In Touch With Nature – Wildebeeste, the Clown of the Veld

Posted: November 26, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Africa, In Touch With Nature, Nature, Wildlife | Tags: #InTouchWithNature, #poetry, #RobbieCheadle, #Wildebeest, #wildlife, Nature, South Africa, Wildlife | 47 Comments

Last month I wrote about warthogs, one of the Ugly Five animals of Southern Africa. This month I have written about another Ugly Five animal, the wildebeest. I have written a poem using the format and rhyming scheme of another very famous poem. Can you guess which poem it is?

Wildebeest, Clown of the Veld

In the game park we’d just arrived, after a long and difficult drive

Despite being fatigued, my eyes were quick and eager to see

The animals I love, anything and everything from lion to dove

I happened to see a mom and calf, running along wild and free

“Look,” I cried, “a baby wildebeest, running along wild and free”

The calf sighting filled me with glee

***

It was early summer, and the temperatures couldn’t be hotter

When we had this chance encounter with the “clown of the veld”

Also known as gnu, these ones were black not East African blue

Such a funny looking creature, not sophisticated and svelte

Even its erratic and playful behaviour was far from svelte

The joker of the veld

***

A joy to watch, they looked like they’d had a go at the scotch

As the vehicle approached, they pranced, leaping up and down

Kicking their heels into the air, an entertaining dancing pair

Running in circles for no reason, the world was their playground

Suddenly stopping, looking back, over their world and playground

Amusing and fun veld clowns

***

Wildebeest, the name, means wild beast, although on grass they feast

Unlike their blue Eastern relatives, black wildebeest don’t migrate

They have a long, horse-like tail, and the darker ones are always male

These creatures must drink water daily or they’ll quickly dehydrate

As a result you’ll find them near waterways so they don’t dehydrate

During droughts, death their fate

***

Driving further down the road, several more gnu became exposed

Many more adults and calves grazing with zebra in a mixed herd

My camera was quickly snapping, so fast my pictures overlapping

On their backs and heavy forequarters feasted the ox-pecker bird

Wildebeest have a symbiotic relationship with the ox-pecker bird

Although this pairing looks absurd

***

Often a gnu’s life depends, on hanging around with its zebra friends

This relationship heightens their awareness of any potential carnivores

In the bush the cats must also eat, the only escape being quick and fleet

This is the way of life in the wild and animals comply with the bush laws

One creature must die to give another life in terms of the bush laws

Part of experiencing the great outdoors

Picture caption: Two adult wildebeest and three calves

Picture caption: Mom wildebeest and two calves on the move

Picture caption: Close up of a mom wildebeest and her calf

You can see my Youtube videos of wildebeest here:

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author photograph 2025

Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.

Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).

Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ

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In Touch With Nature – Meet Pumbaa the Warthog and a treat #southernafricanwildlife #intouchwithnature

Posted: October 22, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Africa, Animals, In Touch With Nature, Nature, Nature writing, Poetry, Wildlife | Tags: In Touch With Nature, Photography, Poetry, Robbie Cheadle, South Africa, Warthogs, White Giraffe, Wildlife, Writing to be Read | 40 Comments

Disney was as kind to warthog’s as it was unkind to hyenas in its movie, The Lion King. Pumbaa the Warthog is a well-known Southern African cartoon figure among many people, young and old. This is intriguing to me as warthogs, together with poor unloved hyenas, are both part of the Southern African ‘Ugly Five’ group of animals.

I always laugh when I see warthogs running about in the veld. I immediately think of ‘pigs in blankets’ and they are definitely ‘bush snacks’ for many carnivores. So, let’s learn a bit more about these funny looking creatures.

Warthogs are day animals and spend most of their time foraging for food. Socially, they are found in three groups: solitary boars, bachelor groups, and matriarchal groups which consist of adult sows with their young and yearlings. Outside of mating, the boars seldom associate with the sows and play no role in rearing the piglets. Did I mention that warthogs are a member of the pig family? Warthogs are the only pigs that have adapted to living and grazing in savannah like habitats.

A few interesting features of warthogs are that they kneel on their front knees while feeding and foraging and they shelter in (frequently borrowed) burrows at night which they enter tails first. Although they like more dry surroundings, warthogs enjoy wallowing in muddy water every day. This wallowing process is how they stay cool on hot days in the same manner as elephants and buffalo.

