Zebra Stripes, Human Fingerprints and Camouflage

The black stripes on the zebra’s white coat is very much appreciated by wildlife lovers. But, you might wonder how something that stands out so vividly for us is good for protecting it in the form of camouflage. Well, in fact it is.


The Zebra’s main predator, the lion is color blind and the black stripes merge well with the blades of grass in the savannahs and woodlands. But, this does not ensure it total protection, but coupled with the zebra’s nature to stay in a large group ensures it remains safe most of the times.


If you understand how predators such a lion and tiger hunt, you will know that they single out their prey in the distance, chalk out a line of attack, create a plan, get closer and then use strength, stealth and/or camouflage to surprise its prey.


When the zebra sticks with its own kind, the maze of stripes look to the lion as a massive body that is moving in multiple directions. This throws off all the attack calculations in the lion’s head and thus ensures that the zebra remains safe for the time being.


Now, coming to the other interesting thing about the zebra stripes. To the normal human eye, the appealing stripes of the zebra look the same. But, in reality, the print pattern on each zebra is as unique as the human fingerprint. And the most interesting fact is that even though their stripes are different, the zebra tracks its  family by their pattern type. This is how a foal find its mother and stays out of danger.

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Zebra in Black n White Shades: A Wildlife Photo Essay

I am generally not a big fan of taking wildlife pictures in monochrome, but when it comes to the zebra, I tend to take more black and whites than color photographs. The white coat and the black stripes of the zebra ensures that one doesn’t lose any detail while creating the frame and hence monochromes seem very appealing.


Here are some monochrome shots of the common (Plains) Zebra that I took at Lake Nakuru National Park and at Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.What do you think of these black and white shades? Do you think it fits the zebra well?

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Rothschild Giraffe: The most endangered giraffe subspecies

The Rothschild Giraffe is one of those species that is found in the wild only in two places in the whole world. One is Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya and the other is in northern Uganda. While the other giraffe species are placed in the “Least Concern’ category, the Rothschild Giraffe is in the heavily endangered category.


I was lucky to see this rare species during my game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park in central Kenya. It was late afternoon when I saw this giraffe sub species and found them grazing in the thick woodlands in the higher reaches of Lake Nakuru National Park.


They seem to be quite tall like the Maasai Giraffe and have broad patterns on them. The main thing that differentiates them from the other sub species is their lack of patterns on their feet. They have plain white feet, which give a feeling that they are wearing white socks on their feet.


But, like all giraffe species, even this one is a sight to watch. Their gigantic figure and their beautiful patterns make them stand out in the Lake Nakuru landscape.


If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you should definitely try and sight them. After all, there are only about one hundred odd living in the wild.

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Sarova Mara Game Camp, Kenya: A Review

The Sarova Hotels group, one of the leading hotel chains in Kenya have properties in all of Kenya’s key tourist spots. Hence, it is not surprising at all that they have one of their larger properties at Kenya’s main tourist destination – Maasai Mara. The Sarova Hotel property located in the eastern side of Maasai Mara is called the Sarova Mara Game Camp. I stayed here for 2 nights and 3 days during my recent wildlife safari holiday to Kenya.


Following points make up my review of this tented luxury camp based on my recent experience:

1) Like the Sarova property (Lion Hill Lodge) at Lake Nakuru, even the Sarova Mara Game Camp is notorious for its extremely small accommodation. Over 3 days and 2 nights, I would have banged my head in the tent or my shoulder would have brushed the sides against the tent (standard tent) at least a 100 times. I found this really irritating as I had to literally watch my every step, shoulder and head in the tent. Definitely a huge minus for me given that I am paying a premium for these tents. But, thankfully, this was the only minus in my experience here.

2) I absolutely loved the Sarova Mara property. The property is set in a mini forest in itself on the eastern part of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The small streams, the lake and the dense vegetation ensures that you are always woken up to pristine nature’s sounds of bird calls and whistles.


3) The property, which is quite massive offers a great opportunity for a relaxed walk. It’s well cobbled paths, lake, lawns and excellent tree cover ensure that your walk will be totally blissful.

4) The property also has a swimming pool if you wish to cool off during the day.

5) My favourite thing about the Sarova hotels is their food. Nothing can beat their elaborate spread and quality of starters, salads, main course and desserts. Their food is totally top class. I would always return to Sarova just for their food.


6) Sarova Mara, like other Sarova hotels maintains great service standards. People are real nice too.

7) Since the Sarova Mara is situated inside the game reserve, one doesn’t lose time in commute while on a game drive. This helps in good wildlife sightings in the early hours of the morning as that is when you get to see the more elusive animals.

8) The Sarova Mara also arranges some cultural events in the evenings during high season. This is interesting for families and kids. But, I prefer the fireplace in this hall and the best part is that it is close to the bar counter.


9) The Sarova Mara Game Camp stocks a great gift store, but they charge a premium for these versus other lodges.

Overall, I would definitely go back to Sarova Mara for its food and rich hospitality, but I would always prefer a larger and more spacious standard room, which would make it perfect value for money, if there is any such thing.

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Remarkable Malaysian Wildlife

Compared with East Africa or India, relatively few visitors to Malaysia take the time to explore the region’s national parks and wildlife reserves. Yet there is a great deal to see as the natural habitats of Malaysia are some of the richest on earth, home to remarkable range of animal life.


The tropical rainforests of Malaysia, dominated by gigantic trees are home to a wide range of wildlife that includes numerous species of monkey and smaller primates, such as the silvered-leaf monkey at Bukit Nanas in Langkawi and the nocturnal tarsier that is indigenous to the jungles of Sarawak. The Malayan flying squirrel leaping from branch to branch is quite the specialty here, while down on the ground there are forest elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, honey bears and scaly ant-eaters. One of the most unusual animals is the Malayan tapir, a distant cousin of the elephant, which can be seen in parts of peninsular Malaysia.


Over 620 species of birds have been recorded just on the peninsula. The giant hornbill found in the equatorial forests is one of the more treasured sights. Other bird species include spectacular pheasants and many groups of colorful birds such as kingfishers, sunbirds, woodpeckers and barbets.


Snakes such as the cobra and the python also can be regularly seen. So are the saltwater crocodiles that are found in plenty in many rivers and coastal areas. A variety of lizards, geckos and chameleons can be seen throughout the region, as can improbably colorful tree frogs.


Malaysia is a true ecological gem, the excellent combination of sea, sun, fascinating rainforests, mysterious mangroves, birds and wildlife. So whether you are a simple tourist or an ardent naturalist, Malaysian wildlife is bound to leave an impact on you.

Note: Photos in this post have been used with written consent from Beehive Communications on behalf of Tourism Malaysia.

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