המועדפים של milletman

Mimoa pigra is a woody leguminous weed, that is invading stream banks across the tropics. Photos of its pinkish-white flowers and erect, greenish-brown and pubesent pods were taken of plants growing at the water's edge along the eastern shore of the River Niger, north of its confluence with the River Tapoa in Parc W in south-western Niger.

Large (body circa 30 cm from nose to tail) bats, with brown (dark brown, rufous brown and straw) fur. Head largely black. Wings black. Roosting in trees on the inside perimeter of the north wall of the compound occupied by the Niger offices of BCEAO in Niamey. The trees had large amounts of fresh green foliage, making it difficult to get an accurate estimate of the numbers of bats in this colony, but a rough estimate of 400 to 600 was obtained for today (down substantially from two months ago, when the trees were largely defoliated, making it easier to see the bats).

Typical puffer fish, w/ bright yellow belly & darker yellow tail.
Male ca. 40 cm long, accompanied by smaller female (?) ca. 30 cm long. The male was sacrificed (& was delicious). Stomach contents of harvested male included pieces of shell of freshwater oysters, suggesting that the large teeth (see photos) of this species are used to break oyster shells -- the contents of which appear to be their main diet).
When 'intimidated', these fish puff up their bright yellow bellies & float yellow-belly-up. Local informants indicated that the meat of this species is not poisonous, but that care must be taken when handling the live fish to avoid losing a finger tip (or more) to its large, sharp teeth & strong jaws. The two observed specimens had been caught minutes earlier by local fishermen using a hand-thrown net.
The skin of this fish is reportedly tanned & used to make drum-heads for tom-tom drums used by local gryots.

Common Indian rat snake, or "Dhaman", found in our back garden, captured (to protect it from harm from our dogs & gardener) & released unharmed over the back compound wall into light cover along a stream that drains into the "Durgam Cheruvu" or "Hidden Lake"

Large mammal (2 m to 5 m in height) with long neck, light brown /dark brown spots above, white below, three skin-covered protuberances atop skull, and very long thick black hair at end of tail. Unmistakable. A family group of 11 individuals, including one adult male, several adult females, several juvenile >1 year old) males and females, and at least 5 young (less than 1 year old).

"Gao" trees (some pruned for fodder, but most not) on the edge of a pearl millet field in the Koure Giraffe Sanctuary -- with the shade of several of the trees being used as resting places by members of a family of West African giraffes, and others being used similarly by domesticated fat-tailed sheep.

Relatively small black & white storks with prominant blue & red facial markings. Feet red, legs black (with red/yellow markings on joints). Multiple pairs actively engaged in nest construction in a large Faidherbia albida tree.

Medium-large lizard. Males have prominent orange head and spend considerable time displaying (push-ups) and chasing females when the opportunity arises. On trees & walls (of stables and other buildings), and the ground between them. Diurnal. Very active during breeding season.

One of five large leguminous trees with thick trunks (can reach 2 m diameter), small pinnately compound leaves, curly & orange pods, and many thorns, which form a large arc on the north, east and south sides of the compound.
This particular tree provides nesting sites for at least four species of birds at present including Abdim's stork, village weaver, white-billed buffalo weave and chestnut-bellied starling, provides habitat for Agama agama, and also provides welcome shade to the club house and adjacent patio used by staff and members of the Club Equestre (as well as other wildlife).