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Birding the Kruger Park (4): Letaba area

10,000 Birds

Reportedly, the Water Thick-knee sometimes locates its nest close to the nest of Nile crocodiles as this offers some protection. To put it in the language of science: “Males did not prefer conspecific females whenever they were given a choice of a larger heterospecific female” Bigger is always better?

Zimbabwe 147
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Frogs and Toads of the World: A Book Review by a Fairy Tale Junkie

10,000 Birds

Or, Pygmy leaf-folding frogs, Afrixalus brachycnemis, from Tanzania, tiny climbing frogs who lay their eggs in leaves and then fold the leaves over them for protection, sealing the nest with secretions. This exhibit has been making the rounds of science museums, and if comes to your area I highly recommend it, not just for kids.

Reptiles 182
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Africa’s endangered species

10,000 Birds

More than 150 bird species are known to have become extinct over the past 500 years, and many more are estimated to have been driven to extinction before they became known to science. A pair of Hooded Vultures in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania by Adam Riley.