Let’s Chase Long Necks Across the Savanna Some More!
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More Fun Facts and Did you know?s!
When researching for my stories, I come upon many interesting bits and pieces of information. Some of it I use in my books; much of it, I don’t. But I like to share what I learn with you! Here is what I gathered while researching for Chasing Long Necks Across the Savanna.
Maps
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, from the UNESCO World Heritage website
Northern Tanzania/Southern Kenya | IntrepidTravel.com
Serengeti Victoria Falls (Google Search)
Serengeti Waterfalls (Google Search)
Ngorongoro crater (Google Search)
Did you know?
Kilimanjaro is NOT seen from Serengeti
“As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti.”
– Toto, Africa | The song, on YouTube
You probably recognize the popular lyric from Toto’s 1982 hit song ‘Africa.’ It has single-handedly led many people to believe that Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, can be seen from Serengeti National Park.
However, beautiful photos like the one above which show wildlife with the mountain in the background are taken from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, not the Serengeti.
Amboseli is less than 30 miles away from the peak. Serengeti, on the other hand, is much farther – about 200 miles away.
Read the full Kilimanjaro article here.
WorldWildlife.org
African Savanna Elephants
African savanna elephants are the largest species of elephant and the biggest terrestrial animal on Earth. They are easily distinguished by their very large ears—which allow them to radiate excess heat—and front legs which are noticeably longer than the hind legs.
…Savanna elephants contribute to the maintenance of the savannas and open woodlands by reducing tree densities. Without them, many other plants and animals would not survive in the woodland areas.
[But…] Human-elephant conflict impacts savanna elephant populations. Killings are often retaliatory as elephants eat and trample crops, raid food stores, and damage village infrastructure including precious water sources. Since an elephant can eat over 600 pounds of food a day, even a small herd can wipe out a farmer’s annual crop in a single night. Elephants disrupt community life—occasionally leading to injury and death of people. In such instances, authorities are obliged to take action and as a result, many elephants are shot. As elephant and human populations grow, the threat only worsens. Small protected areas are inadequate to stop conflict since elephants require plenty of freedom to roam.
…The key, however, lies in integrated land-use planning accompanied by incentives to conserve wild spaces.
[One effort is through the use of] “Chili bombs,” a mixture of dried elephant dung and hot chili, are placed in crop fields to keep elephants away because they do not like the smell of chili.
Read the full WorldWildlife.org article here.
Nat Geo – must be a subscriber
African Savanna Elephant
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Loxodonta africana
TYPE: Mammals
DIET: Herbivore
GROUP NAME: Herd
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: Up to 70 years
SIZE: Up to 24 feet long and 13 feet tall
WEIGHT: Up to 7 tons
What is an African savanna elephant?
African savanna elephants, also known as African bush elephants, are not only the largest species of elephant on Earth, they are also the planet’s largest species of land animal.
…Not only are African savanna elephants about twice as large as their closest cousins, but their tusks are thicker and more curved and their ears are more triangular.
There are also behavioral differences between the species. African savanna elephants form large herds that can range from around 10 individuals to groups of families numbering 70 individuals or more. African forest elephant herds tend to be much smaller, with only a few elephants in each unit.
DID YOU KNOW?
A male African savanna elephant’s tusks can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds.
— PBS
Elephants use their tusks as tools and even rely on one tusk more frequently—just like we do with our hands.
— World Wildlife Fund
Both male and female elephants grow tusks, but the males’ are usually longer because they continue to grow after puberty.
— The Royal Society
Read the full National Geographic article here.
Netflix Series for the older kiddos – if you have a Netflix subscription
Animals on the Loose: A You vs. Wild Movie
2021 | Maturity Rating:TV-PG | 45m | Kids
When wild animals escape from a sanctuary, Bear Grylls — and you — must pursue them and secure their protective habitat. An interactive special.
Starring: Bear Grylls
South Africa