Below is a link to a video of probably one of our most dramatic sightings where White-backed Vultures were involved….this was Jan 2004 (if I remember correctly
) on the H1-5 between Olifants and Letaba
The one’s death is the other’s breath.Some background detail (as I also explained in the description of the video)
A huge African Rock Python killed an Impala lamb. The python however abandoned it’s meal and hid in a shrub close-by when a few cars stopped at the scene….we could only see parts of the python, unfortunately not enough to get good footage. I later found out that the reason why the python left its meal is due to the vibration of cars that was left idling.
A great number of vultures gathered at the scene (different species) but were kept away from the carcass for more that 30 min by the python’s intimidating huffing and puffing. Eventually, some White-backed Vultures gathered up the courage and went for the carcass. You can clearly hear the python’s “hissing” sounds at the beginning of the video. The vultures demolished the carcass in less than 15 min….we actually timed it. The commotion caused by the vultures attracted the attention of a male lion, but by the time he got there, there were only bones left.
A huge snake, vulture action and a male lion, all at one spot….that’s Kruger!
After all the action was finished, and all the other cars left, we sat there (silently) for another hour, hoping the snake will come out. It however did not budge. What did came back, was the mother of the impala….she circled the area, calling for the calf….this was sad to see
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
