu-9BPBlRO8jbdgyjz2U8SfIzR_H0cG-iHdUEe1XJjs_D9zKyQJIpn-IhJ8mvVzNS9KsZlFCM3C9L28s3QrRyNEaV3W-J4Ub7UrXRKPsiTiS5DBZo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUixjSlLKJiP6CptxyJbNdKn6OQShu-9BPBlRO8jbdgyjz2U8SfIzR_H0cG-iHdUEe1XJjs_D9zKyQJIpn-IhJ8mvVzNS9KsZlFCM3C9L28s3QrRyNEaV3W-J4Ub7UrXRKPsiTiS5DBZo/w400-h266/SILK+L.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though SILK is technically lower ranking than MUON, it seems like she is the queen of this den (SILK is the second lowest ranking mother, after SGL). With most of her offspring, from PLTO to BRUM, hanging out at the den with her, she always has a posse of potential allies around. Even RMMY and SKEP, who are also both higher ranking than SILK, have appeased to her over the past week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>PLTO – The One and Only Cub</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfukOrGwlkzIyHd4ZVea1eUxysnUY1cbHAzU0VmKCLL0kpwevPOqwCkHDwFu8jb2WrCkMa2sjK8T1TqOBZF55Acvlu9X67w9Pndtm8-Z4BbECUGPM6x905TJ16NdEeQB33j6OZNt3L7eQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfukOrGwlkzIyHd4ZVea1eUxysnUY1cbHAzU0VmKCLL0kpwevPOqwCkHDwFu8jb2WrCkMa2sjK8T1TqOBZF55Acvlu9X67w9Pndtm8-Z4BbECUGPM6x905TJ16NdEeQB33j6OZNt3L7eQ/w400-h266/PLTO+R2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The true star of this show: PLTO is currently the only cub at the den. Although it is beneficial for SILK to keep PLTO at Wapi Dave Den, where she can easily nurse her without interruption, PLTO is also missing out on crucial socialization right now. Cubs love to play with each other at the den and will often form important alliances/friendships with others in their cohort during their shared time at the communal den.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>MERC – SILK’s Subadult Son</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisScCA6pc6jIyc2vwC4yUTjWyFNYSSE4HqNH3Axxru6VoOSZ9Qan_2ypG6WIB6wXF6YkBESX83IrsgyekGdp2UgbSmGyNg1HHtkxNCev87Y0mG9hluWXNpe7346L3H7uOnxtqvMqZcTD8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisScCA6pc6jIyc2vwC4yUTjWyFNYSSE4HqNH3Axxru6VoOSZ9Qan_2ypG6WIB6wXF6YkBESX83IrsgyekGdp2UgbSmGyNg1HHtkxNCev87Y0mG9hluWXNpe7346L3H7uOnxtqvMqZcTD8/" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MERC is the dominant cub from SILK’s previous litter and loves to stop by the den to play with PLTO. Unfortunately, I have not seen his littermate, DOOM, around yet. Just like PLTO, both MERC and DOOM were raised at Wapi Dave Den.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>BRUM – SILK’s Grown-up Daughter</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K5TRnXo6CE6-LP9OtthSqXP286RDqi9At1Z8R4SldFL-s0IlbF7MhW6_We5VrztIZQl9ckQ3yftV6qbzyZLqARU0xJ2ovMMGqcoHQN58PxRlRzUkmAkd-L15RAGGFj3rprTKokk1Af0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K5TRnXo6CE6-LP9OtthSqXP286RDqi9At1Z8R4SldFL-s0IlbF7MhW6_We5VrztIZQl9ckQ3yftV6qbzyZLqARU0xJ2ovMMGqcoHQN58PxRlRzUkmAkd-L15RAGGFj3rprTKokk1Af0/" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BRUM is also SILK’s offspring, though she is sexually mature and even has a torn phallus, which indicates that she has given birth at least once. BRUM has been scent-marking and groaning a lot while at the den, which could potentially mean that she has little cubs at a natal den somewhere that she wants to bring to Wapi Dave Den soon. Fingers crossed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>MUON – SILK’s Best Friend</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0aVF2iC1xgoiLPElgouYthu5rN3HGMAYJPLAiFZzoUlsTJLAbc6dD0T1ZEncZbYdlu0N38ypyB0Dk0VF9LP0fWOKKCcp31c-M6m2sUYMqU9VnNVOUvoZxcQ3HkrWN8bZkieN_xqxZwA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0aVF2iC1xgoiLPElgouYthu5rN3HGMAYJPLAiFZzoUlsTJLAbc6dD0T1ZEncZbYdlu0N38ypyB0Dk0VF9LP0fWOKKCcp31c-M6m2sUYMqU9VnNVOUvoZxcQ3HkrWN8bZkieN_xqxZwA/" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although I have not seen any cubs that could belong to MUON, she spends a lot of time at Wapi Dave Den with SILK. The last time I was there, MUON was generally within 1-2m of SILK, and even appeased to her cub, PLTO. Could SILK actually have climbed up the social ladder a bit during the pandemic?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>JAZZ – The King of Wapi Dave</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JAZZ is our highest-ranking immigrant male, and his long time in Happy Zebra clan has given him some special privileges, at least with the Wapi Dave Crew. Unlike other males, who generally spend most of their time 20-30m away from the main action at the den, JAZZ will simply walk up to any of the females and engage with them. He was even grooming BRUM’s leg without issues the other day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>DEGO – The Traditional Male</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_0i2KVD_YvvB7wHSRrPy9jfV74CBYa_zXn4n6NANtsnreMOZlDRD3ZU9V5f9yjhW-DEENa4yUCPB8MgpUxCLGgS79DYpO1KgUO77tKI27IiRQyfZRUaCfMshcqvDJHpOw2E1WVHk-SM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_0i2KVD_YvvB7wHSRrPy9jfV74CBYa_zXn4n6NANtsnreMOZlDRD3ZU9V5f9yjhW-DEENa4yUCPB8MgpUxCLGgS79DYpO1KgUO77tKI27IiRQyfZRUaCfMshcqvDJHpOw2E1WVHk-SM/" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">DEGO is one of the “newer” immigrants in Happy Zebra, though he has been around since 2019/2020. He behaves like most immigrants: keeping his distance from the others, anxiously backing away from anybody who approaches him, and generally appeasing to any and all hyenas he sees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although Wapi Dave Den has fewer hyenas than Lugga Den, it generates a ton of interesting data! First, I love watching JAZZ interact with SILK and co. Whereas most males get chased away if they come too close, JAZZ can confidently walk up to anyone at Wapi Dave without having to worry about being attacked. Even OMHA, another long-term immigrant who spends a lot of time with the Lugga Den Crew, will behave very submissively and cautiously towards the females and cubs. Second, it will be interesting to see how the benefits vs. disadvantages of raising PLTO away from the main communal den will play out in the future – sure, PLTO is able to nurse without interruption at the moment, but she probably hasn’t met the majority of the clan yet, which will likely lead to a lot of stressful interactions once she den graduates. Third, could there have been a dominance switch-up among the low rankers? Like I mentioned before, several hyenas who are technically higher ranking than SILK have behaved submissively towards her. And lastly, just like with any other den, are there more cubs coming soon? MUON and BRUM are both spending a lot of time at Wapi Dave Den, and even RMMY and SKEP have stopped by to scope out the den.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Matriarchy Update</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After watching the high rankers interact over the past month and a half, I *think* I finally have some concrete answers! It seems like BOOM’s daughters, SAVY, RUMG, and JLYR, have formed a close alliance to overtake the others. I can confidently say that JLYR is not the matriarch, though I’m still figuring out whether SAVY or RUMG is higher ranking between the two. Although SAVY should be higher ranking based on the old clan list, RUMG does have a strong ally in ARGO, her daughter, who spends most of her time with RUMG. For now, I have all three at the top of the clan list, with no other changes among everyone else (though I may have to move SILK up a couple of ranks soon too). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Full names: SILK – Silkwood, PLTO – Plutonium-239, MERC – Mercury, BRUM – Candelabrum, MUON – Muon, JAZZ – Jazz, DEGO – San Diego, RMMY – Rummy, SKEP – Skeptic, OMHA – Omaha, BOOM – Boomerang, SAVY – Savvy, RUMG – Why is the Rum Gone?, JLYR – Jolly Roger, ARGO – Argo, SGL – Shangri-La</i></div></div><p> </p>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-82497004498880922852021-07-28T11:13:00.002+03:002021-07-28T11:13:19.326+03:00It's the little thingsOut here, we have a lot of time to appreciate the little things in life... a hot, indoor shower after 3.5 months of cold showers, the first post-supply trip breakfast with avocado toast, eggs, sausages, AND cheese, the first mile on a paved road after off-roading through the Maasai Mara for months at a time... After over a year out here, I can guarantee you that I will never take a hot shower for granted again.<div>After mainly focusing on the Big Five while my visitors were here, this week has been incredible for small predator sightings:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq7aYfogTILBW5H_74b1gxx-9-JYivN6_BrqGFUAi2yYCdSm1NE5jvZ7BJW85XqOcdnC_pnEeJQjbpI7lJhCnBUSBONq1O-Q7vMW3jHw1szvCzmwjrZhrQIZ9JvzGhmCJKzUAEEz_npw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq7aYfogTILBW5H_74b1gxx-9-JYivN6_BrqGFUAi2yYCdSm1NE5jvZ7BJW85XqOcdnC_pnEeJQjbpI7lJhCnBUSBONq1O-Q7vMW3jHw1szvCzmwjrZhrQIZ9JvzGhmCJKzUAEEz_npw/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does a hyena cub count as a small predator? Probably not, but I wanted to include this little guy anyways. After months of waiting, we're finally seeing black cubs at the communal dens again :) ROUG, from South, has two small cubs right now (COLR and PNCL) and LANC, from Happy Zebra, has one cub (LAVA). RUMG, from Happy Zebra, has also been spending a suspicious amount of time in/near the den hole, so I have been keeping a close eye on her in case a black head or two pops up out of the den. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a little baby boom: THLS and SAVY, both from Happy Zebra, and RANG, from South, could possibly have cubs as well. Both THLS and SAVY have been spending a lot of time at the den, groaning and pasting (scent-marking) throughout the obs sessions. We generally witness this type of behavior right before moms will bring their new cubs to the communal den. RANG showed up to the South communal den for the first time this year (that I’ve observed at least) last night with very prominent nipples, a good indicator that she may also be nursing right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Full names: ROUG – Moulin Rouge; COLR – Lip Color; PNCL – Brow Pencil; LANC – Lance; LAVA – Laevatein; RUMG – Why is the Rum Gone; THLS – Toothless; SAVY – Savvy; RANG - Rangsang </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg_AqQTCg6Ft0WIYWGWCphNoA8j2dh0ALHMDD05HQkpn_CY8BqqqfwU47xJwW_pOJQPDI7KX7pAiTxYPnRl58Le4RiGPvLHTpY00Dr4GS5igCY8fT-XPtKFsBm6NTlZln7Rv3iQ-Fayc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg_AqQTCg6Ft0WIYWGWCphNoA8j2dh0ALHMDD05HQkpn_CY8BqqqfwU47xJwW_pOJQPDI7KX7pAiTxYPnRl58Le4RiGPvLHTpY00Dr4GS5igCY8fT-XPtKFsBm6NTlZln7Rv3iQ-Fayc/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My visitors and I saw this serval pouncing around the grass in Happy Zebra territory earlier this week. We immediately stopped and turned off the car to quietly watch it successfully hunt a little mouse. Very fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1qNCAJorjRRwaLUzJYXs_yuIf9a5v0GYJzSV5nA2pzNmc844MHCBEey455GCeC_zDcnGNZZNk4r61-JieiPSzAeb0lLKIjcLS3xHUyun8VI9B3_lsLZD97E_TOAzkeIr1vM1tU_Ny3s/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1qNCAJorjRRwaLUzJYXs_yuIf9a5v0GYJzSV5nA2pzNmc844MHCBEey455GCeC_zDcnGNZZNk4r61-JieiPSzAeb0lLKIjcLS3xHUyun8VI9B3_lsLZD97E_TOAzkeIr1vM1tU_Ny3s/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This jackal was nice enough to carry a tired thomson’s gazelle around South territory yesterday morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnX5y41qHEGtffV3gKUtF5WhbraaRc34zHBU-0yFSc0EJVAvs3pBhMr5it5a_yWKTUjGNFivLi8FB03_co-lYwwwF1Ue3hHMMjhnbF9ftwHuIjSGc4uelWXxo1YqNQKtuVbLfNnbw6Xc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnX5y41qHEGtffV3gKUtF5WhbraaRc34zHBU-0yFSc0EJVAvs3pBhMr5it5a_yWKTUjGNFivLi8FB03_co-lYwwwF1Ue3hHMMjhnbF9ftwHuIjSGc4uelWXxo1YqNQKtuVbLfNnbw6Xc/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another beautiful serval sighting in Happy Zebra territory this week – I tried to use my hyena IDing skills to see if this is the same serval as from above, but the spot patterns are different, so I’m assuming it’s another individual. Any serval experts out there?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigptMrADdnbgIvEjyqkv33TsMyjwxx1RAsTM7Y6gWLZ78eihfeVlCAG2OhFhYgQwx0cZvwDIuatZFg7O_sQDx8Bd7Q3RGLPfCOQuecpyIN8yMd8J9vJ-HfVpSXu_FBvgy9PS0YKItpqdw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigptMrADdnbgIvEjyqkv33TsMyjwxx1RAsTM7Y6gWLZ78eihfeVlCAG2OhFhYgQwx0cZvwDIuatZFg7O_sQDx8Bd7Q3RGLPfCOQuecpyIN8yMd8J9vJ-HfVpSXu_FBvgy9PS0YKItpqdw/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jackals have been providing a great taxi service out here lately – this one was carrying a coqui francolin around Happy Zebra territory over the weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9qWqw9dB2KuLSqDc4cy0Aol1ZKU335moHSZDw7SL6gQAQItDYJiBk8uAZDgHJ1LhHsKoht6VjG6uvag8slZI2VfmTCwFtfTt1GJvTrywF1MW3gosMo6_RHYaHc5QoGkM6g0J0bpg3jI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9qWqw9dB2KuLSqDc4cy0Aol1ZKU335moHSZDw7SL6gQAQItDYJiBk8uAZDgHJ1LhHsKoht6VjG6uvag8slZI2VfmTCwFtfTt1GJvTrywF1MW3gosMo6_RHYaHc5QoGkM6g0J0bpg3jI/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Banded mongooses often come through camp to forage on insects, so I’m always a little surprised when I see them with bigger prey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ppAENSUXppMI-rLjvYnpUoc9YT_yUbJJynpksyRfoW4JKRm60iTZB9wCwKquBieTplYT8mJ4xCrq_aBJE6RLcS5p2TnzKDYvsSd2f9lgI_k3GwWZy1auYDwcYhQuuZb1rkRgZNoNcWs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ppAENSUXppMI-rLjvYnpUoc9YT_yUbJJynpksyRfoW4JKRm60iTZB9wCwKquBieTplYT8mJ4xCrq_aBJE6RLcS5p2TnzKDYvsSd2f9lgI_k3GwWZy1auYDwcYhQuuZb1rkRgZNoNcWs/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another successful mongoose from the same group as the one above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvtJ-km0oMAVWvWFNnjK5eL5s2VjC9QashCQpEWjXkAxrD1Wgy-XsnTM95xDUSDRC0cC73yzmkh6vz06-XphMq9-phAcgkj7t0VL8zL_vFx_awAOF-SznsX8S-Dnf7GeY8ImHXcwTDBo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="432" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvtJ-km0oMAVWvWFNnjK5eL5s2VjC9QashCQpEWjXkAxrD1Wgy-XsnTM95xDUSDRC0cC73yzmkh6vz06-XphMq9-phAcgkj7t0VL8zL_vFx_awAOF-SznsX8S-Dnf7GeY8ImHXcwTDBo/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bonus: Puff Adder spotted on one of the main roads in Happy Zebra this morning – these are a lot cooler to see when they’re not hanging out right next to our toilet. </div></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-54987021750798631772021-07-14T14:06:00.000+03:002021-07-14T14:06:03.996+03:00Fisi Visitors :)<p>Hi all,</p><p>Because we are working so far away from home for up to 12 months at a time, Kay encourages us to have family visit while we are here. Not only does this help them understand what our work is like, but it’s also a very welcome taste of home for us (often quite literally as they generally bring over some of our favorite snacks!). Plus, they often bring over supplies crucial to our research that we can’t get in Kenya. While here, they get to go out on obs with us, meet all of our hyenas, and experience the challenges (and rewards!) of work in a field station. For example, although the rainy season is technically over, I managed to find the only wet spot in all of Happy Zebra territory while my mother and her partner were visiting me last week and promptly got stuck! Not quite the experience I wanted to share with them, but now they know what the behind-the-scenes of hyena research looks like. A big thank-you to the kind rangers who helped us get the car free!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKMnQeUJqaYGvQ_OsLvPJGo5AEMHSY7ODibQJRiUdCpcDd_xUHrGl-W5pMM_BdHVZuRRHn-Xs-qbsu5Qi5Ht2cjYh33wEBrTxetd-JyXrl5z-kCx834amy7gTUXcfNWTmojloc73ptBM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKMnQeUJqaYGvQ_OsLvPJGo5AEMHSY7ODibQJRiUdCpcDd_xUHrGl-W5pMM_BdHVZuRRHn-Xs-qbsu5Qi5Ht2cjYh33wEBrTxetd-JyXrl5z-kCx834amy7gTUXcfNWTmojloc73ptBM/w400-h266/DSC00927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit to Fisi Camp involves lots of quality time with our cubs.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, I still wanted to deliver on the Big Five (plus more), so here’s some of the incredible sightings I got to share with my visitors last week:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdafb3qevFNRgzRNyql4m8kPH-YewRmZebbDQAvgUMZjy4a_eFdVA4QfxQL4zEzQ9cGOIeVwahpGCGuFY_7FCMwR4CbcUWiKef66hrG6EVnegZA_NiPJAqjAPHsHQS8w-PWjeWhv6iqi4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdafb3qevFNRgzRNyql4m8kPH-YewRmZebbDQAvgUMZjy4a_eFdVA4QfxQL4zEzQ9cGOIeVwahpGCGuFY_7FCMwR4CbcUWiKef66hrG6EVnegZA_NiPJAqjAPHsHQS8w-PWjeWhv6iqi4/w400-h266/DSC00873.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got super lucky and saw this lion mating with another lioness.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkTcJg8OdGTejBO08Yxo_SMRILdewsNaHA-Olx-klga86lLGalBRWSi7tTslDKZDRGHAC7wILvYgm8sYP1N3xCdB7SejXFWvNM9S1T80xWAZ0j2WjK0p45EjuQv4riaavMRku2qG_GRY/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkTcJg8OdGTejBO08Yxo_SMRILdewsNaHA-Olx-klga86lLGalBRWSi7tTslDKZDRGHAC7wILvYgm8sYP1N3xCdB7SejXFWvNM9S1T80xWAZ0j2WjK0p45EjuQv4riaavMRku2qG_GRY/w400-h266/DSC00739.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise with these two beauties.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu17nu5lr0m-Qq7a4kZpo_3RcWZodCRfyrCIRYXRxDmLAggsofRhFk2WNbmxODg0R8VS1VkEuB-7ly9VfCdPwgS8vWDO1HSyZT8Ii2QaQilPeD0uaktVHS-4NqPdZpuFNLEmqHAvEoAn0/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu17nu5lr0m-Qq7a4kZpo_3RcWZodCRfyrCIRYXRxDmLAggsofRhFk2WNbmxODg0R8VS1VkEuB-7ly9VfCdPwgS8vWDO1HSyZT8Ii2QaQilPeD0uaktVHS-4NqPdZpuFNLEmqHAvEoAn0/w400-h266/DSC00988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably the hardest of the Big Five to see, but luckily we had help from the rangers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRcuTLXk34r-hf3EX2HEwNJExmsvuS4sVEj36qjsKSW0GHs89x9u28QHQKY3CTREhDOqL4TBJK2z2Ur9gN0IvqYK6GnfX_73AEICv8hdK5AGxE-3ZF00opnixjLkrU6nsK9ZvnkaYhqc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRcuTLXk34r-hf3EX2HEwNJExmsvuS4sVEj36qjsKSW0GHs89x9u28QHQKY3CTREhDOqL4TBJK2z2Ur9gN0IvqYK6GnfX_73AEICv8hdK5AGxE-3ZF00opnixjLkrU6nsK9ZvnkaYhqc/w400-h266/DSC00849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo seem to be doing really well this year - all the herds have lots of little calves.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdbN5l49fSaF0o-DERFnr3ObRJPtIdkgTDHBRhg2gr19zSRP86jEKUmOpbAmdnssoK5WR_3rXixmHsexUdX0kk8MB_UttdpxSgo9QFlpzB8IIpZza5asBmu5WIjG5O2XSwdOpqSik1jo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdbN5l49fSaF0o-DERFnr3ObRJPtIdkgTDHBRhg2gr19zSRP86jEKUmOpbAmdnssoK5WR_3rXixmHsexUdX0kk8MB_UttdpxSgo9QFlpzB8IIpZza5asBmu5WIjG5O2XSwdOpqSik1jo/w400-h266/DSC00688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of the Big Five - my mother's favorite, so we spent lots of time with elephants.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVbVraq3PlRM_vo6sJXhDTKctnnPNdQmI6YsrcfY0m-gPYktDQxiT0DQztKMmu1S_U_sVhMESJBL8N_ft-Uqz8hqjYUxzqDQiIAiCoBs3FBInAOHJJdH_6PWQaKn9I_b0kHaebnq5eEo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVbVraq3PlRM_vo6sJXhDTKctnnPNdQmI6YsrcfY0m-gPYktDQxiT0DQztKMmu1S_U_sVhMESJBL8N_ft-Uqz8hqjYUxzqDQiIAiCoBs3FBInAOHJJdH_6PWQaKn9I_b0kHaebnq5eEo/w400-h266/DSC01040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a part of the Big Five, but just as cool!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-OMY4x13-h1VOfhV1qr0INgW4FcG8eREMzmT4lw2UDUUzKzuOe-7FGVOlb2VdgaS3a1e0KhwQQK3392hJFQ81L_OBXuEF09lCS2Js8nY26nXzEVVCrWvpWnH_mYN1nexpgdKgo-zn9I/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-OMY4x13-h1VOfhV1qr0INgW4FcG8eREMzmT4lw2UDUUzKzuOe-7FGVOlb2VdgaS3a1e0KhwQQK3392hJFQ81L_OBXuEF09lCS2Js8nY26nXzEVVCrWvpWnH_mYN1nexpgdKgo-zn9I/w400-h266/DSC01229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched this baby being born and taking its first steps.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv9X2Mm3cHhSvqx5NcUiVQ7o895KLsR3X7zKNJRkLiwCFuHCpUJZrnsKwpCaIXMX08SsT8BJqhg5POvvTH7gna3Fjq2LzIt8TPa_f2eYjou8jennDpoLYHzWe83aXPsizp82oBaGvmhk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv9X2Mm3cHhSvqx5NcUiVQ7o895KLsR3X7zKNJRkLiwCFuHCpUJZrnsKwpCaIXMX08SsT8BJqhg5POvvTH7gna3Fjq2LzIt8TPa_f2eYjou8jennDpoLYHzWe83aXPsizp82oBaGvmhk/w400-h266/DSC00647.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect resting spot for these birds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV4nK9OPMQ2iuYSi5aWH79VGbu0YVtXGWd8fkEkbXF3KCRGXP2ymEpSbi5IXb5B2u4nHeIT7zpBc4Nc4QV0H4YyKrydO2nzzEWLlVbvPdpwqHG1kA-AkOYS9E8dZDO32JS6YvG9JbfVw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV4nK9OPMQ2iuYSi5aWH79VGbu0YVtXGWd8fkEkbXF3KCRGXP2ymEpSbi5IXb5B2u4nHeIT7zpBc4Nc4QV0H4YyKrydO2nzzEWLlVbvPdpwqHG1kA-AkOYS9E8dZDO32JS6YvG9JbfVw/w400-h266/DSC00607.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching over his kingdom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYS9D-Er97VT-koOXK8yScf0nF5KXj59TCY09DywyLQxux55gFt38cIqMN2Og4Rio2G6wV2cEM9r9RGo-qo9sNTxNvAKFlULaAQWw-nhp4Nnvf9zyqcBzGSWoxVvqSCGTn8a50foNdyk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYS9D-Er97VT-koOXK8yScf0nF5KXj59TCY09DywyLQxux55gFt38cIqMN2Og4Rio2G6wV2cEM9r9RGo-qo9sNTxNvAKFlULaAQWw-nhp4Nnvf9zyqcBzGSWoxVvqSCGTn8a50foNdyk/w400-h266/DSC00598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elands are some of my favorite animals out here. Unfortunately, they are pretty shy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMet8My5SMo1WSVX7VAm03KlpwSAcSgrGGsVAGkFP8B7fR9Q0UMa1ndGvKZyRRg-NDFD5z7ZXT545_f9d4ZePU3Ju_rp4r1_KeTQCYJD_2c-Xz8J5NxklN12Ki9cfTlI6IuEJzYg_ZEV4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMet8My5SMo1WSVX7VAm03KlpwSAcSgrGGsVAGkFP8B7fR9Q0UMa1ndGvKZyRRg-NDFD5z7ZXT545_f9d4ZePU3Ju_rp4r1_KeTQCYJD_2c-Xz8J5NxklN12Ki9cfTlI6IuEJzYg_ZEV4/w400-h266/DSC00576.