Picture caption: a solitary male warthog

Warthogs tend to breed and give birth at the beginning of the rainy season in regions where the seasons are defined. In other environments, warthogs can breed all year around. Warthogs generally have two to three piglets in a litter.

Although I said these creatures are bush snacks for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and painted dogs, they have longer legs than most pigs and can run very quickly. They are difficult to catch and also difficult to photograph.

Interesting warthog facts

Warthogs have two pairs of tusks
Warthogs trot with their tails in the air
Warthogs can run up to 55 kilometres per hour (35 miles per hour)
Warthogs fight in a ritualistic way and use their heads and tusks to try to push their opponent over.
Warthogs have warts on their faces which act as a cushion for blows from their adversaries. Large warts also help protect their eyes during fights.
A group of female warthogs with young is called a sounder
Mama warthogs like orderly behaviour and the piglets always run in a fixed order in a line and not in a disorderly group.
Warthogs are attentive mothers; they leave the sounder when about to give birth and find their own burrow or hole. Mama remains in this hole with her young for the first six to seven weeks after birth, only leaving for short periods to graze.
Warthogs are hunted for their tusks which are carved for the tourist trade in eastern and southern Africa (don’t buy these!)
Warthogs communicate using a variety of different noises including loud grunts, growling and squeals. Clacking noises are used by males to entice females.

Picture caption: warthog foraging and grazing.

Picture caption: Close up of a male warthog

My Youtube video of a sounder having breakfast:

Poem about warthogs

This poem is extracted from my favourite of my own books, Lion Scream.

Home Thief

I am not beautiful
My head is too big
My face is covered in wartlike protrusions
To protect it during fights
I have four large tusks
***
I prefer to trespass
On ready-built homes
It’s easier if aardvark does the digging
Creating a safe hole
And I just move in
***
My babies enter first
I have up to four
Backing in leaves me prepared to protect them
From many predators
Who view us as snacks

Lion Scream is available from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Scream-Syllabic-Southern-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B0BXP5N766

White headed giraffe – a special sighting

During a trip to Babanango Private Game Reserve we had the good fortune to come across this giraffe with large white patches on its face. Very unusual. The guide was very patient and waited for me to get my shots.

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Leopard Tortoise, one of the Small Five #Africanwildlife #leopardtortoise

Posted: September 24, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Africa, Animals, In Touch With Nature, Nature, Poetry, Wildlife | Tags: In Touch With Nature, Leopard Tortoise, Robbie Cheadle, South Africa, Wildlife, Writing to be Read | 23 Comments

This month, I am featuring the leopard tortoises. One of the small five African animals, along with the elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, and buffalo weaver.

Leopard Tortoise

One of the ‘small five’

whose names relate to the big five

the leopard tortoise

with its distinctive patterned shell

is a signature animal

of the African savannah.

Lacking a nuchal shield

this tortoise is the only member of its family

that can raise its head

and is thus, the only tortoise

that can swim. It can also stay under water

for up to ten minutes.

It’s sex is determined by

the temperature at which

the egg is incubated. Amazing!

And, this incredible creature

can climb. It uses its strong toenails

to manoeuvre over rocky terrain.

Living up to one hundred years

you can tell its age by counting

the scutes or ridges on its shell

just like counting rings on a tree.

If you find one in South Africa

you may not keep it without a permit

as they are a protected species.

Should you manage to get a permit

do not hibernate it in the refrigerator

as leopard tortoises do not hibernate

but rather enter a state of reduced activity

called brumation which is similar

to deep sleep. They require supplemental

heating during the winter months

as they are not adapted to cold.

Picture caption: Leopard tortoises at Madikwe Game Reserve

my video of a leopard tortoise that came into the lodge grounds.

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Golden Orb Spiders #spiders #southafrica #wildlife

Posted: August 27, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 51 Comments

Picture caption: close up of a Golden Orb Spider. You can clearly see the orb in the centre and the golden thread

Spiders get a lot of negative press everywhere. Recently, there have been a number of poems about spiders on WordPress and all of them paint spiders as scary creatures which do much harm to humans. I decided to write this post as a tribute to spiders which actually do a lot of good in this world. There are some venomous spiders, but these are in the minority. Thousands of spiders die at the hand of humans due to ignorance and unfounded fear.

