'Tree'mendous fun facts: Earth Day 2016 - The importance of trees

The entire theme of Earth day 2016 revolves around the importance of trees. Most of the time we take trees for granted, and never quite realize the importance of trees in our lives.

Here are some valuable and important facts about trees:

1. Trees Produce Oxygen – we can simply not live if there were no trees
2. Trees play an essential role in environmental sustainability.
3. It helps with the fight of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air.
4. They prevent erosion and clean the water.
5. Trees provide home to surrounding habitat, not to mention the nutritional value their fruits have to offer.

Some more facts...a little bit more on a lighter note.

6. It can be used as cover when being chased by a lion or elephant – usually lions do not climb trees. When out walking in big five game areas, the chances are good that you might run into one of the big 5. If you are surrounded by trees, then the best option would be to look for the closest tree and seek hiding. You might have some trouble when encountering a leopard.

7. When sleeping in the wilderness, there is no better roof for the night, than to sleep under a tree.

8. It serves as camouflage when faced with an elephant on foot – situational awareness is key during on foot guiding. Trees can become an important cover when faced with dangerous game.

9. An elephant keeps busy by pushing over some trees. According to the EcoLibrary “many ecologists believe that by frequently pushing over trees, elephants help keep savannas as open habitats, so that they do not grow up into more dense woodlands”

10. It creates shade for the lazy cat specie, the shade of a tree becomes a relieve during hot summer days

11. Trees make for beautiful photos

We must take it upon ourselves to look after our planet. Preserve the earth and we all will secure a green future for ourselves and our children. Let’s all celebrate Earth Day. Not only on 22 April, but every single day of our lives

Happy Earth day 2016!

Chameleon Capers

As the Summer rolls in and temperature and humidity levels soar, a multitude of cold blooded creatures are awaking.  A firm favourite of guides and guests alike is the chameleon.  In the Lowveld, only one species of this unique and fascinating animal is represented: the flap necked chameleon.

Whilst active during the day, spotting a chameleon is near impossible due to the masterful camouflage that it possesses but at night time, the opportunity to spot these reptilian masters of disguise is increased.  In simplistic terms, during the day time, the light of the surrounding vegetation is picked up by special cells (chromatophors and melanophors) within the chameleon’s skin and the colour is replicated, rendering them almost invisible.  At night time, there is no ambient light (and therefore no colour) for the skin to reflect and thus the skin reverts to a creamy, off white hue.  For want of a better word, it becomes a blank canvas.

For a the trained eye, a flash of white in a green tree during a night drive is all that is needed to identify an individual sleeping.  The light from the spotlight illuminates the surrounding vegetation however and within a few seconds the skin starts to change colour once more.  Thus, by the time the chameleon is in view of guests, wonderment reigns as to how on earth it was spotted in the first place!

There will always be an ethical debate about handling the animal directly but in order to teach new guides about the intricacies of this amazing creature, handling it directly is acceptable, so long as the animal’s best interests are kept to the fore.  A chameleon will start to develop black patches when stressed and should be seen as a sign to swiftly return it to the same branch to avoid further disturbance. 

This individual appeared quite at home in the company of the students however and seemed to revel in investigating its new surroundings!  Evan Jooste, Kirsten Stapel and Laura Quinn were all subjected to its explorative antics as it seemed intent on finding the highest point to survey the area.  Its specialised fused toes (didactylous foot structure) are perfectly designed for grasping branches, or in this case, ears and noses, and all watched with great interest and amusement as its independently moving eyes sought clarity in this unusual environment!

The rains will bring with them more weird and wonderful creatures and as the course continues, so will the students’ wealth of knowledge of the intricacies of one the most species rich areas of biodiversity to be found on the globe.  What strange delights await us around the next corner is one of the most exciting parts of being a guide.  Expect the unexpected as you literally don’t know what you will see next!

Blog written by Ben Coley
Photos taken by Evan Jooste