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Why the fearsome reputation? Although petite in stature (standing just 20-25 cm tall, and up to 70 cm long – tail included), this speckled feline is a remarkable predator. Research shows that the average black-footed cat (also known as small-spotted cat) has an astounding 60% predation success rate. In comparison, lions succeed in catching prey … Continued
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We received many responses, not all of which were correct, reflecting not only the difficulty of identifying animals in fleeting sightings (which often happens with shy or nocturnal creatures) but also the confusion surrounding the various members of the Hyaenidae family. So we decided to do a little explainer on this species and the various … Continued
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We found the first litter, belonging to female Inara (formerly known as ‘75’), on top of the Samara Mara last month. At around seven weeks of age, they’re already displaying the inquisitiveness cats are famous for – they were highly curious about us, showing absolutely no fear. The half-siblings with whom they share a father, … Continued
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This series of short videos has been specifically designed for our younger audience but is also (we’re told!) just as entertaining for adults. Scroll down for the videos of Bush Lessons 1-8, filmed during lockdown at Samara. Samara Private Game Reserve is a luxury Big Five safari destination with a difference. Guests are invited behind … Continued
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As 2019 has drawn to a close and we step into 2020 we feel grateful that so many more people have become part of Samara’s journey. Thank you to our extended Samara family for helping us on our mission to rewild an extraordinary yet fragile part of South Africa. It is no exaggeration to suggest … Continued
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To the uninitiated, all zebras might appear cut from the same cloth. However, there are some important distinctions between the various species – of which there are 3 or 4, depending on which experts you speak to. These species are: The Grevy’s zebra, indigenous to Kenya and Ethiopia, classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red … Continued
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November has been a busy month! First a bull elephant translocation, and now the long-awaited arrival of lions at Samara. Our founder pride consists of one male (3 years old) and one unrelated female (4 years old) from Kwandwe Game Reserve near Grahamstown. The translocation to Samara mimics the natural lion migration patterns that would … Continued
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On September 1st 2018, Samara tracker Rowan Benadie found Chilli the female cheetah with a newborn litter of cubs, only days old. He spotted her carrying two of them along the steep mountain slopes, presumably moving them from one den site to the next. Since the gestation period of a cheetah is approximately 3 months, … Continued
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In a previous blog, we introduced you to the N family, Samara’s founder elephant herd released in 2017. There have not been elephants on the Plains of Camdeboo, a region made famous by Eve Palmer’s book of the same name, in approximately 150 years. The reintroduction thus provides a fascinating opportunity to study their behaviour … Continued
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Research convention dictates that elephants from the same family group being studied or monitored be given names starting with the same letter. In Samara’s case, the letter N has been chosen for the founder herd to designate their study name. Each elephant has also been given an everyday name, as a tribute to those generous … Continued
