5 Interesting Animals of the Kalahari - Evolve Back, Botswana
The Kalahari Desert, with its dearth of water, and harsh and extreme temperatures in both summer and winter, is not the easiest of places to live in. Yet, it is home to a wide variety of wildlife species which have adapted to these arid conditions. Predators often quench their thirst with the liquid from their prey, while herbivores eat water-rich plants and leaves.
Here are five of our favourite and interesting animals that share this unique habitat with us.
5 Interesting Animals of the Kalahari
Brown Hyena
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Also known as the ‘Strandwolf’, the Brown Hyena is one of the rarer species of hyena and is seldom seen. A Kalahari resident, they live in clans but usually forage and sleep alone. Brown Hyenas have a limited repertoire of vocal signals but possess a well-developed system of chemical communication through scent marking or pasting.
Black-backed Jackal
These hauntingly beautiful animals are monogamous and territorial. A black saddle intermixed with silvery hair extends from the shoulders to the base of the tail from which it gets its name. Fossil evidence has shown that they have occupied eastern and southern Africa for at least 2 to 3 million years.
Steenbok
One of our cutest and smallest antelopes, the Steenbok, is found widely in Southern Africa. Also known as the Dwarf antelope due to its small size, the Steenbok personifies the oft-held belief that bigger is not always better. The Steenbok uses his small size to great advantage – they lay low when they see a predator approach. This ensures that most predators end up not seeing them!
Greater Kudu
The Greater Kudu is one of the largest antelopes found in Africa and measures approx. five feet at the shoulder. While males usually live solitary lives, the females live in small groups of six to ten, comprising adult females and their offspring. While Greater Kudu can go for long periods without drinking they do become water-dependent when the vegetation turns dry.
Meerkats
One of Africa’s Shy Five they are found in sandy desert areas like the Kalahari. Members of the mongoose family, these sociable creatures form groups known as mobs or gangs, which a dominant male or female leads. They live in burrows consisting of extensive underground networks and huddle together in groups when they go to sleep. Meerkats can be seen standing in upright positions, like sentinels, as they look out for predators.
EVOLVE BACK GHAM DHAO LODGE
Evolve Back Gham Dhao Lodge is a boutique property situated on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. Classically African in style with a relaxed, informal ambience, it is the perfect gateway to the Kalahari.
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
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