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad picture, great sighting.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZECVIkvbC3BsFGxSLLG0t-78LvPX3krQRxi9oxIqfJb496c4_j3iWoXx6hhG0q70M-8cHabJJL3qET9OCnewsn28KCcyxgvz5feUbcGF9esnWmyAYj8MeCOIvhLl2PFr04gC55dgbFMw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZECVIkvbC3BsFGxSLLG0t-78LvPX3krQRxi9oxIqfJb496c4_j3iWoXx6hhG0q70M-8cHabJJL3qET9OCnewsn28KCcyxgvz5feUbcGF9esnWmyAYj8MeCOIvhLl2PFr04gC55dgbFMw/w400-h266/DSC00521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomson's Gazelle.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNt3qzPTXp-RhpovYNAzYknNXCYBATDqqKaosne4js5moHndD4lq5XrPLZMtosS21Vd2LpNtZBcU3qm9ANLR7mKR9C9Sbpshu3RNcFVSETbcVkO4bZH6GWXC7d2iMUfeYCA_thjSTRiQ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNt3qzPTXp-RhpovYNAzYknNXCYBATDqqKaosne4js5moHndD4lq5XrPLZMtosS21Vd2LpNtZBcU3qm9ANLR7mKR9C9Sbpshu3RNcFVSETbcVkO4bZH6GWXC7d2iMUfeYCA_thjSTRiQ/w400-h266/DSC00946.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first wildebeest are beginning to move in :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinODm3xLlW56S62mX9Tt5bjniLfBcXjo-SaPiUVZzRfVEaN_02m80fDB69lHN-TAy-BRBVIchJ9lJXiYJN_WC40w_3AMXOCyVPwr5VrYBVWknP_LExKz011fNKdWLToskcKBYyo3c08Xs/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinODm3xLlW56S62mX9Tt5bjniLfBcXjo-SaPiUVZzRfVEaN_02m80fDB69lHN-TAy-BRBVIchJ9lJXiYJN_WC40w_3AMXOCyVPwr5VrYBVWknP_LExKz011fNKdWLToskcKBYyo3c08Xs/w400-h266/DSC00898.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These cubs are growing up way too fast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnFxDdLeHTjv6f2jakqviWknLDLk-WimgqTmb90F5VM78D6dBOBGuqHYuoNN2SWMUIW9-SFK-LKE_R-fa3BdiLp5UQij59A5U2SOpdRHDjPx9Xa5R5UUrjsHuiu7oGuABOC0nsuDvn3I/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnFxDdLeHTjv6f2jakqviWknLDLk-WimgqTmb90F5VM78D6dBOBGuqHYuoNN2SWMUIW9-SFK-LKE_R-fa3BdiLp5UQij59A5U2SOpdRHDjPx9Xa5R5UUrjsHuiu7oGuABOC0nsuDvn3I/w400-h266/DSC00728.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac Breasted Roller during Golden Hour.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-74215328254245068642021-06-30T17:06:00.004+03:002021-06-30T17:16:15.562+03:00Happy Zebra Cubs!<p>Hi all,</p><p>Serena has been incredibly busy this month – the migration is slowly starting up, with the first batch of zebras starting to cross into the Triangle; my new coworker finally arrived to camp last week; and I have lots of visitors coming for the rest of the summer. Nonetheless, I wanted to share some exciting news with our devoted hyena followers: after ~4 months of extreme den hunting (rock fields, swamps, wallows, mud… you name it, I drove through it…), I finally found our Happy Zebra communal den!! So without further ado, please meet the current residents of Eyrie D2 (named in honor of the Mara Raptor Project, who helped me find our cubs):</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg680pm0agldwFVmcmDsoLK-6x5LcuxA5-kTXT671sVH7eC7JXyQj8C87rHESu7xnDIl5O5GYNRQNmBiQyJhiCcDNbejwndv-WhPWO8Kbg9zPnkJtX926uD3v51i5hWRkScLrcwRBMTobc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg680pm0agldwFVmcmDsoLK-6x5LcuxA5-kTXT671sVH7eC7JXyQj8C87rHESu7xnDIl5O5GYNRQNmBiQyJhiCcDNbejwndv-WhPWO8Kbg9zPnkJtX926uD3v51i5hWRkScLrcwRBMTobc/w400-h266/BRRY+L2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BRRY - Charlotte de Berry; Mom: JLYR (Jolly Roger)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVr6wfJi9qvu3spGddYhO9LPrTK0p-75_h13LQFRyFrELz-gBFk5l_5pt1xfaKVXr-zT9xW3q0QeNFE6Hu-F6kaz91UQW4eP_HzKEIB8mmAOMzW04FAU3yAgwlR4BYmadwkTUp3g4L5Q/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVr6wfJi9qvu3spGddYhO9LPrTK0p-75_h13LQFRyFrELz-gBFk5l_5pt1xfaKVXr-zT9xW3q0QeNFE6Hu-F6kaz91UQW4eP_HzKEIB8mmAOMzW04FAU3yAgwlR4BYmadwkTUp3g4L5Q/w400-h266/ANNE+L1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANNE - Anne Bonny; Mom: JLYR (Jolly Roger)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU21viJ4nzZHC4r0f6otl9j648rroZlnsv1uNHInhBjz4_xq1UXPDT3afa0ZDfFHBH5zrHlv2Obyroi7jpnRiviW60EIayMJrjCjwh6PQ2IIxpfNExzRbY5tAbD6xjzw2eIUW1M9JlVw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU21viJ4nzZHC4r0f6otl9j648rroZlnsv1uNHInhBjz4_xq1UXPDT3afa0ZDfFHBH5zrHlv2Obyroi7jpnRiviW60EIayMJrjCjwh6PQ2IIxpfNExzRbY5tAbD6xjzw2eIUW1M9JlVw/w400-h266/PYXI+L4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PYXI - Pyxis; Mom: TULA (Tarantula)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLQu6BtRcnu12hd4WRXCpSyIP2xzUFehUqsXH4izC7y4EJ5fQFhyi1AwORpqkSw2WfjiZHW5tL0DjMvTEXOEpRlt0dDutovSfccPFbbelwMYofSVBU3vfGWIo4RyAFrcjdd7fMi6U33E/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLQu6BtRcnu12hd4WRXCpSyIP2xzUFehUqsXH4izC7y4EJ5fQFhyi1AwORpqkSw2WfjiZHW5tL0DjMvTEXOEpRlt0dDutovSfccPFbbelwMYofSVBU3vfGWIo4RyAFrcjdd7fMi6U33E/w400-h266/SOLO+L4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOLO - Song of Solomon; Mom: ANDO (Andor)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrVNytIt7YUh55DZANzDkTYIciswejpSXM53AWfRas9QDl47RBoaLEQQI2sOhpj5oxZz64dGDMMmDHi3DiTph04NsJI5RTWcKa11DBQ0SSDP1Z3aNY1N4GXatkRR7sfVzsotKTJMjsMU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrVNytIt7YUh55DZANzDkTYIciswejpSXM53AWfRas9QDl47RBoaLEQQI2sOhpj5oxZz64dGDMMmDHi3DiTph04NsJI5RTWcKa11DBQ0SSDP1Z3aNY1N4GXatkRR7sfVzsotKTJMjsMU/w400-h266/SARA+L4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SARA - Black Assarca; Mom: OMLY (Grace O'Malley)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkVToPPTp9e8kMVp-yw1wZMyUIGKxJQmUno23Kc2vWO1Ok34bHPAQ4Msbzw8Ud6DZRyvDpv7P7sNMz4RG9d4m2c-eE9QNeFlc6zEU-AdoyuMkzaRtnlHOUXvRjnSsa9i9bAq9BYKc89k/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkVToPPTp9e8kMVp-yw1wZMyUIGKxJQmUno23Kc2vWO1Ok34bHPAQ4Msbzw8Ud6DZRyvDpv7P7sNMz4RG9d4m2c-eE9QNeFlc6zEU-AdoyuMkzaRtnlHOUXvRjnSsa9i9bAq9BYKc89k/w400-h266/QUEN+R.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QUEN - Sequence; Mom: CSBY (Cosby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_cB7YUooEuXG-CXCMF1BzryTNxZe7atrFBWxaE2wRAec76lXBV89F-VfH2MwvFX9lg9SSsxa1GEbZe4DLBVoo2cEurEnlNeBFgs7oADdlvQTqy6Bkkvx90SXKaLrFECkKqROg6Yx1EU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_cB7YUooEuXG-CXCMF1BzryTNxZe7atrFBWxaE2wRAec76lXBV89F-VfH2MwvFX9lg9SSsxa1GEbZe4DLBVoo2cEurEnlNeBFgs7oADdlvQTqy6Bkkvx90SXKaLrFECkKqROg6Yx1EU/w400-h266/ARCH+R.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARCH - Archean; Mom: COEL (Coelacanth)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The Fight to Rule Them All – Matriarch Update!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that we have the communal den, we can finally observe more interactions, allowing us to slowly figure out who the new matriarch could be. EREM is officially disqualified (LANC and EREM were my original top contenders as both of them are high rankers who sustained intense ear damage while I was gone), making my new top choice JLYR! Although she has not aggressed onto a lot of other hyenas so far, her daughter, OMLY, is very feisty at the moment. If somebody’s starting a “fight” at the den, chances are OMLY’s involved.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ddA4o-DmATKPNNJJwCwOxIx2Ym1LrPg0m2m3ZFzWEdD5DdraXcJVhDaKesXiUIh_FjaqRTnbGFGZOW14WjlsMMqJ1aeyPR6-rivNVvWREoL-wffH25hOShOyUiLX9-HGZmpHOBgV54/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="802" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ddA4o-DmATKPNNJJwCwOxIx2Ym1LrPg0m2m3ZFzWEdD5DdraXcJVhDaKesXiUIh_FjaqRTnbGFGZOW14WjlsMMqJ1aeyPR6-rivNVvWREoL-wffH25hOShOyUiLX9-HGZmpHOBgV54/w260-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-06-30+at+5.04.07+PM.png" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potential Matriarchs: Green - top contender; Orange - potential contender; Red - no longer in the race</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p><br /><br /></p><div><br /></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-53217679663468836272021-06-03T15:51:00.000+03:002021-06-03T15:51:47.092+03:00Serena Clan Updates<p>Hi all,</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The Mara has been truly
wild lately – crocodiles at the den, puff adders in camp, and leopard sightings
galore! And of course, lots of hyena drama <span face=""Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif">😊</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4mGaylfmW50qFztBrp9dFkNw1fnS4iA6v66_6dvdSt-CohkTX68YgcTsHsz0qqBXE2YfJhoJvqqO39yubKtLU3Sz__hJFbiKGBUtXGcIRNmWBkJlAJQ2r9ntmqcnu95O2aFIvsaPTWs/s4592/DSC08753.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4mGaylfmW50qFztBrp9dFkNw1fnS4iA6v66_6dvdSt-CohkTX68YgcTsHsz0qqBXE2YfJhoJvqqO39yubKtLU3Sz__hJFbiKGBUtXGcIRNmWBkJlAJQ2r9ntmqcnu95O2aFIvsaPTWs/w400-h266/DSC08753.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAPE (Capellini) and I had a little photoshoot last week.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>North Clan</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjaEqupE_28sUUyiRfuf8G49lNV_efoLuk0rrtAjM2-z3_3nPtQKIQBRbjVmHzP_17vKvN55VG_llCFTAkgP3_NrEpEAk0EDH1purYYwlrebfQuME1RLVlemRTlhnvupMWADfpzZxUu4/s4592/DSC08716.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjaEqupE_28sUUyiRfuf8G49lNV_efoLuk0rrtAjM2-z3_3nPtQKIQBRbjVmHzP_17vKvN55VG_llCFTAkgP3_NrEpEAk0EDH1purYYwlrebfQuME1RLVlemRTlhnvupMWADfpzZxUu4/w400-h266/DSC08716.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JARO and LIZ causing mischief at the den while there was no adult supervision.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In my mind, North Clan
has always been our “stable” clan – during my time out here, we’ve never truly
“lost” their communal den and we see most of the Northies on a regular basis.
After almost two years at their Airstrip den, however, they finally moved to a
new communal den… and it’s not been fun… Their old den was located right next
to the Airstrip (so we could visit them even if it was wet/raining) and had
great visibility. The new den is located right next to a marsh and surrounded
by tall grass, making it really hard to see the hyenas sometimes. But, the new
den did bring three little surprises: LNTL (Lentil Soup), YANA (Solyanka), and
WOLF (Arctic Wolf). LNTL and YANA both
belong to SOUP; WOLF is NAGA’s first cub. *Disclaimer: any similarities between
hyena names and researcher names is purely coincidental and it is also a pure
coincidence that YANA is the daughter of the matriarch, and could thus be
matriarch herself in the future <span face=""Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif">😉</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">On a sadder note, lions
killed CLEV (Clever Girl), one of our mothers, close to the den last week. She
left behind two cubs, LBRA and FIVE, who are unfortunately too small to be
weaned. LBRA was still rather active the last time I stopped by the communal
den, but Benson thinks that they’ll only be able to survive for two weeks
without milk <span face=""Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif">☹</span> Generally, hyenas move dens
when they are disturbed by lions (as lions will kill the cubs if given the
chance), so I was surprised to see that they’re still hanging out at the same
den. I was even more surprised when I showed up on Monday night to find some
non-hyena visitors at the den as well. When I first pulled up, a small herd of
elephants was happily munching on the plants next to the den. No problem! I
just parked the Cruiser further away from the den and waited for them to move
on. Once the herd was a safe distance from the den, I drove closer, only to
discover a crocodile chilling right next to the den hole! The crocodile swiftly
disappeared into the water right behind the den, but jeez! Fingers crossed that
the hyenas finally take action now and move back towards the Airstrip.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>South Clan</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh3KrJ3-PeUU5Y2xVSjxZ4Awm9C30Da5K_yW0Hvwp8QJb5r6vkRF0EY-wkOfVQXpwt4FC-zmDZimSXXzTsM6ZxUtJzOxw_kxbIdPKVVC9FwwUQr2RxljNy1V7IYbp9KcH4ujBYFS6aQ8/s4592/DSC07446.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh3KrJ3-PeUU5Y2xVSjxZ4Awm9C30Da5K_yW0Hvwp8QJb5r6vkRF0EY-wkOfVQXpwt4FC-zmDZimSXXzTsM6ZxUtJzOxw_kxbIdPKVVC9FwwUQr2RxljNy1V7IYbp9KcH4ujBYFS6aQ8/w400-h266/DSC07446.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCKY (Mickey Smith), the youngest resident of South's communal den (for now...).</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">South Clan has been
rather uneventful since I found their den. After a week or so at Superstar Den,
they moved a little further west to a nearby den (Superstar Den 2). The move
was so small that I could easily see them from the original Superstar Den, so luckily
no den hunting was required. All of the new cubs are now confirmed, and I’ve
even seen a couple of the cubs (now subadults) from our original Summer 2019
cohort (including MPRS, CROM, JOJO, PDOX, and NOBL). Brian, the Conservancy
manager, thinks that the migration will arrive in the Triangle within the next
couple of weeks, so hopefully the hyenas will be more active once there is more
prey available.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Frustrated
Zebra Clan (formerly known as Happy Zebra Clan)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDnOvcruW15HHBQCXxaPoLYp6mfeMsw_z06gLTFQ4q0uWWcIXZoNhiARxlesuxcUxeUxBJtNk_g99xxBhXA90kZ_M5ON48CawuxCfvrOa13cY77XYIqiR1HwlkrvErAK3-tbVGjrvsZk/s4592/DSC08381.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDnOvcruW15HHBQCXxaPoLYp6mfeMsw_z06gLTFQ4q0uWWcIXZoNhiARxlesuxcUxeUxBJtNk_g99xxBhXA90kZ_M5ON48CawuxCfvrOa13cY77XYIqiR1HwlkrvErAK3-tbVGjrvsZk/w400-h266/DSC08381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">INFY (Infinity) hanging out at the edge of a buffalo herd.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: right 6.0in; text-align: left;">Although
I’m still den hunting (or more accurately put, waiting for the territory to dry
up enough so that I can go den hunting again without getting the Cruiser
stuck), I finally discovered the secret to guaranteed hyena sightings in Happy
Zebra: buffalo herds. My current strategy is to scan the territory for big
buffalo herds, drive to them, and scan along the perimeter of the herd. 9 times
out of 10, at least 4+ hyenas will be lounging around the edge of the herd. My
previous strategy of simply driving around the territory and willing hyenas
into existence often resulted in 0 hyenas (1-2 if I’m lucky), so this new
strategy is a huge improvement. And, to save the best for last, the Mara
treated me to a *very* special sighting on Saturday night. Around 7pm, I found
a buffalo herd that was crossing the main road – nice! I parked the Cruiser and
patiently waited for the herd to cross as I knew that hyenas would soon follow
behind. Sure enough, 4 hyenas crossed the road with the last couple of buffalo.
I started photographing and IDing these hyenas when suddenly 4-5 females
(potential mothers) and 6 (!!!) cubs all showed up from the same direction
within 5 minutes! Now, this was exciting for two reasons: 1. These were the
first Happy Zebra cubs I’ve seen since coming back out here in February and 2.
This means that the communal den *has* to be close to where I was parked.
Unfortunately, I’m still den hunting the area they came from, but I have a
feeling that I might find them before I leave for my vacation at the end of
this week (or by the end of June at the latest hopefully). On a different note,
LANC was one of the females who showed up, and I was able to confirm that she
is not the new matriarch (I saw her appeasing to BARD, one of PIKE’s younger
daughters). I still think that EREM may have a shot at being the new matriarch,
but I’m also tossing RUMG (one of PIKE’s granddaughters) and SNAP (PIKE’s
littermate) into the ring. Stay tuned for more updates soon!</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: right 6.0in; text-align: left;"><b>This week's sightings:</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAFtACtd3DvFfdrmDqQ9F990LFOL3S2qW1LaSX1eq6UTWJrscOI12WVw62NwM2lYr7z42Ei3OlDcl3YtUlXuLSrUD2OhiDiyAb6vc5HhDs4UEqlhwT9RUvtf4S5f1mbxb6JVazIk3Pfg/s4592/DSC07405.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAFtACtd3DvFfdrmDqQ9F990LFOL3S2qW1LaSX1eq6UTWJrscOI12WVw62NwM2lYr7z42Ei3OlDcl3YtUlXuLSrUD2OhiDiyAb6vc5HhDs4UEqlhwT9RUvtf4S5f1mbxb6JVazIk3Pfg/s400/DSC07405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puff adder crossing the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocj20zgipWf2a8uKEE89ZEzQZVebBW4RZ0FiMuBui5UGcJpgeoNPWQ76PsaPOOoil0kEjnJROfjF7mZtUxj4hvZNV6YYSspfWULKJEpIjzBmZtE-1O7q7j9skusVUcRyOalodWT_Kbao/s4592/DSC07517.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocj20zgipWf2a8uKEE89ZEzQZVebBW4RZ0FiMuBui5UGcJpgeoNPWQ76PsaPOOoil0kEjnJROfjF7mZtUxj4hvZNV6YYSspfWULKJEpIjzBmZtE-1O7q7j9skusVUcRyOalodWT_Kbao/s400/DSC07517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something doesn't quite belong here.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A1eAqd0bt1tUbNudCHRzZWyrmLT4HtIuUXdhvu0IgUpi4TqimI43iPxQtYT7WqdGLG-w-T_dZBTY3Hp3Nm_nNNWKTpH3cLmgboirS09vM42Cw4u9Bv8aKjeGUXqZDOG2PueD2TS15XY/s3916/DSC07662.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2606" data-original-width="3916" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A1eAqd0bt1tUbNudCHRzZWyrmLT4HtIuUXdhvu0IgUpi4TqimI43iPxQtYT7WqdGLG-w-T_dZBTY3Hp3Nm_nNNWKTpH3cLmgboirS09vM42Cw4u9Bv8aKjeGUXqZDOG2PueD2TS15XY/s400/DSC07662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YPSI (Ypsilante), one of our older North males, poses for me while patrolling the territory</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHJsXzF5JJ7ibuGKG-Jd0l8-55rN8rkz0Ty73ZpLK7wXXllfFgS9sY1mOd6YkNevdfrRe_pomsoXQvQD1DZPpybIlCrgkfPp7vvy0Nouj0a4GSeQIqfDBO5dbzXqBS9_0JXPUyJKkOMA/s4592/DSC07846.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHJsXzF5JJ7ibuGKG-Jd0l8-55rN8rkz0Ty73ZpLK7wXXllfFgS9sY1mOd6YkNevdfrRe_pomsoXQvQD1DZPpybIlCrgkfPp7vvy0Nouj0a4GSeQIqfDBO5dbzXqBS9_0JXPUyJKkOMA/s400/DSC07846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath time</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhm1VXZA8dwavnvHiz8oav43kB9rJ5L-R0RRB353e7zpvyf30n2E2vu-yy_8rN0zGbEeLvZca8YnqBlkOz6G3TJJQ1Ix36-SsYZCIacUMKiRzxeWL0DY4kslzwJPVzbByJqMTN7Gcb54/s4592/DSC07893.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhm1VXZA8dwavnvHiz8oav43kB9rJ5L-R0RRB353e7zpvyf30n2E2vu-yy_8rN0zGbEeLvZca8YnqBlkOz6G3TJJQ1Ix36-SsYZCIacUMKiRzxeWL0DY4kslzwJPVzbByJqMTN7Gcb54/s400/DSC07893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great leopard sighting in South territory<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hGXCG2hHsGAZTjAQohWKyzjb6AlvJAMW4Q1DhyA7baL73WJ459qnRkErvbi4ztcWZauoVugzKd_DiQiUehz_h2-adBhOGu59TswdJT-tOKdVzwJIh3J92YmRLX8mfUR8qiLrZL2LsEU/s4592/DSC08038.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hGXCG2hHsGAZTjAQohWKyzjb6AlvJAMW4Q1DhyA7baL73WJ459qnRkErvbi4ztcWZauoVugzKd_DiQiUehz_h2-adBhOGu59TswdJT-tOKdVzwJIh3J92YmRLX8mfUR8qiLrZL2LsEU/s400/DSC08038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mara traffic</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvzM4KE9WIE0_Qq93wg1hUAFPfY74UGNh77fvK3Ti2amds79MwTCCUpoERqPhkuc72gaGxA27E1UZ8e_P4VexCwAm_aHVHBpJZrfQGHsQfCCs2ac37gGvRUNvqYZOOGnqEZpd6cgzrGg/s4592/DSC08149.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvzM4KE9WIE0_Qq93wg1hUAFPfY74UGNh77fvK3Ti2amds79MwTCCUpoERqPhkuc72gaGxA27E1UZ8e_P4VexCwAm_aHVHBpJZrfQGHsQfCCs2ac37gGvRUNvqYZOOGnqEZpd6cgzrGg/s400/DSC08149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant party</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PyqK4WCOUmI5jrU5ZlD2pn4IEXNhFRaCwj_Utt5J-QX68x2u7C6qSYn8FKPdhrsHBbuQlBZbSojPwRqK0hj3zoNUII_i-mCFlDHitvggR_nc5tcPIQ6ou6iw4lqF9RJvGi58sm_WWxY/s4592/DSC08154.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PyqK4WCOUmI5jrU5ZlD2pn4IEXNhFRaCwj_Utt5J-QX68x2u7C6qSYn8FKPdhrsHBbuQlBZbSojPwRqK0hj3zoNUII_i-mCFlDHitvggR_nc5tcPIQ6ou6iw4lqF9RJvGi58sm_WWxY/s400/DSC08154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute giraffe<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMrxI8rYiECG-ChlZfTO6tlmBkj-dYBPmDxF8WmMs6wK2ELi67RNx1nvROjxnSnGmZ6YIF_MBYMR3290vpZZ5JBAW15hrjD78gIetq-iF_ReFEhlmKsnfn_Cva3P4tE69O2jDbelh1xo/s4592/DSC08306.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMrxI8rYiECG-ChlZfTO6tlmBkj-dYBPmDxF8WmMs6wK2ELi67RNx1nvROjxnSnGmZ6YIF_MBYMR3290vpZZ5JBAW15hrjD78gIetq-iF_ReFEhlmKsnfn_Cva3P4tE69O2jDbelh1xo/s400/DSC08306.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath time, part 2</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5GeXMCYhkXEBmqhRyQzI45NII8QXyWej3K-v3ZPUmBfPfZsvCgzH52dFTLh2H3GLPokvPZr13imlXJm31EzYBhX6AiJkwABl6hAAOx3VoSMTQjWIS5PaioKcFIMGbgHexTG8bjBT8VQ/s4592/DSC08315.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5GeXMCYhkXEBmqhRyQzI45NII8QXyWej3K-v3ZPUmBfPfZsvCgzH52dFTLh2H3GLPokvPZr13imlXJm31EzYBhX6AiJkwABl6hAAOx3VoSMTQjWIS5PaioKcFIMGbgHexTG8bjBT8VQ/s400/DSC08315.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verreaux's Eagle Owl</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRIDIoSSpbkBMc4tzSI9qmG6dy1JSwWCwK4RxXtZV5hm9zVPHRPlLKaDjxBIx18cIKr2zQCtAonUqLrjnbwfZCRgpltlwa7ZVqlPXDVfirTcOyZs4xl81bCqOtv5RB-XjX_zhmrHn0tg/s4592/DSC08321.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRIDIoSSpbkBMc4tzSI9qmG6dy1JSwWCwK4RxXtZV5hm9zVPHRPlLKaDjxBIx18cIKr2zQCtAonUqLrjnbwfZCRgpltlwa7ZVqlPXDVfirTcOyZs4xl81bCqOtv5RB-XjX_zhmrHn0tg/s400/DSC08321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SQSH is spending a lot of time at the den with his younger siblings, LNTL and YANA</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc7aGPuzDOYjCYuNWmmdc2tELB-75LAo4_HphRQP7Uz_nPStRCSa2zw1dhoRs3Ya3aKhAkXHKu-JwFg4RPXbmVDefqsEjhQcETnjsMoTbCnronOjSbg4eqBlLFWwHVQrlulaXHQKBLZQ/s4592/DSC08400.