It had been a warm golden sunny afternoon and as the evening descended, the last of the francolin were shrieking their last goodbyes to another day. We had just packed up after a refreshing drink to settle the afternoon dust and once again embarked on our journey to see what wonders lay waiting to be discovered.
After about fifteen minutes or so Winneth paused with the beam of the spotlight focused in a small patch of grass long enough to notice the outline of a serval. The serval is one of Africa's larger small cats (see ranger's diary titled "Serval on Thanda " ). After stopping and switching off the vehicles engine we sat patiently watching and waiting as unperturbed, this magnificent predator went about its routine of quietly walking, pausing and listening for any movement in the grass that would reveal the whereabouts of any unsuspecting prey.
Fascinated, we patiently watched when suddenly the spotted feline leapt into a tuft of grass and out of sight. Initially, due to its behaviour one would have assumed that the serval had had enough of us disturbing its hunt, and had merely decided to leave. This was not the case, and as we were preparing to leave so as not to disturb it any longer, the beautiful cat triumphantly emerged with a large thick bodied snake hanging limp from its jaws. Unfortunately due to lighting we were unable to positively identify the snake, but it appeared to be an adult Mozambique spitting cobra. Whatever it was, it proved no match for this agile hunter and its fate was sealed. Without further ado, the serval lay down in the long grass out of sight and began to feed on its quarry. Not wishing to disturb it any longer, we switched off the spotlight and listened to the cutting, crunching and grinding as the snake was slowly consumed.
Truly a memorable experience.
Till next time
After about fifteen minutes or so Winneth paused with the beam of the spotlight focused in a small patch of grass long enough to notice the outline of a serval. The serval is one of Africa's larger small cats (see ranger's diary titled "Serval on Thanda " ). After stopping and switching off the vehicles engine we sat patiently watching and waiting as unperturbed, this magnificent predator went about its routine of quietly walking, pausing and listening for any movement in the grass that would reveal the whereabouts of any unsuspecting prey.
Fascinated, we patiently watched when suddenly the spotted feline leapt into a tuft of grass and out of sight. Initially, due to its behaviour one would have assumed that the serval had had enough of us disturbing its hunt, and had merely decided to leave. This was not the case, and as we were preparing to leave so as not to disturb it any longer, the beautiful cat triumphantly emerged with a large thick bodied snake hanging limp from its jaws. Unfortunately due to lighting we were unable to positively identify the snake, but it appeared to be an adult Mozambique spitting cobra. Whatever it was, it proved no match for this agile hunter and its fate was sealed. Without further ado, the serval lay down in the long grass out of sight and began to feed on its quarry. Not wishing to disturb it any longer, we switched off the spotlight and listened to the cutting, crunching and grinding as the snake was slowly consumed.
Truly a memorable experience.
Till next time
Brent Botha - Head Guide