Nama karoo
The Nama Karoo is a vast, open, arid region dominated by
low-shrub vegetation and abundance of rock. Although not remarkably rich in
species or endemism, the flora and fauna of the region are surprisingly adapted
to its climatic boundaries. The major pressure to biodiversity is posed by overgrazing
farm animals, introduction of alien species of plants, mining and conversion of
native habitat to agriculture. In this biome the temperatures can vary
dramatically between day and night times. This biome is dominated by low growing
shrubs. Reptiles and small invertebrates are common. The Bushmen sometimes
traveled into the Nama Karoo to get some of their precious plant and animal
species that they needed for their survival.
Mammals
Spring hare (pedetes capensis)
Diagnostic characteristics: The spring hare, which resembles a small kangaroo, is in fact a rodent. They have large strong back legs for jumping and a long tail for balance. Their forearms are small and short with long curled claws for digging. They have a small head with large eyes and specially modified ear that has a tragus, which is a cartilage nodule that closes the outer ear to prevent sand from entering the ear when the animal is digging.
Biological information: The sprig hare is nocturnal. They use burrows to protect them from predators (wild cats, jackals, mongoose and owls). At night they feed on bulbs, roots, stems, grasses and occasionally on insects. They are mostly solitary animals and females can produce up to 3 young a year.
Importance: Sprig hare was hunted for food by Bushmen. They dug up their burrows to catch the animal. The long tail hair was used as threads for skins. The fur of the animal was used as clothing and rugs.
Diagnostic characteristics: The spring hare, which resembles a small kangaroo, is in fact a rodent. They have large strong back legs for jumping and a long tail for balance. Their forearms are small and short with long curled claws for digging. They have a small head with large eyes and specially modified ear that has a tragus, which is a cartilage nodule that closes the outer ear to prevent sand from entering the ear when the animal is digging.
Biological information: The sprig hare is nocturnal. They use burrows to protect them from predators (wild cats, jackals, mongoose and owls). At night they feed on bulbs, roots, stems, grasses and occasionally on insects. They are mostly solitary animals and females can produce up to 3 young a year.
Importance: Sprig hare was hunted for food by Bushmen. They dug up their burrows to catch the animal. The long tail hair was used as threads for skins. The fur of the animal was used as clothing and rugs.
Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris)
Diagnostic characteristics: Steenbokies are small antelope that resembles Oribi’s. They have large ears with a distinctive black line running across the edge of the ear. White fur borders the eye that creates a ring around the eyes. Next to the eyes are round scent glands that are black in color. Only the males develop horns that grow straight and parallel (7-19cm).
Biological information: Steenbokies normally tries to prevent any type of threat by lying low in vegetation or running in a zigzag pattern. They sometimes use the burrows of aardvarks as shelters and to take refuge against predators (wild cat, caracal, jackals, leopard, pythons and martial eagle). They browse on low lying vegetation and also like digging up roots, tubers and forbs. They gain most of their water from the plants they eat and are almost independent of drinking water.
Importance: The steenbok was used as a food source for Bushmen. The steenbok has received much respect from the bushmen due to the fearless nature (tends to look around when under treat), and the gentle and agile movement of the steenbok. The flesh of the steenbok is seen as taboo by some, depending on their age, number of children and sex. Depending on these statuses they where allowed or prohibited to eat the meat.
Diagnostic characteristics: Steenbokies are small antelope that resembles Oribi’s. They have large ears with a distinctive black line running across the edge of the ear. White fur borders the eye that creates a ring around the eyes. Next to the eyes are round scent glands that are black in color. Only the males develop horns that grow straight and parallel (7-19cm).
Biological information: Steenbokies normally tries to prevent any type of threat by lying low in vegetation or running in a zigzag pattern. They sometimes use the burrows of aardvarks as shelters and to take refuge against predators (wild cat, caracal, jackals, leopard, pythons and martial eagle). They browse on low lying vegetation and also like digging up roots, tubers and forbs. They gain most of their water from the plants they eat and are almost independent of drinking water.
Importance: The steenbok was used as a food source for Bushmen. The steenbok has received much respect from the bushmen due to the fearless nature (tends to look around when under treat), and the gentle and agile movement of the steenbok. The flesh of the steenbok is seen as taboo by some, depending on their age, number of children and sex. Depending on these statuses they where allowed or prohibited to eat the meat.
