What catches a guests interest when they hear about the Kalahari, in particular Tswalu, is difficult to say. I can go on about the requests I have been given by guests based on their expectations but from a guiding point of view - "All guides know where the treasure lies, and that is Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is well known for its rare and elusive nocturnal species". Namely Aardvark and the famous Ground or Temminck's Pangolin. Well if you want to know about Aardvark, refer to my previous blog as this blog is all about the Pangolin.
Lets start off with a basic understanding of such species. A mammal bearing hardy keratinous scales that cover the body and act as protection as the individual rolls up into a ball-like shape protecting the ventral side and the limbs by exposing that hard outer-scales as seen above.
There are eight species globally, 4 African species and 4 species from Asia, however the Temminck's (Ground) Pangolin is the largest and the only non-tree dwelling species of Pangolin. Currently listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red Data List, the Pangolin species are the most trafficked animal in Africa as their scales are utilised for spiritual protection, financial rituals and protection from witchcraft in the East.
With that said there has not been much study and research on Pangolins, a lot is left unsaid, the understanding of such species is far from what it should be and within the years to come, we the human race might be able to understand them better.
As I mentioned above, I am going to discuss Pangolins in the Kalahari with reference to some of my sightings of the year 2020. Now for most, the year 2020 was dismal, the spread of a pandemic causing all countries to move into some degree of lockdown to protect their people. While this was all happening I was situated or locked-down on the reserve in the Kalahari. This gave me an excellent opportunity to explore the early activity of nocturnal species in the winter season. Species like Aardvark, Aardwolf and Pangolin becoming active at 14h00/15h00PM in the afternoon to start their foraging and feeding due to the cold temperatures experienced. This obviously changes in the other three seasons especially Summer as these temperatures drastically fluctuate.
As I write this blog now, Pangolin viewing has become incredibly difficult but still possible, with the hot Summer temperatures reaching mid-thirties to forty degrees Celsius, Pangolin will be emerging from their burrows later and later to start their feeding and foraging during cooler time periods, returning back to their burrows in the early morning.
During my first year at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve I have had a lot of exposure to searching for and finding Pangolins. Spent many late nights at burrows awaiting their departures from the burrow itself, I have tracked using a light on the back of my cellphone through the grassy Kalahari dunes. We have had some great success and some failures but that's what happens when you search for such an elusive specie.
However the great success has been unbelievable and on two occasions they resulted in my Top Sightings for 2020.
My first sighting was a Pangolin that was still en-route to its burrow early one morning, it was unfortunate to come across three young sub-adult Lions. For the Lions this must have been the first time that they had ever come across a Pangolin, and it was all fun and games for the Lions, not so much for the Pangolin. However as mentioned above the keratinous scales and rolled up ball-like shape protected this pangolin from any injury and death and it escaped a couple hours later after the Lions lost interest, but what an interesting and interactive sighting to witness.
My second memorable sighting and my latest which is still fresh in my head and has me asking many questions has to be the sighting that took place just before Christmas. Myself and my tracker had spent two days trying to secure a sighting for Pangolin for our guests and finally the tracks lead to a burrow and it did not come out, meaning it was resting inside. My tracker sat at that burrow from early in the afternoon just so the Pangolin didn't surprise us and leave early.
Upon arrival at the burrow, we could hear the movement inside as all the scales were touching together, we knew we were going to get the chance to see this "male" Pangolin. But as it emerged we were all shocked. A female carrying a fresh new born 'Pango pup' on her back, clearly the evening she decided to move burrows and as all mothers would do take her offspring along. What an experience. We all watched in awe for approximately 7 minutes or so before leaving the two as not to stress them out. That's all we needed, 7 minutes spent with what I would say, MY BEST SIGHTING OF 2020!
It's been a tough year, but I can say I have made the most of it with my sightings in the Kalahari and I will continue to do so in 2021. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year and make the most out of 2021 and forget about 2020.
Keep safe and healthy all.
Cheers,