The spider I am focusing on for this post is the South African Golden Orb Spider. From March to May, the Golden Orb Spider is an outstanding feature of the NorthWest province in South Africa. Hundreds of these large spiders can be seen everywhere, spinning and guarding their webs, and doing what spiders do which is catching and consuming prey, usually insects, and reproducing.

The female of this species is 1,000 times bigger than the male. The female spins the web and allows several males to cohabitat on the web. The males are usually found at the top of the web while the female sits at the hub, facing downwards, and waiting for insects to become trapped in the web. She then wraps the insect in web to immobilise it, kills it with one bite, and moves it to the centre of the web for immediate consumption or to store in her ‘larder’. I know you are thinking this is cruel but think about the contents of your own freezer. I often think that if the Martians from War of the Worlds arrived on Earth now, they would have had no conscience about eating people after peeping into the average freezer which is stuffed full of meat.

Picture caption: Golden Orb Spider from a bit further away

These are some great facts about Golden Orb Spiders:

they are active during the day and largely sedentary due to being web bound;
they rarely dismantle their webs and their webs can last for years;
their venom is harmless to humans;
Golden Orb Spiders spin the largest and strongest web of all spiders. It’s name is derived from the golden colour of its silk;
the web is strong enough to trap a small bird. The spider cannot eat a bird and such entrapment damages the web. The spider tries to warn birds of the presence of the web by leaving a visible line of insect husks on the web.
the small males steal food from the female without her noticing;
the males mate with the female without her noticing. Usually when she is distracted by eating;
the eggs are buried in the ground;
the spiderlings are not fully developed when they hatch but once they have developed, they move away from their siblings to avoid cannibalism;
there are 11 African species in the genus; and
the web is used by humans to make fishing lures, traps, nets, bird snares, and as a bandage to stop bleeding.

The web of this spider is beautiful. Its yellow threads shine like gold in the sunlight to attract insects, especially bees, and blends with the background foliage in shady spots, thereby camouflaging the web. The spider is able to adjust the pigment intensity to match with background light levels and colour. This spider is a real artist.

Picture caption: Close up of a Golden Orb female spider and the much smaller male

Picture caption: Golden Orb female spider with an insect caught in the web and three smaller males

These are two of my YouTube videos of Golden Orb Spiders:

Poem about Spiders from Lion Scream

The Spider Ball

Behind a rotting board
A misshapen ball
Pulsating with life; dark silhouettes wriggling
Protected by soft web
The mother’s life work
***
In the dimness they grow
Increasing in strength
Those with greater confidence start to explore
Running along the threads
Pushing boundaries
***
Ready for life alone
They prepare to leave
Climbing up high they release several strands
And float gently away
Life’s an adventure

Purchase Lion Scream here: https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Scream-Syllabic-Southern-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B0BXP5N766

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – The near threatened southern white rhinoceros and the poaching crisis #whiterhino #InTouchWithNature

Posted: July 23, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 76 Comments

Picture caption: Banner for In Touch With Nature

The white rhinoceros or square-lipped rhino is the largest of the five living rhino species. It is also one of the largest land animals with only elephants being bigger. A male white rhino weighs up to 2,300 kilograms and a cow between 1,600 and 1,700 kilograms. The white rhinos most well-known feature is the two horn-like structures on its snout. The horns line up, one behind the other, and are comprised of densely compacted keratin fibers and not bone.

Unfortunately, it is the rhino’s beautiful horn that has led to these creatures being poached to near extinction. Rhino horns are in high demand in certain Asian countries, in particular China and Vietnam, due to a false belief in the medicinal value of the horns. Despite confirmation by the scientific world that these beliefs are not true, the demand continues. In some cultures, rhino horn is viewed as a status symbol and represents wealth and success. The demand for rhino horn as gifts fuels the poaching crisis. In addition, rhinos are still hunted for sport with hunters displaying their horns as trophies.

Picture caption: White rhino with a formidable horn

The white rhino population is estimated to be around 17,464 individuals with the majority being found in South Africa. Currently a near threatened species, the white rhino populations are declining with approximately 420 being poached every year. The latest white rhino poaching statistics for the three months ended 31 March 2025, are 103 averaging 34.33 white rhinos per month.