Porcupine (hystrix africaeaustralis)
Diagnostic characteristics: Porcupines are rodents that have a coat of sharp black and white spines and quills. The tail spines are hollow and make a rattling noise to scare of unwanted visitors. They also erect their spines to become larger to look more threatening. They have strong claws to dig big underground chambers (20m long, 2m deep) for them to rest and mate.
Biological information: The porcupine is nocturnal, hence the black and white spines or quills that are used for defenses against predators, as well as camouflage. It likes to forage on herbs, leaves and green plants.
Importance: The stomach of the porcupine was used on a special concoction along with varies other substances to treat snake bites, stomach problems and knee problems. The spines were also used to decorate head peaces as well as in the building of arrow points.
Diagnostic characteristics: Porcupines are rodents that have a coat of sharp black and white spines and quills. The tail spines are hollow and make a rattling noise to scare of unwanted visitors. They also erect their spines to become larger to look more threatening. They have strong claws to dig big underground chambers (20m long, 2m deep) for them to rest and mate.
Biological information: The porcupine is nocturnal, hence the black and white spines or quills that are used for defenses against predators, as well as camouflage. It likes to forage on herbs, leaves and green plants.
Importance: The stomach of the porcupine was used on a special concoction along with varies other substances to treat snake bites, stomach problems and knee problems. The spines were also used to decorate head peaces as well as in the building of arrow points.
birds
Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Diagnostic characteristics: The Ostrich is the largest flightless bird. It has a very long neck that gives it superior eye sight over his surroundings and can spot predators over long distances. The ostrich also has powerful long legs that allow it to run up to 70km/h, making it the fastest running speed for any land bird. The males have black feathers with white tips, while the female has brown/gray feathers with white tips. They have a small bill compare to its body size. The ostrich only has 2 toes, one large toe with a large nail resembling a hoof mostly for running and a smaller toe to keep balance.
Biological information: Ostriches are diurnal and feed on variety of plant matter (seeds, shrubs, grass, fruit and flowers) and invertebrates. They also ingest rocks to help digest food. The ostrich avoids predators by running away or kicking with there strong legs, and even lying flat on the ground resembling a piece of earth. The brown/gray feather color of the females helps with camouflage during the nesting season. These birds can go without water for several days. They get their water from metabolic reserves and moisture from ingested plants. They can lose up to 25% of there body weight via dehydration.
Importance: The ostrich egg was of great importance for the Bushmen. They used the egg for food, and filled the empty egg with water that they buried underground to keep for harsh times. The ostrich leg tendons were tied to a leg to treat leg stiffness. Leg pain was treaded with a mixture of ostrich egg shell and kudu skin that was rubbed into small incisions.
Diagnostic characteristics: The Ostrich is the largest flightless bird. It has a very long neck that gives it superior eye sight over his surroundings and can spot predators over long distances. The ostrich also has powerful long legs that allow it to run up to 70km/h, making it the fastest running speed for any land bird. The males have black feathers with white tips, while the female has brown/gray feathers with white tips. They have a small bill compare to its body size. The ostrich only has 2 toes, one large toe with a large nail resembling a hoof mostly for running and a smaller toe to keep balance.
Biological information: Ostriches are diurnal and feed on variety of plant matter (seeds, shrubs, grass, fruit and flowers) and invertebrates. They also ingest rocks to help digest food. The ostrich avoids predators by running away or kicking with there strong legs, and even lying flat on the ground resembling a piece of earth. The brown/gray feather color of the females helps with camouflage during the nesting season. These birds can go without water for several days. They get their water from metabolic reserves and moisture from ingested plants. They can lose up to 25% of there body weight via dehydration.
Importance: The ostrich egg was of great importance for the Bushmen. They used the egg for food, and filled the empty egg with water that they buried underground to keep for harsh times. The ostrich leg tendons were tied to a leg to treat leg stiffness. Leg pain was treaded with a mixture of ostrich egg shell and kudu skin that was rubbed into small incisions.
Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Diagnostic characteristics: The Guineafowlhas a round body with grayish feathers dotted with white. The head is featherless and has blue skin colorations with a reddish bony knob on the head. They have short thin legs, and they will rater run after than fly away. They have short rounded wings.
