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Looking for lunch


Looking for lunch
Photo Information
Copyright: Guy Castley (Greenie) Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 2 N: 16] (68)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-03-25
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon D70 DSLR, Nikkor 70-210mm AF, Kenko Skylight 1A 62mm
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Mammals of Southern Africa II, BEST OF: Foxes, Maned wolves, & Jackals 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-02-03 10:51
Viewed: 1025
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This shot of a black-backed jackal was taken in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Nossob River that forms the boundary between the South African and Botswanan sections of the park.

The Nossob River (and Auob River which also run through the park) are dry riverbeds that only flow periodically and also only along certain stretches of the river. The Auob flows more frequently than the Nossob but after heavy rains both can hold water along reaches of the river for some time.

This photo was taken after the park had had some good rains and the grass was starting to grow i nthe riverbeds. The onset of the rains also brings about changesin the fauna as there are more resources for them to eat. Small mammals (rodents) typically display a boom and bust type of cycle where their numbers explode seasonally once resources become super abundant (like after rain). The more rodents the more predators you see aroudn as well.

In addition to the jackal the raptors, particularly black-shouldered kite, also fluctuate in numbers.

The jackal, Canis mesomelas, tends to focus predominantly on smaller prey and is an avid scavenger and you will readily see groups of these canids trying to steal a bite from larger mammals pulled down by lion, leopard or cheetah. The jackal will also eat fruits and other plant material occassionally.

The jackal in the rest camps in the park are somewhat of a problem as they scavenge and beg for scraps (which of course many tourist provide). Relocating jackal from the camps has been attempted but even after moving individual jackal more than 50 km away they return after a few weeks to the same area.

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Critiques [Translate]

Very nice jackal shot. Sharp and colourful !.... It is just slightly overexposed... Just step it down one notch... I find it I have to do it will all animals with white patches and sun light. 1-2 steps ont he exposure will do the trick.

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