The fight against rhino poaching is on-going and multifaceted. Game reserves are protected by anti-poaching patrols which include drones and aircraft. I often see the anti-poaching units when I am in the bush, and I have even seen them practicing maneuvers. I am very supportive of these brave men who risk their own lives to save our rhinos from poachers. South Africa has introduced stricter wildlife protection laws and international organisations like the Internation Fund for Animal Welfare work ceaselessly to combat the online trade of illegal wildlife products.

One of the steps taken to reduce poach is dehorning. A landmark international study published on Thursday, 5 June 2025 has revealed that dehorning significantly reduces the risk of poaching. The study, led by the University of Cape Town found that “Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching … was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget.” You can read more about this study here: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2025-06-05-uct-led-study-finds-dehorning-rhinos-reduces-poaching. I always feel sad when I see a dehorned rhino in the bush, but better dehorned rhinos than none at all.

Picture caption: A pair of dehorned white rhino walking down the road. Their dark colour is due to the dirt they roll in.

The impact of the extinction of any animal species extends far beyond the specific animals and species itself. Rhinos, for example, play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems in their natural environment. Rhinos are herbivores and their grazing patterns shape landscapes, support plant biodiversity and influence food chains. The extinction of the white rhino would have a significant impact on the decline of other species dependent on the environmental balance rhinos help to maintain.

Picture caption: The smallest baby white rhino I’ve seen – just three weeks old

A cute poem from Lion Scream by Robbie Cheadle

Listen to me, Mom

“Mom, what’s that box on wheels?
Why is it stopping?
Listen to me, Mom, I’m asking you something.
Stop ignoring me, Mom
I’ve got a question”

“If you don’t answer me
I’ll back into you
Can you feel it, Mom, I’m bumping into you?
I’m not going to stop
Until you answer”

“Fine, be mean if you like
I know what to do
I’ll just lie down and have a short siesta
Let me know when it’s gone
And we can move on”

A few of my white rhino wildlife YouTube videos

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Southern yellow billed hornbill #nature #wildlife #birds

Posted: June 24, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 53 Comments

During a recent trip to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, I was lucky enough to have a great sighting of a Southern yellow billed hornbill.

Southern yellow billed hornbill

A good-looking chap, I have a long yellow

and downward curved beak. My beak is huge

in comparison with my body. At approximately

90 millimetres long, it accounts for up to

one sixth of my body length. I have a casque,

like all my fellow hornbills, but mine is small.

My beak is so big, it intrudes on my frontal

vision and my first two neck vertebrae are

fused together. I have a long tail, long eyelashes,

and stubby legs and toes. My front three toes

are fused together near the base. My eyes are

usually a lovely yellow surrounded by pink skin.

***

My meals are interesting and varied. I like to enjoy

a selection of termites, beetles, larvae, grasshoppers,

and caterpillars. Delicious! A dessert of berries, fruits,

nuts, and other birds’ eggs is always welcome.

If possible, I supplement my diet with small mammals.

Mealtimes are when my useful beak comes into play.

I use it like a pair of forceps, grasping my food between

its tips and tossing it back into my throat. My stubby

tongue helps me to swallow my food efficiently.

***

I am a loner, preferring my own company,

except during breeding season. At that time,

you will find me in a couple or small group.

Once I have mated, I am loyal to my partner,

staying with her and establishing a territory,

which I defend. We build our home together –

a nest in a natural cavity in a tree, cliff or

earth bank, between one and twelve metres

above the ground. I bring bark, leaves, and grass

to make a lining for our home. My wife seals

herself inside the nest, blocking the entry with

a wall made from her droppings and remains

of meals. I help by bringing mud for her to

build with. When she is finished, only a vertical

slit remains, running from the top to the bottom.

My family rely on me to feed them. I pass food

through this slit with my large beak. The nest

has good air circulation through convection.

My wife keeps it clean by forcibly expelling her

own and our babies’ droppings through the slit.

My babies, numbering between two and six,

are born naked, with beautiful pink skins. We

do our best to feed them and keep them safe.

In the event of an attack by a predator, my wife

and children make use of the long escape tunnel

built into the nest, to escape. Once our children

are half-grown, my wife breaks out of the nest.

She helps me feed them. The babies are clever,

rebuilding the wall on their own. My wife and I

continue to feed them through the slit until

they are grown. Then they break out and fly

away. Ready to take on the world on their own.