Biological information: Guineafowl have short explosive flights and glides to travel over greater distances. They consume a variety of foods including plants (seeds and fruits), invertebrates (snails, spiders and worms), reptiles and amphibians (frogs, lizards and snakes) and even small mammals. They use their claws to scratch lose ground in search of food. Their nets are well hidden and young are well camouflaged. Chicks undergo rapid wing elongation that allows them to flutter into low lying branches to escape predators. They are monogamous.
Importance: The Guineafowl were mainly caught as a source for food. Bushmen would set up snares and bait it with small bulbs that they eat. The feathers of the guinea fowl was used to decorate a stick called a djanisthat the boys played with
Diagnostic characteristics: The Guineafowlhas a round body with grayish feathers dotted with white. The head is featherless and has blue skin colorations with a reddish bony knob on the head. They have short thin legs, and they will rater run after than fly away. They have short rounded wings.
Biological information: Guineafowl have short explosive flights and glides to travel over greater distances. They consume a variety of foods including plants (seeds and fruits), invertebrates (snails, spiders and worms), reptiles and amphibians (frogs, lizards and snakes) and even small mammals. They use their claws to scratch lose ground in search of food. Their nets are well hidden and young are well camouflaged. Chicks undergo rapid wing elongation that allows them to flutter into low lying branches to escape predators. They are monogamous.
Importance: The Guineafowl were mainly caught as a source for food. Bushmen would set up snares and bait it with small bulbs that they eat. The feathers of the guinea fowl was used to decorate a stick called a djanisthat the boys played with
Southern pale chanting goshawk (melierax canorus)
Diagnostic characteristics: A small hawk with light gray feathers on the back and horizontal gray and white strips on the chest. The hawk has black feathers at the end of the wings as well as the tail. It has dark orange legs and beak. The beak makes a curl (black tip) used to tear off meat.
Biological information: The chanting goshawk is very agile and sits on high trees and even telephone poles to gaze out over his territory. It normally hunts mammals (rodents) but also eats reptiles and birds as well as invertebrates. They are mainly monogamous, but cooperative polyandrous are found in high quality territories, where one female’s breeds with a primary male while another males assists in breeding activities.
Importance: Bushmen imitated strong birds in there dances as well as the songs of birds. Large strong birds like eagles and hawks where seen as majestic and had great spiritual significants
Diagnostic characteristics: A small hawk with light gray feathers on the back and horizontal gray and white strips on the chest. The hawk has black feathers at the end of the wings as well as the tail. It has dark orange legs and beak. The beak makes a curl (black tip) used to tear off meat.
Biological information: The chanting goshawk is very agile and sits on high trees and even telephone poles to gaze out over his territory. It normally hunts mammals (rodents) but also eats reptiles and birds as well as invertebrates. They are mainly monogamous, but cooperative polyandrous are found in high quality territories, where one female’s breeds with a primary male while another males assists in breeding activities.
Importance: Bushmen imitated strong birds in there dances as well as the songs of birds. Large strong birds like eagles and hawks where seen as majestic and had great spiritual significants
trees/shrubs
Bitterghaap (Hoodia gordonii)
Diagnostic characteristics: Hoodia is a succulent, spiny plant that has multiple stems. They produce flowers on the terminal apex that smell like rotten meat, which attracts flies. Flowers are fused and trumpet shaped.
Biological information: This plant is pollinated by flies; this type of pollination is known as Myophily. Hoodia is extremely heat tolerant and can survive in temperatures of over 40°C, as well as below freezing temperatures (-3°C). They normally grow in sandy areas with xerophytic plants that helps protect it.
Importance: The Hoodia flesh was ingested by Bushmen to suppress their hunger and appetite when they go on long hunting trips. It was also eaten to treat indigestion and small infections. There is no scientific evidence that Hoodia gordonii works as a appetite suppressant in humens
Diagnostic characteristics: Hoodia is a succulent, spiny plant that has multiple stems. They produce flowers on the terminal apex that smell like rotten meat, which attracts flies. Flowers are fused and trumpet shaped.