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc7aGPuzDOYjCYuNWmmdc2tELB-75LAo4_HphRQP7Uz_nPStRCSa2zw1dhoRs3Ya3aKhAkXHKu-JwFg4RPXbmVDefqsEjhQcETnjsMoTbCnronOjSbg4eqBlLFWwHVQrlulaXHQKBLZQ/s400/DSC08400.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a big fan of lions right now, but this is too picturesque not to post</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvJFJ5l_5H5PN40IfJnen9wxrcndJO2MslYYESJhwGSDWBXYBlQJn9zmXX_5-FfzPqm9FDKRzVB5Wj97vB_2MaEhEFmsKJ4DuTVPOp6DLU1lTKB1JKu1M6qyskb7EJIz2E01CwDpKqU4/s4592/DSC08450.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvJFJ5l_5H5PN40IfJnen9wxrcndJO2MslYYESJhwGSDWBXYBlQJn9zmXX_5-FfzPqm9FDKRzVB5Wj97vB_2MaEhEFmsKJ4DuTVPOp6DLU1lTKB1JKu1M6qyskb7EJIz2E01CwDpKqU4/s400/DSC08450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How tall is the grass? Tall enough to almost hide two elephant babies!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzCKTqWv5-Et4YCw8u8SBfBKZ6g8om62Uva15R2k1eUDZYxq05V9wtx9DPOHrXbncOsZkhfhnpo9SoLUuNlAQFHUt87I3s_4KXOzcUzUb3WQ8KG_4dge8tutQhvmwa3iJ9oi2OxPgunk/s4592/DSC08502.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzCKTqWv5-Et4YCw8u8SBfBKZ6g8om62Uva15R2k1eUDZYxq05V9wtx9DPOHrXbncOsZkhfhnpo9SoLUuNlAQFHUt87I3s_4KXOzcUzUb3WQ8KG_4dge8tutQhvmwa3iJ9oi2OxPgunk/s400/DSC08502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible serval sighting with some visitors last week!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jcd3Oa3UjdTln5uIe8LAWNWn3KHkteEgeoImX4k1BlpyrIEEiohvs7ZSeRWcfXQn2zwPespjVJxcg8N_i2_Zqch0fYnPDl3q6tnNJ5RW0t0fj-_NEfsOpWx49A0qB0a3v-hc2J0Sf8o/s4592/DSC08551.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jcd3Oa3UjdTln5uIe8LAWNWn3KHkteEgeoImX4k1BlpyrIEEiohvs7ZSeRWcfXQn2zwPespjVJxcg8N_i2_Zqch0fYnPDl3q6tnNJ5RW0t0fj-_NEfsOpWx49A0qB0a3v-hc2J0Sf8o/s400/DSC08551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, you have to stop and smell the roses...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKKcnAevHx6yfcRAehSat_kzsHz9MebVzJZhdp5reF2JK3pJjLwQcyTGBwu6KsNRvhQvYN4Nboyt8_EXxtkNDvlebkkA64VwNQ0gL7AjvYWfZj3cT0z1JUKq2cCSiKCt7I_UM4DY8mm8/s4592/DSC08562.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKKcnAevHx6yfcRAehSat_kzsHz9MebVzJZhdp5reF2JK3pJjLwQcyTGBwu6KsNRvhQvYN4Nboyt8_EXxtkNDvlebkkA64VwNQ0gL7AjvYWfZj3cT0z1JUKq2cCSiKCt7I_UM4DY8mm8/s400/DSC08562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and sometimes you just have to eat the roses.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WBNLIfTn365DOSW1Vfxo5s4d7zqiF7XJKqmOHShzNKiM0J1GVb8aDDDEkpqf064i9hh2PAs6c3mXmvGenaJ62A_unDTOL-JWMW8CsZrvcVvjVB3oxgFS4ZjrTS_3oZZueEPCVLgFEEU/s4592/DSC08790.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WBNLIfTn365DOSW1Vfxo5s4d7zqiF7XJKqmOHShzNKiM0J1GVb8aDDDEkpqf064i9hh2PAs6c3mXmvGenaJ62A_unDTOL-JWMW8CsZrvcVvjVB3oxgFS4ZjrTS_3oZZueEPCVLgFEEU/s400/DSC08790.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot LBRA? Not pictured: the crocodile hanging out right by the den hole.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOLhuYxjPZpdHPlL2RpI2s0amEr5WQ-E5fOFYl2ChqbAusD1SjfaNU_7zUYDCT4Zx660kQxE1TfNHPvSphQoOlosS-CqAzOYRannx3QlZSrRZkia4jDAI1ud2t4i_voQlOaKojEs0SqU/s4592/DSC08932.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOLhuYxjPZpdHPlL2RpI2s0amEr5WQ-E5fOFYl2ChqbAusD1SjfaNU_7zUYDCT4Zx660kQxE1TfNHPvSphQoOlosS-CqAzOYRannx3QlZSrRZkia4jDAI1ud2t4i_voQlOaKojEs0SqU/s400/DSC08932.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game drives with Brian always mean up-close and personal encounters with elephants.</td></tr></tbody></table>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-64135918435890160132021-05-25T21:37:00.002+03:002021-05-25T21:38:04.335+03:00Michigan State University VIRTUAL Science Festival!<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Here at the hyena lab, we
look forward to Michigan State University's Science Festival every year. We get to play around with
skulls, talk about hyenas, and share our enthusiasm for research
with the public. This year things looked a little different, as MSU had its
first-ever <i>virtual</i> SciFest! At first we weren’t quite sure how we would recreate the feeling of an in-person booth through our
computer screens, but graduate student Olivia Spagnuolo stepped up to make sure this
year’s SciFest felt just as engaging from home. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvkkWvLYpj7iqlMPsGNNu62pXfX4gk0-Fyyj4r5NJfQk3T5OmIbyyuxj8pZSVKuNhA7W_2tWx6lFXQup4KJ_a5lXSz2XpY8lNyDTh14MQuIpwJvs71jFovIPJqMrScf33oHdmhCsf7SI/s872/Olivia1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="872" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvkkWvLYpj7iqlMPsGNNu62pXfX4gk0-Fyyj4r5NJfQk3T5OmIbyyuxj8pZSVKuNhA7W_2tWx6lFXQup4KJ_a5lXSz2XpY8lNyDTh14MQuIpwJvs71jFovIPJqMrScf33oHdmhCsf7SI/w640-h397/Olivia1.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">If you missed us at MSU
SciFest, catch Olivia’s talk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfBCsZewlvI&ab_channel=OliviaSpagnuolo">here</a> on her Youtube channel! Be sure to check out our
<a href="https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/ugc/story.php?title=mzewmjy5nwzqgd">spot-matching game</a>, too, which Olivia adapted virtually for the Festival. Test your
skills identifying individual hyenas (just like our researchers do in the field!). <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br /> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Laboratory Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12914765397143211951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-39940636983937138682021-05-19T11:05:00.000+03:002021-05-19T11:05:54.901+03:00Birds!Hi all, <div>One of the best selling points of the Mara is its sheer amount of biodiversity: with 60+ mammal species, 470+ bird species, and 30+ amphibian/reptile species (numbers from <a href="https://www.maratriangle.org/" target="_blank">Mara Triangle</a>), the Mara surely has something for everyone. I was lucky enough to participate in the <a href="https://ebird.org/news/global-big-day-8-may-2021" target="_blank">Global Big Day</a> last weekend: Stratton and his friend, Pete, invited me to tag along with them as they attempted to find as many different birds as possible in the Triangle. Unlike me, Stratton and Pete are some serious birders, so we managed to see/hear 196 species in a single day. My one and only contribution to this list? The secretary bird… hey, better than nothing! Below is just a small selection of birds I’ve seen during my time in the Mara – a big thank you to Brian, Lila, Matthew, and Stratton for helping me ID them all.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfp11vcwjXypudfL7g_usKa0vrIzZEDNG7cPS6BJmUvQNNMvA3edP9kOvUeJLCwUHLU4IfQPQZF-NKc1SAopbPxKvpCjJCVGZX1ajzDBP-vgl1mvtz52uFvsMkXBdz4G85wFLy9e-Qeo/s4592/DSC08022.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfp11vcwjXypudfL7g_usKa0vrIzZEDNG7cPS6BJmUvQNNMvA3edP9kOvUeJLCwUHLU4IfQPQZF-NKc1SAopbPxKvpCjJCVGZX1ajzDBP-vgl1mvtz52uFvsMkXBdz4G85wFLy9e-Qeo/s400/DSC08022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secretary Bird - easy to spot, even easier to ID :)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw7kZ88_mZ6Vb7xJLDTTjdfoavmGgbawq8yg6-5Y8_XGpAD-jTqEAh6XPjPUzxnYxneyUChF1uimOt1ymwdkwQqUqHW2Suj1jaopl6C_HKbi-L4aP1cH_NQubDnlRkXwhz5Sg30LuHks/s4592/DSC02298.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw7kZ88_mZ6Vb7xJLDTTjdfoavmGgbawq8yg6-5Y8_XGpAD-jTqEAh6XPjPUzxnYxneyUChF1uimOt1ymwdkwQqUqHW2Suj1jaopl6C_HKbi-L4aP1cH_NQubDnlRkXwhz5Sg30LuHks/s400/DSC02298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-faced Whistling Duck</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5AJIvwjMKML5EVUZLbZffgRb7Vj9sC5UxKQ6-vDFfwauyT29ewlC1T9R5egAii7a2xfXDeJawwmZ1DCdm0rdIwI-gvLiNZOt89tSyavtAlDvdIz4yH4HOG4irQsX3xksfAMwuK87CIs/s4592/DSC02308.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5AJIvwjMKML5EVUZLbZffgRb7Vj9sC5UxKQ6-vDFfwauyT29ewlC1T9R5egAii7a2xfXDeJawwmZ1DCdm0rdIwI-gvLiNZOt89tSyavtAlDvdIz4yH4HOG4irQsX3xksfAMwuK87CIs/s400/DSC02308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Crowned Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO1ER7fXgTRxb7MkKEQaOpJPR6VSS4E67L5fQM_NJu-Ii3PrTjdGTwFGNdE-VVsqikH_lNMxExThZUimMjF7KBHPUjF1EsiG-_yB5UIkCAGTB7x0AGs2UxR4V_v35KahAeosEydfB-24/s3344/DSC02406.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO1ER7fXgTRxb7MkKEQaOpJPR6VSS4E67L5fQM_NJu-Ii3PrTjdGTwFGNdE-VVsqikH_lNMxExThZUimMjF7KBHPUjF1EsiG-_yB5UIkCAGTB7x0AGs2UxR4V_v35KahAeosEydfB-24/s400/DSC02406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptian Goose</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJspWEfA76njwF4HBAmet1-Uv30IDKKUaZzHs_xgSKpuTWQ9lFbroQLrcmbHWIEzmplUHvsYT1SeTkRAMEII2tw19A3E9qhtGIfRtG24N9OmsjsNXZJe-MnBhTLaGo1gTmQI9T5jBLnY/s4592/DSC02553.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJspWEfA76njwF4HBAmet1-Uv30IDKKUaZzHs_xgSKpuTWQ9lFbroQLrcmbHWIEzmplUHvsYT1SeTkRAMEII2tw19A3E9qhtGIfRtG24N9OmsjsNXZJe-MnBhTLaGo1gTmQI9T5jBLnY/s400/DSC02553.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Dark-chanting Goshawk</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW23Xzu4vpefv3CfPHUnbF5Q7TLvvLSeRwL2Cnh2wyAtVhQeQ1FDNM6MZg29BQTK5GQi_Z-9N5EkXXCOXtivxQThNZqzChBpyJ17MZV73q591pvZ7cKaWasP1OsH3ZzRqsSoTwne19_A/s4592/DSC03412.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW23Xzu4vpefv3CfPHUnbF5Q7TLvvLSeRwL2Cnh2wyAtVhQeQ1FDNM6MZg29BQTK5GQi_Z-9N5EkXXCOXtivxQThNZqzChBpyJ17MZV73q591pvZ7cKaWasP1OsH3ZzRqsSoTwne19_A/s400/DSC03412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-chested Snake-Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWfOBelM6O3CUbWVlG1sVvcBy5QEqemDqMsNMncT_0SdLOdYynVJudmZtVJKLgIAwFkdEhH-rbm2I6NVwHcNmAyRYXPwVTTebf3plR9mqlngIKqGvVevvmvteLoPGwgHqGKpeuXd7Aog/s4592/DSC03544.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWfOBelM6O3CUbWVlG1sVvcBy5QEqemDqMsNMncT_0SdLOdYynVJudmZtVJKLgIAwFkdEhH-rbm2I6NVwHcNmAyRYXPwVTTebf3plR9mqlngIKqGvVevvmvteLoPGwgHqGKpeuXd7Aog/s400/DSC03544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosy-breasted Longclaw</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHbv-Y2HjwR8wrZJXkNISKDnnb2D2UqQCfT9855yKht9CiAoMmNB7CphT44Sz8qNHAj_LKPaWacXpbeLgkSaj1IRFcD-ZrqEuc9a5IeBLfQBdLjQcfCi7OW4uoBDPRbiXD3rB6Hc3mHI/s4592/DSC03663.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHbv-Y2HjwR8wrZJXkNISKDnnb2D2UqQCfT9855yKht9CiAoMmNB7CphT44Sz8qNHAj_LKPaWacXpbeLgkSaj1IRFcD-ZrqEuc9a5IeBLfQBdLjQcfCi7OW4uoBDPRbiXD3rB6Hc3mHI/s400/DSC03663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spur-winged Lapwing</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UQS9kyRBZa8iVnmOlqPmT03FtkOqq7j9SS4BCjsswMBtAdrOzuHLr54lYdxrfmkXrot3f4zGIg8U7T_rMBx_BNKi3IuchZx_XhAnaVhqFYniZ2pqwyaWZJWNG9tfjusaaC5LLezSh9w/s4592/DSC03727.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UQS9kyRBZa8iVnmOlqPmT03FtkOqq7j9SS4BCjsswMBtAdrOzuHLr54lYdxrfmkXrot3f4zGIg8U7T_rMBx_BNKi3IuchZx_XhAnaVhqFYniZ2pqwyaWZJWNG9tfjusaaC5LLezSh9w/s400/DSC03727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufous-naped Lark</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFk4jTfcECMYp3hLaEQP0_3KHaZFONtfjPDIj6nokmHt_O5XmjwdEy2jrOf2JJ-Zkr5IW87h5TFvHUmQW5oNJA5tsj0dZQnOg_Gnk-8lp7_0CWAaLuR1Zl1QcCXEb-Z5Q_ZZAc7hw8mY/s4592/DSC03907.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFk4jTfcECMYp3hLaEQP0_3KHaZFONtfjPDIj6nokmHt_O5XmjwdEy2jrOf2JJ-Zkr5IW87h5TFvHUmQW5oNJA5tsj0dZQnOg_Gnk-8lp7_0CWAaLuR1Zl1QcCXEb-Z5Q_ZZAc7hw8mY/s400/DSC03907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-browed Robin-chat</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmwBYtgp1VxMbaPZ9jjfDklakad9bOG96i5nqElaPNEpLOc84rssMPspmIsMLEjOBdI-T-E6Xx0Y5zg2VqtnG2v7MEV7SMIvP4JBKc_Zz7oyMFbYY-CyD_2GndOLZ3y-2TI9JOkxv7jI/s4592/DSC05058.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmwBYtgp1VxMbaPZ9jjfDklakad9bOG96i5nqElaPNEpLOc84rssMPspmIsMLEjOBdI-T-E6Xx0Y5zg2VqtnG2v7MEV7SMIvP4JBKc_Zz7oyMFbYY-CyD_2GndOLZ3y-2TI9JOkxv7jI/s400/DSC05058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Roller</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mvueufo-Vk-wBYPi272zcjVhyphenhyphenvEn0YYPX2tnMn92SHgNxKsLrpa9YiJL17rbJbGzB4SvdnrOWr8OQ-BvINHDMc8n7-Vx_TYB7fD49YLVlgqEXZnrjWRs4E65EvXqzAOl9q72f9mHLxY/s4592/DSC05117.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mvueufo-Vk-wBYPi272zcjVhyphenhyphenvEn0YYPX2tnMn92SHgNxKsLrpa9YiJL17rbJbGzB4SvdnrOWr8OQ-BvINHDMc8n7-Vx_TYB7fD49YLVlgqEXZnrjWRs4E65EvXqzAOl9q72f9mHLxY/s400/DSC05117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Coucal</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPykirQIe4kAtvXHRS2OjIegLicq-aLBOOwR5o6KsPs_q5krk9Y0SmFTp3R_F6_dndNaq3wyGJ2fmPQlO86ePrp8alYUc9ohkJ8oyDYg-wkzPffT-26l59Wkh-i6_wwV682KVAvpdC8g/s4592/DSC05226.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPykirQIe4kAtvXHRS2OjIegLicq-aLBOOwR5o6KsPs_q5krk9Y0SmFTp3R_F6_dndNaq3wyGJ2fmPQlO86ePrp8alYUc9ohkJ8oyDYg-wkzPffT-26l59Wkh-i6_wwV682KVAvpdC8g/s400/DSC05226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speckled Mousebird</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0oMTCzhMH5k2l9O_FRhh7H0STs-LHMuFmB70gCQ8_FasV-kXG8HcsLvpmn5lasoe90chupKsO64zoJr_dwj9-qxoJTuEPSCsIpgvUjAor689mztLGTWz0WOzZeGUKmxc9Z-GPrzfXz4/s4592/DSC05624.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0oMTCzhMH5k2l9O_FRhh7H0STs-LHMuFmB70gCQ8_FasV-kXG8HcsLvpmn5lasoe90chupKsO64zoJr_dwj9-qxoJTuEPSCsIpgvUjAor689mztLGTWz0WOzZeGUKmxc9Z-GPrzfXz4/s400/DSC05624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL34IV80yGVwg4YMGOcXHf6m05jZmEMhOW1nlQpJjFS2d3gc4lxVR3AonQRCEsAX3ALF7WvUQ7mOf2EtS7QWAGKBOeOZslPiwy6MvY3Pe855hU07zaDCAfQA5RNHtnNeYrQwkzRPkkS3I/s4592/DSC05949.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL34IV80yGVwg4YMGOcXHf6m05jZmEMhOW1nlQpJjFS2d3gc4lxVR3AonQRCEsAX3ALF7WvUQ7mOf2EtS7QWAGKBOeOZslPiwy6MvY3Pe855hU07zaDCAfQA5RNHtnNeYrQwkzRPkkS3I/s400/DSC05949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooty Chat</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDfKjc3up-QSRzAevsz26kGqdu2mxrQObpzy4Bhry6etHF4HyD8Pyxbmif7lYvXXvKUD-Apbkre0R-hzeuqElPICKqhyphenhyphenaFgD290Au9dryc_dVRYIROdmPRA_jl0gTm86HQt9IAjF0NvY/s4592/DSC06063.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDfKjc3up-QSRzAevsz26kGqdu2mxrQObpzy4Bhry6etHF4HyD8Pyxbmif7lYvXXvKUD-Apbkre0R-hzeuqElPICKqhyphenhyphenaFgD290Au9dryc_dVRYIROdmPRA_jl0gTm86HQt9IAjF0NvY/s400/DSC06063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT3POtD-xV_XOfgTCfusEODR1bArdwOAtC6s-Gd6-4yWcRyCIpKIpHGplIBl7y_GokFwO_F0LjrSgCqXPPMBtAcGgWHu6cyhbGA7M5-K3eT6wJ1-jNZINeXCnNQqggRam6Wv20V9NT78/s4592/DSC06087.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT3POtD-xV_XOfgTCfusEODR1bArdwOAtC6s-Gd6-4yWcRyCIpKIpHGplIBl7y_GokFwO_F0LjrSgCqXPPMBtAcGgWHu6cyhbGA7M5-K3eT6wJ1-jNZINeXCnNQqggRam6Wv20V9NT78/s400/DSC06087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Ground-hornbill</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf9A2P_Fob-F9HZBFV0VRH_CQ5kPwEs89am8kSArJh9EX132SUcAy7OOPKSZbp9bTrA9Ii8rjXKI842FLcgK0ZA5lpNdTOtRnmzxbNvr0RtFFLiQ3TxXpxVouTlqgrBvdkPFtDwtiWWA/s4592/DSC06092.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf9A2P_Fob-F9HZBFV0VRH_CQ5kPwEs89am8kSArJh9EX132SUcAy7OOPKSZbp9bTrA9Ii8rjXKI842FLcgK0ZA5lpNdTOtRnmzxbNvr0RtFFLiQ3TxXpxVouTlqgrBvdkPFtDwtiWWA/s400/DSC06092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hybrid Blacksmith/Spur-winged lapwing</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaJ2wTvZ9e4mQGM5GX_pXVV_ZbGnVycBYkR-BQzcK66TrLUhJ9D_VDeqCVOumJ_WdS-FHaKplneHCsNn_ISNL-pdf_OpBZsmunnzo3sw0YWnC0FTngFIEnq9FSqyFKQrtw0flewrDAos/s4592/DSC06119.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaJ2wTvZ9e4mQGM5GX_pXVV_ZbGnVycBYkR-BQzcK66TrLUhJ9D_VDeqCVOumJ_WdS-FHaKplneHCsNn_ISNL-pdf_OpBZsmunnzo3sw0YWnC0FTngFIEnq9FSqyFKQrtw0flewrDAos/s400/DSC06119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Marsh Harrier</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pEIQufX2QC16e_i1Rqp5CPdy3vp76hNAPI4vKLW7t3lRIYgwtBVtL4eM_YcqXD7LzjeBkwZ7ynxYCV4XwwYKTM7Pt0DB4vA6gju5diXNwk-YJm16TldLZc2OeZpB0gwzbjXhfnmETUs/s4592/DSC06685.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pEIQufX2QC16e_i1Rqp5CPdy3vp76hNAPI4vKLW7t3lRIYgwtBVtL4eM_YcqXD7LzjeBkwZ7ynxYCV4XwwYKTM7Pt0DB4vA6gju5diXNwk-YJm16TldLZc2OeZpB0gwzbjXhfnmETUs/s400/DSC06685.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martial Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9gvE7ZfHtRnVGHwwh_x5CsNGr9ICCLhykX4g7NFefCJy8INmy4q3aQQYzsx3_uIYxrNDa0FLk5tkXVtScKwuirlnbAeB6YjPUiKUq4q6V5DtxFsKu5TZoYaD0qFtsM2dACdgS6A_-Fg/s4592/DSC06699.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9gvE7ZfHtRnVGHwwh_x5CsNGr9ICCLhykX4g7NFefCJy8INmy4q3aQQYzsx3_uIYxrNDa0FLk5tkXVtScKwuirlnbAeB6YjPUiKUq4q6V5DtxFsKu5TZoYaD0qFtsM2dACdgS6A_-Fg/s400/DSC06699.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac-breasted Roller</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTk3UjFa4uRhKjyuG8a-0StJl5sZyggjgsTiKX3vlqgwqsMlHL-x6Rf0CnDZiw0sUMwce3RwA0mHPlhMKsOZILd5C-HoCMVEYD4PDLlrC2qbmiV0Nh-p6_ee8KHbkKfjmG1WSYKVGtG0/s3344/DSC07155.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTk3UjFa4uRhKjyuG8a-0StJl5sZyggjgsTiKX3vlqgwqsMlHL-x6Rf0CnDZiw0sUMwce3RwA0mHPlhMKsOZILd5C-HoCMVEYD4PDLlrC2qbmiV0Nh-p6_ee8KHbkKfjmG1WSYKVGtG0/s400/DSC07155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-bellied Bustard</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT0LzIZvp6LfoPWVMrMefv8bwb0sNL23xm8Ub6DZ4mTwQf3f7p1T3owYTLD1J4rUnSRgebNlZjOtDDTjy1XB8YvzQ2tW9vSW1gI0Txjifs381bsYFYF5DU69xvV2MW8FwkgH_iWOC4gQ/s4592/DSC07318.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT0LzIZvp6LfoPWVMrMefv8bwb0sNL23xm8Ub6DZ4mTwQf3f7p1T3owYTLD1J4rUnSRgebNlZjOtDDTjy1XB8YvzQ2tW9vSW1gI0Txjifs381bsYFYF5DU69xvV2MW8FwkgH_iWOC4gQ/s400/DSC07318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-billed Stork</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpityvdaUF_Y4pdIl0FrHSKS43Lotb0M67Z9ac0OpHop7pZTkCJZ8yBDTuKfhQExIhh8R8NoH408Rosxo27k_gxf0V5MJ3vVwMMZdKoGh93_LRs77YQThyphenhyphenge3wmZJv9r6JmYqEC3y-km0/s4592/DSC07394.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpityvdaUF_Y4pdIl0FrHSKS43Lotb0M67Z9ac0OpHop7pZTkCJZ8yBDTuKfhQExIhh8R8NoH408Rosxo27k_gxf0V5MJ3vVwMMZdKoGh93_LRs77YQThyphenhyphenge3wmZJv9r6JmYqEC3y-km0/s400/DSC07394.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-bellied Canary</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Azis8A6S9Jq3M97Y1Ow0vXIH1D0PCzplEbeigrWK89mTghJgZFAXCZyRiUC7RBA1TaAljKitJmSATkkoa6twj9ltzGHb1IuY4JwqwwpkI37vUbCrONyER4ia0wuNN337D7bmwP-YsRQ/s4592/DSC07402.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Azis8A6S9Jq3M97Y1Ow0vXIH1D0PCzplEbeigrWK89mTghJgZFAXCZyRiUC7RBA1TaAljKitJmSATkkoa6twj9ltzGHb1IuY4JwqwwpkI37vUbCrONyER4ia0wuNN337D7bmwP-YsRQ/s400/DSC07402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufous-chested Swallow</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcxLr-5jWf54g47y81S6A5VCpNFIWjo2ubNqw_J2iu8D6lRDszO4E-QEdIWbUdY6rJ7PDL5Wemy2H-zNmsCAeQr4UXx54GeLmDX0e0o5bmBSEdu8eQc6JIqqoBTmxWl4QRdn6nQfLCxU/s4592/DSC07534.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcxLr-5jWf54g47y81S6A5VCpNFIWjo2ubNqw_J2iu8D6lRDszO4E-QEdIWbUdY6rJ7PDL5Wemy2H-zNmsCAeQr4UXx54GeLmDX0e0o5bmBSEdu8eQc6JIqqoBTmxWl4QRdn6nQfLCxU/s400/DSC07534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Vultures</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBE4ID8GTq4PNvSZ8FLr3eUFMJAl0CLZoCa3rgIyFDv0QveEhXvyiIVZyQmwoxp58EbUwyuAR_syYUIbaTQawikEgqj1pJYchJk6NkQ9gPXIhyfpsX3uVAZUOs_My_gpjTT7eYfnadZ4/s4592/DSC07676.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBE4ID8GTq4PNvSZ8FLr3eUFMJAl0CLZoCa3rgIyFDv0QveEhXvyiIVZyQmwoxp58EbUwyuAR_syYUIbaTQawikEgqj1pJYchJk6NkQ9gPXIhyfpsX3uVAZUOs_My_gpjTT7eYfnadZ4/s400/DSC07676.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Grey Hornbills</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAntLjXxC7E8FlYTdWjnF6INHAOmrIqqN7DO62H-WkIlt0G9YdYynNAToKv4OYb_NI50nxFg2qZ630Azkp6S7O7FQ159wjQ7VRe9og0lrrp7kHALWt1sdSkzgBuZl_KuMNYcpzybgOjg/s3344/DSC07744.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAntLjXxC7E8FlYTdWjnF6INHAOmrIqqN7DO62H-WkIlt0G9YdYynNAToKv4OYb_NI50nxFg2qZ630Azkp6S7O7FQ159wjQ7VRe9og0lrrp7kHALWt1sdSkzgBuZl_KuMNYcpzybgOjg/s400/DSC07744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-throated Longclaw</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghU4wuiJhCzTam4Z6MeJFTyDME9Gc5PLXBgY9GcvQzCHr7Cav_DgxLEVeeVnEbZxrbWGpxijcR02tzSEmCmqP7snQZ6x1gPSiasJS3GnTKE6ZlTWyyhIL4srFot_hexOGqBq9AfvABHI/s3344/DSC08257.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghU4wuiJhCzTam4Z6MeJFTyDME9Gc5PLXBgY9GcvQzCHr7Cav_DgxLEVeeVnEbZxrbWGpxijcR02tzSEmCmqP7snQZ6x1gPSiasJS3GnTKE6ZlTWyyhIL4srFot_hexOGqBq9AfvABHI/s400/DSC08257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-headed Kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XtH-NV4eEVw0BtQZXWwhIRmMcroD_wnMy6zUsIQWXlY2tYsu5OorglU-bKOMyewmQBcnJMQgy-DSQR6IANwuAJWdjyFRxLsrgw1lTaJ_id6ZucVWmvFL0z9_Qi6GUrisElcAHnquhC0/s3344/DSC08339.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XtH-NV4eEVw0BtQZXWwhIRmMcroD_wnMy6zUsIQWXlY2tYsu5OorglU-bKOMyewmQBcnJMQgy-DSQR6IANwuAJWdjyFRxLsrgw1lTaJ_id6ZucVWmvFL0z9_Qi6GUrisElcAHnquhC0/s400/DSC08339.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-shouldered Kite</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNaWPy1C8HBfOgjDg4Mg1MYYQxpJ7qi3icsp7lw4bsunY1MznpmjG2YvV3bWkTxdH2HEddjGXYiNWly20UZWvtf69CyVWNkdR46lQX_e9QosJILEA-G6u-E_LJvtYXt84PyUtr5V_WwU/s3344/DSC08770.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNaWPy1C8HBfOgjDg4Mg1MYYQxpJ7qi3icsp7lw4bsunY1MznpmjG2YvV3bWkTxdH2HEddjGXYiNWly20UZWvtf69CyVWNkdR46lQX_e9QosJILEA-G6u-E_LJvtYXt84PyUtr5V_WwU/s400/DSC08770.