The Jan. 4 meeting of the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society (SCNHS) will feature a presentation by Rand Rudland on a visit to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in East Africa.
These areas contain some of the highest concentrations of large herbivores and their predators in the world. This is probably due to the rich and complex plant life present, ranging from rich grasses to acacia trees, which sustains these animals in that Serengeti savannah ecosystem.
The 250 sq. km Ngor-ongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, lies adjacent to the Serengeti, and nestles within the East African Rift Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,680 metres. This crater area contains the highest density of elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, zebra, gazelle and wildebeest in Africa. Sitting on the top of such an abundant food chain, the six or seven prides of lions present have no difficulties in maintaining their numbers. However, these lions are heavily inbred. Come hear the reasons why this is so.
Rudland will also present a short account of his family's climb up 4,600-metre Mt. Meru at the end of their African safari.
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. this Friday (Jan. 4) at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt. Refreshments will be served, and new members are welcome.
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