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Snake species found in South Africa

It would be impossible to feature all South Africa’s snakes in this guide as there are said to be 171 snake species found here; and luckily only a small percentage of these are venomous. If you do spot a snake, it will usually be one of the following: African Rock Python (Python sebae) African rock pythons are generally brown with lighter brown and olive green markings. Belly is creamy white in colour. The African rock python is one of the world’s largest snakes; reaching lengths 6 metres or more. Upper and lower jaw bones are not attached so they are able to open these incredibly wide. They have no breastbone so can expand their ribs allowing them to swallow food sources much larger than themselves. Pythons are ‘constrictors’ which mean they hold their prey with their teeth and then constrict them until they are unable to breathe and their heart then stops. They then proceed to swallow the prey head-first, whole. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) Black mambas have two enlarged venom fangs fixed to the front of the mouth. Solid teeth in both jaws. Adult Black mambas reach an average of 2.5 meters and a maximum of 4.5 meters in length. These snakes are grey to olive in colour with lighter scales round their head. They take their name from the black colouring inside their mouths. Black mambas are thin and extremely agile. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) Solid teeth in both jaws with venom fangs in rear part of upper jaw. Average length is 1.2 metres but can exceed 1.8 meters. Has a short, blunt nose & large prominent eyes with a pear shaped pupil. Boomslang have keeled scales. Females usually retain a brown colour. Males colouring is highly variable ranging from black to bright green. Belly is light green. Often confused with the Green mamba (Dendroaspis augusticeps) Egg Eating Snake (Dasypelits scabra) The few teeth the egg-eating snake has are solid and harmless. No fangs. Wide variation in pattern and colour; ranging from browns and greens to solid dark grey. V-shaped dark mark on neck; the top of which points to the snout. Fairly slender snake with small head that is rounded at the snout. The belly of the egg-eating snake is usually cream in brown coloured snakes and white in grey ones. Size ranges from 0.5metres to 1.5metres in length. Often confused with the Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus). Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth. Solid teeth in both jaws. Egyption cobras are dark grey-brown in colour, developing to almost black as they get older. Across the neck is a broad black band. Young snakes are a sandy-yellow colour with a black band on the neck. The main physical characteristic of the black mamba is the head and the hood. Their head is large and depressed with a broad snout. Necks can be as much as 18cms wide. Eyes are large with a round pupil. Males larger than females; average size 1.5 to 2 metres in length. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) The Gaboon Viper is the largest viper in Africa, reaching lengths of up to 1.8 metres and weighing more than 20kgs in some instances. Large triangular head tapers into a narrow neck. A pair of ‘horns’ are located between their raised nostrils. The gaboon viper has a distinctive brown stripe on its pale head. Body colour is pale with brown, beige and yellow markings allowing for easy camouflage. Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) Two enlarged venom fangs fixed to the front of the mouth. Solid teeth in both jaws. Green mambas are the smallest of the species reaching an average of 1.5 metres in length. They are glossy green in colour with a lighter, bright greenish-yellow belly. Green mambas are thin, elegant snakes with a very distinctive head and long thin tail. They have small eyes, smooth scales and a long rectangular head. Often confused with the Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) Two enlarged hinged venom fangs in the front of the upper jaw. Solid teeth in both jaws. The average size of a puff adder is approximately 1m in length, and fairly thick in width. Head is blunt & rounded and much wider than neck and body; almost triangular in shape. Colours of puff adders vary according to geography, but their head usually has two dark bands; one on the crown and one between the eyes. Colours range from dull yellow to light brown and even orange or reddish brown. Male puff adders can have striking yellow and gold colour patterns. Chevron markings are present all the way down their back and getting lighter towards the tail. Iris’ range from gold to silver grey. The stomach of puff adders are yellow or white with some darker spots. Snouted Cobra (Naja annulifera) Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth. Solid teeth in both jaws. Typically yellowish to olive brown but can be brown or dark brown. The belly of the snouted cobra usually yellowish. Normally has a darker band of colour round the neck. Average length of adults between 1.5 and 2 metres but can reach lengths of 3 metres! Body is cylindrical and stout with a long tail. Male snouted cobras are larger than females. Often confused with the Eqyptian Cobra (Naja haje). Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus) Head has a dark brown or black V-shaped mark, the top of which points forward and finishes between the eyes. The colouring of the night adder varies from light browny-pink to light grey. Diamond shaped darker markings are found on the back and tail – these are sometimes bordered with white. Adults average about 0.5metres in length and seldom exceed 1 metre. Body is cylindrical and reasonably slender. Venom glands are extremely long – up to 10cms – and found on either side of the spine connecting up to the fangs. The night adder has poor eye sight and a keen sense of smell. Night