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malachite Kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_FwyXH433qh1UFQq8nItWVZIjOe8MZ-vIzi4nm_lg5fxkMUgoZhKMz4-3t6fWiTZBuNHMZ19RCk8CjDl8z-1IN2TlOh171w2F8mJXfFkig8iVRaRrH4bSAfRlq-r_Xx4puetoVqsROk/s3344/DSC08859.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_FwyXH433qh1UFQq8nItWVZIjOe8MZ-vIzi4nm_lg5fxkMUgoZhKMz4-3t6fWiTZBuNHMZ19RCk8CjDl8z-1IN2TlOh171w2F8mJXfFkig8iVRaRrH4bSAfRlq-r_Xx4puetoVqsROk/s400/DSC08859.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-collared Widowbird</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGda23aR4CDXWx4DVKugY4bg6PDr-HeG8tvpOhSHp5YzBQB8VPvbC-HJ_gM2sw-Lnlzh4zPDO3lhWKSBgsWbSc0oqzgvqCMtLwZ4AR3Oz6epB0rnifuYAFOTb3qzSLCRmnQ9DIk9OE_A/s3344/DSC08901.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGda23aR4CDXWx4DVKugY4bg6PDr-HeG8tvpOhSHp5YzBQB8VPvbC-HJ_gM2sw-Lnlzh4zPDO3lhWKSBgsWbSc0oqzgvqCMtLwZ4AR3Oz6epB0rnifuYAFOTb3qzSLCRmnQ9DIk9OE_A/s400/DSC08901.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-billed Firefinch</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTUr0AInCkQKhnf_hgFKX3TNMH81uFmQBwgPlBqHywSK8EhM8TGghZrR2vNQJIK8V_RP2ql5-3qUNzKXLPB7V4r5hRKDpkkBvS_CeAoJOa8CDG8G0gdDg47agSpUU96ygQqgKzaZW9Cc/s3344/DSC08905.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTUr0AInCkQKhnf_hgFKX3TNMH81uFmQBwgPlBqHywSK8EhM8TGghZrR2vNQJIK8V_RP2ql5-3qUNzKXLPB7V4r5hRKDpkkBvS_CeAoJOa8CDG8G0gdDg47agSpUU96ygQqgKzaZW9Cc/s400/DSC08905.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-headed Weaver</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvxXkV6ouYX6rJJ0nYy_vSinAbjF1d2XLKcZCLR6ucksF81cntOUnn2zzIXhmnp3w0ZstcOA_stzA8WYBpZrhVUDRIvlE3AThyC7b17KoinG7-v_564EnmLoksPA7eFhngItfLmRaQhY/s3344/DSC08919.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvxXkV6ouYX6rJJ0nYy_vSinAbjF1d2XLKcZCLR6ucksF81cntOUnn2zzIXhmnp3w0ZstcOA_stzA8WYBpZrhVUDRIvlE3AThyC7b17KoinG7-v_564EnmLoksPA7eFhngItfLmRaQhY/s400/DSC08919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Ibis</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b3HPAugbcaNnUM3N82GFF_WvPDcZ3EqrdLpo0M1BGJUnfiFh74tDvkFN6uLhsnNwVLKRV0N0q1eruu0k0GB8pwxS4XOq5WRX7P5nUcOYs9fUMzuRuoa0vBRQTH8UK-2Enoe93fi3X9o/s3344/DSC08984.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b3HPAugbcaNnUM3N82GFF_WvPDcZ3EqrdLpo0M1BGJUnfiFh74tDvkFN6uLhsnNwVLKRV0N0q1eruu0k0GB8pwxS4XOq5WRX7P5nUcOYs9fUMzuRuoa0vBRQTH8UK-2Enoe93fi3X9o/s400/DSC08984.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-backed Fiscal</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh968AOcFbopK78y0zZ9RBOw9P4c1YrQcY4dziSicEtZMBPsVgtMamfiY34SDYZUNOIF495JL8qR0fu83sxvNyGmRaQctlTNWYemxGSXssPPta1ZdiEl6xr_-VwAizFHrvlWBl-cqqS-Gc/s3344/DSC09574.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh968AOcFbopK78y0zZ9RBOw9P4c1YrQcY4dziSicEtZMBPsVgtMamfiY34SDYZUNOIF495JL8qR0fu83sxvNyGmRaQctlTNWYemxGSXssPPta1ZdiEl6xr_-VwAizFHrvlWBl-cqqS-Gc/s400/DSC09574.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African White-backed Vulture (front) and Ruppell's Griffon Vulture (back)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EzxwGOCZdC75oiOZOwMbyTUtEU_cwa-BcQl8MUXLOm9AAvSJbiF5y1NnkyzVeHitHBSmiLZxFDDTSLcYKFxTX8VykRvBTAl5116ognl1uYLl2CRW_CjCbsdjfPIqLnnbQmAJG4dgLS8/s4592/DSC02545.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EzxwGOCZdC75oiOZOwMbyTUtEU_cwa-BcQl8MUXLOm9AAvSJbiF5y1NnkyzVeHitHBSmiLZxFDDTSLcYKFxTX8VykRvBTAl5116ognl1uYLl2CRW_CjCbsdjfPIqLnnbQmAJG4dgLS8/s400/DSC02545.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin-tailed Whydah</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbKxPrTFI1_dvXN2ozmU1QjCOpq9weedSNXek4LiXA8Lvqac3hGBIDYncprMxjMzRUGurei8jImw-IAyqpGfXqklbEuS46jHmeXezyN8bnGivc3OW0X1v21o0hLzikrK6AfDn_E4P8MY/s4592/DSC03660.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbKxPrTFI1_dvXN2ozmU1QjCOpq9weedSNXek4LiXA8Lvqac3hGBIDYncprMxjMzRUGurei8jImw-IAyqpGfXqklbEuS46jHmeXezyN8bnGivc3OW0X1v21o0hLzikrK6AfDn_E4P8MY/s400/DSC03660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Painted Snipe</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9d87DKOK6Lo6Kea0NV_FEWeko0xgzl5E2Odl5bzAh8PjLi3w6zF5yvlbMW2YISWMxM9X1gxD6M-4m08rJWO2zpow_xP-aAzgbrj7wZkRIitHdw0eLy_pf4Id6erPYrRvLU-7xVShcJ4/s4592/DSC04795.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9d87DKOK6Lo6Kea0NV_FEWeko0xgzl5E2Odl5bzAh8PjLi3w6zF5yvlbMW2YISWMxM9X1gxD6M-4m08rJWO2zpow_xP-aAzgbrj7wZkRIitHdw0eLy_pf4Id6erPYrRvLU-7xVShcJ4/s400/DSC04795.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Spotted Cuckoo</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v7-5BwcDAuN8s3UfmIS46L1ZeWxO_5zPPtWsSLl0EA23f-Wpa9ZOjnOh2uZgMyaqXGnQ3CCjJZKwXSj4KryAA0q2qoK3kTffj26B57HBRhyH_dSgExOGjkZVk7oIWxPwprYeNlDkZMU/s4592/DSC05441.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v7-5BwcDAuN8s3UfmIS46L1ZeWxO_5zPPtWsSLl0EA23f-Wpa9ZOjnOh2uZgMyaqXGnQ3CCjJZKwXSj4KryAA0q2qoK3kTffj26B57HBRhyH_dSgExOGjkZVk7oIWxPwprYeNlDkZMU/s400/DSC05441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufous-bellied Heron</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfZ9tuJ3zL_SAEv97Yjq9dlFuwiPgkCnpWym6NRfVqvRDPh1Xom21XR3_OVJUZ7aOqFLUVoS2wFCGnIoohS9WhlA029tPBeKWepBdX8pYX_yMrr1_oZtIE4bnXA2n3-lAwOW-i4fp0AQ/s4592/DSC06076.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfZ9tuJ3zL_SAEv97Yjq9dlFuwiPgkCnpWym6NRfVqvRDPh1Xom21XR3_OVJUZ7aOqFLUVoS2wFCGnIoohS9WhlA029tPBeKWepBdX8pYX_yMrr1_oZtIE4bnXA2n3-lAwOW-i4fp0AQ/s400/DSC06076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-lored Babbler</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaijXMfgGcSxoO50zcX3s0MZouEkh3TvtybjBjorq3R7MoI0XVtwLK4tC5qGkxmx7KfXwDHyePVlKSkW83CDgG87uHEtmoYfBgvOjRD3JQQVtDB7BonfBdP-vw8zc7-iJfArRQdFgL-wg/s4592/DSC06314.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaijXMfgGcSxoO50zcX3s0MZouEkh3TvtybjBjorq3R7MoI0XVtwLK4tC5qGkxmx7KfXwDHyePVlKSkW83CDgG87uHEtmoYfBgvOjRD3JQQVtDB7BonfBdP-vw8zc7-iJfArRQdFgL-wg/s400/DSC06314.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Thick-knee</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLp2_StCOQkqbi4qvG4Vxk_YMh3L7EVLC-Xgxr9-2XeTOaO9v1KS0HJdxfuw1F7F_Dmc70JpLymwhZeOGCQH6AwmoIxvfK7zl6cMDg3XOLAXkDf_Uu1ReDfflqG_zK9B1SC4vzWo-7EI/s4592/DSC07196.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLp2_StCOQkqbi4qvG4Vxk_YMh3L7EVLC-Xgxr9-2XeTOaO9v1KS0HJdxfuw1F7F_Dmc70JpLymwhZeOGCQH6AwmoIxvfK7zl6cMDg3XOLAXkDf_Uu1ReDfflqG_zK9B1SC4vzWo-7EI/s400/DSC07196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tawny Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxAaqGu1MtERAIjwsYR5Z7J_StXB0ryBN5TPy2VLF37hFUo24fvg6LjKLvw4CBHHgcUSM70ClIPjumBrlBVfIw3y_Fke15TFmYw1YpJAiCHRbhf61-dnKL_Y5L_JsYKt4ewo05iXeQTo/s4592/DSC07525.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxAaqGu1MtERAIjwsYR5Z7J_StXB0ryBN5TPy2VLF37hFUo24fvg6LjKLvw4CBHHgcUSM70ClIPjumBrlBVfIw3y_Fke15TFmYw1YpJAiCHRbhf61-dnKL_Y5L_JsYKt4ewo05iXeQTo/s400/DSC07525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb Starling</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsj11onY2G7I63F16uV7U2NOmnCpJehoovfETAjNUAo9bdjEjjMSm-wIKJyI4qzWbZ5m9cUK2kJ6yrB8-AMMdtBwgmjdZEekq3mhAEUSXj_XE-HaOot4fGwdS6u3hzS5lDqZoM2IqmW0/s3344/DSC08779.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsj11onY2G7I63F16uV7U2NOmnCpJehoovfETAjNUAo9bdjEjjMSm-wIKJyI4qzWbZ5m9cUK2kJ6yrB8-AMMdtBwgmjdZEekq3mhAEUSXj_XE-HaOot4fGwdS6u3hzS5lDqZoM2IqmW0/s400/DSC08779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamerkop</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWAI9Ho-foyUVSnIqyDgvsUheYBXHNlG_47dvcLxKlJ3k9IRTsLn9SADHYTUZ8wjes2t6K1bT6Fcwr1dBSu3GvkmFu0P5lPe_cv7lRJpggIY5xMRJO7rWmGtTLm350YTRCfrC0qB3JCw/s3344/DSC08917.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWAI9Ho-foyUVSnIqyDgvsUheYBXHNlG_47dvcLxKlJ3k9IRTsLn9SADHYTUZ8wjes2t6K1bT6Fcwr1dBSu3GvkmFu0P5lPe_cv7lRJpggIY5xMRJO7rWmGtTLm350YTRCfrC0qB3JCw/s400/DSC08917.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile African Fish-Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-50545637170027780992021-05-05T12:09:00.000+03:002021-05-05T12:12:34.161+03:00South cubs!Hi all, <div><br /></div><div>Remember
<a href="https://msuhyenas.blogspot.com/2019/07/update-our-prayers-have-been-answered.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>? Well, after 2.5 months of extreme den hunting, I’ve finally earned back the
title of Superstar RA! Since coming back to the Mara, I slowly, but surely,
narrowed down the potential area where the South’s current communal den could
be. From somewhere between a track we call the Abyss and the southern border of
their territory; to somewhere between the Abyss and a track that we rarely use
that veers off the main road right after a big waterhole; to somewhere between
the Abyss and the previously-mentioned track, but only on the right side of the
main road… It has been a slow, sometimes frustrating, process. BUT… it worked! </div><div><br /></div><div>Two weeks ago, I saw a lot of hyena tracks on the main road right in front of
the waterhole, including little paw prints. Very suspicious! I immediately asked
Brian for permission to put up a trail camera. Emily, a fellow researcher in the
Mara, was kind enough to let me borrow one of her cameras and soon I had
adorable footage of some of the current South cubs and young subadults (check
out our project’s Facebook and Twitter pages for some of these videos!). Last
week, I found JLP with her little cub, MCKY, at a den south of her natal den.
Benson and I suspect that she may have used this den as a resting place for MCKY
during her move to the communal den. Although JLP unfortunately did not lead me
to the den that night, it further confirmed my suspicions that the current
communal den was close to the waterhole. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 5pm on Monday night. A
young hyena researcher (aka me) sets out in her mighty Cruiser and zooms over to
the waterhole (at a whopping 30km/h). I go up the first culvert across from the
waterhole and slowly drive off-road to check out nearby mounds… for roughly 20m
before I reach the edge of a rock field. No thanks! I immediately turn around
and head back to the main road. Up the second culvert I go. Bad idea! Another
rock field, but this time I only make it 5m away from the road. Of course, it is
possible to carefully navigate through these rock fields, but I decide against
the risk of damaging the car for a potentially useless off-roading session. Back
to the main road. It’s still a little early to try to scan for adult hyenas (I
usually find that dens are more active around 6pm), so I decide to turn around
at the track right after the waterhole and cruise around the Northern part of
the territory for a while instead. Until a well-used game path catches my eye
while I turn around. “Might as well follow it to waste some time!” I know, my
den hunting technique is very scientific! Until I reach the edge of yet another
rock field. Ugh… I lean out of my window to scan the ground behind the car for
rocks before I back up, when my heart stops. It can’t be! But it is!! A little
hyena cub is standing at the edge of a mound roughly 20m from where I was. FINALLY! And I
managed to get to the den without having to cross a single rock field. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Please
meet the current residents of Superstar Den (modestly named after Lila and I):
</b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L2CoHst9U54DCr6haqmjZUZ3lE7hH8P8-0RiFDHlvPUR3FJ7QSTa8rID9MfAsXjnnHoXddg8aVD2EkXgTqCL4EYn4FL1jOloMTJzAtcF4ObmtqHDqXDIn2Xuq5s0cRGL5JkTLNu0oSo/s4592/cape.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L2CoHst9U54DCr6haqmjZUZ3lE7hH8P8-0RiFDHlvPUR3FJ7QSTa8rID9MfAsXjnnHoXddg8aVD2EkXgTqCL4EYn4FL1jOloMTJzAtcF4ObmtqHDqXDIn2Xuq5s0cRGL5JkTLNu0oSo/s400/cape.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAPE (Capellini) - HONR's cub. I've met him twice already at two different dens: once with DETH's tiny cub, KPRI (Khepri), and once with JLP's tiny cub, MCKY (Mickey Smith). I assume that HONR was using natal dens from other mothers instead of the communal den for a while.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLfYS236I2s7IP6SSQEbqlHXcC-_6Zz5qyQGTLPi4McW70jYDYjsIQQOS0KjxJUL7dLQsZWe0RxdMQbE7JzygmC9R_OymT3S2RUnlIZmJWqCEYUU4NfElSDU2txLBVRg4X0lxysPyIvk/s4592/dark.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLfYS236I2s7IP6SSQEbqlHXcC-_6Zz5qyQGTLPi4McW70jYDYjsIQQOS0KjxJUL7dLQsZWe0RxdMQbE7JzygmC9R_OymT3S2RUnlIZmJWqCEYUU4NfElSDU2txLBVRg4X0lxysPyIvk/s400/dark.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISSA (Issidae) - SNUG's cub. I originally nicknamed this one Dark because of its dark legs, but SNUG stopped by last night to nurse it. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOseruOJ-0G89JL4wDvqZ01yQsRGNKv52teOhrFbBZl0bnlhLDhWq-6RAUEAcQw6Q7ZJc0HNb3C9XDh7T9pcjhAASBF5DKAh61dQLsYCxK332wrYi23YdPO954sKcaYQnYHuA77x55Ybo/s4592/gyro.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOseruOJ-0G89JL4wDvqZ01yQsRGNKv52teOhrFbBZl0bnlhLDhWq-6RAUEAcQw6Q7ZJc0HNb3C9XDh7T9pcjhAASBF5DKAh61dQLsYCxK332wrYi23YdPO954sKcaYQnYHuA77x55Ybo/s400/gyro.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyro? - I saw this cub hanging out with KORS (Kokoretsi) at the small den I found when I first arrived in February. I suspect that this is KORS' littermate, GYRO, but it will remain Gyro? until I can confirm nursing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmJLJ_NbvJzt3VWPEVdoReX_hYFa7o1NFV-BVXRTFbfyYzYgb_MyIW5Yk73OaUOdgPwA76ayMmC5u-92RgH2c2TBZ4NFxAQKRb2Gxly5OJKtIFxo44DVnoSWcGlTYfc4xw9lz1jN013Y/s4592/lizzie.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmJLJ_NbvJzt3VWPEVdoReX_hYFa7o1NFV-BVXRTFbfyYzYgb_MyIW5Yk73OaUOdgPwA76ayMmC5u-92RgH2c2TBZ4NFxAQKRb2Gxly5OJKtIFxo44DVnoSWcGlTYfc4xw9lz1jN013Y/s400/lizzie.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzie - this cub has a similar spot pattern on its right side as LIZ, one of the North cubs. We always try to avoid names and abbreviations that are similar to another hyena (otherwise you end up with TARA, TORA, and TERO at the communal den one night, like I did last year), but since this is an unofficial name and the two cubs are in different clans, Lizzie will do for now.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBgEdv4GkmslSRbLgoVblHpqCe4jiGmCglysjBiXlrPvpQquc3Efm7zVBMB_gtstsmelEzCBNHmA0GrXW69CSZ_nFdoq9cKCrF58y3oDziktyNT1CO-5KaBEqcXYYcq_LjMWexOAiwY/s4592/male.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBgEdv4GkmslSRbLgoVblHpqCe4jiGmCglysjBiXlrPvpQquc3Efm7zVBMB_gtstsmelEzCBNHmA0GrXW69CSZ_nFdoq9cKCrF58y3oDziktyNT1CO-5KaBEqcXYYcq_LjMWexOAiwY/s400/male.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male - another unconfirmed cub for now. This is probably my most creative cub name ever. Creativity aside, these cub names allow me to record behavioral data and keep track of the cubs until I can confirm nursing and give them their official names.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowG8kiBz4yjXjasL8PS7mzPwXcKk6G78p9-rEDIwwNnYHAYZJFboNEn4tHrDRZ7AoxcZ_j2SBvgHHCGwitnqQD2r24QsHZW60KspNel4GX85o4eZrk5pF1dccQ_KZpMl2QyATcSA0OxQ/s4592/mcky.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowG8kiBz4yjXjasL8PS7mzPwXcKk6G78p9-rEDIwwNnYHAYZJFboNEn4tHrDRZ7AoxcZ_j2SBvgHHCGwitnqQD2r24QsHZW60KspNel4GX85o4eZrk5pF1dccQ_KZpMl2QyATcSA0OxQ/s400/mcky.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey - I think that this is MCKY, JLP's cub, based on its age. However, DETH's cub is only 4 days younger, so I'll also have to wait until I see it nursing to confirm its true identity.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZPLzW3kucJkQAcj_ShleSryoVPsIiGJesC8bl0VQWbT0qdS0oD1Ygep1KlkaY1c9S4HXHnti_aEsYio0C0dfYWXf5nNp7n3XauJTM3hznFmK12AWFscAyuxZQtjKgEtrUMnhbK19iCk/s4592/movie.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZPLzW3kucJkQAcj_ShleSryoVPsIiGJesC8bl0VQWbT0qdS0oD1Ygep1KlkaY1c9S4HXHnti_aEsYio0C0dfYWXf5nNp7n3XauJTM3hznFmK12AWFscAyuxZQtjKgEtrUMnhbK19iCk/s400/movie.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movie - short for movie star. I immediately recognized this cub from some of the videos I've gotten on my camera trap! I was going to nickname it Star at first, but then I quickly realized that we already have STAR (Stardust) in the clan. Crisis averted.... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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</div><div><b>Bonus pictures from my first night at Superstar Den:</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASCLNeUa_EFdcLiUvt9YTaAFxEEDN35fjtevLLis0vBXJYpm6NNLoUOhx4cAcJjoMPp4YPJ40BDgFOjUllSIJcsmN2RMa4iiwFmi0TyFnyRr4J6UqfpNPt__7Fa49_npxs18HOsIZl94/s4592/DSC06988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASCLNeUa_EFdcLiUvt9YTaAFxEEDN35fjtevLLis0vBXJYpm6NNLoUOhx4cAcJjoMPp4YPJ40BDgFOjUllSIJcsmN2RMa4iiwFmi0TyFnyRr4J6UqfpNPt__7Fa49_npxs18HOsIZl94/w400-h266/DSC06988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbMzKd7HwpCxKvUEvEEB24ZqlbiNFsHWmIlmStASQ-cikom13hZW0EfuCk1O89-MXONJUelJqlTOtlDx0cidvXRcG7VPdy3U6we2XOrPN6Do5C0W-L1Zf4tusA-d8XrQNOYl2F5FTbQk/s4592/DSC07009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbMzKd7HwpCxKvUEvEEB24ZqlbiNFsHWmIlmStASQ-cikom13hZW0EfuCk1O89-MXONJUelJqlTOtlDx0cidvXRcG7VPdy3U6we2XOrPN6Do5C0W-L1Zf4tusA-d8XrQNOYl2F5FTbQk/w400-h266/DSC07009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl4isBNHpSxgrLNGlziil9haTKpjel4pM955cjj_K3DETpxbIGWOTdUtexamUsDK03FxobqmFTuPTrbAfo00Xi6ueSdosgPZmH5QbNJD9FgyR-d9ZVUFRGB4f6BDspxxQEADym38EokU/s4592/DSC07011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl4isBNHpSxgrLNGlziil9haTKpjel4pM955cjj_K3DETpxbIGWOTdUtexamUsDK03FxobqmFTuPTrbAfo00Xi6ueSdosgPZmH5QbNJD9FgyR-d9ZVUFRGB4f6BDspxxQEADym38EokU/w400-h266/DSC07011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOzliFDlvYU0rEWc0FbiGL9RFg2T19087bwXE8wcwUPzr62zSZAWufY1uCvf-RWhxZLf90TG6iy0c589KdcAMrFFXzhEuwEKOckwdhU-hCRwRJD5xujk2GAJg-r7b15GzApyUjbJKCRs/s4592/DSC07036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOzliFDlvYU0rEWc0FbiGL9RFg2T19087bwXE8wcwUPzr62zSZAWufY1uCvf-RWhxZLf90TG6iy0c589KdcAMrFFXzhEuwEKOckwdhU-hCRwRJD5xujk2GAJg-r7b15GzApyUjbJKCRs/w400-h266/DSC07036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GUYpZx5AQNvWj6eNVeLW0PNP6ITko6kD-wNxwemzr0pgarLaj9NXL-KzDSLBSJ-UbcjbptcjfirdsR1kH0RSYxT61px4gVfwazKnw17fduHZ9cMJSRXGggCzR04x69SYX1dcSpr79sU/s4592/DSC07048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GUYpZx5AQNvWj6eNVeLW0PNP6ITko6kD-wNxwemzr0pgarLaj9NXL-KzDSLBSJ-UbcjbptcjfirdsR1kH0RSYxT61px4gVfwazKnw17fduHZ9cMJSRXGggCzR04x69SYX1dcSpr79sU/w400-h266/DSC07048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FC93v0xUXt4IngYbu46sIMnr5FC6i7juoGfPzWaI8NiZXhFaX_TigWXDn6_n4WxtiZ_LSQGEyPC7Q-ycXILCb6vrI6U_K9SDoqyUwQYQjO1T91ZnlLJiMxErrAnuXZ8yESH02qiJ7cI/s4592/DSC07049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FC93v0xUXt4IngYbu46sIMnr5FC6i7juoGfPzWaI8NiZXhFaX_TigWXDn6_n4WxtiZ_LSQGEyPC7Q-ycXILCb6vrI6U_K9SDoqyUwQYQjO1T91ZnlLJiMxErrAnuXZ8yESH02qiJ7cI/w400-h266/DSC07049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NP6QwebH-JNvrAYb5xCAgWNVALE87HyEzhWmmrrNezGeCXehrg-w5RYjTWl_YcHlKRShLQCYrp-0N_2DYHigncUmnFt4h-enRo1VGA_ggJKLZf6pVHqvA_V_tf8XWsQeUpvU3N9LZaI/s4592/DSC07052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NP6QwebH-JNvrAYb5xCAgWNVALE87HyEzhWmmrrNezGeCXehrg-w5RYjTWl_YcHlKRShLQCYrp-0N_2DYHigncUmnFt4h-enRo1VGA_ggJKLZf6pVHqvA_V_tf8XWsQeUpvU3N9LZaI/w400-h266/DSC07052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRAPFPxCEplwci_bsQ3woVGbUFWB2XmGu2G-1TSyxzuo_GLPQ8O-cLAW1p-sOxLo7WyH8Ra13j-4IR8qlmCO395mpLODTAa81wP-vbcxIKWs6pwj5xazirnEQVumFYHPqEBiaDcjV9rU/s4592/DSC07075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRAPFPxCEplwci_bsQ3woVGbUFWB2XmGu2G-1TSyxzuo_GLPQ8O-cLAW1p-sOxLo7WyH8Ra13j-4IR8qlmCO395mpLODTAa81wP-vbcxIKWs6pwj5xazirnEQVumFYHPqEBiaDcjV9rU/w400-h266/DSC07075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbQ8y-ps4eTWggnfqXbNZB9Qpi2lTIYnw1nse6l6tiKUbRkP6tyWCFA2P2v4lAWxNk3TpMpvVOcKqMSbGp5Fsk68aFQpP8FmsGyDhCPGdsOgJLp2v_nOUROLog6RBohuOw4I6bj8X4lk/s4592/DSC07088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbQ8y-ps4eTWggnfqXbNZB9Qpi2lTIYnw1nse6l6tiKUbRkP6tyWCFA2P2v4lAWxNk3TpMpvVOcKqMSbGp5Fsk68aFQpP8FmsGyDhCPGdsOgJLp2v_nOUROLog6RBohuOw4I6bj8X4lk/w400-h266/DSC07088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknmgvm9yObKg36-OK2hY8i0zmsk1yEyS8w5c4SvUYwWG9ElJAhyJm0jkySF-7W3z_zUsftxbins4ebiAEuwXC2IHOqlr367ZWc9Ycx-jJtKWh50HcShgrGUvBMEsVcNqz7YW-vjZquaY/s4592/DSC07090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknmgvm9yObKg36-OK2hY8i0zmsk1yEyS8w5c4SvUYwWG9ElJAhyJm0jkySF-7W3z_zUsftxbins4ebiAEuwXC2IHOqlr367ZWc9Ycx-jJtKWh50HcShgrGUvBMEsVcNqz7YW-vjZquaY/w400-h266/DSC07090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFwJr1jUqJVmHdOg5j7m_45G_dcyFVXjWMBz5w7AVEt_Tyji05CpyKIs6mZnwrEjpAtDmuwPWCMZjXybT79rA9HscQ3ljQOqu6hiVRPgZGV0SRhuB4U9UGuoodLgYdPd1gl0BikMxoSg/s4592/DSC07093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFwJr1jUqJVmHdOg5j7m_45G_dcyFVXjWMBz5w7AVEt_Tyji05CpyKIs6mZnwrEjpAtDmuwPWCMZjXybT79rA9HscQ3ljQOqu6hiVRPgZGV0SRhuB4U9UGuoodLgYdPd1gl0BikMxoSg/w400-h266/DSC07093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-53464859245660573742021-04-22T11:56:00.002+03:002021-04-22T11:56:39.521+03:00The Serena Team<p>Hi all,</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">As you may know, I’m
currently the only research assistant in Serena camp. However, this doesn’t
mean that I’m alone out here, so I figured it was time to introduce the team
that makes hyena research possible in the Triangle:</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Philimon, Moses, and
Stephen<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A couple weeks ago, I was
on a video call with my mother when she asked me if it was worth giving up all
the comforts of life in the States to study hyenas in a remote research camp.
