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Some of the animals we photographed in East Africa
Gerenuk
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Quickfacts
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gerenuk means "giraffe-necked" in the Somali language
have scent glands by eyes, knees (covered by tufts) and between their split hooves
standing on hind legs reach higher than those of other gazelles - so not competing
dont eat grass nor need water - enough moisture from plants
vocalizations include: buzzing sound - alarmed, a whistle -annoyed & a loud bleat - extreme danger
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Hartebeest
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Quickfacts
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"hartebeest," means "tough ox."
the most sedentary antelope (makes it easy to hunt)
goes to water regularly & when male returns may find another in its place
home ranges densely populated
Hunter's, Jackson's, Lichtenstein's and Coke's hartebeest found in East Africa.
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Hippopotamus
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Quickfacts
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lifespan: 50 years - predators: humans, lions, crocodiles
considered a female deity of pregnancy in ancient Egypt - now gone
no sweat glands - relies on water to keep cool
red fluid produced in copious amounts when animal is excited
well-adapted to water - small ears, eyes and nostrils set at the top of the head
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Impala
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Quickfacts
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new mother seeks seclusion - young then join nursery group for protection
young are killed by jackals and the smaller cats, baboons, eagles and pythons
in danger, impalas will "explode" in a magnificent spectacle of leaping
when food is plentiful, the males become territorial
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Leopard
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Quickfacts
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primarily nocturnal, usually resting during the daytime in trees or thick bush.
when not hunting, flips tail over its back to reveal the white underside
solitary - unexpected encounters between leopards can lead to fights
Its tawny coat is covered with dark, irregular circles called "rosettes."
both lions and hyenas will take away a leopard's kill if they can, so hide kill in trees
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