Biological information: This plant is pollinated by flies; this type of pollination is known as Myophily. Hoodia is extremely heat tolerant and can survive in temperatures of over 40°C, as well as below freezing temperatures (-3°C). They normally grow in sandy areas with xerophytic plants that helps protect it.
Importance: The Hoodia flesh was ingested by Bushmen to suppress their hunger and appetite when they go on long hunting trips. It was also eaten to treat indigestion and small infections. There is no scientific evidence that Hoodia gordonii works as a appetite suppressant in humens
Haakdoring (Acacia mellifera)
Diagnostic characteristics: Haakdoring is a small branched tree that can grow up to 7m, it can also occur in a single stemmed tree reaching up to 9m. When it occurs in a branched state it forms a thick thicket that is almost impenetrable. On the bark are small hooked thorns. It has a relatively shallow root system. They produce lots of small white/cream colored flowers that rapidly develop into pods that bear the seeds.
Biological information: The shallow extensive root system allows this plant to rapidly absorb nutrients and water from shallow ground, which helps the plant to spread rapidly. Because haakdoring spreads so rapidly it is seen as an invader. The flowers are sweet scented and this tree is an important food resource of browsing animals.
Importance: Acacia mellifera was an important plant for the Bushmen. They used the wood to craft bowls and containers as well as walking and digging sticks. The wood was also used as fuel.
Diagnostic characteristics: Haakdoring is a small branched tree that can grow up to 7m, it can also occur in a single stemmed tree reaching up to 9m. When it occurs in a branched state it forms a thick thicket that is almost impenetrable. On the bark are small hooked thorns. It has a relatively shallow root system. They produce lots of small white/cream colored flowers that rapidly develop into pods that bear the seeds.
Biological information: The shallow extensive root system allows this plant to rapidly absorb nutrients and water from shallow ground, which helps the plant to spread rapidly. Because haakdoring spreads so rapidly it is seen as an invader. The flowers are sweet scented and this tree is an important food resource of browsing animals.
Importance: Acacia mellifera was an important plant for the Bushmen. They used the wood to craft bowls and containers as well as walking and digging sticks. The wood was also used as fuel.
Shepherd's tree (Boscia albitrunca)
Diagnostic characteristics: Boscia Albitrunca is a stocky evergreen tree with a stem that is folded or sometimes covered with holes. The leaves are though and leathery and are rounded at the tips with smooth margins. Boscia Albitrunca produces small star shaped flowers as well as fruits that is berry shaped (yellow in color and red flesh). This tree has a deep root system.
Biological information: The shepherd’s tree is considered a keystone species in arid environments. It provides shade, a microhabitat, food and is of great cultural importance. Predators like the leopard and lion rest under the shade of the tree during midday heat. It is also used by birds that build their nest in the tree, as well as tree rats that nets within the tree.
Importance: The shepherd’s tree has a wide variety of uses. The wood was used by the Bushmen to craft household items such as tables, chairs, cutlery and dishes. The wood was also used for fuel. The roots where eaten raw in the form of porridge or cooked in water to make a syrup, and was suitable for coffee. The roots also had preservatives, that where used to preserve butter fat.The fruit was used to brew beer.
Diagnostic characteristics: Boscia Albitrunca is a stocky evergreen tree with a stem that is folded or sometimes covered with holes. The leaves are though and leathery and are rounded at the tips with smooth margins. Boscia Albitrunca produces small star shaped flowers as well as fruits that is berry shaped (yellow in color and red flesh). This tree has a deep root system.
Biological information: The shepherd’s tree is considered a keystone species in arid environments. It provides shade, a microhabitat, food and is of great cultural importance. Predators like the leopard and lion rest under the shade of the tree during midday heat. It is also used by birds that build their nest in the tree, as well as tree rats that nets within the tree.
Importance: The shepherd’s tree has a wide variety of uses. The wood was used by the Bushmen to craft household items such as tables, chairs, cutlery and dishes. The wood was also used for fuel. The roots where eaten raw in the form of porridge or cooked in water to make a syrup, and was suitable for coffee. The roots also had preservatives, that where used to preserve butter fat.The fruit was used to brew beer.
herbs
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens)
Diagnostic characteristics: Devils claw is a ground dwelling weedy perennial plant. It has a long central tap root as well as secondary storage organs (tubers) that look like potatoes. Devils claw has large round leaves that are covered in mucilaginous cells. The flower is trumpet shaped and give rise to the fruit, which is woody and has mutable long spines/ thorns that gives the plant is characteristic name, devils claw.
