EAST AFRICA’S ISOLATION SPECIALISTS –SIX SPECIES THAT HAVE MASTERED SOCIAL DISTANCING

We as humans are usually very social creatures – we rely on each other for support, entertainment, relationships, and so much more. During the current health crisis, people across the globe are spending more time alone than ever.

For many species in the animal kingdom, however, self-isolation is not a new concept. It’s in their instinct. From iconic land mammals to ocean species, many choose to live their life in solitude and spend much of their time social distancing from other wildlife outside of essential activity: to eat and to breed.

Here are some social distancing experts in the animal kingdom.

The Rhino

The rhino, and especially male Black rhinos, are known to be the most solitary animal found in East Africa. These prehistoric looking giants spend most of the time grazing across the grasslands of their territories without any company, and are rather content doing so. Female rhinos and their young are known to form small groups at a time. So it is mostly the males who enjoy isolation.

The Leopard

Aside from when they are mating or raising their young, it’s the single life for leopards. Unlike some big cats like lions, these elusive animals have no problem catching prey alone.

The Honey Badger

The honey badger is famously known to be a ferocious fighter, and it turns out they enjoy the single life too! Honey badgers are mainly nocturnal and generally prefer to roam and hunt alone rather than with others and enjoy keeping their burrows to themselves. 

The Pangolin

The pangolin is perhaps one of the planet’s most unique animals. These solitary, primarily nocturnal animals are easily recognized by their full armor of scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.

The Sea Turtle

Having one of the longest migrations on Earth, it’s understandable that sea turtles might not have time to settle down. During turtle mating and nesting seasons, these animals get together in large groups for safety reasons, but most of the time they are happy to be on their own.

The Lionfish

As you might tell from looking at them, lionfish are not fans of visitors. For the majority of their adult lives, lionfish are solitary and will fiercely defend their home range against other individuals of both the same or different species, using their poisonous dorsal spines. 

ABOUT ORIGINS SAFARIS

At Origins Safaris we are passionate about wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure and exploration. We customize each and every safari to your personal requirements and expectations, ensuring an exclusive, unique and authentic experience every time.

Origins Safaris is a family business, founded in 1963 by Don and Margaret Turner. It is managed today by two subsequent generations of the family, and predominantly by Don’s son, Steve. We are so much more than just a travel broker – our years of experience, professionalism and reliability means that we go the all-important extra mile, to make sure your dream safari is safe, memorable, educational and most of all great fun. We are renowned for our meticulous safari planning from start to finish, and the highest standards of natural history interpretation.

Contact us on www.originsafaris.com for more information and pertinent itinerary advice.

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