Here is the follow-up to yesterday's blog post about Mapula Lodge July wildlife sightings..

Mapula Concession: Life and Death

Mapula Pack puppies.
Photo by Bill Given

Every year a pinnacle moment at Mapula Lodge is when the African wild dog puppies emerge from the den. This July was no different with the excitement of six little puppies appearing from the den. Unfortunately, within a week of their emergence conflict began between two factions of wild dogs resulting in the likely death of the mother and the loss of all the puppies. I shared the African Wild Dog deaths in an earlier blog post. It is hoped that the pack may den again this season.

Plains Game Viewing From Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge provides access to a good diversity of grazing species. Of special note is regular sightings of sable antelope. Very few areas have consistent sable viewing and in most areas they are quite skittish but those at Mapula often allow very close approach. Near the end of July a group of visiting safari planners were treated to a wonderful sable sighting, a first ever sighting of the species for a few of them.

Spectacular sable antelope are a Mapula specialty.
Photo by Bill Given

Mapula Lodge: Bird Watching

Wattled Crane.
Photo courtesy of International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Due to the large variety of habitats in the Mapula Concession it is particularly good for a diversity of birds. Of special interest in July Mapula has had sightings of wattled cranes. These are Africa’s largest cranes at six feet in height and can weigh up to 14 pounds. This bird is listed as a Vulnerable species.

Mapula Lodge Visit - 2009

I will be visiting Mapula in early September and able to report my own sightings. I will also be bringing a camera and 200-400 zoom lens for Dicks to use that should help us receive more photos in the future. Not to mention, I am also bringing my HD video camera, so I look forward to adding to the videos on our Africa Safari Video Channel as well as to the videos on TheWildSource.com.