The answer: absolutely! But more importantly, I don’t actually feel like I had
to give anything up (besides hot showers). Why? Philimon, Moses,
and Stephen. Affectionally referred to as “the guys,” they make sure that camp
life runs smoothly, and that I can focus on my research without having to worry
too much about camp upkeep. Usually by the time I notice an issue, they’re
already fixing it. And they absolutely spoil me while I’m out here! When
Philimon realized last year that I only like bananas and red apples whereas
Lila only likes mango and green apples, he started making us separate fruit
bowls. When I accidentally got the Cruiser stuck in a big puddle on our
driveway while heading out on obs, the guys immediately filled the entire puddle with
rocks. By the next afternoon, every
single puddle on the driveway was filled with rocks (to allow for traction in
the mud). Last month, Philimon realized that I never eat the bottom crust of
our burger buns (something about the texture, don’t judge) – since then, he’s been
cutting it off beforehand… I honestly have so many stories of how the guys go
above and beyond to take care of me!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUaqt_Vk8nUjcCs_F2JDbc0Mxmza7A2yU8VhrLPvLNZmPQb_uH3EPgEMrmhDg2TH6EzUNcY6y1OiJW4U4xkiEbkE2Nx-LvwxFUSbT1yZGbZrjs9jAAXdz7ZPWf7AcLDnHs2bT-9HzXpk/s2048/175742288_933743867379066_3494572914104175869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUaqt_Vk8nUjcCs_F2JDbc0Mxmza7A2yU8VhrLPvLNZmPQb_uH3EPgEMrmhDg2TH6EzUNcY6y1OiJW4U4xkiEbkE2Nx-LvwxFUSbT1yZGbZrjs9jAAXdz7ZPWf7AcLDnHs2bT-9HzXpk/w400-h266/175742288_933743867379066_3494572914104175869_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moses, Stephen, and Philimon (from left to right) with Matthew and I on our last night in camp before the pandemic.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Benson<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Benson is the long-term
research assistant for Talek Camp, and boy, are we lucky to have him on the
team! During the pandemic, Benson was in charge of both camps, all Nairobi
trips, training new Kenyan assistants, and so much more… all while taking
classes to finish his degree. Whew! Even now, Benson is a huge help to Serena
camp. I text him almost everyday with questions, concerns, shopping lists (with
the pandemic, we can no longer get fuel, vegetables, or eggs in Serena, so we
meet frequently to exchange supplies), etc. and he always tries his best to
help me.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt4lZYgnrvVO5-hObh_Yk3G79QSMxzQM-HAUe7a683M8Iwp2nyFBmG47nUZ10CnJgC-yBMj6aVXkxVLqdgFJloN8nvJuY7DW653qZhJIJcVUU0PCv9JMJJqDQnrZ4aDhc9eoLN1i-Mn8/s960/176082690_754648615253959_2700285222703030915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt4lZYgnrvVO5-hObh_Yk3G79QSMxzQM-HAUe7a683M8Iwp2nyFBmG47nUZ10CnJgC-yBMj6aVXkxVLqdgFJloN8nvJuY7DW653qZhJIJcVUU0PCv9JMJJqDQnrZ4aDhc9eoLN1i-Mn8/w400-h225/176082690_754648615253959_2700285222703030915_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benson with Abby (former Talek RA) and I on my very first Nairobi trip.</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Lerijin</b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Need to be towed from the
middle of nowhere at 6 on a Saturday morning? Stuck in a big hole in the middle
of a swamp? Weird noise coming from your car? Lerijin is your guy! As the head
mechanic in Serena, Lerijin knows Cruisers inside and out, so he can fix most
of our car issues pretty quickly. He’s usually the first guy I text in the
morning and the last guy I text at night. Although our texts are the (slightly)
less romantic “Hi, can you fix this?”, “Yes, come over after breakfast”
version.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv1QxQ-vkbON5_Thq-sxuZSk2tLF8cIltcAZWDspdlnHOGJklQv2NNsUwBDpLqbc8EIjqRY-4z01bMYIgY8vY1MhUI1NNp8jS_QUEEDBBgM-dUQ9G-9xsMGSVI8eXBUM0HwG602JA4jw/s2048/175813227_2947999965446720_4619698099733510381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv1QxQ-vkbON5_Thq-sxuZSk2tLF8cIltcAZWDspdlnHOGJklQv2NNsUwBDpLqbc8EIjqRY-4z01bMYIgY8vY1MhUI1NNp8jS_QUEEDBBgM-dUQ9G-9xsMGSVI8eXBUM0HwG602JA4jw/w400-h300/175813227_2947999965446720_4619698099733510381_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lerijin and his guys installing a new u-bolt after our old one broke while out on obs in South.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Geemi<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Geemi is my favorite
neighbor out here! He’s also my only neighbor out here, but that’s beside the
point. As the main researcher for Yale’s Maji Camp (Water Research Camp), Geemi
has plenty of experience living (and driving) in the Mara. He’s the first guy
we call when we need help freeing the Cruiser. When Lila and I were still
relatively new to the Mara last summer, we somehow managed to get the Cruiser
stuck in a lugga. Really stuck. Geemi came immediately and helped us look for
rocks, dig out our tires, and push the car for almost two hours. That morning
was actually the first time I met Geemi and we had some great conversations
while driving around in his Land Rover in search of some rocks. Although we
ended up having to call Lerijin for help (who pulled us out in less than 5
minutes!), Geemi has gotten us unstuck multiple times since then.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">No picture for Geemi
since we’re usually too busy collecting rocks and digging through mud!</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Brian<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The man who allows all of
this to happen in the first place: Brian is the CEO of the Mara Conservancy,
which manages the Mara Triangle. Although Brian loves to refer to the hyenas as
“vile creatures,” he always sends me adorable videos of his hyena encounters,
lets me put up trail cameras wherever I want to track hyenas, and even tried to
burn Happy Zebra’s territory for me earlier this week. Unfortunately, it was a
little too wet for a good burn, but I’m hoping that the new growth will finally
lure some prey back into their territory (most of the Happy Zebrans I’ve seen
so far seem to be struggling right now). Plus, Sue, Brian’s wife, is in the
Triangle full-time while Nairobi is in lockdown which means lots of delicious
dinners at their place, game drives, and other social events.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVfxts5NFP88YK2hbRpjtLbMw-zl9xvL8hW3IKmWQQZ4GWAtoMF7d06YvCOB_3ZL62vf4vCvSq-KkWjjwvaPpRkH-ZW6K6WOqz-_sPazTgtFXFBqG2H47qm5HvevBaOHOD1opYjUcdvQ/s2048/175621351_1507097059622015_847914211721136893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVfxts5NFP88YK2hbRpjtLbMw-zl9xvL8hW3IKmWQQZ4GWAtoMF7d06YvCOB_3ZL62vf4vCvSq-KkWjjwvaPpRkH-ZW6K6WOqz-_sPazTgtFXFBqG2H47qm5HvevBaOHOD1opYjUcdvQ/w400-h300/175621351_1507097059622015_847914211721136893_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game drives with Brian always include a stop for some good chai and baked goods.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>KAS<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">KAS may not be a person,
but I generally spend six hours with her every day, so she’s one of my most
important coworkers. Tall grass, rocks, holes, buffalo wallows, swamps, curious
hyena cubs… KAS has to deal with a lot in Serena. And she handles it like a
pro.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLaQD7KXf_G3zSUTJGiPJT6n51v5yD0wRsw3LhRFf0jyiY-HOW3IKFE-joMl6Du1vQih2yce4qtd8sH5C9TH39vYU0So59F_j9RYWsCdBrOLk1uCVCbkP2DuBiFq40p_O2JTkRNg3hT4/s1101/175863569_136910305005599_2256322368982661489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1101" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLaQD7KXf_G3zSUTJGiPJT6n51v5yD0wRsw3LhRFf0jyiY-HOW3IKFE-joMl6Du1vQih2yce4qtd8sH5C9TH39vYU0So59F_j9RYWsCdBrOLk1uCVCbkP2DuBiFq40p_O2JTkRNg3hT4/w400-h225/175863569_136910305005599_2256322368982661489_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KAS after off-roading through South territory for 2 hours.</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Honorable mention:
Lila</i></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In case you haven’t
noticed yet, not only am I the only American out here, but I’m also the only
girl out here right now. Luckily, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and
WhatsApp let me talk to Lila (my old co-RA) pretty frequently. Although she is
currently finishing her Masters’ in Ireland, she knows about *everything* that
happens in Serena camp and always lets me spam her with adorable hyena content,
helps me with naming the new cubs, and listens to my venting sessions. She’s
currently working on returning to Africa (potential field work in South Africa
for her Masters, a job interview later this week for a position in Tanzania,
and hopefully a visit to Fisi camp to relive our glory days) so send her some
good juju.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Weekly Dose of the
Mara<o:p></o:p></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bhjPjWBzV1GWQ5mDuA8aT69_N0cN2GtT_OYspFbElXPiD-4xJFDZBGAGi4XdxHIFTAXQMBSumr6me-kN4c_VEzit20D-Jq-gDOJTCzDW3b8wmzqh2PoAMmxaV5TOq0ycTEk9gdq_T-U/s4592/DSC05642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bhjPjWBzV1GWQ5mDuA8aT69_N0cN2GtT_OYspFbElXPiD-4xJFDZBGAGi4XdxHIFTAXQMBSumr6me-kN4c_VEzit20D-Jq-gDOJTCzDW3b8wmzqh2PoAMmxaV5TOq0ycTEk9gdq_T-U/w400-h266/DSC05642.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master of disguise - I accidentally drove right past him the first time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIST85C2Y2sKN7nVRlVnxTkWiDGjAN86MRY8Tqw-gYMeKlhf78vYWXIqD6U9aCvVb1yp331D7m1eZwcmu-jl8flt3NKw4koeVdSFMGGgWK-bnAD5ph6Vv1lNqkewdKjwoFmB7i061q6O4/s4592/DSC05690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIST85C2Y2sKN7nVRlVnxTkWiDGjAN86MRY8Tqw-gYMeKlhf78vYWXIqD6U9aCvVb1yp331D7m1eZwcmu-jl8flt3NKw4koeVdSFMGGgWK-bnAD5ph6Vv1lNqkewdKjwoFmB7i061q6O4/w400-h266/DSC05690.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jackal perusing the dinner menu before deciding against the monitor lizard special.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2IThN-F3_ZMvaLhrzo5SRofMgULx1v_ydPFsEKp_Eof0Shpit2xbqBzk7g6ul_6vuKv9VaAQYdYkZWaRaoSxJUHO6QSho4X9F3wUu6iyRhRxximQQSNivWvpz_8UWro8hsqcAECz614/s4592/DSC05737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2IThN-F3_ZMvaLhrzo5SRofMgULx1v_ydPFsEKp_Eof0Shpit2xbqBzk7g6ul_6vuKv9VaAQYdYkZWaRaoSxJUHO6QSho4X9F3wUu6iyRhRxximQQSNivWvpz_8UWro8hsqcAECz614/w400-h266/DSC05737.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TWO LEOPARD CUBS! Unfortunately they ran into the thicket as soon as I pulled up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmRxG_Own9dhK5i1ljcqPWxhEWC0UrETWap3NaKMvjuRsfaLfOH200dhp5f5DIb7rSUzsGH8bi2JMobYbdd_FhTmCmclQ7r1U0MBKBCia8CTmrsG6eNXw67eZfE-8zDEetg8inIjXgPo/s4592/DSC05751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmRxG_Own9dhK5i1ljcqPWxhEWC0UrETWap3NaKMvjuRsfaLfOH200dhp5f5DIb7rSUzsGH8bi2JMobYbdd_FhTmCmclQ7r1U0MBKBCia8CTmrsG6eNXw67eZfE-8zDEetg8inIjXgPo/w400-h266/DSC05751.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High quality sighting, low quality pictures.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1gNW49LRdAoJWNHonF6GGbLCtr836wBEomuJ2uO7HtvqrygoSJ4NE1ijHdqSmvQ65bnlQW30A9-hML_6_VMYSfyfeWOMfJESAa21Aty4Ij6vr73HnYig1__zNk-DfPY2sEaK_R2BQEM/s4592/DSC05758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1gNW49LRdAoJWNHonF6GGbLCtr836wBEomuJ2uO7HtvqrygoSJ4NE1ijHdqSmvQ65bnlQW30A9-hML_6_VMYSfyfeWOMfJESAa21Aty4Ij6vr73HnYig1__zNk-DfPY2sEaK_R2BQEM/w400-h266/DSC05758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jackal and fox fighting over access to a mound (I think... I only study hyena behavior).</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKKPUYqt4AbnIX4mwXJXzInpP3oJElWQCdgfKsMuwJu9thkkbgfrVpmBjRm2aqBgylNEr9QUCo9Q9sfXSat0HltOIww6ghjfbshLJQ7tJMyhRpn6ZMzT2SFmvdOoPI0Y8VQArzSY77KE/s4592/DSC05797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKKPUYqt4AbnIX4mwXJXzInpP3oJElWQCdgfKsMuwJu9thkkbgfrVpmBjRm2aqBgylNEr9QUCo9Q9sfXSat0HltOIww6ghjfbshLJQ7tJMyhRpn6ZMzT2SFmvdOoPI0Y8VQArzSY77KE/w400-h266/DSC05797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lots of hissing and growling, they decided to share the mound.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOT8CoQOc63U40cJLJSgX-OCu5A2gkQvSORe24mk_yHINeekqetLmko7JhwYlO7Ts2elGUf1Ie-GEmDvOXvUjmBdwlqN1GaBt55vuv8lfCKM4d2t7LrtUAZ_vfMYRstQLQ9uslsvZQrs/s4592/DSC05839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOT8CoQOc63U40cJLJSgX-OCu5A2gkQvSORe24mk_yHINeekqetLmko7JhwYlO7Ts2elGUf1Ie-GEmDvOXvUjmBdwlqN1GaBt55vuv8lfCKM4d2t7LrtUAZ_vfMYRstQLQ9uslsvZQrs/w400-h266/DSC05839.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating lions - he was ready to go again, she was not.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN41EJiYOMcvSfkxYH4bFTjYxyqr697sIAB5r4hK0d1MOfRRsmUcRKOoav5hXVDEYbFhzBlZXjX4kSSNBoAxhRQgesiIe_BNmD87qwJyxS4e_QM4VDd-FY4luQFMgDuFrTd7oa3Eken58/s4592/DSC05864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN41EJiYOMcvSfkxYH4bFTjYxyqr697sIAB5r4hK0d1MOfRRsmUcRKOoav5hXVDEYbFhzBlZXjX4kSSNBoAxhRQgesiIe_BNmD87qwJyxS4e_QM4VDd-FY4luQFMgDuFrTd7oa3Eken58/w400-h266/DSC05864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family portrait before the new babies arrive.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf71fFJdQx39oXxYBF7YBg_j4o5wzS0MyhIhWR4Nm0aebSu8xjouYuN3hV7TfSvSSlHbl-tjl60wnXW3Zto7jA0NLRnhIhx5C7NBSLMw1Te69bXX3Z6FFLi0Eh3uyuDZSFhROXORwVHg/s4592/DSC05908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf71fFJdQx39oXxYBF7YBg_j4o5wzS0MyhIhWR4Nm0aebSu8xjouYuN3hV7TfSvSSlHbl-tjl60wnXW3Zto7jA0NLRnhIhx5C7NBSLMw1Te69bXX3Z6FFLi0Eh3uyuDZSFhROXORwVHg/w400-h266/DSC05908.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty bird! One day I'll actually ID all of my bird pictures.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDbO56FRxitGcrFemNAv8JPue2dwFWJQ0f6VLnnOiieruKLkDSvCLd6GNNwEChHGEFpRvJv3bgSqcYO_HpmrwlxasPz_9jH5IBWNup7CMqHZNp-fyLy9ymyT3Dzwjmq6YFOfG3qK-M0Y/s4592/DSC05983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDbO56FRxitGcrFemNAv8JPue2dwFWJQ0f6VLnnOiieruKLkDSvCLd6GNNwEChHGEFpRvJv3bgSqcYO_HpmrwlxasPz_9jH5IBWNup7CMqHZNp-fyLy9ymyT3Dzwjmq6YFOfG3qK-M0Y/w400-h266/DSC05983.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TULA (Tarantula) crossing from Happy Zebra into North to take advantage of all the prey hanging out in the area that Brian burned last month. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7eUlvdXq-3zlZuKHf4_TsD9djLIApT0H0z5-mGBSaPqmKt7grlMKbUOSYJ3vUv5bSJB6ClAIcF80SGNK70Mrh6-9k2BDrYRmq3KfH7q30L4zF8w7WhAmCSRC8tCw24_V0XF9pHE30h4/s4592/DSC05996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7eUlvdXq-3zlZuKHf4_TsD9djLIApT0H0z5-mGBSaPqmKt7grlMKbUOSYJ3vUv5bSJB6ClAIcF80SGNK70Mrh6-9k2BDrYRmq3KfH7q30L4zF8w7WhAmCSRC8tCw24_V0XF9pHE30h4/w400-h266/DSC05996.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BILJ (Billie Jean) relaxing in North.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoJX3idWp9I7hvQvGu0SIOKs-zyPRhRBctyUqdjWoZsbq5MXiQuLXYwCuqobZldTIle-jgzcRsZybyLdRDFpBspSgHetYknpjSauyZLrkYvrUrQCdZBMXLmQzMeAWKWdpEzabQIPYvls/s3134/DSC06042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2086" data-original-width="3134" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoJX3idWp9I7hvQvGu0SIOKs-zyPRhRBctyUqdjWoZsbq5MXiQuLXYwCuqobZldTIle-jgzcRsZybyLdRDFpBspSgHetYknpjSauyZLrkYvrUrQCdZBMXLmQzMeAWKWdpEzabQIPYvls/w400-h266/DSC06042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a good leopard picture! Spotted while out with Stratton, a fellow researcher who works with martial eagles and other raptors.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo7iZQ-YJpw0MM1OBbzSpIFYIiL9g07E5uNUeXQtfn9uBNDDYapf9koNoaSuWdpwKnnuGb4x4FGEAyS8tS-HR2e9xIRc5r-YPrruuB5SqKTM4SibrCbRWN1doaoE1L0nGPxF12z5PWD0/s4592/DSC05667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo7iZQ-YJpw0MM1OBbzSpIFYIiL9g07E5uNUeXQtfn9uBNDDYapf9koNoaSuWdpwKnnuGb4x4FGEAyS8tS-HR2e9xIRc5r-YPrruuB5SqKTM4SibrCbRWN1doaoE1L0nGPxF12z5PWD0/w400-h266/DSC05667.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Stratton's martial eagles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-t4YvW0SVCVcFeq7lDwk7jzjUKleTgCg6KvKGgJRYvyghXhWCZN5cIMCZgk9mti5n8Xoq-2OMZ_wMsUMeslhOT-ZeaPuroXbQ-WXWoIgnHuJS07Ze01RmoHIOC0ij-cXgsQfqSPvbEM/s4592/DSC06106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-t4YvW0SVCVcFeq7lDwk7jzjUKleTgCg6KvKGgJRYvyghXhWCZN5cIMCZgk9mti5n8Xoq-2OMZ_wMsUMeslhOT-ZeaPuroXbQ-WXWoIgnHuJS07Ze01RmoHIOC0ij-cXgsQfqSPvbEM/w400-h266/DSC06106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More lions...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjregfeOMJixbY-WRTpPJ9Elsc36mA_snqJIJ7YpmeYEYMS6we8sMh0bTMNoCCyilotBjabLIfE_0BUta2wOshaNsAuGJnWiUHWV2KV2ts3d-T9uzXcf48wv84gUKnf5M3iTbYJyMyLjGk/s4592/DSC06140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjregfeOMJixbY-WRTpPJ9Elsc36mA_snqJIJ7YpmeYEYMS6we8sMh0bTMNoCCyilotBjabLIfE_0BUta2wOshaNsAuGJnWiUHWV2KV2ts3d-T9uzXcf48wv84gUKnf5M3iTbYJyMyLjGk/w400-h266/DSC06140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FOXE, Waffles' surviving cub, chewing on an old plant stem. He loves playing with FIVE, who's now visibly smaller than him despite being ~2 months older.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nnBnGF8hNj7-Qp-ZMLvpc7Vb3z7xhFl314JSXhGqN2wNtuR2oLPHbJIYwfUEXy5x5hT5LBwtkLzi6GAOozKTNIdoRc5XE7njkn3OUehSi5ITqlkfYsoi0nu4jnKbOiNy_To0ZcHCsk/s4592/DSC06203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nnBnGF8hNj7-Qp-ZMLvpc7Vb3z7xhFl314JSXhGqN2wNtuR2oLPHbJIYwfUEXy5x5hT5LBwtkLzi6GAOozKTNIdoRc5XE7njkn3OUehSi5ITqlkfYsoi0nu4jnKbOiNy_To0ZcHCsk/w400-h266/DSC06203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZIMU stopped by the communal den the other day to say hi to his mother, JUDE (Hey Jude), and younger sister, JARO. Liz had lots of fun playing with him.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevCeF_ffF2U1Xp47GUszg6Osi75EUFk1SR7fXjGLc7RAQhLl-hUtMDPzTME0Ska4NaHlsTkPw2yZbtl8WmwITuI378UlUaJrAorniPHjw2knlw4fCAU8dM14NAOM243Unks-uoe-N614/s4592/DSC06220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevCeF_ffF2U1Xp47GUszg6Osi75EUFk1SR7fXjGLc7RAQhLl-hUtMDPzTME0Ska4NaHlsTkPw2yZbtl8WmwITuI378UlUaJrAorniPHjw2knlw4fCAU8dM14NAOM243Unks-uoe-N614/w400-h266/DSC06220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like mother, like daughter. LIZ knows how to get comfortable at the den.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><p></p>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-50773777596348607662021-04-07T15:46:00.000+03:002021-04-07T15:46:28.237+03:00North Cubs!<p>Hi all,</p><p>One of the best parts of
this job is the opportunity to get to know the individual hyenas. Since we
spend a lot of time at the communal dens, we get to see the different
personalities of all the cubs – and after a while, we also get to know the
moms, subadults, and males within each clan. There are even a couple of hyenas
in each clan that we can identify based on their ~vibes~. Of course, “vibes”
are not very scientific so we always confirm IDs with spot patterns, but 99.9%
of the time, the lone male standing 30m away from the communal den in Happy
Zebra, staring wistfully at all the cubs he could potentially befriend if
females weren’t so scary is NYC, the old lady sleeping without a care in the
world for the entire obs session at the North den is WAFL, and the stocky mom
excitedly approaching the car in South is SAMI. Since I only have the North
communal den right now, I wanted to share some of the personalities in the
current cohort of cubs:</p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtSz7z5ndtHZSp90Ut1KOA6-oJv49BuBwGE9n7e2WFjMJO-q9lpbasYwnrXfL-1Rs1o4wIVRlPhNgtTFVZZWguTmrQLpItuqMs6T88MFLmt0i4wkEJWWLrocuSep7pAiNV9uixfSx4Yg/s4592/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtSz7z5ndtHZSp90Ut1KOA6-oJv49BuBwGE9n7e2WFjMJO-q9lpbasYwnrXfL-1Rs1o4wIVRlPhNgtTFVZZWguTmrQLpItuqMs6T88MFLmt0i4wkEJWWLrocuSep7pAiNV9uixfSx4Yg/w400-h266/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAMI saying hi to the hyena research team (aka me) this morning!</td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>ARIA – Bulgaria,
daughter of CHOW (Clam Chowder)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8Ffq4MFNcmSGey6Y2x1R4Zu9X-lD8Hk16-wj01n8xdnV5fZInDfS-iVqYbo-8HceY8V1dkqJIUyDc8leB5RpCnBYZbB67k4QUwsBbpV9Xga1koxkjFKIQbWnkvfv7TcLW5TUARfZ_g/s4592/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8Ffq4MFNcmSGey6Y2x1R4Zu9X-lD8Hk16-wj01n8xdnV5fZInDfS-iVqYbo-8HceY8V1dkqJIUyDc8leB5RpCnBYZbB67k4QUwsBbpV9Xga1koxkjFKIQbWnkvfv7TcLW5TUARfZ_g/w400-h266/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">ARIA’s unofficial cub
name was Trouble – for a reason. Within five minutes of pulling up to the
communal den on my first day back in the Mara, ARIA was already chewing on the
Cruiser. The other cubs were still looking around vigilantly, ready to dive
into the den hole at any moment in case of danger. She also loves the saliva
stick (we collect saliva from cubs for DNA and hormone analysis) and wouldn’t
let any of the other cubs near it at the beginning. However, although ARIA is
the biggest and highest-ranking cub at the den, she has been behaving rather
submissively over the past couple of weeks. CHOW always interferes on her
behalf if one of the lower ranking cubs or mothers aggresses onto her, but when
CHOW is not at the den, even little FIVE will successfully aggress onto her. Quite
strange!</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>LIZ – Dr. Liz Wilson,
daughter of GARF (Garfield)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKD0WMfiqXvNO04nITSN8T-ADDhUP3_-63k8iwffYVNmcqZT3s2Hjf3c78eBmze_1RZo_mfCvb6VPodrAR-HQg04vNsKDQujpLcsAORS3ttlS3eCTGBMbT3ce_QLQ6aff9l2w6a6z9Cw/s4592/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKD0WMfiqXvNO04nITSN8T-ADDhUP3_-63k8iwffYVNmcqZT3s2Hjf3c78eBmze_1RZo_mfCvb6VPodrAR-HQg04vNsKDQujpLcsAORS3ttlS3eCTGBMbT3ce_QLQ6aff9l2w6a6z9Cw/w400-h266/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">LIZ is GARF’s first cub
and she’s a little spoiled in the motherhood department. Not only is GARF at the
den most of the time, but her aunt MUTT also loves to stop by to hang out with
her (although MUTT can get a little pesky at times, especially when she wants
to play with LIZ while LIZ is trying to nurse). Personality wise, LIZ is one of
the more cautious cubs at the den – I pulled up to the den a few weeks ago, and
her right ear had a big tear in it (no worries, GARF fussed over her all night
to ensure that she was okay and the tear is healing nicely). Since then, she’s
been sticking a little closer to the den hole and her mom than the other cubs.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>JARO – Jaro, daughter
of JUDE (Hey Jude)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKK-VQIPgXhaDG-bhqi09Y6GYXjFouLkeReOzO53mSlAujyi9HR2jPoKcUZJEgSHu-xDr2yXM6Tx9YwB_KCQb36rFGWxTtXYcyw90Qv54tShdGO3m-2NkJTbK4jWhSSrZZqSIFrGm1Wc/s4592/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKK-VQIPgXhaDG-bhqi09Y6GYXjFouLkeReOzO53mSlAujyi9HR2jPoKcUZJEgSHu-xDr2yXM6Tx9YwB_KCQb36rFGWxTtXYcyw90Qv54tShdGO3m-2NkJTbK4jWhSSrZZqSIFrGm1Wc/w400-h266/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">JARO is cheeky! JUDE is
honestly one of my favorite moms in North – she did a great job with RBYE and
AVIV last year (two of my favorites from their cohort) and JARO is always
plump. Nonetheless, JARO takes any chance she can get and will try to nurse
from GARF as often as possible. Usually GARF will aggress onto her within a
second or two, but sometimes she can nurse for 10+ seconds before GARF realizes
that it’s her and not LIZ nursing. JARO also loves the saliva stick and is
content chewing on the rope for 20-30 minutes at a time (we usually hope that
cubs will chew on it for 1-2 minutes so that we get enough saliva).</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>LBRA – The Body in the
Library, son of CLEV (Clever Girl)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW6y27fnZXsWlh76sIb9nQPFPM8-x2rYSHN2HEQ6K85hOGr0uaY_cH1Xh0kGZ0OXvXfxktL9Km0a25YzKdWWc-SzNp29zr5p_7q_1PfC6fOJf9XcVrIRNeuip8CE7oz4rDzLrmtxFxHk/s4592/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW6y27fnZXsWlh76sIb9nQPFPM8-x2rYSHN2HEQ6K85hOGr0uaY_cH1Xh0kGZ0OXvXfxktL9Km0a25YzKdWWc-SzNp29zr5p_7q_1PfC6fOJf9XcVrIRNeuip8CE7oz4rDzLrmtxFxHk/w400-h266/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">LBRA is the dominant cub
in CLEV’s current litter. As one of the lower ranking moms in the clan, it
seems like CLEV doesn’t like to spend a lot of time at the den. The other moms
will usually aggress onto her when she shows up, so she rarely does. However,
this means that her cubs are struggling. Even when CLEV is at the den, she’ll
stand around or sit at an awkward angle, meaning that LBRA and FIVE have to
nurse while standing or wriggle their way towards CLEV’s nipples.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>FIVE – Five Little
Pigs, daughter of CLEV (Clever Girl)</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mWSO4ckS3HRZWzmSWf3EwgJoHgYjoNmoxGSqOFGv0FqgB-g85uLuN_st5y82cwQZvmCVqn9-IPRkyXcAcCG5urku3o5Mhmt95gJhr48ClwryfE7TSaMeMEO8lcHsiOi0lAvq0eBPEwg/s4592/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mWSO4ckS3HRZWzmSWf3EwgJoHgYjoNmoxGSqOFGv0FqgB-g85uLuN_st5y82cwQZvmCVqn9-IPRkyXcAcCG5urku3o5Mhmt95gJhr48ClwryfE7TSaMeMEO8lcHsiOi0lAvq0eBPEwg/w400-h266/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">FIVE – poor, little FIVE!
