The trail cameras at the Mayingani clan den site were deployed from October 5 to 12 while I was busy with other things (like experiencing walking trails camp and being too hot). When I finally got out to check on them, I was surprised and a little disappointed to find only a few videos of the clan members - implying that they have once again picked up and moved! While it’s always fun to get images of other critters*, this has thrown off the strategy of relying on the cameras for footage to keep tabs on what they are up to.
*For example:
However, wherever the new den is, it is not far. There have been several high quality sightings in both the morning and at night, suggesting to me that the new den location is such that their coming and goings result in higher visibility. I hope this is correct and that it helps us locate the den - those cubs must be getting big by now! Here are several photos from the recent sightings.
Morning of October 14: on our way out from camp, we heard lots of hyena whooping and vocalization and noticed a cloud of dust nearby. A group of at least 9 hyenas were moving quickly although not always in the same direction. One theory is that they were busy marking their territory following the move to the new den, but who really knows?
(Thanks to Gia Humelbaugh for the video, taken while I was busy with the stills)
Evening of October 16: On the way back to camp from the fever tree forest (yes, I went there again), we came across four hyenas on Mayingani road, just north of the first (August) den site. Two (#18 and 19) were quickly recognizable, one has not been photographed since September 1 (#22), and one was new to me - a remarkable individual with a presumed previous run-in with a snare… #23, aka “scarface”:
About to head out to see if we can see them again - stay tuned!