Biological information: Devils claw is well adapted to cope with arid environment, the mucilaginous cells help the plant to reduce water loss. It seems that this plant does not like competition from other plants. Bess or other crawling insects may be the plants pollinators. The fruit are well adapted to be transported on animals; the claws attach to the fur and get transported over large distances. The roots are normally dug up by porcupines and small antelope.
Importance: The devils claw has a wide range of medicinal uses and the roots and secondary storage organs are normally used. The roots where used to relive pain in pregnant women and of the lower back. It was also used for fevers and to purify the blood
Diagnostic characteristics: Devils claw is a ground dwelling weedy perennial plant. It has a long central tap root as well as secondary storage organs (tubers) that look like potatoes. Devils claw has large round leaves that are covered in mucilaginous cells. The flower is trumpet shaped and give rise to the fruit, which is woody and has mutable long spines/ thorns that gives the plant is characteristic name, devils claw.
Biological information: Devils claw is well adapted to cope with arid environment, the mucilaginous cells help the plant to reduce water loss. It seems that this plant does not like competition from other plants. Bess or other crawling insects may be the plants pollinators. The fruit are well adapted to be transported on animals; the claws attach to the fur and get transported over large distances. The roots are normally dug up by porcupines and small antelope.
Importance: The devils claw has a wide range of medicinal uses and the roots and secondary storage organs are normally used. The roots where used to relive pain in pregnant women and of the lower back. It was also used for fevers and to purify the blood
Kankerbos (Sutherlandia frutescens)
Diagnostic characteristics: Kankerbos is a small attractive littleshriblet that produces red flowers of a unique morphology (papilionaceous). The fruit are inflated, light weight, bean shaped and almost transparent.
Biological information: The leaves have a bitter aroma and taste. The plant is pollinated by sunbirds that are attracted to the butterfly shaped flowers. The light weight fruit are capable of dispersing via the wind and releasing the seeds over large distances.
Importance: Kankerbos is widely used for different medical needs. The Bushmen used a fusion of the leaves to treat fevers and to wash open wounds to prevent infection. The bitter tonic of the leaves where also ingested to increase appetite and help with digestion. Today the medicinal use is being research to aid with cancer patients.
Diagnostic characteristics: Kankerbos is a small attractive littleshriblet that produces red flowers of a unique morphology (papilionaceous). The fruit are inflated, light weight, bean shaped and almost transparent.
Biological information: The leaves have a bitter aroma and taste. The plant is pollinated by sunbirds that are attracted to the butterfly shaped flowers. The light weight fruit are capable of dispersing via the wind and releasing the seeds over large distances.
Importance: Kankerbos is widely used for different medical needs. The Bushmen used a fusion of the leaves to treat fevers and to wash open wounds to prevent infection. The bitter tonic of the leaves where also ingested to increase appetite and help with digestion. Today the medicinal use is being research to aid with cancer patients.
Koorsbossie (Dicoma capensis)
Diagnostic characteristics: D.cpensis is a small perennial plant that has multiple stems close to the ground that give rise to numerous leaves covered in white pubescence. They give rise to unique purple flowers consisting out of two flower whirls (diagnostic character to the Asteraceae). The outer floral whirl consists of sterile stamens and modified leaves, while the inner floral whirl contain the reproductive structures that are housed in small flowers. The flowers are enclosed in an arrangement of spiky bracts, or collectively known as involucral bracts.
Biological information: The white pubescence reflects like in the sun and makes it visible over large distances. The outer floral whirl are sterile, normally a fused structure of sterile stamens and sepals. The inner floral whirl houses the reproductive structures of the plant. This type of flower is unique to the Asteraceae family.
Importance:Koorsbossie, as the name implies, was used by the Bushmen to treat fevers and upset stomachs. They would ground up the roots of the plant en sniff itto help with colds. An infusion of the leaves was used to treat upset stomachs.