I love to root for an underdog, and FIVE is definitely one of them. As the
dominant cub, LBRA still manages to nurse enough to grow bigger. At this point,
however, FIVE is smaller than FOXE (Waffles’ cub who is two months younger than
her). It’s not uncommon for the submissive cub to be smaller than the dominant
cub (ARGO and NAUT in Happy Zebra and BCKT and GOOB in North also had very
considerable size differences last year) and FIVE may still make it to
adulthood. She does strike me as a survivor as she has a streak of feistiness
in her – I’ve seen her aggress onto ARIA quite a few times. Best of luck,
little one!</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Your weekly dose of
the Mara:</b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG14QJichbfX9Zl2W_IN2WX9tDbE-yBfltIH2MuMw35Gss0Z63R6aZJAqCl86_KW-P7i4SKU4yw6qBGVI4Slo_wz63yNVDexw_j7wZJN3y5HsmDNqmH7ocoLFtJqlmjrkeCP-tBR7t24/s4592/DSC04716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG14QJichbfX9Zl2W_IN2WX9tDbE-yBfltIH2MuMw35Gss0Z63R6aZJAqCl86_KW-P7i4SKU4yw6qBGVI4Slo_wz63yNVDexw_j7wZJN3y5HsmDNqmH7ocoLFtJqlmjrkeCP-tBR7t24/w400-h266/DSC04716.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lots of lion sightings!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkywV3wSt35gmhq4o7V8A7thfNlp_DFWz2nn6E1JiuX439cNpeTbbLxqkyrPYq5K6bLc6771NRhM7hyphenhypheniY1cw_lBbFBzH9A-I9kYkJNFW9SMOEASUY5samuDQesYUFofuzk5ytyFDtY32Y/s4592/DSC04800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkywV3wSt35gmhq4o7V8A7thfNlp_DFWz2nn6E1JiuX439cNpeTbbLxqkyrPYq5K6bLc6771NRhM7hyphenhypheniY1cw_lBbFBzH9A-I9kYkJNFW9SMOEASUY5samuDQesYUFofuzk5ytyFDtY32Y/w400-h266/DSC04800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jackal surveying his freshly burned home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintxKEJ25PeRWSZTvoEO5yQbJqAAlTfDi0hM7LKGbGszuL_GaDB6QSXiZCSF5T9qF0FexctfJWkhQEMz6IqKheM6ygLqaJ-JQSKmMsklJDyC0AnSuN6nz-ZBYDih4r1_r8c6EUZP9tBp4/s4592/DSC04866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintxKEJ25PeRWSZTvoEO5yQbJqAAlTfDi0hM7LKGbGszuL_GaDB6QSXiZCSF5T9qF0FexctfJWkhQEMz6IqKheM6ygLqaJ-JQSKmMsklJDyC0AnSuN6nz-ZBYDih4r1_r8c6EUZP9tBp4/w400-h266/DSC04866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munch munch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN6D8WoI8KeI5SCJg_rSaQ79FRsReeTNdZFxNzPc-HiiF7Ra89LGik5detB1UTjqu2fbAftmIyJFiy0acOSu_JSWyqseuURDkSZ2mzy1YoExPdhqiaL_F9b8saqz1J2NdH5jtobGIKfw/s4592/DSC05058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN6D8WoI8KeI5SCJg_rSaQ79FRsReeTNdZFxNzPc-HiiF7Ra89LGik5detB1UTjqu2fbAftmIyJFiy0acOSu_JSWyqseuURDkSZ2mzy1YoExPdhqiaL_F9b8saqz1J2NdH5jtobGIKfw/w400-h266/DSC05058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A European Roller - I think??? Lila and Matthew were the birders....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU5CSpP5XQte6ffJQb9PFsys-uLdATWG6df9LBznqSSIUjBoEpTVIbgAUfayybGP5qX3N1EHI5met703tvvxb6_UFTYGhtFvveRkkDddQLNE5r0v60v8lxrmN8l7hdXDZlk7sWj1Nu6Y/s4592/DSC05194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU5CSpP5XQte6ffJQb9PFsys-uLdATWG6df9LBznqSSIUjBoEpTVIbgAUfayybGP5qX3N1EHI5met703tvvxb6_UFTYGhtFvveRkkDddQLNE5r0v60v8lxrmN8l7hdXDZlk7sWj1Nu6Y/w400-h266/DSC05194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before a baboon chased it away!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY2aEr8twnovv_oX3LCZumR2CrJgHUc6nRTMINW4Myp3yTMoI6jpI39OKDZ43Im9huUvV6VP6sF425kS9wCzz00WHcSy9dmPt1HBxzrIoSPXzkspDz8FZUzr0FZSrUgLoSE5S_aWmwmI/s4592/DSC05296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY2aEr8twnovv_oX3LCZumR2CrJgHUc6nRTMINW4Myp3yTMoI6jpI39OKDZ43Im9huUvV6VP6sF425kS9wCzz00WHcSy9dmPt1HBxzrIoSPXzkspDz8FZUzr0FZSrUgLoSE5S_aWmwmI/w400-h266/DSC05296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have I mentioned that there are a lot of lion sightings right now?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFoL0QMONHBQl5db36HV1pad_OUmnyiw8TsPBhmZDbeF_CJuDtVx1HwPicrS58dhR_N_ec_Ijp4jipFsZ2nZhVHcuIOuKBhAU11Qk5iswhIGREIi4DCBPsAkg0Q19PN1eu3RG4tPG0x8/s4592/DSC05380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFoL0QMONHBQl5db36HV1pad_OUmnyiw8TsPBhmZDbeF_CJuDtVx1HwPicrS58dhR_N_ec_Ijp4jipFsZ2nZhVHcuIOuKBhAU11Qk5iswhIGREIi4DCBPsAkg0Q19PN1eu3RG4tPG0x8/w400-h266/DSC05380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GAZR doing what males do best: awkwardly standing at the edge of the communal den.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3onJkV1Q5cYJbBKrI_V_KXIevMX7GuhjSNale28m_ohm2ScYIGUTv6ghL38MgWOdPCQ93Up1yyD_L6_G8xnvYbAeB7mPgRlaIE6ZnI2-L1cgOiHEB39ic7fzTTCpHB-5gkQ5ib3Tg3g/s4592/DSC05462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3onJkV1Q5cYJbBKrI_V_KXIevMX7GuhjSNale28m_ohm2ScYIGUTv6ghL38MgWOdPCQ93Up1yyD_L6_G8xnvYbAeB7mPgRlaIE6ZnI2-L1cgOiHEB39ic7fzTTCpHB-5gkQ5ib3Tg3g/w400-h266/DSC05462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night's sunset over Happy Zebra territory.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8OTqC8YvVlU2IqpOXDTc3naIJthZefRshRwJXz4pxWcclOnY-8fS1gWt9JvAuGE0R5Gw1ulG3eVNEG2q53i2m8OsH1sNbVRK2nYVfhIIXFyV7ADPCBmKtoOmoW3b1qzt81-tltrOjVw/s4592/DSC05523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8OTqC8YvVlU2IqpOXDTc3naIJthZefRshRwJXz4pxWcclOnY-8fS1gWt9JvAuGE0R5Gw1ulG3eVNEG2q53i2m8OsH1sNbVRK2nYVfhIIXFyV7ADPCBmKtoOmoW3b1qzt81-tltrOjVw/w400-h266/DSC05523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bat-eared foxes always look either incredibly goofy or incredibly grumpy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUOWON__WdJbgy2BDW87ySuIvmDOcwXAJSaYVqSWRAeQoPC6kd2lXNdUoNcI0VNcaqRsOA2Wr8kxOZchFKoVzuPj9DnONzEQseTTWJP8z4nUBSqG3GCVAM-ldCs2YPYJGdvVES8EMZCA/s4592/DSC05544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUOWON__WdJbgy2BDW87ySuIvmDOcwXAJSaYVqSWRAeQoPC6kd2lXNdUoNcI0VNcaqRsOA2Wr8kxOZchFKoVzuPj9DnONzEQseTTWJP8z4nUBSqG3GCVAM-ldCs2YPYJGdvVES8EMZCA/w400-h266/DSC05544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare sighting of a serval that's not completely hidden in the tall grass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></p>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-36735375642517022532021-03-24T11:12:00.001+03:002021-03-24T13:45:30.292+03:00World’s Biggest Sour Patch Kid<p>Hi all, </p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There are many words to
describe the Mara: magical, breathtaking, stunning, a photographer’s paradise… However,
after living in the Mara for almost a year, I’ve started to view her as a sour
patch kid: first she’s sour, then she’s sweet. For example, last year, I got
our Cruiser stuck in a hole while I was alone in camp… Lila was getting
much-needed supplies in Nairobi, Geemi (who usually helps us out) was at home
for the week, and Lerijin (our mechanic who we call if we’re *really* stuck)
was busy. Yikes! I spent the next hour digging the Cruiser out on my own. A
sour morning indeed. But then the Mara dialed up her sweetness: less than 20
minutes after finally freeing the Cruiser, I came across these two cheetahs:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MrM-5yQgDyRSe6-BL0lEcWoBBPUQJAdrRalP1XJREYOPG5z8gmiZpK37bZH8che7xAI-xbTllEVq7HUAhZFjGXGArHD7ieqPG770SctEYdT4ayxiOwiMdSZYXWLMs4I4SyJtkObexDg/s3344/DSC06488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2224" data-original-width="3344" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MrM-5yQgDyRSe6-BL0lEcWoBBPUQJAdrRalP1XJREYOPG5z8gmiZpK37bZH8che7xAI-xbTllEVq7HUAhZFjGXGArHD7ieqPG770SctEYdT4ayxiOwiMdSZYXWLMs4I4SyJtkObexDg/w400-h266/DSC06488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solo sighting of cheetahs - before the pandemic, it was rare to see predators without a bunch of tour cars around.</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal">Although I’m incredibly
grateful to be back out here with the hyenas, last week was pretty challenging.
I spent hour after hour off-roading through our South and Happy Zebra
territories, navigating out of too many rock fields and nearly getting stuck in
mud multiple times, with no luck. The enhanced rains, followed by lots of
sunshine, followed by even more rain means that the grass is at an all-time
high. Not only does the grass hide damaging rocks, buffalo wallows, swamps, den
holes, etc, it also hides all of our hyenas. A good obs session meant that I
had seen a single hyena that day. Very disappointing! However, the Mara finally
turned her sweetness back on… a big buffalo carcass with 32 of our North
hyenas, lion sightings galore, and even a hyena cub in South. So, without
further ado, please enjoy these incredible sightings the Mara has given me in
the past few days to make up for a bad week:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtHug2j0cA9Cg5C4w2_eGc93sPNqTlyzR5uogjD6NYtqu6IBXVBLOSc8EtasYS8Q4uzaQa1wS6qqVElEg3JRHJY0FB-0YnURXGaY8uJ1XqgJYnn1-i-OcnWf2IS3WzEkZhS3kE6z0y4Y/s4592/DSC03930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtHug2j0cA9Cg5C4w2_eGc93sPNqTlyzR5uogjD6NYtqu6IBXVBLOSc8EtasYS8Q4uzaQa1wS6qqVElEg3JRHJY0FB-0YnURXGaY8uJ1XqgJYnn1-i-OcnWf2IS3WzEkZhS3kE6z0y4Y/w400-h266/DSC03930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two leopards! I've seen 4 different leopards since returning to the Mara, even though they're generally very elusive. And yes, this is the best leopard picture I have (blame the tall grass).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmeXRBnFq5VxY11apCPGROqLUZjrKCZmX81ymosAc7AZMteIIruQscxfE7OQdx9h2SKCExKVxCm93pGszZdjCwfvVY-FE0WDA03qXa3MpAqr3uh99lPfkjzLAmWjGjNCsivy97tKH_4A/s835/bornbang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="835" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmeXRBnFq5VxY11apCPGROqLUZjrKCZmX81ymosAc7AZMteIIruQscxfE7OQdx9h2SKCExKVxCm93pGszZdjCwfvVY-FE0WDA03qXa3MpAqr3uh99lPfkjzLAmWjGjNCsivy97tKH_4A/w400-h266/bornbang.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BORN and BANG, two of our North males, run off together with a buffalo leg. Could this be the start of a "bro-mance"?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYzKMxZ9iKRPMPdn-DZEPDnSj8Bog86Wki4-5JSXYI5ydkvgJUou9tRMf64AtDKslLVJ7pNT5X46ZvycTPmsYVzgWQ6lmdzw1CV5JIHbGoExojDzKLlfUub0svGmDSkzW1hmskZlOfr0/s4013/DSC04238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2671" data-original-width="4013" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYzKMxZ9iKRPMPdn-DZEPDnSj8Bog86Wki4-5JSXYI5ydkvgJUou9tRMf64AtDKslLVJ7pNT5X46ZvycTPmsYVzgWQ6lmdzw1CV5JIHbGoExojDzKLlfUub0svGmDSkzW1hmskZlOfr0/w400-h266/DSC04238.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This scavenger chased the Northies away from the buffalo carcass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4JChsX9ZcHkFrUYvgxWQKe_9zbyDFJcbJIQGo2r6aUYCAryUhjWkkPuK45U-W_LfVU7uA7H6CHu5hlvtKI-WTKXaEeqG7drj1kFxfssblw9EyIn-kJ1AJaqFgOX88hOb9NXl4N1h368/s4592/DSC04267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4JChsX9ZcHkFrUYvgxWQKe_9zbyDFJcbJIQGo2r6aUYCAryUhjWkkPuK45U-W_LfVU7uA7H6CHu5hlvtKI-WTKXaEeqG7drj1kFxfssblw9EyIn-kJ1AJaqFgOX88hOb9NXl4N1h368/w400-h266/DSC04267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted while on a game drive with Brian, the Conservancy manager. He knows that we try to keep our distance from elephants (I'd rather not get chased by an angry bull!), so he always tries to get us as close as possible to them.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjdRzysh_GvfWrB2-hoSjZ3T9mPA1-AudiE5EADCm_AVxmZFyULjThIX6gjYsTzBFJpaExpNB8VOSbTopaUTgeyL13mIdKJUlyjsFEfT_RqsKjo2zcOpQqaRgVN9UC5bMXkCYtB7zGjs/s4592/DSC03686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjdRzysh_GvfWrB2-hoSjZ3T9mPA1-AudiE5EADCm_AVxmZFyULjThIX6gjYsTzBFJpaExpNB8VOSbTopaUTgeyL13mIdKJUlyjsFEfT_RqsKjo2zcOpQqaRgVN9UC5bMXkCYtB7zGjs/w400-h266/DSC03686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MUTT showing off her perfect hyena posture. She has been spending *a lot* of time at the communal den with her older sister GARF and niece LIZ.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizJNN9Czh39eKeTY88U8Eg84icgoUjR4gVFVI4M_4IO41bAFUvVN7oJpdVatboDXvHbHFpjS_D_L35Gp9GeVoTcNw4-QN5NO2EsfuLBtSxobJd4WqSxWph-smNXJE_YlJlf3UUvmZEgQ/s4592/DSC03621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizJNN9Czh39eKeTY88U8Eg84icgoUjR4gVFVI4M_4IO41bAFUvVN7oJpdVatboDXvHbHFpjS_D_L35Gp9GeVoTcNw4-QN5NO2EsfuLBtSxobJd4WqSxWph-smNXJE_YlJlf3UUvmZEgQ/w400-h266/DSC03621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sleepy scavenger.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcZbxQ0xW4TlfymJldjayhak2GU9CvQnnSxL2RR9tyhpHlc6vhVzSVgmwASycEJbZR3GCUsunzX2gQ4MfJJ0y1Nf9Y_I3vS10iaVZkkYLGBWCpmyDqLaAOe3BueyVEM6F3FkzQrmKFVg/s4592/DSC04343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcZbxQ0xW4TlfymJldjayhak2GU9CvQnnSxL2RR9tyhpHlc6vhVzSVgmwASycEJbZR3GCUsunzX2gQ4MfJJ0y1Nf9Y_I3vS10iaVZkkYLGBWCpmyDqLaAOe3BueyVEM6F3FkzQrmKFVg/w400-h266/DSC04343.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles' new cubs are starting to explore the den! Their favorite hobbies include playing on top of Waffles, sleeping on top of Waffles, sitting on top of Waffles, and walking on top of Waffles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm8IWxY4UkrCURu_KUvZRUCCvAD2uq-6ZDYQMCal9yMcpM929R2Bc-wGkEb-3l0zq_2AHBbQ2JyUnZph0ZNVTGDcm5V1OTybmy_G0SPHTSALWS3b-0riHu7utupD8wlIZQMUaBnLp1AI/s4592/DSC04559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm8IWxY4UkrCURu_KUvZRUCCvAD2uq-6ZDYQMCal9yMcpM929R2Bc-wGkEb-3l0zq_2AHBbQ2JyUnZph0ZNVTGDcm5V1OTybmy_G0SPHTSALWS3b-0riHu7utupD8wlIZQMUaBnLp1AI/w400-h266/DSC04559.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I stumbled upon a puddle of six lion cubs - super adorable!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JkobNhJ0nA6pLt6iZ_KNZ3YNaFtkkXGZTQf1wxYCMH-qq0LP_TvfYwDG4cljBblY8N6n7UqYbYcRXI2_tG7_z6sV-qbCWAQYT9-U_2ORb5GMMq44Zz3ffqM04lFj5TyvNjhATEwdGEA/s4592/DSC04547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JkobNhJ0nA6pLt6iZ_KNZ3YNaFtkkXGZTQf1wxYCMH-qq0LP_TvfYwDG4cljBblY8N6n7UqYbYcRXI2_tG7_z6sV-qbCWAQYT9-U_2ORb5GMMq44Zz3ffqM04lFj5TyvNjhATEwdGEA/w400-h266/DSC04547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot from my morning with the lion cubs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgQczWsdQVBymG4o6PD3Zsi17lUW7N4y0Cq8pUmB9jd_DS8rQ9TvlD9mCcj2VijpKFZ1aSyWErvYOeZeWDNIB250O6V8zowIDuoT2CR-WTJfEbR1hgEwwfTnF2bFnZ_0ZidteHsmAr7o/s4592/DSC04680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgQczWsdQVBymG4o6PD3Zsi17lUW7N4y0Cq8pUmB9jd_DS8rQ9TvlD9mCcj2VijpKFZ1aSyWErvYOeZeWDNIB250O6V8zowIDuoT2CR-WTJfEbR1hgEwwfTnF2bFnZ_0ZidteHsmAr7o/w400-h266/DSC04680.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HONR and her cub, CAPE! Lila and I gave HONR her lineage last year: types of pasta.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Actual hyena names: BORN
– Borneo (North); BANG – Palembang (North); MUTT – Mutts (North); GARF –
Garfield (North); LIZ – Dr. Liz Wilson (North); HONR – Honor Harrington
(South); CAPE – Capellini (South)</span></p></div>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-26258926230411636412021-03-10T15:06:00.009+03:002021-03-10T15:09:16.181+03:00An Ode to Happy Zebra<p>Hi all!</p><p>After unsuccessfully den
hunting in Happy Zebra for the past few weeks, I’ve decided to call in for
back-up. Lila, former Serena Superstar RA, was happy to oblige! Back in July
2019, the two of us set out on a mission to find the South communal den – after
more than a year without their den. On July 24<sup>th</sup>, Lila posted <a href="https://msuhyenas.blogspot.com/2019/07/an-ode-to-south.html">this lovely ode</a> about our most elusive clan at the time; and lo and behold we found
their den the very next day! Since I've only seen 4 Happy Zebra hyenas so far, I knew it was time for another ode to work its
magic:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">My old friends, my OGs</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Don’t you know how much
we love thee?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You’re the first ones I
met</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And my first loves, you
can bet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So many of you gone<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And the rest nowhere to
be found<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The grass is so tall<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And you are never around<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Where are you friends?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We miss you so<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">PIKE* and RING are gone<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">But there are so many we
long to know<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You have new cubs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Of that I hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That you haven’t fallen<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You’re too strong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Too whole<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Please come back<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And give us the tea<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Let us back in<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We just want to see thee<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Now it’s been so long <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And I am sadly gone,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">But the other superstar
is here,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Jana’s just waiting for
you to reappear!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">PIKA and TRIO, a duo to
reckon with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Where are you hiding?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Have you gone Timid**?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Speaking of Timid, SPCE
how we miss you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You’re forever a
favorite, but you knew that didn’t you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So many of you are
missing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Waiting to be revived,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Please show us your ways<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Uncover your deep
disguise!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So HZ, the OGs,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Oh how we miss you,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Jana is waiting,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You just need to come
through</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">-<i>Lila Afifi, former
Superstar RA, Serena’s premier wildlife photographer, poet.</i></p><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Actual hyena names: PIKE – Pike; RING – Molly Ringwald; PIKA – Pikaia; TRIO – Trilobite; SPCE – MySpace
</span><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Timid was the cub name
we originally gave SPCE – these cub names are used to refer to new individuals
before we confirm nursing and can officially name them according to their
mother’s lineage</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Since I don’t have any
interesting pictures of our Happy Zebrans at the moment, please enjoy these
pictures of sleepy GARF (Garfield) truly living her best life at the North
communal den the other night:<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEJdmX9b0lR8R_rCLpZI_UdA3xgKAQBRoN0bIgF6rdm9pFZsseomRmlsjEPr5dtkS7J7rgkJEd4J6ZxOK-ncuMF16Pe8qG8Z5rkdFSpOD03y9W4Hndc-9JVvwVSTDghH1gk_WnY2FeEM/s4592/DSC03472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEJdmX9b0lR8R_rCLpZI_UdA3xgKAQBRoN0bIgF6rdm9pFZsseomRmlsjEPr5dtkS7J7rgkJEd4J6ZxOK-ncuMF16Pe8qG8Z5rkdFSpOD03y9W4Hndc-9JVvwVSTDghH1gk_WnY2FeEM/w400-h266/DSC03472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1886WNIe8asm788dFE-wIg3A0hBjmKBSQGnt0FBtYIO2hezYUaa8GNDPv08q0hmWlerE-qWu8jFfY24PkEHnyEcBhJFd6gsMTJCNPsOKGHNLbfSMwIphSL6azxz0k4PPaBq_cdhSs7w/s4592/DSC03490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1886WNIe8asm788dFE-wIg3A0hBjmKBSQGnt0FBtYIO2hezYUaa8GNDPv08q0hmWlerE-qWu8jFfY24PkEHnyEcBhJFd6gsMTJCNPsOKGHNLbfSMwIphSL6azxz0k4PPaBq_cdhSs7w/w400-h266/DSC03490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU-HRiOyy1P_0k2FsA1U_ZDB1iN5pVzy3uHhXIoL9IV6qEQlBguRET6elxY5S0XQ7hdqsj1n4i2vwqggGuF3FgkkzVujhPjMPyH9EeZOG_G1NPTyyFgvjv73vtvdiE4LsnLR3w1jVnyw/s4592/DSC03506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU-HRiOyy1P_0k2FsA1U_ZDB1iN5pVzy3uHhXIoL9IV6qEQlBguRET6elxY5S0XQ7hdqsj1n4i2vwqggGuF3FgkkzVujhPjMPyH9EeZOG_G1NPTyyFgvjv73vtvdiE4LsnLR3w1jVnyw/w400-h266/DSC03506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGphWNsZbiF2hyLsfjSeV0zl7Fsp_JA06gP9ywKh2k1UkLh5RMoQrtMERatN-H0o-nFplvn92NluzWt46DMMXk563WciCeTKu71bO5s0tOiHgXesBkBxOAzmTPoEVV5k2fEdYtwj-Ziw/s4592/DSC03510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGphWNsZbiF2hyLsfjSeV0zl7Fsp_JA06gP9ywKh2k1UkLh5RMoQrtMERatN-H0o-nFplvn92NluzWt46DMMXk563WciCeTKu71bO5s0tOiHgXesBkBxOAzmTPoEVV5k2fEdYtwj-Ziw/w400-h266/DSC03510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgIufaW9FsLrmgr0IZBH_F9dAByhK1nMXflQ8scNOHtau28lWWcGQqurn-_MXy9B08frVAISyHd8rAQFa_jJmpqETVsCu1tYW23pU8N1hATTvGAaBJFnfMtize7HFr1_uozEDT8Zwvrc/s4592/DSC03514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgIufaW9FsLrmgr0IZBH_F9dAByhK1nMXflQ8scNOHtau28lWWcGQqurn-_MXy9B08frVAISyHd8rAQFa_jJmpqETVsCu1tYW23pU8N1hATTvGAaBJFnfMtize7HFr1_uozEDT8Zwvrc/w400-h266/DSC03514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br />Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-62435602937377096002021-02-24T09:56:00.000+03:002021-02-24T09:56:45.268+03:00Jambo from Kenya: Part 2!<p>Hi all,</p><p>I’m super excited to
announce that I’m back in Serena Camp! For those of you who don’t know me, my
name is Jana and I spent ten months in Serena with co-RAs Lila and Matthew
before the pandemic hit (check out <a href="https://msuhyenas.blogspot.com/2019/06/jambo-from-kenya.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a> for my original introduction,
and <a href="https://msuhyenas.blogspot.com/2019/07/update-our-prayers-have-been-answered.html" target="_blank">this one</a> for Lila and I’s biggest achievement out here). During my time