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Animals Affected by Climate Change

Exploring how climate change could impact species around the world You may have heard of a climate change risk assessment for a city, state or country—what extreme weather events it might experience, how global warming could impact its economy, or how changes in its air quality could affect people’s health. But have you ever heard of such an assessment for wildlife? “It’s an emerging field of study, particularly the method we’re using,” says Nikhil Advani, a senior program officer for WWF’s climate change adaptation program. “Conservation biology has traditionally focused on historic threats to species, like habitat destruction and overexploitation. And while addressing those threats remains vital, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to understand how climate change could harm the various species we’re trying to protect.” To that end, Advani has been conducting vulnerability assessments and recommending management strategies for some of the most important species WWF is working on. Here’s a look at some of the key vulnerability and resilience factors for those species—and a map of where they live today. POLAR BEAR Ursus maritimus VULNERABILITY Habitat specialists; rely almost entirely on the sea-ice environment. RESILIENCE Opportunistic eaters; prefer seals, but will feed on whale carcasses and even hunt walrus and beluga. Will prey on land animals when necessary. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable SNOW LEOPARD Panthera uncia VULNERABILITY Susceptible to indirect impacts of climate change, such as habitat encroachment by humans as a result of changing conditions in the region. RESILIENCE High mobility across their large, mountainous range—not bound to a narrow altitude or region. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered GIANT PANDA Ailuropoda melanoleuca VULNERABILITY Feed almost exclusively on bamboo plants. RESILIENCE Can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered TIGER Panthera tigris VULNERABILITY Very small population size—thought to be as few as 3,200 individuals. RESILIENCE Live across a vast range of habitats, from coastal Bangladesh to the frigid Russian Far East. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered MONARCH BUTTERFLY Danaus plexippus VULNERABILITY Heavily dependent on environmental cues for reproduction, migration and hibernation. RESILIENCE Have a short life span and fast reproductive rate, which could aid adaptation to changes in the environment. IUCN RED LIST STATUS While monarchs themselves aren’t considered an endangered species, IUCN recognizes their migration as an endangered phenomenon. GREEN SEA TURTLE Chelonia mydas VULNERABILITY Very sensitive to temperature changes at all life stages—for example, the sex of baby turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand the eggs are laid in. RESILIENCE High amounts of genetic diversity within the species, which increases their chances of adapting to changing environmental conditions. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered AFRICAN ELEPHANT Loxodonta africana VULNERABILITY Need 40-80 gallons of fresh water a day, just for drinking. RESILIENCE Live in an incredible range of habitats, from open savannas to dense tropical forests. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable GORILLA Gorilla beringei beringei VULNERABILITY Confined to a very small range surrounded by human settlements, so they can’t move elsewhere. RESILIENCE Not picky eaters; feed on everything from fruit to flowers to tree bark. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered ASIAN ELEPHANT Elephas maximus VULNERABILITY Prefer to eat native grasses and other local plants that invasive species are beating out. RESILIENCE Live in a wide variety of habitats and across a broad range of altitudes. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered CHEETAH Acinonyx jubatus VULNERABILITY Very low genetic diversity within the species could hinder ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. RESILIENCE Incredibly low fresh water requirements—need a drink only every 3-4 days. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable Source: worldwildlifeorg.

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Gorgeous Acacia Honey coming soon!

