The impossible five to spot in the Kruger National Park

[Flutterby]

If you want to make your visit to the Kruger National Park more of a challenge than just spotting the big five, try the impossible to spot.

Here are the top five practically impossible to spot for your list:

The Aardvark

This very unique looking animal is nearly impossible to see in the wild. The name comes from the Afrikaans language and means ‘earth pig’ or ‘ground pig’. The reason that they are so hard to spot is because aadvarks are nocturnal.

Pangolin

Pangolins are one of the most threatened animals in the world, and they are so rare that many tour guides will retire without ever having seen one. So if you spot one, be sure to tick it off your bucket list.

Aardwolf

The name means “earth wolf” in Afrikaans or civet hyena, based on its habit of secreting substances from its anal gland, a characteristic shared with the civet. The aardwolf is in the same family as the hyena.

Riverine Rabbit

Riverine rabbits are on the critically endangered list . They are very habitat-specific and are found in dense patches of riverine bush along seasonal rivers

Pels fishing owl

A recent survey in the far north of the Kruger National Park for the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, has had disappointing results. Only four birds were found during a three-day survey. So if you are able to put this bird on your list, consider yourself blessed.

[Flutterby]

I've seen a Pangolin and a Pel's Fishing-owl. Two out of five isn't bad!!

[Richprins]

Riverine Rabbit is going to be really impossible, as they occur in the Karoo!

[Flutterby]

I thought that was a bit odd.

[Richprins]

Well, I've only seen Pel's, out of the remainder!

[Richprins]

Ok, I told Lowvelder about the rabbit, and they asked that we suggest a replacement chop-chop?

Quick!

[Flutterby]

Brown hyena?

[Richprins]

Ok, time's up! I sent the springhare as replacement, with Dindingwe's pic!

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[Richprins]

This would be very rare indeed:



snake mongoose or striped weasel.



Poecilogale albinucha

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Krugerpark.co.za

[Richprins]

Not to be confused with striped polecat:




Ictonyx striatus


(I saw one at Ilkley near Orpen just outside Kruger once! )