back in the States, I worked on a proposal for incorporating drones into
biodiversity monitoring with the Nicholas Institute at Duke University and
studied desert bighorn sheep in southern Nevada with the Wildlife Disease Lab
at Utah State University, all while counting down the days until I could return
to the Mara. After a few flight delays, countless Covid-19 tests, and a healthy
dose of visa issues, my dream finally came true at the beginning of this month.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal">Because I’m the first RA
back in Serena since last year, my main task has been finding the communal dens
for all of our clans and figuring out who the new cubs belong to. North Clan,
which has always been one of my top three favorite hyena clans out here, made
it incredibly easy for me: they’re still denning at the same place they were at
when we left back in March. And they have lots of new cubs! Most notably,
former matriarch Waffles has two new little black cubs that are only ~3 weeks
old. And no, she was not wearing her collar…</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal">I also got very lucky
with South Clan: my first night in the territory, I was randomly off-roading
back to the main road when I came face-to-face with an older cub (KORS*, one of
BSCT’s new cubs). I was so focused on getting back to the main road safely (all
of our territories currently feature very, very, very tall grass and most of
our previous tracks are completely overgrown/missing), that I didn’t even
realize what I was looking at for a moment: South’s new communal den! This den
is a lot smaller than North’s and I’ve only seen two new cubs so far (one
belongs to HONR, one to DETH), so I think that there may be a second communal
den somewhere else.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal">Happy Zebra Clan has been
a little more difficult… I’ve only spent one full observation period in their
territory where I made one, and unfortunately only one, discovery: most of our
old tracks no longer exist. Since we confirmed former matriarch PIKE’s death
back in May (the rangers found her body with substantial lion wounds and sent
us pictures to ID her), Lila and I have been trying to guess who the new
matriarch could be (we agree that LANC would be great, but EREM is also a
strong competitor). Needless to say, I’m very excited to find their current den
and piece together the new dominance hierarchy.</p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal">Stay tuned for more
updates! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite pictures from my first
week back in Serena:<o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9EtjuO-HnVvww58RnpIomOz2qd9XqFeVE5bAe97eY3oc5PJH__eDALFdLj-aGhbImCvrEMHBpDTZJrzzjxY7bUL9Qdvj1Hv50voYWA9nAhwzzVDStIuX_0ml6MwfRXBTyANk2SQWQDw/s4592/DSC03031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9EtjuO-HnVvww58RnpIomOz2qd9XqFeVE5bAe97eY3oc5PJH__eDALFdLj-aGhbImCvrEMHBpDTZJrzzjxY7bUL9Qdvj1Hv50voYWA9nAhwzzVDStIuX_0ml6MwfRXBTyANk2SQWQDw/w400-h266/DSC03031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles with one of her new cubs! Lila has been helping me name all of the new cubs, and we had a hard time finding names in Waffles lineage (names of syrups) that haven't already been used since Waffles has had *so* many cubs.</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBHHTZsShGyJAi9WJifPBn8Y5OAy3YoSW77DCdpsk2bc8MwdKSU0AIXINhjdiPlU0P1AUECmVo-nB2AjgbvQ9ToGnItu3ZPdg3MEY3nhDI3SlWUJsJmHfkVYEb0JK6LsH63t-6e10Lx4/s4592/DSC02952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBHHTZsShGyJAi9WJifPBn8Y5OAy3YoSW77DCdpsk2bc8MwdKSU0AIXINhjdiPlU0P1AUECmVo-nB2AjgbvQ9ToGnItu3ZPdg3MEY3nhDI3SlWUJsJmHfkVYEb0JK6LsH63t-6e10Lx4/w400-h266/DSC02952.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLNT is almost old enough to become den-independent - luckily she nursed from her mom (RMON) in front of me, so I was able to confirm her lineage before she is weaned (at which point, it becomes a lot harder to determine who belongs to who).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq_oqPexijB2ZGlOblU_CVItNKnPqlqmQx4dov6eg7Ifh-IuPxZVDWOrZqTUJOxKvkuJNWnBVuZbamdYKzWVIwiHozob9mfAMwwr5tlO68zAyt2sy4kgl1vm7xQavcarbvfjMSMpKaLw/s4592/DSC03368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq_oqPexijB2ZGlOblU_CVItNKnPqlqmQx4dov6eg7Ifh-IuPxZVDWOrZqTUJOxKvkuJNWnBVuZbamdYKzWVIwiHozob9mfAMwwr5tlO68zAyt2sy4kgl1vm7xQavcarbvfjMSMpKaLw/w400-h266/DSC03368.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being a first-time mom can be challenging.... GARF is still trying to figure out how to nurse her little cub. Most moms just lie on their sides for easy access, but whatever floats your boat GARF.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH0owE6AW6-QTfHF5WK2B6Rl6l4d-1ONxbAd1rJ3CIX5MwcYzf9bHZa3s5oC18r7-8n9yHILMLfPirZmauLrf0Msq2xx3gMVNB314h78KQFslRMWzUi6LmL-xTcbLFyaIrbVy_EAshgQ/s4592/DSC03161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH0owE6AW6-QTfHF5WK2B6Rl6l4d-1ONxbAd1rJ3CIX5MwcYzf9bHZa3s5oC18r7-8n9yHILMLfPirZmauLrf0Msq2xx3gMVNB314h78KQFslRMWzUi6LmL-xTcbLFyaIrbVy_EAshgQ/w400-h266/DSC03161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not a big fan of hippos (who is??), but look at how small this baby is!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />*Actual hyena names: KORS – Kokoretsi (South);
BSCT – Seabiscuit (South); HONR – Honor Harrington (South); DETH – Death Star
(South); PIKE – Pike (Happy Zebra); LANC – Lance (Happy Zebra); EREM – Eremet
(Happy Zebra); PLNT – Animal Planet (North); RMON – Ramone (North); GARF – Garfield (North)</span></span>Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-84846152416707928762020-03-12T10:05:00.000+03:002020-03-13T07:23:40.123+03:00An ode to Lila...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk8iEYuCo18qx8vYQS7FHT9Jy-CdeZrbGAmpWse-0d4WUXfylXQn2M1Avcww2P15elhcx4571opR1FYEG9LnjPdarHc26VHLn8raweVSlBMv1ofwPijHkLpsB3iue5x-_vCVGLoXgBuc/s1600/IMG_7191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk8iEYuCo18qx8vYQS7FHT9Jy-CdeZrbGAmpWse-0d4WUXfylXQn2M1Avcww2P15elhcx4571opR1FYEG9LnjPdarHc26VHLn8raweVSlBMv1ofwPijHkLpsB3iue5x-_vCVGLoXgBuc/s640/IMG_7191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi all,</div>
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<br /></div>
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Contrary to the picture
above, it’s a sad, sad time in Serena Camp right now… After spending ten months
together, my co-RA Lila is heading back home. During our time together, Lila
has taught me a lot, including what lion paw prints look like (they were
actually hippo prints) and how to sex zebras (she showed me a “female” zebra
that weirdly enough had a fifth leg?). Unfortunately, she did not teach me how
to write poems, so please enjoy this list of 5 things I wouldn’t want to do
with anybody else instead of a thoughtful ode:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Create
a free judgment zone</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. Ever heard of Planet Fitness? Well, we decided to
take the opposite approach. From questionable hygiene, to even more
questionable fashion choices (patterns on patterns on patterns) to mumbled
sentences that made absolutely no sense at 5 in the morning, we always found
something to judge (in an affectionate way).</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Get
lost while accidentally off-roading in the Mara</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. It was a beautiful day in
the Mara, so two young researchers set out in their Maruti to rediscover old
tracks that were lost during the rains. “This looks like the track we’re
looking for, let’s check it out!” said one of the young researchers (note: it
wasn’t me). “Sounds like a great idea,” I replied. It was not a great idea. At
one point, we accidentally started following an animal track that looked like
it was a part of the track. Needless to say, by the time we had realized our
mistake, we were already hopelessly lost in the middle of grass that was taller
than the top of our Maruti. Luckily, we slowly found our way back to the track,
using a clump of three bushes to orient ourselves (after frantically texting
Matthew to come rescue us).</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Eat
pasta every other day</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. Much to my dismay, Erin, the senior RA who was in
camp when I first got here, was having some stomach issues and tried to avoid
pasta as much as possible. This meant that we usually had rice, beans/lentils,
and vegetables for dinner during my first month. However, Lila and I went a
little crazy once we were alone in camp; at our lowest point, we had pasta for
dinner 4 or 5 times in one week... Since then, we had to make a conscious
effort to limit our pasta intake to every other night (although Matthew swiftly
got us back on track with lots of rice, beans, and veggies, much to the
gratitude of my own body).</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. Become
identical replicas of each other. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It all started when Lila found some scrap
pieces of fabric in our lab tent and decided to get some pants made by our
local Fundi (Swahili for tailor). Shortly after, I also decided to have clothes
made at the Fundi, and soon Lila was buying tons of fabric for the both of us
in Nairobi. Then, Lila decided that she’ll go to Ethiopia and Egypt for her
vacation. Shortly after, I also decided to go there. Then, Lila decided to get
a hyena-related tattoo. Shortly after, I also decided to get a hyena-related
tattoo (she got an entire spotted hyena skeleton, I got four paw prints). Then…
well, I think you get the gist by now… Not only can we complete each other’s
sentences at this point, but we can actually say the exact same sentence at the
exact same time, stopping at the exact same time half-way through to look at each
other before continuing on at the exact same time. If synchronized speaking was a
sport, we’d be winners.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. Exercise the power of veto. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This one ties
back a little to number 1. When you’re stuck in a secluded research camp with only
one other person for 10+ months, it’s important to nip annoying behavior in the
bud. This means that Lila will quickly veto all of my original nicknames for
the hyenas (Gin-gin is barely acceptable for GINI, but I’m no longer allowed to
refer to WSKY as Whisk-whisk). Meanwhile, Lila is no longer allowed to dance
awkwardly while sitting at the lab table.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Good luck with your
transition back into real society, Lila. May your hair always be clean, your
conversations always revolve around “normal” topics, and your wine glass always
be full. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkT71t6ZuWJ_ME_zrBatJpuH-FEDzZWRkmuGseyr2hMQLhUs5P_QlSvH7EC6Xpu_5pFzea6hOKYdBO6KAW3U6uV9gFm6nR2aB0cIy3EygXNoONf7e_JeEhVFJMkU6H8-GQCLANhSilVQ/s1600/D25B12B6-7B12-4593-9AC8-1E8BD7A6825A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkT71t6ZuWJ_ME_zrBatJpuH-FEDzZWRkmuGseyr2hMQLhUs5P_QlSvH7EC6Xpu_5pFzea6hOKYdBO6KAW3U6uV9gFm6nR2aB0cIy3EygXNoONf7e_JeEhVFJMkU6H8-GQCLANhSilVQ/s400/D25B12B6-7B12-4593-9AC8-1E8BD7A6825A.jpeg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lila when she realized that she’ll never have a coworker as cool as her current one... unless... see you in Antarctica??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Jana Woernerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633956500499252800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-51356234483427560302020-03-10T13:29:00.001+03:002020-03-10T13:29:39.617+03:00Rain Rain Go Away, We Want to Get Out Again Some Day<br />
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Back in 2016 I participated in the Behavioral Ecology of
African Mammals study abroad course at Michigan State University. That was the
time I knew that I had to come back to Kenya. I had to experience more than
just three weeks of the beautiful scenery and lands that Kenya had to offer,
specifically the Maasai Mara National Reserve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, as I write this, I have been in Kenya for nine months.
Within the past nine months I have experienced lion-hyena interactions, hyena
kills, rhino sightings, leopards mating, lions mating, hyenas mating, a clan
split, the Great Migration, clan wars, many new hyena babies, and a whole lot
of rain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Below you will read about some of most vivid experiences that
I will remember forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>October 9<sup>th</sup>, 2019 – Lions and Talek West<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">It was a normal morning of observations, where we get
up and leave at 5:30am, drive to one of our clan’s dens, and then go explore
that clan’s territory. When it was time to go back to camp for breakfast, we
had a surprise waiting for us. We were about to cross one of our most used
crossings, “15 Years Crossing,” when all of a sudden, we heard multiple giggles
and whoops coming from our Talek West Clan. We sped down “Hyena Highway” and to
our amazement, we saw 5 lions (2 lionesses and 3 subadult males) pacing back
and forth, and multiple members of the Talek West Clan circling these lions.
This was my first lion-hyena session to transcribe and I was racing with
adrenaline. The lions had an old wildebeest carcass in the bushes and the Talek
West Clan were denning about 200 meters away. There were cubs at the den, and
when lions are close, this can be very dangerous. Due to interspecies
competition, lions will kill hyenas. An interaction was bound to happen, with
lions on a carcass and being too close to the hyena den. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The interaction began
with one hyena whooping to call for the others, and within seconds all the clan
members came running from many directions. The hyenas began to form a coalition
and mob the lions, approaching with bristle tails and giggling. By
this time, our hyenas were trying to obtain the old carcass and
push the lions away from the area. Two more subadult male lions came to
join the fun, but they just walked around the area slowly, being careful of the
hyenas. At one point in the session several hyenas mobbed at the lions and they
responded by growling and roaring. When this session was all said and done, one
hyena CRST* was left with the last piece of the wildebeest carcass, the spinal
cord. The lions slowly walked away to go lie down and nap for the day.
The rest of the Talek West Clan scattered to go back to the den to be with the cubs.
This busy session only lasted for about 30 minutes and once it ended, we drove
back to camp to go about our own daily routines.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>When the rains started<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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On November 19<sup>th</sup>, 2019 the rains began. We were
stuck in camp for about four weeks because the Mara landscape had too much
water and mud. When it rains we do not want to be out in the field and damage
the habitat with tracks from the land cruisers, and we do not want to get our
cruisers stuck in the black cotton mud. The days we can’t drive into the field,
we do a variety of chores in camp. We will inventory supplies, help our staff
clean camp, make sure that the tents in camp are protected from rain, do
accounting, and will print off updated pictures of the hyenas. We will study
hyena pictures to memorize spot patterns and when we have any down time, we
will color and listen to podcasts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were able to get back into the field again in the
beginning of January. Once we drove into the field, we noticed a whole change
of scenery. The rains have caused the grasses to grow to the height of the hood
of our cruisers. It has been difficult to find some of the hyenas and their
dens, but we were on the search. Our Pond Clan had a large baby boom while we
were away and we now have 10 new cubs to keep track of. Sadly, the rains are
still occurring on and off, but we attempt to get out whenever we are able to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
January 25<sup>th</sup>, 2020 was a night we were able to
get out to the field, and we were not disappointed. Although it was sprinkling
a bit, we were optimistic about going to the field. I was driving and Tori
Hanley, my coRA, was transcribing. I was heading to Nairobi the next morning,
so two Serena Ras, Matthew McBride and Lili Afifi, were along with us for obs.
We were on our way back to camp when we spotted some hyena friends near a
landmark called Croton Island (an area of bushes made of Croton bushes). KNOT**,
LYON***, and CLEE****.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We noticed more hyenas were walk arriving from the South,
with being stuck in camp for multiple weeks, we were thrilled to finally see
our Talek West Clan again. All of a sudden, we see this darkly spotted hyena
sprinting after a Thomson’s Gazelle. It was raining hard at this point but we
had to see what was going to happen. CLEE saw this darkly spotted hyena and
started to lope after it and help with the hunt. Finally, this darkly spotted hyena
slowed down the Thomson’s Gazelle and was able to catch it. This hyena was CHLD*****,
a subadult hyena. CLEE was right by CHLD’s side eating dinner when MDSA******,
an adult female came along to join the fun. She took this kill from CHLD and
CLEE, and ate it for herself. Higher ranking females will obtain the food for
themselves, even if they don’t make the kill. This was an experience I will
never forget. Watching CHLD run down this gazelle at full speed, was
incredible. We had to head back home due to heavy rains but the Mara will
always give us a treat when we are able to get out to the field. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Hopeful with good spirits<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a few more months in the Maasai Mara, and to say that
I am emotional would be an understatement. The staff, my coRAs Benson and Tori,
have become my family. I am soaking in every moment I have left here, whether
we are able to get out to the field or not. These past nine months have been
magical, with ups, downs, and all arounds, I have fallen in love with the
country of Kenya and its magic. Here is to my last few months in the Maasai
Mara National Reserve!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: grass, sky, outdoor and nature" height="215" src="https://scontent.fnbo4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/87988188_10216554893169111_2857315242357030912_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=0be424&_nc_eui2=AeEcEUacl2HySUpxAxPcURd8qpsqUXoXmGbzeQ_Wmy_vV-LVdpatgkuUMoQK6Knv3DvlaneUQExGOoEwCrJ7i5nfyWBmfCuSxBnusfWbg39l9w&_nc_oc=AQmd1GIIdJ6ylrARz8g4mve0E_Q4LX3A2pTmhPn7YrVRgPL80sofVPG5kjvfxkh7guI&_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo4-1.fna&oh=e01192dffa6dbc98f62ad10fdf54fc13&oe=5EA746CA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken at Lucky Leopard Den in Pond territory. This a normal occurrence at these dens, a bundle of cubs and few adults lounging around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: sky and outdoor" height="225" src="https://scontent.fnbo4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/82134721_10216181922405075_2215822401655013376_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=e007fa&_nc_eui2=AeFn-8ZoICY7SRUtOVF8d88gPRjO7t_fZoMFlYZZzt6so9s0Yu1TwWlEEppHKoZvGDEQFSrGZ6Dg3KeZOE-tE2th4gQSXnAfxVj1M6a-qTeXEg&_nc_oc=AQkw3woAqEyhLMhDt5pBXhnwJxeKArvT6fj0r61hp9HzJSiBa-R7IKKcz2vLXmIJVeo&_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo4-1.fna&oh=bc7ec72c57f840259067c2a600eed5f2&oe=5E927F33" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was on solo obs back in January, when I came across this leopard sitting in a tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: sky, nature and outdoor" height="217" src="https://scontent.fnbo4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/85203454_10216554892449093_2608268333883064320_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=0be424&_nc_eui2=AeFcej5xq55YH7xlHqB1BSQP3uMqck_sfUOfKacu7-zOgi4AJF_52948hOuzRgPEg3sUEVmY5hTIo5GdWzJ33G0iRCX6OSL9bAWUdS1hUvHcHQ&_nc_oc=AQkAR_SBKXWQpqLJ8LRVl6xDmh5Ee4MhGgQPWd1cyNp0YzKD_5rD-MiuA3zBi7i7cOc&_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo4-1.fna&oh=369b5c3f3f25855a8ded2dbd8aea7d2c&oe=5E8F8D6A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An elephant making his way through the Maasai Mara landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*CRST = Cristo Rendentor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">**KNOT = Knot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">****LYON = Lyon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*****CLEE = Cleveland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">******CHLD = Child's pose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*******MDSA = Medusazoa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Abby Thiemkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03105985279789950357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-44453674840445883952020-02-28T19:45:00.001+03:002020-02-28T19:45:55.339+03:00The flood scare that wasn’t a false alarm…<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The flood
scare that wasn’t a false alarm…<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">This wasn’t the first flood scare we had, but it would certainly
be the one we remember. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">The night before, we were woken by Stephen and Lesingo; the water
from the Talek River had risen some 30 feet and was now breaking at the kitchen
tent. So, in the dead of night, we packed the cars full of our most valuable
things and moved everything from the kitchen to the lab tent, which sat on
higher ground. We ended up with a stove and a fridge on our dining room table.