A few more photographs of the Southern yellow billed hornbill we saw.

Picture caption: I like this photograph where the bird is facing into the sun. You can see its eyes clearly.

A short Youtube video (not mine) of the call of the Southern yellow billed hornbill:

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Cheetah cubs and the numerous challenges they face #Cheetahs #cubs #photographs

Posted: May 28, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 61 Comments

Picture caption: Banner for In Touch With Nature featuring a lion lying down

Cheetah cubs are known for their adorable, fluffy appearance but, sadly, they face a high mortality rate in the wild. Only 10% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood in the bushveld due to various factors including predators and environmental changes.

Picture caption: Cheetah cub of about twelve weeks old. It still has the silvery white fur mantle

Picture caption: Frontal shot of a cheetah cub aged twelve weeks

Cheetahs do not form lasting pair bonds so once mating occurs, a relatively brief process of no longer than one hour, the male departs. Female cheetahs assume full responsibility for the pregnancy and care of the cubs. The pregnancy lasts between ninety and ninety-five days and during this time the female continues to hunt and see to her nutritional needs and those of her developing cubs. As the birth approaches, the female seeks isolation and a suitable birthing location. This period of solitude is necessary as cheetahs do not share cub-rearing responsibilities.

Picture caption: A female ‘mother’ cheetah

Cheetahs usually have litters of three to six cubs which are born blind and weighing between two hundred and three hundred grams. Cheetah cubs have a thick silvery-grey mantle down their back which helps camouflage the babies by imitating the look of the aggressive honey badger. This deception is aimed at deterring predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and eagles who all kill cheetah cubs. A day or so after the birth, the mother has to leave the cubs in order to hunt for herself so she can continue to feed and care for the cubs. This is a dangerous time for the cubs as they are left unprotected. For the first six weeks of their lives the cubs remain behind while their mother hunts. She moves them from one secluded hiding place to another in order to avoid detection by predators.

Picture caption: Mom and twelve week old cubs feeding

At about six weeks, the cubs begin following their mother as she travels around looking for prey. During the first few months, the mother and cubs can’t move far or fast, so they are at their most vulnerable. This is the period when cub fatalities are highest. This is the time when the cubs learn life skills for their survival.

At approximately three months old, the cubs lose their ‘honey badger’ mantle and by one year they are hunting with their mother. At about eighteen months old, the cubs leave their mother. The cubs usually stay together for a few months while they hone and perfect their hunting skills. When the adolescent females start maturing, dominant males will chase their brothers away.

Picture caption: Older cheetah cubs (approximately one year) feeding on a baby impala kill

Picture caption: A shot of the same cheetah cubs

This video is of a cheetah kill. Don’t watch it if you are squeamish.

Tiny cheetah cubs enjoying a kill:

This poem, Around the Bend, is from my latest poetry collection, Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna, available from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Butterflies-Poetry-Southern-African-ebook/dp/B0F2SDF2GW

Around the Bend

The dirt road stretches

Towards the distant horizon

What marvel lies beyond

The bend; long white fur

Catches the sunlight

Is it a honey badger?

No, its cheetah cubs

Their silvery-grey mantle

Effective camouflage

They’re enjoying breakfast

An impala kill by mama

Cheetah feast

Note: Cheetah cubs mimic honey badgers in appearance. They have a thick silvery-grey mantle running down their backs that gives them the appearance of a honey badger. This is a form of camouflage and makes the cubs look like an animal known for its fierce and fearless nature. Cheetah cubs are at risk of being eaten by most other predators so this honey badger disguise acts as a deterrent to potential predators giving them a better chance at survival.

Picture caption: Cover of Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Cheetah, world’s fastest land mammal #cheetah #Intouchwithnature #southernAfricanwildlife

Posted: April 23, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 65 Comments

Picture caption: In Touch with Nature 2025 banner featuring a black-maned lion

The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal. At their top speed to 70 mph, they advance 23 feet (7 meters) in a single stride and complete 4 strides every second. This top speed can only be maintained for approximately 30 seconds.

