This list was originally composed by Chile and I have just updated and added to it.
WILDLIFE F.A.Q.
Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions about the wildlife at Pete's Pond.
Who or what is "Fatty"?
Fatty is the resident juvenile Nile crocodile. He was raised as part of a reintroduction program but was out-competing his fellows for food in the "nursery" and therefore growing much faster than they were - hence his name, Fatty. In 2005, he was moved to the pond to let the other little crocs have a chance at the food. He is now about 6 1/2 to 7 feet long though as long as Afke refuses to catch and measure him for us, it is an educated guess.
What animals and birds might we see?
Check out the Animal Gallery on the National Geographic website.
Also, Pete's Pond is in the Mashatu Game Reserve. Their website has a bird checklist, mammal checklist, and tree checklist.
Mashatu Bird Checklist
Mashatu Mammal Checklist
Mashatu Tree Checklist
What are the birds in the huge flocks that fly back and forth?
Red-billed quelea
What is the bird riding on the mammals?
Oxpeckers. The oxpeckers will sit on most hoofed animals and eat ticks and other insects off of their backs. Free grooming for the host and a free meal for the bird. They live out much of their life on the animals: travel with the herds, feed almost exclusively on the insects on them, rest and preen on their backs, court and copulate on them, and may even sleep on them at night. They also pluck the animals' fur and use their dung to make their nests.
What are the fast blurry birds that fly in front of the camera at night?
They are nightjars. Because they are so fast and difficult to focus on, it is very difficult to identify them. Identification to species is only possible by looking at the white bars on the wings, and by the call. Possible species include Square-tailed (Mozambique), Rufus-cheeked, and Fiery-necked here.
What makes the clicking or lip-smacking noises at night?
Bats hunting with echolocation.
Can you recommend a good bird book for the area?
Newman's Birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman
Birds of Africa by Sinclair
Will I see lions?
You might. There have been a number of sightings, especially at or right before dusk and in the early dawn. Though our sightings may be few, they are well worth the wait. Check the Videos and Screenshots thread for links to video clips.
Are there leopards?
There have been several leopard sightings. If one shows up, it will usually be at night. Check the Videos and Screenshots thread for links to video clips. And here you can read about the Leopard Research being conducted in the area.
What is a "flea"?
"Flea" is the term Pondies use for the Helmeted Guinea Fowl because they are so numerous. Jayell posted this, "Back in 2005 someone commented that they looked like the drawings of fleas in some comic strip (one I have never seen) and others agreed and the name stuck."
Who are George and Gracie?
They are a mated pair of Egyptian Geese that are quite vocal.
When do the elephants show up?
They may show up at anytime of day or night! Listen for them drinking and splashing.