Page 61 - Discover Botswana 2021
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This remarkable scene played out over the course of the morning, an intriguing chaos, constantly delighting and challenging the photographers in the hide. The photographic opportunities were dramatic and plentiful, but also very tricky in terms of composition and focus. The jackal being so close meant that his movements and speed were exaggerated, and it took extreme skill just keeping him in the frame. Over the next 3 days, a group of 6 jackal kept us well entertained with their hunts and family antics. We spent every morning in the hide from sunrise until about 11 am, during which time our eyes were firmly fixed on our viewfinders. Pop outside for a toilet break and you might miss something!
There are experiences when, as a photo- grapher, you feel immensely satisfied with a shoot, that you have “conquered” it. The Dinaka expedition was not like this though. Despite taking over 5000 images, I still feel there is more. There are surely some very intense and unique moments which have not yet been captured. It is for those that I cannot wait to return!
Left: Hierarchy within the family group of jackals that live around the waterhole is constantly established. With various forms
of behavior used to signal both dominance and submission. It became clear that the dominant jackal would approach a submissive member, walking stiff legged and with head down. A scuffle would ensue, during which the submissive jackal would often end up sitting on its hindquarters and pawing its dominant counterpart
KALAHARI
DANIEL CROUS
A young photographer from Maun, Botswana. He grew up in the Okavango Delta while his parents managed safari camps. A sincere interest in the natural world and photographing it came from an early age and has steadily grown into a profession. Daniel has travelled extensively worldwide and spent long periods of time in the wilderness areas of Botswana. He now guides photographic safaris into these wild areas and is a strong advocate for conservation through his photographic work.
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