Fourteen reasons why cheetahs are so fast

Aerodynamic body shape – a cheetah’s body is slender and designed for swift, unyielding motion. Watching a cheetah run is like watching a dancer glide across a stage.
Long, flexible spine – as a cheetah speeds up, its spine stretches and contracts giving each leg an incredibly long reach.
Muscle power – cheetahs are sprinters. Their muscles are packed with fast-twitch fibres to allow for short burst of explosive speed.
Large nasal passages – the cheetah has large nasal passages which provide for plenty of oxygen during sprints.
Tail for balance – the cheetah’s long and muscular tail acts like a rudder, allowing it to steer and balance at high speeds.
Powerful leg muscles – the cheetah’s powerful leg muscles catapult the animal forward to achieve high speed dashes.
Clawed feet – cheetah’s have semi-retractable claws that work like cleats, digging into the earth for a better grip.
Non-slip pads – cheetahs have unique paw pads that are rough and textured to provide maximum grip, so they don’t slip.
Fast acceleration – a cheetah can accelerate from zero to sixty in three seconds.
Excellent vision – cheetah’s have extraordinary vision which allows them to plan their attack with precision and track movements even at high speed.
Lightweight build – the cheetah’s lean build allows for quicker acceleration and sustained speed.
Efficient energy use – cheetahs take power naps between sprints allowing them to recharge for the next burst of speed.
Powerful heart and lungs – The heart and lungs of a cheetah are larger and more efficient than those of other cats, ensuring a constant supply of oxygen to their muscles.
Swift reflexes – the cheetah’s swift reflexes allow for split-second decisions and adjustments during a chase.

Picture caption: Male cheetah walking on top of a rock in the morning sunshine

Picture caption: Male cheetah sitting on a rock at Madikwe Game Reserve

Picture caption: Male cheetah standing on a rock in the morning sunshine

Picture caption: Male cheetah on the move, walking down off the rock.

My YouTube video of this cheetah stretching:

My YouTube video of a juvenile cheetah walking through the bush:

The following syllabic poem is from my book, Lion Scream, Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife:

Flat Cat

Barely discernible
Dark spots on tawny fur
She lies nonchalantly, blending into veld
Of vibrant golden hues
Dappled with shadows
***
Raising a sluggish head
She appears awake
Gives an impression of careful surveillance
But it’s an illusion
Her eyes tightly closed
***
Yawning, sharp teeth exposed
Then over she rolls
Head dropping down, she settles back into sleep
Almost disappearing
Flat cat in the grass

My YouTube reading of Flat Cat:

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Nyala antelope #southernAfricanwildlife

Posted: March 26, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Africa, Animals, In Touch With Nature, Nature, Wildlife | Tags: In Touch With Nature, Nyala Antelope, Robbie Cheadle, South Africa, Writing to be Read | 88 Comments

The Nyala is a spiral horned antelope native to southern Africa. It is the antelope with the highest sexual dimorphism (differences between male and female of the species). This is easy to see in the photographs and videos I’ve shared in this post so look out for the rusty or rufous brown coats of the females and juveniles and the dark brown or slate grey coat of adult males. Females and juveniles also have ten or more white vertical stripes on their sides which the stripes are greatly reduced or completely absent in the adult males. The males are significantly larger than the females.

Picture caption: Female Nyala with vertical white stripes

Picture caption: Above and below are pictures of a male Nyala

The Nyala is a shy animal and is usually seen in the early morning and the late afternoon when it browses, feeding on foliage, fruits, and grasses. They live in thickets within dense and dry savannah woodlands and are usually found in single-sex or mixed family groups of up to ten animals. These antelope are not fast runners, and their camouflage is their main defense against predators.

The main predators of the Nyala are lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and humans. The males are highly prized as game animals, and they are often victims of poaching. Human settlement is also encroaching on their habitat resulting in a declining population although they are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Nyalas have a special relationship with the baboons and vervet monkeys with whom they share the woodlands. They eat any fruit dropped by these primates and also react to any alarm calls made by primates from their advantageous viewing points in the trees. The baboons and monkeys also benefit from the relationship as Nyala have exceptional hearing, smell, and sight. When a Nyala spots danger, it gives off a striking alarm call sounding a bit like a barking dog. This warning also serves the primates and other creatures sharing their habitat.

Interestingly, Nyalas are not territorial. They wander about in groups and do not try to protect any areas from other creatures.

