Qhelani Moyo🌱

The lone “wolf” dies, but the pack survives.🐾 Meet the Imposter pack, inhabitants of the Save Valley Conservancy. It was a treat to wake up to their regular cooperative hunts at Chishakwe, which offers an ideal hunting ground for these fearsomely accomplished predators: the African Wild Dogs! Encounter from March 2023. #nature #naturephotography #wilddogs #conservation #wildlifephotography #photography #safari #naturelovers #wildlifeonearth #african #featured _wildlife #explore #travel #natgeoyourshot #travelphotography

Watching a pair of bee-eaters is never short of entertaining, as the birds fly to and from perches, all the while trying to feast on unsuspecting flying insects. All this makes it possible to enjoy and appreciate their beauty. I was fortunate to enjoy nice views of this pair of White-fronted Bee-eaters almost on a daily basis as they were resident on a riverbank that was just a few trees away from where I stayed. I think they might arguably be my favorite species of Bee-eaters! There’s just so much to adore about their coloration, aerial displays, calls, and social structure! ❤️ #birds #naturephotography #nature #naturelover #naturelovers #safari #conservation #birdphotography #photography #natgeoyourshot #birdscaptures #animalphotography #animallovers #birds _captures #birds _adored #naturephoto #explore #travelgram

A Helmeted Guineafowl peacefully foraging for grains and insects at Chishakwe in the morning glow. Ever stumble upon a flock of Guineafowl? Picture a feathery parade of sprinters, squawking like they just heard the latest bird gossip - It’s almost all the time that they will usually be running, obviously panic-stricken about something. Their calls are often those of alarm, warning the flock of impending danger - in most cases the approach of a potential predator. #birds #birding #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #photography #wildlife #wildlifeonearth #wildlifephotography #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #animal #conservation #safari #explore #bushlife #guineafowl #birds _adored #birds _captures

With a keen sense of rhythm and a taste for insects, Cardinal Woodpeckers play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. Their drumming echoes through the woodlands, undeterred by the robustness of the acacia bark or the intense heat of the Save Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe. Why are they so important?💡 Cardinal Woodpeckers create cavities in trees for nesting and roosting. These cavities are not only essential for their own reproductive needs but also serve as habitats for a variety of other wildlife. Other bird species, small mammals, and insects may utilize these cavities for shelter, creating a cascade effect that contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. 🐜🐦 As they move from tree to tree, woodpeckers inadvertently aid in seed dispersal. Seeds from the fruits they consume can be scattered throughout the forest, promoting the growth of new plants and contributing to the regeneration of the ecosystem. 🌱 #woodpecker #conservation #birding #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography #naturelovers #nature #animals #animalphotography #safari #bush #explore #travel #travelgram #conservation #sciencecommunication #biology

Reflecting upon old photographs and revisiting past encounters in the wilderness is a source of great excitement for me. Every time I do that, I am almost always tempted to share those moments anew, as it revitalizes my memories. Here’s a look back at an encounter with a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill a few years back. It was perched on a Camel Thorn tree, seemingly taking a brief break and gathering energy for its relentless search for food (mostly insects and fruit). Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills are one of the most commonly seen birds of the southern African bushveld. Yet, they are more than just a common sight; they are storytellers of ancient tales and custodians of nature’s secrets. In the rich tapestry of African folklore and ecosystems, the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill symbolizes wisdom, the intricate web of life, and the vital lesson of environmental respect. Each time I encounter one of these birds, I’m reminded of the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. ©️Qhelani Moyo #birds #nature #birding #naturephotography #birdphotography #birdbrilliance #conservation #storytelling #sciencecommunication #naturelovers #bestbirdshots #featured _wildlife #bestwildlifeshots #natgeo #travel #travelgram #birdlovers #africa #animalphotography

To weave a home, to woo the girl, to establish a family amidst the foliage: Such is the essence of a male Southern-Masked Weaver. Nest-building is one of the experiences of bird-watching that I find most captivating. Whenever I encounter a bird, especially weavers, crafting their nests, I can't help but be filled with wonder at the innate beauty of this architectural process. Here is a series of photographs of a Southern-Masked Weaver I came across whilst I was trying to tick off some Mottled Spinetails in the lowveld of Save Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe. Despite being in a more important quest, the vibrant bachelor caught my attention as he undulated over the acacias, clutching a blade of grass that was three times his length. It appeared that he had just started building his nest, which seemed far from finished. Once done, he’ll be displaying at his nest entrance to any female who cares to pay attention. #bird #natgeoyourshot #birdlovers #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #bbcearth #birdphotography #birds _adored #animallovers #animalphotography #conservation #best _birds_of_world #bird _brilliance #planetbirds #birdsofinstagram #bestbirdshots #eye _spy_birds #best _birds_planet

