Ranger’s Diaries
Ranger Autumn Update

It has yet again been another interesting few weeks in the bush!

The sun is setting in the west over the ridge and just before it disappears completely the split lioness jumps up with the white male short on her heels. It's not long before they dive into a warthog burrow and drag out a warthog from under the ground. Interestingly though the female, slightly out of character dominates the male on the kill. After receiving a few hard hitting shots from the lioness the male decided to step aside and let the female have first options on the kill. Luckily for him she is not as greedy as he is and leaves the carcass with enough for him to also get a bit of a taste.

A slightly more unusual scenario played out later when a Black-backed Jackal overpowered a massive Vlei Rat in front of our game viewer. Unlike the general consensus of jackal being mainly scavengers interestingly they only scavenge around 20% of their meals and will actively hunt the other remaining 80% themselves. They have a hugely varying diet consisting of rodents, birds, hares and even fruit!

The fish eagles are also doing us proud, with at least two sub adults already spotted on the reserve. It does however seem like the mating pair has moved away from their long time nest across the lake from Pumba Water Lodge to a quieter stretch of lake around the corner, but at least it has not affected their breeding.

Cheetah UPDATE

Guests have been very fortunate lately, witnessing kills by our "newly" introduced cheetah. They still make the odd mistake here and there, ending their efforts in dissapointment, but overall they are doing very well on the reserve. There have been sightings of Blesbuck, Nyala and even Blue Wildebeest kills, making them a formidible force to be reckoned with...

3 NEW Cheetah @ Pumba

On the 15th of November 2011, Pumba's conservation team released a coalition of three 24 month old Cheetah, adding an amazing dynamic to the guests' game viewing experience, and helping to establish the perfect balance between predator and prey on the reserve.

 

Pumba welcomes a Baby Hippo

The resident hippo pod has grown in size from seven members to eight after the birth of a beautiful baby Hippo last month. First sighted by some lucky guests on a bush walk...

Spring has Sprung

It's been a lovely couple of weeks at Pumba Private Game Reserve. One can see and feel the season's change, with the warm sunny weather - The reserve has BLOOMED into life!

The flora is flourishing, the birdlife is thriving, and the first tortoises have been seen strolling slowly around the plains. There have been sightings of Yellow-Billed Kites, Secretary Birds, and Greater Honeyguides...

Spring is here! ...and we can gladly say that our two little white lion cubs and baby elephant are thriving - We look forward to season full of breathtakingly memorable sightings.