Diagnostic characteristics: D.cpensis is a small perennial plant that has multiple stems close to the ground that give rise to numerous leaves covered in white pubescence. They give rise to unique purple flowers consisting out of two flower whirls (diagnostic character to the Asteraceae). The outer floral whirl consists of sterile stamens and modified leaves, while the inner floral whirl contain the reproductive structures that are housed in small flowers. The flowers are enclosed in an arrangement of spiky bracts, or collectively known as involucral bracts.
Biological information: The white pubescence reflects like in the sun and makes it visible over large distances. The outer floral whirl are sterile, normally a fused structure of sterile stamens and sepals. The inner floral whirl houses the reproductive structures of the plant. This type of flower is unique to the Asteraceae family.
Importance:Koorsbossie, as the name implies, was used by the Bushmen to treat fevers and upset stomachs. They would ground up the roots of the plant en sniff itto help with colds. An infusion of the leaves was used to treat upset stomachs.
invertebrates
Harvest termites (Hodotermes mossambicus)
Diagnostic characteristics: The harvest termites like all other termites have compound eyes and serrated mandibles, which are very large on the soldier termites. Termites rely heavily on their colony size and functionality. The queen is the only termite that produces eggs, and offspring serve a variety of functions to keep the colony functional. There is a unique feeding behavior in this species known as stomodealtrophallaxis, where the sixth instar larvae digests and distributes the food along the colony, they also discriminates against organism that does not have the same intestinal microbiota.
Biological information: When starting a new colony the queen produces winged offspring that flies over some distance until they break off, where they burrow into the ground and establishes a new colony. The queen then produces soldiers and workers for the first 2-3 years. Worker termites are smaller than soldier termites, and they go out and harvest grasses to feed the queen. After a sufficient number of workers and soldiers have been established the queen produces winged offspring to further extend the range of the species.
Importance: The termite that lacks in size makes up in numbers. They where eaten by the Bushmen to get sufficient proteins when on long hunting trips.
Diagnostic characteristics: The harvest termites like all other termites have compound eyes and serrated mandibles, which are very large on the soldier termites. Termites rely heavily on their colony size and functionality. The queen is the only termite that produces eggs, and offspring serve a variety of functions to keep the colony functional. There is a unique feeding behavior in this species known as stomodealtrophallaxis, where the sixth instar larvae digests and distributes the food along the colony, they also discriminates against organism that does not have the same intestinal microbiota.
Biological information: When starting a new colony the queen produces winged offspring that flies over some distance until they break off, where they burrow into the ground and establishes a new colony. The queen then produces soldiers and workers for the first 2-3 years. Worker termites are smaller than soldier termites, and they go out and harvest grasses to feed the queen. After a sufficient number of workers and soldiers have been established the queen produces winged offspring to further extend the range of the species.
Importance: The termite that lacks in size makes up in numbers. They where eaten by the Bushmen to get sufficient proteins when on long hunting trips.
Scorpion (Opistophtha lmuslatimanus)
Diagnostic characteristics: Opistophthalmuslatimanusis a heavy built scorpion with large powerful claws used to capture their prey. They have 6 legs, 2 claws and a small tail, this species is not known for its toxic poison. They have 2 eyes on the top of their head (cephalothorax) and a row of eyes on the side of the head. They have book longs and small mandibles.
Biological information: Opistophthalmuslatimanus is a species of scorpions that digs burrows that they live and feed in, and they are solitary. They often make a smaller chamber near the entrance of their burrow that they use to consume their prey. Their diet varies to the degree by which they can overpower their prey (insects, scorpions and even small mammals).
Importance: Scorpion poison was ingested by “witch doctors” of “healers” to increase their immunity and was part of the ritual to becoming a “witch doctors”.
Diagnostic characteristics: Opistophthalmuslatimanusis a heavy built scorpion with large powerful claws used to capture their prey. They have 6 legs, 2 claws and a small tail, this species is not known for its toxic poison. They have 2 eyes on the top of their head (cephalothorax) and a row of eyes on the side of the head. They have book longs and small mandibles.
Biological information: Opistophthalmuslatimanus is a species of scorpions that digs burrows that they live and feed in, and they are solitary. They often make a smaller chamber near the entrance of their burrow that they use to consume their prey. Their diet varies to the degree by which they can overpower their prey (insects, scorpions and even small mammals).
