The Big 5 At Mjejane Game Reserve
Mjejane Game Reserve is home to the Big 5 and Mjejane Lifestyle offers freehold River and Bush opportunities within the only private reserve that is incorporated into the Kruger National Park. We wanted to share some some information on your potential neighbours at Mjejane Game Reserve.
The term "Big Five" originates from the early hunters who came to Africa and plundered the thousands of antelope, predators and other large mammals that roamed our open plains, forests and watercourses. Obviously on foot, these explorers and adventurers faced up to many a dangerous wounded animal, mostly shot with underpowered weapons, and this is how Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard and Rhino got classified together as the most dangerous to hunt.
By 1896 White Rhino were extinct in the Lowveld, while elsewhere a relic 50 or so animals survived between the White and Black Umfolozi rivers in Zululand. Successful conservation measures made it possible to re-introduce 337 Rhino from 1961 onwards, and the Kruger Park now safeguards the world's largest population. White Rhino require a reliable supply of water, both for drinking and for the protective layer of mud that helps shield their hides from biting insects. In Kruger, 85% of the population can be found in the Southern region, where rainfall is higher than average and water holes are evenly distributed. Their senses of smell and hearing are good, but their eyesight is poor and Redbilled Oxpeckers warn them of potential danger. A White Rhino bull marks his territory by spray-urine along its boundaries. Only territorial males do this; subordinate males are allowed to live within the territory so long as they remain submissive. Females are free to wander across the territories of several males. White Rhino coat their hides in mud to reduce bites from irritating flies, and during the hot summer months mud wallows help to regulate body temperature. We have a few White Rhino on Mjejane which have crossed the river and made themselves at home with us, and if you are very lucky, you may even spot a Black Rhino, which have also moved over. These smaller cousins are browsers so will more likely be found in the thicker, dense bushveld areas of the reserve.
Elephant numbers have increased significantly in Kruger and during the winter months vast breeding herds crossed over and utilized the reserve as new feeding grounds. Bearing in mind that Mjejane was agricultural land until very recently, the inclusion of the reserve into the Kruger allowed a bit more space for them to spread out and explore. Some initial destruction of trees occurred, but during the rainy months the reserve looks so beautiful and green, that the damage caused was probably beneficial in the long run. Other browsers benefit by being able to reach shoots and leaves otherwise too high for them. Elephants live in well-ordered breeding herds, led by a matriarch, except for older bulls who wander off and live solitary lives, meeting up with the herds only when nature calls to mate. A single elephant can draw up to 17 litres of water at a time, consuming between 180 and 400 litres per drinking visit, which on average is every two days. The dextrous trunk of an Elephant is composed of over 50,000 muscles, and it is always both interesting and fun to watch the little ones as they struggle to make sense of it all. Once mastered though, an Elephant is able to carefully select leaves from among the thorny branches of a thicket of Acacia trees.
Buffalo are almost exclusively grazers, and half the Kruger population occurs on the open savannas of the central region. Large herds have also crossed over on Mjejane and these bovids consume large quantities of grass of a moderate quality, and in so doing play a valuable role in the ecosystem by reducing tall grasslands and opening up areas for the antelope that feed only on short grasses. An adult can weigh more than 750kgs and it requires Lions working together to overpower an adult bull. Unlike most antelope species, male Buffalos voluntarily leave the breeding herd and rejoin at a later stage. There are a few theories as to why they do this, one being that they go off to recuperate and gather their strength in order to return to the herds as both protectors and strong breeders. Old bulls typically become permanently separated from the herd to live a solitary existence, or form small bachelor groups. A dominant bull asserts his position by holding his head high while pointing his nose towards the ground. If this fails, the bull will batter his solid horn boss against that of his rival until he submits. It is said that the stare of a Buffalo bull is similar to that of someone who has lent you money and is awaiting payment!
Under favourable conditions, when game concentrates around water and there is a steady supply of prey, a Lioness can give birth to a litter of one to five cubs every two years. Births occur mostly between February and April when young prey animals are abundant. Since the establishment of Kruger in 1898, Lion have increased proportionately to a significant increase to their prey species. In the 1920's, Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden, counted 600 Lion in the park. Today, Kruger supports about 2000, representing one of the largest populations in Africa. A few male coalitions and a pride or two have made themselves comfortable on Mjejane and they are always high on the game viewing list. The mane of a dominant pride Lion protects his head and neck from injury and deters rivals by making him appear more formidable. In East Africa the Maasai people have copied this mask, and warriors wear feathered headdress' to appear taller and more menacing. Lion are opportunistic predators, and will also scavenge food from other predators. Although they spend up to 20 hours a day resting, a charging Lion quickly dispels any doubts about their strength, speed and agility. Most chases are short, up to about 200 metres, but they can attain speeds of up to 60km/h in the final burst before bringing down prey. Lions live in prides, with one or two pride males, a few females and all family cubs. Males reaching maturity are chased out by the pride male to go off and start their own prides in another territory.
A large male Leopard can weigh up to 70-90kgs, but females are much lighter at about 40-50kgs. Impala comprise over 75% of the Leopard's diet. An adult male requires prey equivalent to about 20 impala a year. As Leopards are primarily nocturnal and active when Lion and Hyaena are hunting, these powerful, beautiful cats have to face strong competition. Essentially ground dwelling, Leopards readily climb trees to escape from danger and to store their kills safely out of reach of other predators. Their incredible shoulder and neck strength allows them to carry an adult Impala up the straightest of tree trunks, high up into the branches. Solitary by nature, the males have no part in child rearing, and the females carry out this task until it is time to part. Highest densities occur in thick riverine bush bordering rivers, and many of the Mjejane sightings have been made along the banks of the Crocodile river, so keep your eyes peeled in the lower areas when out along this wonderful section of your drive.
For further information on purchasing options for freehold river and bush stands within Mjejane Game Reserve, contact the Mjejane Lifestyle team on 087 2311 594 or [email protected]
