The welcome rain continues to bring relief to the parched veld and urban gardens. Within days new shoots are greening up and animals appear to be coping, if not revelling in the fresh rainwater. Though we have a long way to go before the strict water restrictions can be eased.
Interesting to note the animals’ fur ‘fluffled up’ to create thermoregulation which helps to insulate and retain body heat.
Nature on the Edge 
Lovely to see baboons without those ear tags and collars … a rare sight these days!
Yes!!
Beautiful shots of the animals. Love the face of the one baboon in the last photo.
thanks Colline. Guessing you’re refering to the littlest baboon – cute little face and looking quite contented.
That final image is so tender! You capture the souls of the birds and animals…
Lovely to hear that the rainfall is continuing, Liz!
Good news, and very cute baboons!
Lovely pics, especially of the baboons snuggling up. Wishing you and the entire region lovely, soaking and dam-filling rains.
love the baboons
Always curious to see animal responses to weather events. Enjoyed your photos and narrative Liz- the last image is priceless. I’m wondering how much rain you need to reach “normal” and if the drought is a seasonal or multi-year problem?
Yes, that’s an intriguing subject to learn what triggers weather response in animals. South Africa is a low rainfall region, 600mm per annum on average. We’re learning just how precious water is as the drought grips the province. The western Cape is a winter rainfall area, but we’re already the results are below average for May and June. Should have had an average of 80mm this month but overall less than half has fallen. Last year’s was only slightly better. A deficit of 25% is normally regarded as a severe meteorological drought but it can be safely assumed that a shortfall of 20% from normal rainfall will cause crop and water shortfalls in many regions accompanied by social and economic hardship. Have heard that we need three consecutive years of good fall to replenish dams. Meanwhile city is considering drilling into the aquifers or desalination.
Glad you are getting some rain – may your reservoirs fill this year. Love the sleeping baboons, looks cozy despite the damp.
Thanks Eliza – we’re desperately hoping for reasonable dam levels….
Oh wow
Thanks 🙂
Terrific as always Liz – congrats on being “discovered”!!!
Thanks Tina. A very nice surprise as a result of being ‘discovered’ is a surge in stats and new followers!
Beautiful pictures! As much as they all look amazing, the one with baboons is my favorite! :)Thanks for sharing….
Thank you Min, the baboons can steal your heart 🙂
We’ve a long way to go before we need water restrictions in northern England this year. I’m glad you seem to be getting what you need now.
This is a lovely post Liz, super image of the Baboon troop! Hope you have rain soon this year. Brian