Importance: Scorpion poison was ingested by “witch doctors” of “healers” to increase their immunity and was part of the ritual to becoming a “witch doctors”.
Harvester ant (messor capensis)
Diagnostic characteristics: The harvester ant is a relatively large and strong polymorphic ant species. They have 6 legs and a strong well developed mandible situated on a relatively large head that has hairs underneath. The stalk is divided into two segments, between the abdomen and thorax. Adults may or may not have wings, depending on the time of the year, and winged adults have 2 pairs of wings.
Biological information: Messorcapensisare social insects that live together in large colonies and they builds large nestmounds out of seed husks and other seed material (wings), pods of legumes and soil that is rich in nutrients. The site selections for nets is related to the presence of stone, distance from neighboring nests and the presence of suitable deep soils.
Importance: Harvester ants were consumed as food by the Bushmen during times when food stocks where low. These ants also played an important role in the ecosystem. The workers located seeds that had a piece of food on it known as an elaiosome. The seed was carried to the nest where it would germinate in a viable environment, this type of association between plants and ants is known as myrmecochory.
Diagnostic characteristics: The harvester ant is a relatively large and strong polymorphic ant species. They have 6 legs and a strong well developed mandible situated on a relatively large head that has hairs underneath. The stalk is divided into two segments, between the abdomen and thorax. Adults may or may not have wings, depending on the time of the year, and winged adults have 2 pairs of wings.
Biological information: Messorcapensisare social insects that live together in large colonies and they builds large nestmounds out of seed husks and other seed material (wings), pods of legumes and soil that is rich in nutrients. The site selections for nets is related to the presence of stone, distance from neighboring nests and the presence of suitable deep soils.
Importance: Harvester ants were consumed as food by the Bushmen during times when food stocks where low. These ants also played an important role in the ecosystem. The workers located seeds that had a piece of food on it known as an elaiosome. The seed was carried to the nest where it would germinate in a viable environment, this type of association between plants and ants is known as myrmecochory.
reptiles/amphibians
Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
Diagnostic characteristics: The cape cobra is not one of the largest species of cobras, but one has been documented as long as 1.85m long in Dehoop nature reserve. They are medium sized and highly venomous. They vary considerably in color from bright yellow to dark black. The juveniles can be identified by a brown band on the back of their hoods. The cobra family is characterized by the presence of a hood, which they use to adopt a more aggressive posture to warn of predators. The cape cobra is fast moving and not that aggressive compared to other cobras.
Biological information: The cape cobra is a diurnal species and actively hunts in the day. They feed on a wide variety of prey and are considered as feeding generalists; prey include rodents, lizards, snakes (even its own species), frogs, birds and eggs. The cape cobra are eaten by meerkats, mongooses, honey badgers, birds of prey (eagles and the secretary bird) and even its own species. When the cape cobra is inactive it likes to hide in old termite mounds and rodent tunnels, where it also lays up to 20 eggs. When threatened the cape cobra will raise its forebody off the ground and spread its hood to adopt an aggressive posture as well as making loud hiss sound, it readily strikes and would rather save its venom for when it is needed.
Importance: Snakes in general was consumed as food by the Bushmen and the poisons was ingested to increase immunity and is apart of the ritual of becoming a “witch doctor”.
Diagnostic characteristics: The cape cobra is not one of the largest species of cobras, but one has been documented as long as 1.85m long in Dehoop nature reserve. They are medium sized and highly venomous. They vary considerably in color from bright yellow to dark black. The juveniles can be identified by a brown band on the back of their hoods. The cobra family is characterized by the presence of a hood, which they use to adopt a more aggressive posture to warn of predators. The cape cobra is fast moving and not that aggressive compared to other cobras.
Biological information: The cape cobra is a diurnal species and actively hunts in the day. They feed on a wide variety of prey and are considered as feeding generalists; prey include rodents, lizards, snakes (even its own species), frogs, birds and eggs. The cape cobra are eaten by meerkats, mongooses, honey badgers, birds of prey (eagles and the secretary bird) and even its own species. When the cape cobra is inactive it likes to hide in old termite mounds and rodent tunnels, where it also lays up to 20 eggs. When threatened the cape cobra will raise its forebody off the ground and spread its hood to adopt an aggressive posture as well as making loud hiss sound, it readily strikes and would rather save its venom for when it is needed.
Importance: Snakes in general was consumed as food by the Bushmen and the poisons was ingested to increase immunity and is apart of the ritual of becoming a “witch doctor”.
Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus)
Diagnostic characteristics: The rinkhals color varies depending on the geographic location, but the snake can be recognized by white bands across the throat. They are normally dark in color (black to brown) and their belly is dark as well. The rinkhals has a unique type of scale that is ridged and keel like. They have hoods and are spitting cobras, they can spit there venom up to a distance of 2.5m.
Biological information: The rinkhals is not a true cobra, but is closely related to them, they are considered as a true spitting cobra. They eat toads, small mammals, amphibians and other reptiles. The venom of the rinkhals has to be directly injected into the blood stream to have an effect, they normally spit towards the eyes of larger mammals and humans. Although they are spitting cobras bites are also common. The venom has a neurotoxic effect. The rinkhals sometimes fake its death to avoid confrontation by rolling over and opening its mouth.The rinkhals is ovoviviparous and can give birth between 20-35 young. They get preyed upon by birds of prey, other snakes and bullfrogs seems to consume the young.
Importance: Snakes where consumed as food and some of the poison was used to put on their hunting arrows as well as improving the immune system. Snakes are also popular in the Bushmen’s stories.
Diagnostic characteristics: The rinkhals color varies depending on the geographic location, but the snake can be recognized by white bands across the throat. They are normally dark in color (black to brown) and their belly is dark as well. The rinkhals has a unique type of scale that is ridged and keel like. They have hoods and are spitting cobras, they can spit there venom up to a distance of 2.5m.
Biological information: The rinkhals is not a true cobra, but is closely related to them, they are considered as a true spitting cobra. They eat toads, small mammals, amphibians and other reptiles. The venom of the rinkhals has to be directly injected into the blood stream to have an effect, they normally spit towards the eyes of larger mammals and humans. Although they are spitting cobras bites are also common. The venom has a neurotoxic effect. The rinkhals sometimes fake its death to avoid confrontation by rolling over and opening its mouth.The rinkhals is ovoviviparous and can give birth between 20-35 young. They get preyed upon by birds of prey, other snakes and bullfrogs seems to consume the young.
Importance: Snakes where consumed as food and some of the poison was used to put on their hunting arrows as well as improving the immune system. Snakes are also popular in the Bushmen’s stories.
Puff adder (Bitis arietans)
Diagnostic characteristics: The puff adder is a fat, short venomous adder. The average size is about 1m. Although not long, the puff adder has a girth of 40cm. They have a large flat triangular shaped head that ends with a rounded blunt snout. The puff adder has 2 sets of fangs, both can be functional.They vary considerably in color patters geographically, the belly are normally lighter.
Biological information: The puff adder is a lazy slow moving and bad tempered snake. When disturbed they will hiss loudly to scare of intruders. They are very well camouflage, and normally lies and waits for its pry to come by. They have a extremely fast bite and are highly venomous, the venom has a cytotoxic effect. They prey on rodents and small mammals and even ground dwelling birds. They get preyed upon by honey baggers, warthogs and birds of pry and even other snakes.Puff adders are viviparous and give birth between 20-40 young. The female releases a pheromone to attract males.
Importance: They where eaten as food when hunting was unsuccessful.
Diagnostic characteristics: The puff adder is a fat, short venomous adder. The average size is about 1m. Although not long, the puff adder has a girth of 40cm. They have a large flat triangular shaped head that ends with a rounded blunt snout. The puff adder has 2 sets of fangs, both can be functional.They vary considerably in color patters geographically, the belly are normally lighter.
Biological information: The puff adder is a lazy slow moving and bad tempered snake. When disturbed they will hiss loudly to scare of intruders. They are very well camouflage, and normally lies and waits for its pry to come by. They have a extremely fast bite and are highly venomous, the venom has a cytotoxic effect. They prey on rodents and small mammals and even ground dwelling birds. They get preyed upon by honey baggers, warthogs and birds of pry and even other snakes.Puff adders are viviparous and give birth between 20-40 young. The female releases a pheromone to attract males.
Importance: They where eaten as food when hunting was unsuccessful.