It’s been quite the year, hasn’t it? Since January, we’ve been enduring what Oxford might politely refer to as “more than what could be considered abundant” rainfall. And as we should be easing into autumn, where the bush’s vibrant hues begin to fade and we politely pretend we don’t notice winter’s approach, something strange happened this Easter. With a blink and a sneeze, winter arrived early—no warning, no gradual descent into the crisp air we’ve been promised. Just a sudden cold front that slapped us all in the face and reminded us that, yes, winter is here.
And yet, the bush—bless it—remains lush and green, as if someone’s sprouting mushrooms on an elephant’s leg after a musth. Wet, cold, and undeniably winter. The rains persist, stubbornly, refusing to pack their bags and head for the exit. But while the weather might be still doing its thing, we’re all looking over our shoulders with a bit more concern these days.
Why? Well, the amount of growth and rot that’s come with this unusual wet spell means that when September rolls around, we’re in for one heck of a fire season. The park’s already starting to burn little fire breaks, and we all know how quickly things can turn. So, while we’re still happily navigating the green chaos, it’s hard not to think ahead to the looming fire risk.
The Quirky Citizens of Buffalo Thorn: Bushbabies
But enough about the weather. Let’s focus on something smaller, cuter, and more Buffalo Thorn Lodge. Yes, this month, we’re celebrating the charming little bushbabies that make our nights a little more entertaining. If you recall a couple of months back, we mentioned that our resident bushbabies were doing well, and let me tell you—they’re still thriving. In fact, there are now four of them. Yes, four! The little guys have multiplied and are running around like they own the place. Frankly, at this point, they’re practically citizens. Although I’m not sure if they’ve followed any asylum protocols, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Now, if you’ve been near the lodge recently, you’ve probably spotted them in the little forest by the driveway. These adorable creatures don’t swing from the branches like acrobats—no, they jump and cling to the trees with a precision that would put any gymnast to shame. They have the grip of a mountain goat, thanks to their prehensile hands and feet. Their acrobatics might not include somersaults, but they sure know how to stick the landing. The acacias—sorry, Vachelias (thanks, Aussies)—are looking so healthy that they’ve got a bumper crop of spa, which is basically a fancy way of saying the perfect food for these fuzzy creatures. So, they’re living the high life and providing some great entertainment as they make their nightly rounds.
Bushbabies: Diet, Heartbeats, and Their Stress-Free Life
Now, let’s talk diet. These little critters have a diet that would probably send most of us straight to the ER for a heart attack. Bushbabies primarily feast on the sap of acacias. And it’s not just any sap—they love the sweet, sugary goodness, that’s basically their version of a dessert buffet. Their metabolism is a bit of a mystery: despite their high-sugar diet, their resting heart rate is surprisingly slow—about 25% below the mass-specific value you’d expect. This means they don’t have to work as hard as most creatures their size, and it’s likely related to their reduced basal metabolism. It’s all very contradictory. They’re living on a sugar high, but their heart is taking it easy. The irony? Their diet would probably give us humans a stroke. Yet, here they are, thriving, day after day.
And now, let’s dive deep into the fascinating world of bushbabies—a species whose political and social dynamics could rival those of most world leaders. These nocturnal creatures are truly outstanding in their commitment to survival. Not only do they eat primarily the sap of acacias, but they also have one of the most unique habits you’re likely to encounter in the animal kingdom: they pee on their limbs. Yes, you read that right—pee on their hands and feet. Why? Well, it’s not a simple case of “I just really need to go.” It’s actually a survival mechanism. By urinating on their limbs, they increase their grip and traction, making it easier to jump and cling to the trees with their tiny, delicate fingers. Talk about clever! Considering how much time they spend hopping around, you’ve got to give them credit for being prepared for a life of slippery adventures.
In addition to their sweet tooth, bushbabies are quite the social creatures, though they keep their relationships simple. Around 70% of bushbabies tend to be solitary and territorial, with the rest forming monogamous pairs that mate for life. These pairs are usually confined to defined home ranges of 2-7 acres. So, our little four bushbabies at Buffalo Thorn are likely divided into two pairs, living a drama-free life, enjoying the abundance of food, and keeping to their territories. In times of plenty, as we’re seeing now, there’s no reason for any disputes—just peaceful, sugar-fuelled lives.
The Lodge Field Reporter: A Sabbatical in Namibia
And now, a quick personal update from your Lodge Field Reporter (yours truly)—I’m currently on a sabbatical in Namibia. The journey started with the kind of bang you’d expect: “Steve Hofmeyr had taken the last available vehicle at Avis. Yes, that Steve Hofmeyr. The man whose voice has launched a thousand braais and more than a few constitutional crises. And here he was, robbing me of mobility in the middle of the desert. The irony of being left stranded in Namibia by a man who sings about freedom is, frankly, biblical.”
Until Next Time
As winter truly settles in, we’re all looking forward to what the season will bring. The lions will eventually make their return to Black Rhino, and as always, we look forward to the adventures and challenges that come with every season in this unpredictable paradise. So, bundle up, stay safe, and we’ll see you out there.
Kind regards
The Buffalo Thorn team