Elephants are so wise, so funny, so intelligent and so endangered! An encounter of any kind with elephants is always amazing, I just think there is a lot to learn from them. 🐘 Tell me about your favourite ellie encounter! ⬇️ #conservation #elephants #ellies #photography #wildlife #nature #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #explore #travel #wildlifeonearth #natgeoyourshot #earthfocus #wilderness #bush #naturelover #nature _perfection #wildlifelovers #bbcearth #photooftheday #featured _wildlife #raw _africa #raw _wildlife #science #biology

Nothing can get in between a mother giraffe and her calf!🦒 Today on #worldgiraffeday , I reflect on these colossal beauties I encountered some few months back whilst exploring the pristine wilderness of The Save Valley Conservancy. You can't help but admire giraffes! Unfortunately, the number of giraffes in the wild is shrinking as their habitats shrink. The main threats to the giraffe population are habitat loss, civil unrest, illegal hunting, and ecological changes such as climate change and habitat conversion. #giraffe #giraffes #worldgiraffeday #conservation #reels #travel #nature #naturephotography #animal #animalphotography #naturelover #natgeo #natgeoyourshot #featured _wildlife #reel

A curious Fork-tailed Drongo sitting on its perch, always on the lookout for an easy catch. Surely, his face says it all about his character! #birds #birding #conservation #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wilderness #wildlifeonearth #naturelover #safari #science #natgeo #natgeoyourshot #natgeoadventure #travel #travelgram #explore #birds _captures #raw _birds #raw _wildlife #animals #storytelling

A male African Paradise-Flycatcher on parental care duty. It was worthwhile spending time with this flycatcher family as I watched both parents take turns to feed their two hatchlings. Taken in The Save Valley Conservancy during the rainy season, their breeding period. #nature #birds #parents #animal #photography #reels #viralreels #natgeoyourshot #travel #conservation #bird _brilliance #birder #natureenthusiast #environment #earthfocus

A Black Eagle's view of the mature woodlands of the Save Valley Conservancy from the top of a 'gomo' - a local Shona word for a mountain. Umbrella thorn, Mopane, and Baobab chiefly dominate these landscapes as these trees are perfectly adapted to this land of heat and sporadic rains. All of this underlying patchiness of local topography, water availability, soil richness, and animal utilization contributes to an enormous amount of biodiversity. From the aerial Martial Eagle to the terrestrial Spurfowl; the arboreal Vervet Monkey to the slithering Puff adder; from blood-seeking packs of Painted wolves to a kettle of scavenging White-backed Vultures: I have had the privilege of witnessing all that on this 'perfect' planet. This very diversity may contribute to community stability that is better able to withstand extreme perturbations, like fire and drought. United they stand. © Qhelani Moyo #conservation #nature #naturephotography #animalphotography #landscape #landscapephotography #naturelover #nature _perfection #safari #beautiful #allnatureshots #travelphotography #travel #mopane #science #scienceeducation #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #explore #bbcearth

One might wonder why this group of White-faced Whistling Ducks seems to be so orderly oriented. Is it by chance? Maybe. 💭 Surely this almost 'perfect diagonal' is no coincidence. Each bird has positioned itself in a way that allows the sunlight to hit the maximum amount of plumage, doing so without blocking a fellow sunbather. It's definitely a self-care routine for these waterbirds to sunbathe regularly. Coupled with preening, sun-basking aids in the removal of parasites such as lice. It will also allow their feathers to dry off before taking off in flight. I also think they simply just appear to be enjoying the warmth, healing and rejuvenating effects of the suns beams. 🌞 It is not hard to understand how good that feels! 😅 Photo taken late last year whilst kayaking @hillsidedamsconservancy .📍 ©Qhelani Moyo #birds #ducks #waterbirds #birding #nature #bird _brilliance #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #conservation #science #scienceeducation #natgeoyourshot #explore #travelgram #animalphotography #eye _spy_birds #raw _birds #raw _africa #raw _wildlife