Exciting news! Gorgeous acacia honey coming soon! The beekeeping sector is a vital component of the agricultural industry of South Africa and contributes directly into the biodiversity needs for a sustainable economy. Bee inspections were recently carried out at Emdoneni Lodge to help us protect the honeybee and we received some good-, some great- and some exciting news! Our number 1 hive is phenomenal! From a small colony that moved in during winter and through a dearth period, they have exceeded expectations massively! Our number 2 hive, is very strong and very healthy, packed with happy, working bees. Not even one hive beetle have been seen! The local eucalyptus plantations are just coming into flower, from now until April/May – there should be a rich abundance of nectar available to the bees in every direction! Facts about honey bees 1. Honey bees are super-important pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables. This means that they help other plants grow! Bees transfer pollen between the male and female parts, allowing plants to grow seeds and fruit. 2. Honey bees live in hives (or colonies). The members of the hive are divided into three types: Queen: One queen runs the whole hive. Her job is to lay the eggs that will spawn the hive’s next generation of bees. The queen also produces chemicals that guide the behaviour of the other bees. Workers: these are all female and their roles are to forage for food (pollen and nectar from flowers), build and protect the hive, clean and circulate air by beating their wings. Workers are the only bees most people ever see flying around outside the hive. Drones: These are the male bees, and their purpose is to mate with the new queen. Several hundred live in each hive during the spring and summer. But come winter, when the hive goes into survival mode, the drones are kicked out! 3. What are these buzzing bugs most famous for? Delicious honey! But did you know they produce honey as food stores for the hive during winter? Luckily for us, these efficient little workers produce 2-3 time more honey than they need, so we get to enjoy the tasty treat, too! 4. If the queen bee dies, workers will create a new queen by selecting a young larva (the newly hatched baby insects) and feeding it a special food called “royal jelly“. This enables the larva to develop into a fertile queen. 5. Honey bees are fab flyers. They fly at a speed of around 25km per hour and beat their wings 200 times per second! 6. Each bee has 170 odorant receptors, which means they have one serious sense of smell! They use this to communicate within the hive and to recognise different types of flowers when looking for food. 7. The average worker bee lives for just five to six weeks. During this time, she’ll produce around a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey. 8. The queen can live up to five years. She is busiest in the summer months, when she can lay up to 2,500 eggs a day! 9. Honey bees are also brilliant boogiers! To share information about the best food sources, they perform their ‘waggle dance’. When the worker returns to the hive, it moves in a figure-of-eight and waggles its body to indicate the direction of the food source. Cool, huh? 10. Sadly, over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and the reason remains unknown. Referred to as ‘colony collapse disorder’, billions of Honey bees across the world are leaving their hives, never to return. In some regions, up to 90% of bees have disappeared!

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Emdoneni Lodge Valentine’s Special

Love and be loved at Emdoneni Lodge ❤️ Don’t let Valentine’s Day be a CATastrophe… book a romantic two-night getaway for the love of your life, and receive 50% off your second night! We’ve also specially created a spa promotion for our guests and/or their loved ones. Champagne and strawberries included! 90 minute full body massage R1700 per couple R850 per person 90 minute Esse Facial plus a back massage R1600 per couple R800 per person To book our spa promotion or to enquire re availability for the two-night getaway, kindly email us – office@emdonenilodge.com Please note: Specials are valid ONLY for the month of February Terms & conditions apply

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6 Things To Do in Kosi Bay

Kayaking & Snorkelling Visit Amangwane for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site in South Africa. Explore the waterways by sea kayak, around the mangrove trees and see how many of the myriad of bird species you can find. You can also venture through the surf to the offshore reefs. Rated as one of the best snorkelling spots on the planet, Kosi Bay mouth offers sightings of various tropical species like Devil Fire Fish, Honey comb eels, small rays and a variety of reef species you’d expect to see far out at sea! This is an excellent spot for people who’ve never snorkelled before, as the bay offers calm waters and a gentle current to carry you along as you marvel at the fish below. Kosi Bay Trail Whilst there is a Kosi Bay Trail that takes roughly four days to complete, which can also be done as a slackpacker version, there are variations and flexible trails, depending on your level of fitness. The old trail, remembered by seasoned hikers with nostalgia, unfortunately fell into disrepair. But it is possible to do the same trail again, just the accommodation has changed. On average, if you do the trail in its entirety, you’ll walk for three to four hours a day. And if you’re up to it, you can add canoeing and horse riding, a turtle tour or a boat cruise to your itinerary. You will also be exposed to some of the most incredibly diverse and beautiful scenery – deserted beaches, dune forest, open savannah and wetlands, and the sighting of loggerhead turtles make this an incredible hiking experience. Kosi Bay Turtle Tours Visit Amangwane Camp for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site, South Africa. The heart of the turtle nesting area in South Africa. Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles venture out of the oceans on land during the summer months Oct – Feb to lay batches of eggs on the beach. These fascinating creatures are highly endangered and this walking tour is rated as one of the top wildlife experiences. Mabibi Beach Enjoy the tranquility of Mabibi Beach, sheltered by coastal forests with soft sand that begs your feet to take a stroll or nestle in and enjoy the sunshine and spectacular views surrounding you. This is an ideal place for the children to explore and splash around as well as many activities available for adults. Snorkeling along the reef is very popular as well as scuba diving off shore. Crystal clear waters are warm and very pleasant to swim in. This secluded beach can be found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is a world heritage site in KwaZulu Natal. Please ensure that any snorkeling or diving is done with a professional and under supervision. Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January at Kosi Forest Lodge in Kosi Bay. These excursions (including transfers to and from the beach) can last up to 3 to 4hrs and may return very late. Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles make their way home having swum the length of the continent in a return journey to the beach where they were born. Research has shown that eggs are often laid within meters of where the mother emerged as a hatchling years previously. Guests are able to view these magnificent creatures meters from where she is laying. Utmost precaution is taken to ensure that she is not disturbed.

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