Check Out The Elephants In Botswana.

[sanmac]

https://www.earthcam.com/world/botswana/chobe/?cam=campkuzuma

[sanmac]

I'm using a PC, Windows 10, and Firefox. Maybe, LB, you have sound because you're using Safari to listen to activities in a Safari-type environment:)

[ladybirder]

Maybe sanmac LOL.

[Prudie]

I've just a bog standard HP laptop, Win 10 and Chrome and I have sound. I did have to un-mute the sound on my laptop and the speaker icon at the bottom of the playback screen as well.

[ladybirder]

Wow this is the most I've seen. They must be thirsty. I hope the water doesn't dry up. There were a few light clouds in the sky recently but no signs of rain. Ooo I do worry about them.

[sanmac]

You're right, LB, there is quite a congregation there today. I don't think that the watering-hole is in any danger of drying-up. Anyway, there is quite a large river within "walking distance" of that location. If you go to my post of 1457 on Saturday, and drag the yellow "man" over the map you will be able to find the river and some photos of it.

[ladybirder]

Thank for that sanmac, what a relief!

[puzzled54]

There are people at the watering hole!

[sanmac]

Yep, looks like they're all heading west...Looking for food maybe.

[sanmac]

My last post referred to the few elephants. I didn't see any people there.

[ladybirder]

There's one right in the water having a great time at the moment. A joy watch.

[sanmac]

Elephants must be very clean, LB, as they can have a bath and give themselves a shower at the same time:)

[Gill1941]

Marvellous. Lots there now. Coming in from the right and all going off in the distance. Lots of babies, too.
So lovely to see.

[ladybirder]

sanmac that's what this one has been doing, having a great time. I have been watching it for some time. A few minutes ago about 50 arrived but I didn't see any greet the loner. Then the loner moved off to the right on its own leaving the rest behind. Do you know why? Would it have been chucked out of the herd for some reason?

[sanmac]

Here is some information:
Social Structure

All elephants are herd animals with a very definite social structure.
Herds are led by a matriarch, usually the oldest female, and are made up of daughters, sisters and their offspring.
Male elephants stay with the herd through adolescence and then move away as they grow older.
Male elephants often stay independent, but sometimes band together in bachelor pods.
African savannah elephants can live in very large herds consisting of anywhere from 20 to 70 individuals, while the African forest elephants like the Asian elephants generally live in smaller herds.

[ladybirder]

Thank you again sanmac. I knew a herd would be led by a matriarch so guessed it was a lone male. I'm glad he's chosen to be on his own rather than pushed out of the herd. He certainly looked very happy but I suppose it makes him more likely to be predated by a lion. I thought it was possibly like wolves who will kick one of their own out and won't let it back again.
So that's a relief. I can get on with some work now its night in Botswana.

[Prudie]

I know this thread is old now but I have this webcam on favourites and have looked in daily since sanmac posted it, several times a day at weekends. It has fascinated me. I've seen deer like mammals as well as the elephants. Last weekend I watched an amazing thunderstorm with fork lightning in that last hour of the evening when it's dark but the camera still running. Anyway since that storm I've not seen a single elephant. I was concerned so emailed the camp and have had a lovely response today from the Director. Part of it explains why no more elephants
"Our rain season started early this year with nearly 60mm for the first rains. This means that rain water gathers in pools all around the bush and water is then easily accessible to all wildlife without having to come to the waterhole.

Rain season typically starts November to end March, then very little come to the waterhole, but plenty to see in the bush.

Please do continue to watch our camera as there is always a surprise waiting when one least expects it."

Apart from it being really nice for him to have replied I thought maybe some ABers would be interested if they are looking in.

[ladybirder]

Prudie I also have it saved and take a look now and again. I love it, it's so calming just to sit quietly and watch such beautiful creatures. I've also passed it on to friends and family. Brilliant that you got a reply from them and thanks for the information.

[Prudie]

This web camera hasn't been working for months but it's back on and lots of elephants to see if you click on sanmac's original link :-)

[sanmac]

You're right, Prudie, the camera has not been working for quite a long time. Good to see it working again. I've been watching that site for over a year now, and I have never seen the water-level in that watering hole so low!

[Prudie]

Nor me sanmac. The camp website always suggested they actually topped it up regularly but it certainly looks in trouble at the moment.