African Wildlife & Environment Issue 77 FINAL ISSUE

LETTERS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Rüppell’s Griffon at Blouberg A little while ago I was shown a copy of # 75 of your interesting magazine. In the article on Blouberg Nature Reserve, by Gerd Botha, he rightly points out the adult Rüppell’s Griffon (called 'Vulture'), but next to it is a young immature Rüppell’s, showing that the Reserve has at least two. Indeed, as the Rüppell’s is said to have paired with a Cape Griffon (the other two birds in the photo on p 42), then we should expect some hybrids. This second bird is perhaps one such, as it is larger than the adult Rüppell’s.

And the bird on pages 44 and 45, in dramatic landing pose, is also a young immature Rüppell’s and could be different from the one on p 42.Was it photographed in the Reserve, and in any case where were the two photos taken? A response from the author would be appreciated. Peter Mundy mundy@gatorzw.co.uk

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2 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 77 (2020)