New Addition - 02:50 am
08 Nov 2009
By Jason Loughran
The summer rains have arrived here in Moremi and it is now raining on a daily basis.
This is now the time when the impala ewes give birth. I was privileged to witness a birth this morning.
The mother had moved a couple hundred meters from the herd and had concealed herself in a thicket.
As soon as she had given birth she started to eat the afterbirth. This helps conceal the smell form any predators in the area.
The new foal was very quiet and only started to move once its mother had begun cleaning it.
It was only about 15 minutes later that the foal took its first steps, very wobbly at first.
Not too long later it was walking about and already starting to suckle.
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Comments
2 posted at 03:10pm on 08 November, 2009 by Terri & Guy
What amazing photos , you are very lucky to witness this.
3 posted at 04:54am on 10 November, 2009 by Vanessa
Spectacular! Looking forward to seeing the footage.
4 posted at 05:12am on 10 November, 2009 by JasonL
Thanks Vanessa. Unfortunately Brad was in Maun for this birth. In the Okavango region most of the Impala births happen between the 8th & 12th November every year. Knowing this we put in the time and were able to film it again this morning.
Pictures from that birth soon to follow.
5 posted at 11:35am on 10 November, 2009 by Fiona Rolt
foal or lamb - which is it please?? Amazing pics
6 posted at 11:47am on 10 November, 2009 by JasonL
Hi Fiona
After much discussion and searching of reference books, lamb would appear to be the correct term. Apologies for the error.
7 posted at 11:55am on 10 November, 2009 by Fiona Rolt
It seems weird tho - dont you think? - Faun is a young deer (in the UK) which to me seems more natural - lamb makes me think of what I stare at from my office desk every Spring. Botswana seems such a long way away at the moment. England is wet, dark and foggy, my Botswana ‘fix’ via earth touch keeps me sane on these dark evenings. Regards to Brad.
1 posted at 11:17am on 08 November, 2009 by jillian howitz
wow,.... seeing each other for the first time,..Mother and Baby. beautiful pic’s