Nyala buck have an aggressive way of breeding. Firstly, the males fight for dominance, crashing into each other with their sharp horns acting like swords. The horns often draw blood. The bulls fight until one backs down by walking away as a sign of submission. These battles can be fatal if the wounds become infected or if the bull is concussed. The winning bull then slowly dances within the group of females, using strange, stuttering movements and raising its head to show off its white underfur.

When a female is on heat, the male follows her on foot, pushing his nose between her legs. He gets excited and buts her hindquarters right off the ground. If the female is interested, she stops walking. The male then walks around her and presses her head down before he mounts her. Gestation is 220 days and ewes can conceive from the age of 14 months.

Picture caption: Close up of a young male Nyala

Picture caption: Close up of a female Nyala

YouTube video of Nyala herd comprising of young males and females:

Male Nyala licking his legs YT video:

YT video of a Nyala male feeding:

The Fire Part 1

Flamboyant performer
Sun takes final bow
Pitch black curtains descend; concealing the stage
Campers assemble fire
Restraining darkness
***
Wood ignites, flames crackle
Illuminating
Nocturnal animals materialise
Skulking in deep shadow
Bright eyes glittering
***
Feeding ravenous blaze
An essential task
Stopping potential diners from helping themselves
To a convenient
Snack of arms or legs

The Fire Part 2

Dawn makes her grand entrance
Painting the sky red
Men prepare to depart, water smothers fire
Murky vapour billows
Dark ashes sodden
***
Everything orderly
The campers move on
Single flickering coal smolders unnoticed
Mutely clinging to life
Nurtured by the breeze
***
Dry leaves fall stealthily
Embracing ember
Sustenance provided; leaves burst into flame
Cunningly building strength
Destruction ensured

These poem duo is from my book, Lion Scream, Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife, available from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Scream-Syllabic-Southern-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B0BXP5N766

Picture caption: Promotional banner for Lion Scream

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Roberta is also the author and illustrator of sixteen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of three poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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__________________________________________

This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.

In Touch With Nature – Black-backed Jackals #SouthernAfricanwildlife #Intouchwithnature

Posted: February 26, 2025 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 95 Comments

This month, I am introducing you to the black-backed jackal, one of my favourite creatures to see in the bush. They are incredibly quick so getting a decent photograph is difficult. On our last bush trip to Babanango Private Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal, one decided to post beautifully for me and I got some amazing pictures of this small dog-like creature.

The black-backed jackal, also called the silver-backed jackal, is a medium sized canine native to eastern and southern Africa. These animals are known for their cunning and daring and are sometimes seen nipping into a lion kill and stealing a choice morsel. The black-backed jackal feeds on small mammals, reptiles, birds, eggs, carrion and fruit. They are scavengers but also hunt in their own right.

Five interesting facts about black-backed jackals:

These creatures are highly vocal. In the early evenings, individuals frequently make high, wailing calls to one another until an unearthly chorus builds up. They also make a continuous yapping sound when tailing a predator like a lion or a leopard, often giving the predator away to its potential prey.
Fossil deposits have revealed that the black-backed jackal is one of the oldest known dog species. It has remained in its current form for up to 2,5 million years.
Black-backed jackals are monogamous and form life-long pair bonds. Another interesting fact is that the youngsters from the prior year’s litter often stay around to help their parents raise their next lot of pups before setting out on their own breeding adventure.
Black-backed jackals are one of the most significant vectors of rabies in southern Africa. They have been associated with epidemics with occur in four to eight year cycles.
In Khoikhoi folklore, the black-backed jackal frequently travels with the lion which is usually outwits due to its higher intelligence. You can read one of these stories here: https://sacred-texts.com/afr/saft/sft09.htm

Picture caption: Black-backed jackal frontal view

Picture caption: Black-backed jackal side view

Picture caption: Black-backed jackal getting ready to bolt

Picture caption: Black-backed jackal close up

My YouTube video of a black-backed jackal up close and personal:

Jackal Love

A black backed jackal couple
Dash across the road
Happy to spend his life in monogamy
He courts his future bride
And they mate for life
***
“What would you like, my dear
for your wedding feast?
How about a yummy dung beetle or two?
Or some tasty locusts?
A meal for a king”
***
Life couldn’t be better
For the newly weds
Then the lion pride makes a wildebeest kill
Leftovers for dinner
When they are finished

The above poem is from my poetry collection, Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry about Southern African Wildlife available from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Scream-Syllabic-Southern-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B0BXP5N766