We had several exciting close encounters with the "big cat" species in our study area during our May-June giraffe and TUNGO surveys. Seeing these magnificent wild predators reminds us of the importance of ungulates, or hoofed animals, to this ecosystem. These feline predators depend to a large degree on ungulates for food. Without antelopes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes, then cheetahs, lions and leopards as well as smaller predators and scavengers like hyenas and wild dogs would dwindle and possibly disappear altogether. The Wild Nature Institute is proud to contribute to the science and conservation of ungulates so the food web is preserved and all wild creatures of the savanna can thrive.

The rainy season has just ended in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, and on its heels came a burst of color with the savanna in full bloom. During our May-June giraffe surveys we were continually stunned by the variety and beauty of the wildflowers here.

We weren't the only ones appreciating the flowers, however. Giraffe were seen dining on white morning glory, and elephants were feasting in fields of yellow flowers. We even spotted a beehive with honeycombs in a baobab tree! You can click on each image to enlarge and read the caption.