But as the night went on, the river receded, I was sent back to bed, and we
were in the clear…for now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as the guys had settled everything back into the kitchen so
that we were able to cook food, the river rose again the next night. But this
time, it didn’t just stop at the kitchen tent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I had experienced quite a few flood false alarms since coming to
Talek Camp about 3 months ago, but when Lesingo woke me that morning of January
30</span><sup><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 115%;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> at 4am, something told me that
this was the moment we had been preparing for. I quickly gathered my belongings
and followed Lesingo into the night to see how high the river had risen into
camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">The kitchen tent did not have the waters breaking at its edge this
time. It was completely engulfed, already about a foot deep in murky brown
water, and rising still. The river made its way to the edges of the lab tent,
and eventually, took that too. We had a lake instead of a driveway. The shower
and the choo (Swahili for toilet) were completely underwater. We were running
out of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-4AOihyVYEbBesCEcOSy4L5YnLaU1Jp8QgoSZ3IqX2x0PtPQ_4cFGE8lv7TqJG9-fmY84B-sV1J4fnTOLbWVa_Hg9_kJXExlaVjhLSPqa_3IGphynls7iDIPjLDG7dKGe__OLvDCAjbj/s1600/IMG_2963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-4AOihyVYEbBesCEcOSy4L5YnLaU1Jp8QgoSZ3IqX2x0PtPQ_4cFGE8lv7TqJG9-fmY84B-sV1J4fnTOLbWVa_Hg9_kJXExlaVjhLSPqa_3IGphynls7iDIPjLDG7dKGe__OLvDCAjbj/s200/IMG_2963.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3motOaTFkoEh7AB_UaAlkb_Za1KvWpukMufQNPNhzEQ84wdK4HKFUOsTzZjEoDYp_Rq6C-iYaqzyFBP8lPNc1NHTDRk-EJiGY6IM7bJLqjkYH0kk3LhzG5HBA3ITmfQOhjABjjEgXEHWr/s1600/IMG_2937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3motOaTFkoEh7AB_UaAlkb_Za1KvWpukMufQNPNhzEQ84wdK4HKFUOsTzZjEoDYp_Rq6C-iYaqzyFBP8lPNc1NHTDRk-EJiGY6IM7bJLqjkYH0kk3LhzG5HBA3ITmfQOhjABjjEgXEHWr/s320/IMG_2937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">In a hurry, we went through the lab tent flood protocol and loaded
the Land Cruisers with the rest of the valuables that weren’t taken the night
before and packed them to the ceilings with LN</span><span style="font-family: "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">₂</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> tanks, test tubes, ID books,
GPS collars, and anything else we could fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrEQVRJadedvuHqjtI2AkhrsLrLArmsNmuTn8aSLqt5J9sZMGFMkPS4vEmYZAbQwTL6bX8q6e-oJBXA7080C1knfyhvqobAaooXlNFXcxK_5-e0xxsHP0Yw3DaT6FGFGeIewN-_U_pYlv/s1600/20200130_090349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrEQVRJadedvuHqjtI2AkhrsLrLArmsNmuTn8aSLqt5J9sZMGFMkPS4vEmYZAbQwTL6bX8q6e-oJBXA7080C1knfyhvqobAaooXlNFXcxK_5-e0xxsHP0Yw3DaT6FGFGeIewN-_U_pYlv/s320/20200130_090349.JPG" width="180" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Eventually the sun began to rise as we moved to higher ground and
we were able to fully see for the first time how much damage the Talek River
had actually caused. We waited with the cars on higher ground for nearly 6
hours, while often heading back into camp to asses the situation as the river
continued to rise, and then eventually return to its banks. I made several
trips back to my tent as I saw the water rising nearer and nearer each time. By
the final trip, my tent no longer looked like a cozy home away from home, but
rather a scene out of the Twister movie. I had stacked drawers upon desks, and
bedding upon drawers, and then more rugs and clothes on top of those. I
stripped my bed completely and flipped it over, stacking it even higher on top
of the pile of all of my things. I don’t know whether it was the river mocking
me for having turned the inside of my tent completely upside down, or simply
sheer luck, but the waters never reached my tent, and for that I am grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">By around 9 am, just as all of our stomachs were beginning to
rumble, Benson emerges from the bushes carrying a crate of soda and a
Tupperware container full of leftover bread. It was breakfast for today, and we
ate and drank and laughed over the fact that the guys were most upset that they
hadn’t saved the chai tea from the kitchen to go with their well balanced
breakfast. If you know the Masai men, you know nothing can stand between them
and their chai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">By 10 am the waters of the Talek River had finally receded. The
guys had managed to drag the stove from its safe haven on the dining room table
of the lab tent, to a dry and shady spot just outside of camp. Within moments
we had eggs on the burners, tables and chairs set up in the grass and hot food
in our bellies. From that moment on, beginning with that stove, we rebuilt
camp. First a tarp to cover the stove, then batteries and lights to see in the
dark, more tables for dish washing, another camping tent to store food…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETrxOEgS1JTjV1QTlm6m3tsiWwSbSS3lowH1GTrIESnR8aSGb7ttrGpyS4cC6tkzhmPGHCbt1EnXMxWpaWMamJTj6GbSG6dBgxkFOMbCPHUc1k-OcZXbnxv3k-PtDbH4cKMPqkrxEh3Qf/s1600/IMG_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETrxOEgS1JTjV1QTlm6m3tsiWwSbSS3lowH1GTrIESnR8aSGb7ttrGpyS4cC6tkzhmPGHCbt1EnXMxWpaWMamJTj6GbSG6dBgxkFOMbCPHUc1k-OcZXbnxv3k-PtDbH4cKMPqkrxEh3Qf/s320/IMG_2947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It all came together before
our eyes over the next few days. We made do with what we had, for we had come
to realize that what we had was much more than others who had been hit by the
flood, and we were feeling incredibly thankful. We had enough dry beds to sleep
in, clean water to drink, good food to eat, and a warm fire to sit by. All in
all, we made out from the flood pretty well. Our camp may have suffered severe
damage, but we managed to save nearly everything, most importantly our high
spirits. We will need those as we continue onto our 3</span><sup><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> week of rebuilding Talek Fisi Camp!</span></div>
</div>
<br />Tori Hanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17770248140924868113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-45087638202262589372020-02-26T09:46:00.000+03:002020-02-26T09:46:03.380+03:00An Ode to the Mara<style type="text/css">
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<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Most stay for a weekend</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">But I stayed the whole year through</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">And there’s nothing to say but</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">You’re the coolest of the cool</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">You got me into birding</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">So I’m officially a grandma</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">But I don’t mind</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">They make me ooh and ahh</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">And thanks for putting me with Jana</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">She tolerates my b.s.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Even when I ask her</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">To drive down The Abyss</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">You brought me close to my hyenas</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">And for that I’m forever thankful</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Not to mention all the sightings</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cheetahs and leopards, you’re never dull</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">We drive your tracks like we belong</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">But don’t worry, we never take you for granted</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Getting stuck when we least expect</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Leaving our respect for you, un-slanted</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Your skies make our jaws drop</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Burning suns behind wispy clouds</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Teaching us to use our cameras</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">And making our photos the talk of the town</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Each of our clans that grace your lands</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Entertain us to no end</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Zebra, North, and South</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Intertwining, and hard to count</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">ANUB* and ONEK* from South to North</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">MOMO*, GOLI*, KNG* and more</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Moving back to South, ensuring</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">South returns to it’s former glory</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">With only a few weeks left</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s a bittersweet goodbye</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">You’re biggest drawback</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">Is you don’t have tacos</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">But that isn’t a surprise</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">So thank you for the memories</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">The photos and the fun</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">My hyenas and I won’t forget</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;">This year even when it’s done</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Full Name: ANUB (Anubis), ONEK (Onekama), MOMO (Momo), GOLI (Goliath Bird Eating Spider), KNG (King Ghidorah)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i>
Please see below for some of my favorite wildlife photos taken this year:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rqSHlSZbIFO-RpR_8ckeQLOTxxzb39kLreS73k96cOWAcVzUoL7e0ykzYWYJfmyv2qupB8B-OQ1quDMr4ZcKXjt-tL2XBKsL7hd4h8VEIw6x6oE8MvLA9UX16TmGToL868tt9XLx-UMU/s1600/camera+stare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rqSHlSZbIFO-RpR_8ckeQLOTxxzb39kLreS73k96cOWAcVzUoL7e0ykzYWYJfmyv2qupB8B-OQ1quDMr4ZcKXjt-tL2XBKsL7hd4h8VEIw6x6oE8MvLA9UX16TmGToL868tt9XLx-UMU/s320/camera+stare.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera stare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NCMMZz1PdLzMer0QFMu7Ve-flBHqN_ZE4g0h7p7lCllvW6m42InywpQl8hHjAIQllPstH9PYop0TThGRNBig3xC8eS-9LynrIDfxkaPTGU9Pvu3nncLa8OCKql4KXOYrRCwy740Lwjr-/s1600/AMOR+climb+WAFL2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NCMMZz1PdLzMer0QFMu7Ve-flBHqN_ZE4g0h7p7lCllvW6m42InywpQl8hHjAIQllPstH9PYop0TThGRNBig3xC8eS-9LynrIDfxkaPTGU9Pvu3nncLa8OCKql4KXOYrRCwy740Lwjr-/s320/AMOR+climb+WAFL2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMOR* on top of mom, WAFL* </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qpLNOTeuM3lz_gGw5TDMLiDJCVS-FzVC846cq1SV6pNPNdRiCJyNZ1AJoOhrlvri2Zm4KhXZZ1anoIzy301MzdDvqiBhic3r8UNu5GlKTAJjIbJSd8lkrtSZyLEbxVdHVihw_RZ8Jn1a/s320/AMOR+smush+WAFL.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMOR* smushed against mom, WAFL*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qpLNOTeuM3lz_gGw5TDMLiDJCVS-FzVC846cq1SV6pNPNdRiCJyNZ1AJoOhrlvri2Zm4KhXZZ1anoIzy301MzdDvqiBhic3r8UNu5GlKTAJjIbJSd8lkrtSZyLEbxVdHVihw_RZ8Jn1a/s1600/AMOR+smush+WAFL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgH_oJ1qc0wcuDfBNBj7H4dSLrWxAYt9EtSq8ry2asgOF9F2J_cSO1Jft_uI9BdzQmZBTx7ZnG1tux2SmTrT0ZMzcHsybRARmZ-XElrw7YtIVoWSsjuLglLTWEAFNRrZXO4QZMsDDpQ3/s1600/behind+termites.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgH_oJ1qc0wcuDfBNBj7H4dSLrWxAYt9EtSq8ry2asgOF9F2J_cSO1Jft_uI9BdzQmZBTx7ZnG1tux2SmTrT0ZMzcHsybRARmZ-XElrw7YtIVoWSsjuLglLTWEAFNRrZXO4QZMsDDpQ3/s320/behind+termites.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPCE* framed by termites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GUg-ZdOfxOq-9PP0aJwW-gpxNG0XuZOimnwfEEZzUxJy6_ZPCufK5tp1Z429G29D3mSScHU2kQUB4NdGJ01Ndt0y5IlBhcrhyphenhyphen2aDPEvuu5SpB2nL06dGPBR8XTeuN8-cfe61wUEKVL3X/s1600/carcass+ANUB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GUg-ZdOfxOq-9PP0aJwW-gpxNG0XuZOimnwfEEZzUxJy6_ZPCufK5tp1Z429G29D3mSScHU2kQUB4NdGJ01Ndt0y5IlBhcrhyphenhyphen2aDPEvuu5SpB2nL06dGPBR8XTeuN8-cfe61wUEKVL3X/s320/carcass+ANUB.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANUB* throws a carcass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxylVjkNnr4YAZITnLDKrLAJUKDPh9GuNNFXg9rBpcw01kA_CjeI8cdLuy0JVm3WLBBl-pnDFncYn2lstr8dgOS1LwefjpL4Qaaa7z5lBoToHXZADrotuJ9lkQy4hk5I1pY_i6987WMpgC/s1600/carcass+KRKN2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxylVjkNnr4YAZITnLDKrLAJUKDPh9GuNNFXg9rBpcw01kA_CjeI8cdLuy0JVm3WLBBl-pnDFncYn2lstr8dgOS1LwefjpL4Qaaa7z5lBoToHXZADrotuJ9lkQy4hk5I1pY_i6987WMpgC/s320/carcass+KRKN2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KRKN* carries a carcass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0p3rfbgn7jKKWZ141_drPwZO7hwGX77Z0bHwMqz9GV1Mb2Z1y0E1a3Ivv_a1jm8gupjfzybJszrI3THg-92eM_2xgAlNEzDoEqkmQPsjuK2tGhRY__4WGV79DC4S3-kBxN2HBq5BlLnD/s1600/freakout+HRLY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0p3rfbgn7jKKWZ141_drPwZO7hwGX77Z0bHwMqz9GV1Mb2Z1y0E1a3Ivv_a1jm8gupjfzybJszrI3THg-92eM_2xgAlNEzDoEqkmQPsjuK2tGhRY__4WGV79DC4S3-kBxN2HBq5BlLnD/s320/freakout+HRLY.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HRLY* freaks out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4abJaN1q6BKltuUL7UssLnPEE-oow1HD6BIk_QfFlmdIQOJTPl7lYtp-fYNqKcpeFKSSeEk6ki2BGGaRgZ7G5JxLJXXG_wSDwgJ3nZTJEW8-7yiRQ0X3pVP-oePFiinx3ni67kEW5EwiP/s1600/freakout+UNO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4abJaN1q6BKltuUL7UssLnPEE-oow1HD6BIk_QfFlmdIQOJTPl7lYtp-fYNqKcpeFKSSeEk6ki2BGGaRgZ7G5JxLJXXG_wSDwgJ3nZTJEW8-7yiRQ0X3pVP-oePFiinx3ni67kEW5EwiP/s320/freakout+UNO.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNO* freaks out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaklNxLjFDirW4yovOXD0wwcHuOY0uzyKnw-prFKQCc5R1RFbJA9V-klWQZNy4arbAE0O1Zk2uxYvQd6ogwh0MkMlJWm9XNpK97_u7PMBwxwCUBeiCT0Qbm-6OaNDGUFr8WcdkmiWAxJr/s1600/NEDL+prance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaklNxLjFDirW4yovOXD0wwcHuOY0uzyKnw-prFKQCc5R1RFbJA9V-klWQZNy4arbAE0O1Zk2uxYvQd6ogwh0MkMlJWm9XNpK97_u7PMBwxwCUBeiCT0Qbm-6OaNDGUFr8WcdkmiWAxJr/s320/NEDL+prance.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NEDL* prance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc_RFQH4T4yCWmz5lNI23EVa8ZCK4cO1bWcbMhzFaRFTSWiCWSPkZhKwkI7MOP_l_7gEkb5y0N6Gmk7Jhh0sZH67EXhlfdbnEVXvQp2-32qCT7ZN57UpWHepPz0oztqa5_jmPfdAwpPAs/s1600/roll+SAW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc_RFQH4T4yCWmz5lNI23EVa8ZCK4cO1bWcbMhzFaRFTSWiCWSPkZhKwkI7MOP_l_7gEkb5y0N6Gmk7Jhh0sZH67EXhlfdbnEVXvQp2-32qCT7ZN57UpWHepPz0oztqa5_jmPfdAwpPAs/s320/roll+SAW.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAW* rolls </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5eEsdyhCkQ67McdK1CtZO5mcV0-HKUznRiOmwyrBWWdkEC0g1hswBtLNQAq4Odwm2soW-q3CWxv_5mUDPtCgJKYRiWVCQQ4lmbnvZ3Z6GO2HEtNJbTBNXCPn-T8WfYXjqL0wEPKTBfS6/s320/TLDA+grumpy+hp.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grumpy baby TLDA*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5eEsdyhCkQ67McdK1CtZO5mcV0-HKUznRiOmwyrBWWdkEC0g1hswBtLNQAq4Odwm2soW-q3CWxv_5mUDPtCgJKYRiWVCQQ4lmbnvZ3Z6GO2HEtNJbTBNXCPn-T8WfYXjqL0wEPKTBfS6/s1600/TLDA+grumpy+hp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5eEsdyhCkQ67McdK1CtZO5mcV0-HKUznRiOmwyrBWWdkEC0g1hswBtLNQAq4Odwm2soW-q3CWxv_5mUDPtCgJKYRiWVCQQ4lmbnvZ3Z6GO2HEtNJbTBNXCPn-T8WfYXjqL0wEPKTBfS6/s1600/TLDA+grumpy+hp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi356SFoJMg8yXyYdX8_w2ymvZjjRDI2onsCSpxN3uwstutZqbqQeloFIVsN5Kch_qhVPsFNug-lKEapY5ufQ8w0zFGBvHiytqvwRZ_XKpNZtrsvak_Rk_SDmUbi00gfomEFz8i2c7shH0y/s1600/WSKY+w%253A+vertebra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi356SFoJMg8yXyYdX8_w2ymvZjjRDI2onsCSpxN3uwstutZqbqQeloFIVsN5Kch_qhVPsFNug-lKEapY5ufQ8w0zFGBvHiytqvwRZ_XKpNZtrsvak_Rk_SDmUbi00gfomEFz8i2c7shH0y/s320/WSKY+w%253A+vertebra.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WSKY* got a vertebra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpRb35iVWnqRyBUfNCYj8LTbw6snXYWsHrYp8haCqd_wejtaAeTaVyAB2r9d-sxGG-XCJqWeg-b9lt5bHMxpc_JZJhBgPrfzLNzpbJSpkbibpb1WJtzi87RWoujTWugIEVHRCpxrMpfuq/s1600/yawn+SNUG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpRb35iVWnqRyBUfNCYj8LTbw6snXYWsHrYp8haCqd_wejtaAeTaVyAB2r9d-sxGG-XCJqWeg-b9lt5bHMxpc_JZJhBgPrfzLNzpbJSpkbibpb1WJtzi87RWoujTWugIEVHRCpxrMpfuq/s320/yawn+SNUG.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNUG* yawns weirdly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX_T5fzvt53xTndSXf1HupojsJR0t-aaHsEw7B9fgek391ZQkPjhYJQsDMXkbr5pce0r-R7V9gU2-unVD3rF9WUMQsdtV3hxwSJMcD6CBV2cXW_UpmZysjpw9B2zF3VKjAy6dQICOimRh/s1600/scritch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX_T5fzvt53xTndSXf1HupojsJR0t-aaHsEw7B9fgek391ZQkPjhYJQsDMXkbr5pce0r-R7V9gU2-unVD3rF9WUMQsdtV3hxwSJMcD6CBV2cXW_UpmZysjpw9B2zF3VKjAy6dQICOimRh/s320/scritch.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scratch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi153Lr-Kg1hSyLhmIKsttnBTyvyZTWH9F7V0VV5gh70ZpG4w-Ub6s6QPTxOom2EJvUxUKJPfCQDrSBKVmBMa3BBW0unUFgh_oyFMFg1MPFQl_CUj_Gg5j8lfzlhQPBz_nzstuTW9LKQdQp/s1600/yawn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi153Lr-Kg1hSyLhmIKsttnBTyvyZTWH9F7V0VV5gh70ZpG4w-Ub6s6QPTxOom2EJvUxUKJPfCQDrSBKVmBMa3BBW0unUFgh_oyFMFg1MPFQl_CUj_Gg5j8lfzlhQPBz_nzstuTW9LKQdQp/s320/yawn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many yawns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqM35rv4wU_RCeRgnAtQOl0tcoFOxFiZ23URLg983mx1x2G-cE0rpuVas7kdHz9DDhtX31IPRJPr3LBjEWyAhTGnLZBww1uuL46cGHcvPz4mO7-4P9POoslDjfFzJ0B0lJeIUsKJO35p4/s1600/bedhead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqM35rv4wU_RCeRgnAtQOl0tcoFOxFiZ23URLg983mx1x2G-cE0rpuVas7kdHz9DDhtX31IPRJPr3LBjEWyAhTGnLZBww1uuL46cGHcvPz4mO7-4P9POoslDjfFzJ0B0lJeIUsKJO35p4/s320/bedhead.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NACexiuSBNXnVfk23mT8IOJcatYdrSZCABToyh7j3CsAEDwZ4hbOk6bTqwaChjqbZOBARylzd8wpEBCufcPJYfG5ePQHLzF33hAiuX3a-7gWXkx5cFPcxGK8R3mcNd5Dj3ucePbKd-_-/s1600/flehmen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NACexiuSBNXnVfk23mT8IOJcatYdrSZCABToyh7j3CsAEDwZ4hbOk6bTqwaChjqbZOBARylzd8wpEBCufcPJYfG5ePQHLzF33hAiuX3a-7gWXkx5cFPcxGK8R3mcNd5Dj3ucePbKd-_-/s320/flehmen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flehmen response</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFbbpfcLIY9gQhf4tOGasF1TazYm8XbKlemOsDMQBy-HtJEKCofjIDjvrpEeUJ3ZeP3qdaXY8rAp9iV3yblUfzvpNDy6st5OBGscvUXzOMoZ0UJBsRk2hwJ-M6G8Cd7SNiYaEbUFiVU5m/s1600/scrunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFbbpfcLIY9gQhf4tOGasF1TazYm8XbKlemOsDMQBy-HtJEKCofjIDjvrpEeUJ3ZeP3qdaXY8rAp9iV3yblUfzvpNDy6st5OBGscvUXzOMoZ0UJBsRk2hwJ-M6G8Cd7SNiYaEbUFiVU5m/s320/scrunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flehmen response again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaobylYnWfo3Pndp6dCMYlqHyez0F7eB0pLxbZRpcgdTFbJy0cU9OecZ71Y-L__6tvO6Zam88IxR9pMWMSE3NhBlpTKogY-9_ImAXUkP1sr3HWGMf8hZsHY6y4CFi5C5FVDvikUPjufk5/s1600/wana+fight%253F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaobylYnWfo3Pndp6dCMYlqHyez0F7eB0pLxbZRpcgdTFbJy0cU9OecZ71Y-L__6tvO6Zam88IxR9pMWMSE3NhBlpTKogY-9_ImAXUkP1sr3HWGMf8hZsHY6y4CFi5C5FVDvikUPjufk5/s320/wana+fight%253F.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanna go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WT6BjVQRWOc6PdynccUEEqJJzR_FTxviDdVOphyuOTTontmUsxencZikTHH6wgoHDKRXa0OKmO5ygRV0ItXMYqaLjUxmO202OO9oP55rQgiRuRkHNd7xfp2x8O__Cczf61bsMAp5bDI0/s1600/nany+on+mama2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WT6BjVQRWOc6PdynccUEEqJJzR_FTxviDdVOphyuOTTontmUsxencZikTHH6wgoHDKRXa0OKmO5ygRV0ItXMYqaLjUxmO202OO9oP55rQgiRuRkHNd7xfp2x8O__Cczf61bsMAp5bDI0/s320/nany+on+mama2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't fall off mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJgzVPo3QeNSTF0Y8qaKTv8zGlC0tnJDKQFyhaQ7KRrlJXAKNN-Odgd2t_0eG5siAKb2NgaCgdiJ4WNxUTIUdTAGBX1Tz1iQp0M-98I-hyMIYnmxSBFZronQF8Qtm0D44-4IBKGp6zEy/s1600/high+boi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="981" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJgzVPo3QeNSTF0Y8qaKTv8zGlC0tnJDKQFyhaQ7KRrlJXAKNN-Odgd2t_0eG5siAKb2NgaCgdiJ4WNxUTIUdTAGBX1Tz1iQp0M-98I-hyMIYnmxSBFZronQF8Qtm0D44-4IBKGp6zEy/s320/high+boi.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohhhh man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8i882Ycj7YEunGl7j7dLGsXMJW1ixnxLWMrzzEJEYfTrh8b4Faa81O4NTV3RplRo2dG04tx3odEkSrpvUpMvtV6sKBDvB40SCmaZ3n6toAtHNYX2LeVxy_BCCFZ6tTiTdQ5GlOTpiuql/s1600/baby+trumpet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8i882Ycj7YEunGl7j7dLGsXMJW1ixnxLWMrzzEJEYfTrh8b4Faa81O4NTV3RplRo2dG04tx3odEkSrpvUpMvtV6sKBDvB40SCmaZ3n6toAtHNYX2LeVxy_BCCFZ6tTiTdQ5GlOTpiuql/s320/baby+trumpet2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbHv4BcPv0S86sy3V2hTkavNWg-B5ZHFBJKcWsou9AbfP9C9L5wajhXYk8FROUAOWfJt9pmFerXvwpLibXGOjLEtI4qc1G3rxXJ1rMweXhgH06lCRP6J0h7MrGMg_hsP7yBBD9LvD-Wtb/s1600/snack+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbHv4BcPv0S86sy3V2hTkavNWg-B5ZHFBJKcWsou9AbfP9C9L5wajhXYk8FROUAOWfJt9pmFerXvwpLibXGOjLEtI4qc1G3rxXJ1rMweXhgH06lCRP6J0h7MrGMg_hsP7yBBD9LvD-Wtb/s320/snack+time.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVJx5XVxPLfFkvZAz6v8Uf9MN9bllVOkFu2js6mdDoaYNn3K10np5OU7xgoEvZtiIhJMVxuc8yFAjMtsTHRQKeuc3nPUVkJ4-mzAnlk8ngUOlmF2HFYA15PGww2evcHcq3MDEiPzDOvv1/s1600/gremlin+flehmen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVJx5XVxPLfFkvZAz6v8Uf9MN9bllVOkFu2js6mdDoaYNn3K10np5OU7xgoEvZtiIhJMVxuc8yFAjMtsTHRQKeuc3nPUVkJ4-mzAnlk8ngUOlmF2HFYA15PGww2evcHcq3MDEiPzDOvv1/s320/gremlin+flehmen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flehmen response!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Full Names: AMOR (Amoretti), WAFL (Waffles), SPCE (Myspace), ANUB (Anubis), KRKN (The Kraken), HRLY (Harlequin), UNO (Uno), NEDL (Needle), SAW (Sawtooth), TLDA (Matilda), WSKY (Whiskey Sour), SNUG (Silver Nugget)</i></span>Lila Afifihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06191470412735338261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819688123764229065.post-89505891173497677852020-02-25T10:08:00.000+03:002020-02-25T10:08:15.498+03:00Three Months In<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkI9zT3PwQ4R32WbnRD8EGjlwQbjXBpd_1WSYJULkrImXpbCtEf0UWWcHjcZtY4VlcWpiI9531WeZDDsra2E3vQrqHJsiGsjeqSF0SIh1aCCg5ELSIMLKatIXRTOkg-Asv4Lvi3UX7Ab3/s1600/flycatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkI9zT3PwQ4R32WbnRD8EGjlwQbjXBpd_1WSYJULkrImXpbCtEf0UWWcHjcZtY4VlcWpiI9531WeZDDsra2E3vQrqHJsiGsjeqSF0SIh1aCCg5ELSIMLKatIXRTOkg-Asv4Lvi3UX7Ab3/s640/flycatcher.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Paradise-flycatcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spend a lot of time outside. Pretty much from when we
start morning obs at 5:30 AM and return to camp after evening obs around 8:00
PM. Being outside this much lets you really get to know the Mara
and camp regulars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyilUMxyIiaFY_vRCRr8cupXrSdqevJgEyJK2AWjjz0uQ18hL_hqOxErgHV8PPHyCAdoo3kFEmOML90pj0kJp4FR_z8gmF25uhEmBhWn6yK9ezg8KJA6-TsxM3Onan5AEcxpBCFJrBF53J/s1600/grey+kestrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyilUMxyIiaFY_vRCRr8cupXrSdqevJgEyJK2AWjjz0uQ18hL_hqOxErgHV8PPHyCAdoo3kFEmOML90pj0kJp4FR_z8gmF25uhEmBhWn6yK9ezg8KJA6-TsxM3Onan5AEcxpBCFJrBF53J/s640/grey+kestrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This snag almost always has a grey kestrel perched on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfDW7-tTOCo45oeBdBcKQ7C1KsuFIgk-DQKivJ1AKx-7x34mER9qL9pIfjuUxIbw0wxNrvZ3Sas0LjWuX-LapTMO-dnL_Bqyb4y0TiVspE73I8WDjWao5i5nyoRtrJbbQZrV0HGOFSK9_/s1600/Schalow%2527s+turaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfDW7-tTOCo45oeBdBcKQ7C1KsuFIgk-DQKivJ1AKx-7x34mER9qL9pIfjuUxIbw0wxNrvZ3Sas0LjWuX-LapTMO-dnL_Bqyb4y0TiVspE73I8WDjWao5i5nyoRtrJbbQZrV0HGOFSK9_/s640/Schalow%2527s+turaco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schalow's Turaco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hardly a day goes by that I don’t see or hear African
black-headed orioles, Schalow’s turacos, or African paradise flycatchers around
camp. Schalow's turacos are gorgeous but stay high up in the canopy where they have proven challenging to photograph. Others are far more unpredictable. A week ago violet-backed starlings
suddenly flooded into camp, and three days later they were gone. Twice I have seen
a grey-headed bush-shrike skulking through camp, once in early December and
again a few days ago. It stealthily crept through the branches of the trees in
camp until the flycatchers discovered it and harassed it out of camp. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInXWfg44BfUHZDx-5rHMajVCKPA14Y5yD3UQlQOVREQBWxJ42ge1b1wfWCYOoCISYphiWQlwjsZdbPzKpJkW-yyAksYI_NAD7lX7U5_A2sjT1DMep78nPoVcESKrSyqnnhRFKj89yiSsa/s1600/Black-headed+oriole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInXWfg44BfUHZDx-5rHMajVCKPA14Y5yD3UQlQOVREQBWxJ42ge1b1wfWCYOoCISYphiWQlwjsZdbPzKpJkW-yyAksYI_NAD7lX7U5_A2sjT1DMep78nPoVcESKrSyqnnhRFKj89yiSsa/s640/Black-headed+oriole.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Black-headed Oriole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We also have
a warthog sow and piglet who visit camp everyday. She used two have two other piglets (but we think they may have been taken by a leopard) and two warthog boars. There
is a third granddaddy of all warthog boars with massive tusks who I usually see
on the edge of camp but rarely comes in when the other two boars do. Four or five dik dik also run around camp
with their tiny noses wiggling at full speed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTv1-UQe4xTzRlUdNS8boV63FZ_nH9edhTP6oBjivmK-KxVZrKIeCzzd-rgj9qJDOC03YcbUIIzHmygtbrO8bsd3-WNngZkLogFWlq_B642QcEFyLnecjcOHiA12CUkzLYWudHTfZHbUZ/s1600/DSC_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTv1-UQe4xTzRlUdNS8boV63FZ_nH9edhTP6oBjivmK-KxVZrKIeCzzd-rgj9qJDOC03YcbUIIzHmygtbrO8bsd3-WNngZkLogFWlq_B642QcEFyLnecjcOHiA12CUkzLYWudHTfZHbUZ/s640/DSC_4748.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma warthog with her last remaining piglet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknBn3JfYohEIGvo3IC4MgJ8WNWYT7yWGCVJopk257xQnYFWI0TFfnFguiKQSZ2MVwATn89nUtzAdLqt5Mh8OtPCYjpBV7dJXgrqwrtH6g0C3DrKGWzLHpGid-qqz8E4CtIwvjW6ghuIcD/s1600/leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknBn3JfYohEIGvo3IC4MgJ8WNWYT7yWGCVJopk257xQnYFWI0TFfnFguiKQSZ2MVwATn89nUtzAdLqt5Mh8OtPCYjpBV7dJXgrqwrtH6g0C3DrKGWzLHpGid-qqz8E4CtIwvjW6ghuIcD/s640/leopard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A leopard we've seen frequently not too far from camp.</td></tr>
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A pair of cranes that nested in
our Happy Zebra territory raised a chick from a tiny ball of fluff to a funky
teenager. They consistently hang out at a particular pond and so we’ve gotten
to watch the chick grow up. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AzJnLhcPazYhA_iNpGxVuS_djgyiHg-2VzRbomMaa8D0kcMVvAkLCRYyiZ2BlzaH4V19SlxHaFYbANWhhEgl6RcWVLyg8uMj6kCTYPFB0IGEbYwYD4JS2m9SSM5mtg5cSwXiuiD3weKV/s1600/DSC_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AzJnLhcPazYhA_iNpGxVuS_djgyiHg-2VzRbomMaa8D0kcMVvAkLCRYyiZ2BlzaH4V19SlxHaFYbANWhhEgl6RcWVLyg8uMj6kCTYPFB0IGEbYwYD4JS2m9SSM5mtg5cSwXiuiD3weKV/s640/DSC_2400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyO9rcsEoRa1jzWuPSoGoKl3QdjPaVjr8DJJN-5sET0o9FyK5uVzTsFg0QVS6-zmC4HGrFf7zGP2LqIcZ5A1sfuipZS87Z6nz3oXKeuTh8TV2XFofOtGfWuFn-7rI9PnmgdL1LTWF6iUi/s1600/DSC_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyO9rcsEoRa1jzWuPSoGoKl3QdjPaVjr8DJJN-5sET0o9FyK5uVzTsFg0QVS6-zmC4HGrFf7zGP2LqIcZ5A1sfuipZS87Z6nz3oXKeuTh8TV2XFofOtGfWuFn-7rI9PnmgdL1LTWF6iUi/s640/DSC_4226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite crane family</td></tr>
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Two palearctic migrants, black storks and white
storks (super creative names, right) have also showed up in the past two weeks.
Large flocks of white storks have been using the marshy grassland in North
territory. Rains in late January filled up a creek that runs into the Mara
allowing fish to move in. The creek bends and forms a pool where
fish get trapped as it dries. The black storks were fishing there alongside the
regular Mara inhabitants like African spoonbills, woolly-necked storks, and
yellow-billed storks.<br />
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Now that pool dried up the black storks are using the
marshy grassland in North territory with the white storks. There are also tons
of shorebirds using the mudflats and marshes. I’m really hoping to see more
migrants moving back north at the end of this month and into April.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLPn_ms1ft6Xyn0GvytKwFK3s6cVPHQOCqBU0yNap45rFMc1uqvwzN0xclQBizyvv5d6kHKrB4BNKW_s5MVQ0TJN6zuTpZS6X816XbMA1wafTbRmu7NRKLHvs9tylU3_-6u_e7AvX53il/s1600/white+stork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLPn_ms1ft6Xyn0GvytKwFK3s6cVPHQOCqBU0yNap45rFMc1uqvwzN0xclQBizyvv5d6kHKrB4BNKW_s5MVQ0TJN6zuTpZS6X816XbMA1wafTbRmu7NRKLHvs9tylU3_-6u_e7AvX53il/s640/white+stork.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary white stork who was hanging out with some marabous</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e5vm-M-kAyPpW30ZDjpv2UkFtpc4wPV2184Ev1zoLV9SFWsLKBhjo6R1t3coP_N5POaDEfTgO2oi3YGqP7hSWBmF8uOIEXMbFfMF7lVQnmZzfPwAw11VebBHX-1YAkinRo41K2o_WWPT/s1600/black+stork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e5vm-M-kAyPpW30ZDjpv2UkFtpc4wPV2184Ev1zoLV9SFWsLKBhjo6R1t3coP_N5POaDEfTgO2oi3YGqP7hSWBmF8uOIEXMbFfMF7lVQnmZzfPwAw11VebBHX-1YAkinRo41K2o_WWPT/s640/black+stork.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black stork with a fish</td></tr>
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<br />Matthew McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03897272195857403327noreply@blogger.com0