Young antelope rely on their camouflage, as well as the technique of freezing when in danger. I came across this tiny steenbok calf on game drive one morning, and it froze in this spot next to us until we drove away. This is where it got its name from – ‘duiker’, meaning ‘diver’ in the Afrikaans language! In addition, it also freezes to hide its position when alarmed, and then suddenly darts away and disappears into the undergrowth. This common duiker uses concealing camouflage to hide in its environment. This chameleon has changed colour to match to the gravel surface, now looking more like a dead twig! ![]() It will change to the colour of the substrate, but this camouflage will be assisted by a slow, shaky movement and a rigid body and raised tail, to make itself look like a leaf blowing in the wind. ![]() This flap-necked chameleon has taken on the exact colour of the bush it is in to avoid predation and to get close to preyĭuring the day on safari, you may find a chameleon crossing the road. Pigments are mixed within special skin cells called chromatophores, and the distribution of different pigment granules results in the specific colour needed.īrighter colours are used when interacting with other chameleons, they turn lighter in hot conditions to reflect more heat, and darker when they are cold or angry.Ĭhameleons are masters of concealment. They are able to change colours quickly by sending cues by their eyes on their environment. They also change colour according to mood, temperature and other environmental conditions, and to communicate with and display to other chameleons. They do this for several reasons, the first to hide from predators and to be concealed in order to creep closer to insect prey. This is one of the reasons why the females do most of the hunting – the males have less success being less agile and more conspicuous, but they also spend a lot of time patrolling their territory and protecting their prideĬhameleons are able to change the colour of their bodies. Notice how conspicuous the dark mane of male lions are compared to the previous image of the females. You can see how beautifully camouflaged these lions are from a distance This is one of the ways the pride keeps together while on a hunt or walking through long grass This is what the rest of the pride including cubs see, and is what is known as a ‘follow me’ sign. Notice that from the back the black markings behind the ears are very distinctive. The tawny colour of lions help them to blend in to the yellow grass of their savanna habitat. Some animals have a seasonal camouflage, which allows the animal to match to its environment at the time, such as the Arctic fox changing from its summer brown colour to its winter white colour to match the winter snow in their habitat. Chameleons have active camouflage- they are able to alter their colouration at will based on where they are (as well as for other reasons, such as mood or stress). Their tawny coats help them to blend in to the colours of their savanna habitat. ![]() Examples of these are lions, many antelope species and chameleons. When mottled, it is also known as ‘cryptic colouration’. ![]() This is the most common form of camouflage. This type is when the colour of the animal matches the colour of the background, as in the ground colour or vegetation that it finds itself. We will also look at aposematic colouration, which is not a form of camouflage, but is also a tactic to avoid being eaten. There are several different types of camouflage, including concealing colouration, disruptive colouration, disguise, mimicry and counter-shading. Some creatures use more than one type. Animals use various types of camouflage to hide themselves from predators, as well as for predators to hide themselves from potential prey! Animals have the ability to mimic plants, ground cover, or even other animals in order to hide or hunt.Ĭamouflage is a colouration or pattern that helps an animal blend in with its surroundings. One of the most amazing techniques for survival in the wild is camouflage. Words and photos by Tracey Bruton (except for scops owl in tree photo: Neil Coetzer & common diadem photo: Thomas Botha)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |