Nairobi Fly, Kenya Fly, Narrow Bee Fly

It is neither a fly nor a bee but a rove beetle, distinguished by its short wing covers. This beetle does not bite or sting. It is however well known, and feared, for the burns or skin irritation that it causes on human skin.

 

The beetle has a corrosive ‘chemical’ known as pederin, which is contained in its haemolymph, the invertebrate equivalent of blood. Pederin is released when a beetle is unintentionally brushed against or crushed against flesh, leading to chemical burns on the skin. The production of pederin relies on the activities of a symbiotic bacteria that lives within the beetle.

Because of these burns, the Nairobi fly is sometimes referred to as a "dragon bug” or “acid-bug."

Adult beetles are predominantly black and red in colour, and measure about 1 cm in length. Their head, lower abdomen, and wing-covers are black, with the thorax and upper abdomen being red – enough warning.

The beetles live in moist habitats. Heavy rains provide the conditions for the Nairobi fly to thrive. The beetle lives in bushes surrounding houses, in which it hides during the day but at night it emerges attracted by fluorescent and incandescent lights and as a result, inadvertently come into contact with humans.

Severity of the skin irritation (dermatitis) depends on the affected individual, the dose of pederin and duration of contact. Mild cases result in a slight redness of the skin. Moderate cases will start itching which later develop blisters. More severe cases could happen if the toxin is more widespread over the body or the area becomes secondarily infected. Treatment involves washing the irritated area with cool soapy water.

Affected individuals may inadvertently transfer pederin to other areas of the body, such as the genitals, the face or eye. If the eye is affected, because of hand rubbing, it can cause conjunctivitis – also known as “Nairobi eye”.

 

The Nairobi fly should be blown or gently brushed off your skin if it does land there. It should not be squashed or crushed. Should the beetle fluids get into touch with your skin, wash the afflicted area with soap and water.

 

Despite its name, Nairobi fly is not only found in East Africa. It is found in most of tropical regions.

 

Life Lessons from Zebras

Zebras. Muscular, horse-like animals with pointed ears, sturdy legs and a beautiful coat of dense, black and white hair forming dazzling stripes. One of the most recognized and photographed animal. A compassionate social grazer that is found in most parts of eastern and southern Africa.

From their way of life, we can learn some lessons:

1. Pave the Way for Others. 

Zebras survive on a diet of rough vegetation with relatively low nutritional value, which their hindgut fermentation process helps them to digest. Because they cut back old growth and consume lower quality plant matter, they increase the overall quality of vegetation in areas where they graze.

Zebras play a critical role for other herbivores by clearing the way for growth of tender new leaves and grasses. Other herbivores, including wildebeests and gazelles, follow behind the zebras grazing on short grass and the new shoots.

Always endeavor to clear the way for those behind you. Remove the obstacles. Promote growth. Be the solution, not the problem. Create and share opportunities. 

2. Always be Compassionate

Inherently social animals, zebras live in herds made of multiple harems, small families made up of one stallion, multiple mares, and their young. They groom one another, using their teeth to pull loose hairs off each other and provide a gentle back scratch. Zebras are also very welcoming of other herbivores, too; wildebeest often follow along with zebra herds, sharing resources and protection. 

Be social. Be compassionate. Help others, even those not related to you and those we assume cannot be of any help to us.

3. Be Strategic

With a plant-based diet, zebras are prey to nearly every hunter. Lions, hyenas and crocodiles hunt these friendly creatures. Because they are constantly on the defensive, zebras sleep standing up and only do so when they are in groups that can warn them of impending danger. If they sense a predator, zebras will bark or whinny loudly and use the angle of their ears to communicate with other herd members. When forced to flee, zebras run in a zig-zag pattern to avoid getting caught by a predator and will defend themselves with a powerful kick as a last resort.

Always be strategic. Have plans. Rally for support.

4. Remain a Mystery 

Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Why do they have the stripes? To date, no one seems to have the conclusive answer! Despite their beauty, Zebras still remains somehow a mystery to humans. They have never ‘exposed’ the secret of their stripes.

Despite several attempts to domesticate Zebras, man has never succeeded. Zebras are very unpredictable.

Try to minimize the amount of information you disclose about yourself. Maintain some air of mystery. Focus on taking in your surroundings, listening to what others say and fading into the background a bit. 

Do not be too obvious. Maintain some element of unpredictability 

5. Always Be on the Look Out

Zebras are always vigilant. Always alert for signs of lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and other predators.  Despite being in a herd, they are never too comfortable with the current situation. They know they can be attacked any time.

Never be too comfortable with the current situation or circumstance. You never know what ‘they’ are planning behind your back. Be on the lookout. Be ready to venture out, to try other area, to form other alliances, to explore other territories.

6. Present Yourself Appropriately

Because of their stripes zebras are one of the most familiar and recognized animals to people. They are one of the most photogenic animals in the Africa plains, probably due to their unique coats and their tendency to pose to the cameras.  Being so easily spotted of course comes with other hazards.  However, zebras seem to know the beauty of their dazzling stripes and they are proud to display them. They there are absolutely a delight to photograph and make for some of the most fun and delightful captures. 

Do not fear to show your beauty. Both the inner and outer beauty matters. Be well groomed and presentable.

7. Defend Your Vision and Sanity 

Zebras are very courageous animals and are not afraid to confront predators. Zebras have powerful kicks which can cause serious injury to a predator such as a lion, hyena or African wild dog.

Be ready to defend your cause, your ideas, your vision and your peace of mind. When need be, stand on your ground.

8. Complement Each Other

Zebras and wildebeest have developed a great relationship that is beneficial to each other. From feeding, the zebra feeds on the top parts of the grass or the tall grasses. This allows the wildebeest to easily access their preferred short grass.

The zebras are good at protecting and navigating while the wildebeest have the ability to find the water. A good sense of hearing with swarm intelligence of wildebeest and better eyesight with a better memory of zebra helps them to stay out of any danger during the migration.

We should complement each other not compete with each other. We should be collaborators not aggravators. 

Life Lessons from Giraffe

Giraffe. One of the most iconic species of Africa. As the tallest mammal on Earth, these creatures are both wonderful and weird with their long legs, long necks, long tongues, large eyes, long eyelashes, striking coat patterns, ambling gait and calm demeanour. Their legs alone are taller than most adult humans.

Maasai Giraffes in Nairobi Park

These gentle giants of nature, towering high above everyone else in the jungle and literally observe the world from high above, can actually inspire us a lot about happiness and confidence.

Always Stand Tall

Giraffes use their physical characteristics to convey a commanding presence. You can never ignore their presence. You always notice their existence. 

We are all talented differently. Each one of us has a strength. We should aim to excel and rise through our talents, passions and abilities. Concentrate more on your strengths rather than gaining unwarranted assurance from others' flaws.

Be noticeable. Let your presence always be felt. 

Nubian(Rothschild's) Giraffe standing tall in Ruma Park

Stay Humble

Although the giraffes browse on trees high above the ground, they have to lower their head from time to time to feed from the ground.

Always remember your roots. Ensure you relate well with the ‘ground’.

Never Confuse Position with Strength

They are definitely tall and large, but giraffes recognize that their strength has limitations. 

Often, when you are doing better than others, you tend to think of yourself as invincible, and that is where it all goes wrong. 

No Matter How High You Rise, Do Not Get Swayed Away by Power.

Celebrate Your Spots

The giraffes’ spots are unique to each individual. No two giraffes have the exact pattern. 

Even though we may have spots (weaknesses, misgivings, prejudices…) on us that we are aware of, let us learn to embrace them and keep moving forward.

Your Spots Are What Make You Unique. 

Nubian Giraffe in Lake Nakuru Park

Take a Higher View

Just like giraffes have the ability to view things from above, we need to take a higher level of thinking to gain perspective.

Have a Higher Vision.

Always Remain Friendly

Giraffes have a high sense of community. Their leaders are not arrogant. They consider themselves first as a member of the herd and then as the head.

They move together and, when necessary, use their combined might.

Be Friendly. Support Each Other.

A tower of Nubian Giraffes in Ruma Park 

Mau Mau's Baobab Tree Hide Out, Kitchen and Meat Store

In the heart of Meru National Park, there is a twin baobab tree that served as a hide out, kitchen and meat store for the Mau Mau in the 1950s. This tree holds some of the secrets about Field Marshal Musa Mwariama, the highest-ranking Mau Mau leader who survived the war without being killed or captured by the colonialists. Mwariama and his troop would slaughter animals and hang all the meat inside the hollow baobab tree. They had hammered wooden pegs inside the hollowed trunk for hanging the meat to avoid vultures from following and betraying Mau Mau to the colonial forces.

                  The 500 years old Baobab Tree

Born M'Kirigua M'Muchiri in 1928 at Athinga, Muthara in Tigania East, Mwariama whose childhood name was Baringo, was commander of hundreds of Mau Mau fighters in Mt Kenya and Nyambene Hills bases. He rose from the rank of General to Field Marshal after the capture and killing of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi. He had a towering height with constantly searching glances that made him hypnotising and intimidating. 

                Mwariama's hypnotising look

The mere mention of Mwariama's name sent shivers down the backs of the invaders from the British Isles. Because of him, they had to carry their guns at all times, for no one knew the moment and time when Musa Mwariama would suddenly appear from nowhere like a ghost, and exact punishment to the colonialists for their crimes against the natives.

When the colonial soldiers discovered the hide out, there was a fierce battle. Mwariama and his team had to flee toward Tana River which is not so far from the tree. To save his life, Mwariama had to jump into the deep raging river. Once in the river, he was lucky to find a drifting log which he held onto and drifted to the other side of the river. When the 'wabeberu' reached at the bank of the river and saw Mwariama running on the other side of the river, they were amazed at how a human could have jumped across a very wide river.

Entrance to the Hollow Baobab Tree

Mwariama and his troop avoided cooked food to enhance their natural senses. The diet without cooked food also increased the sense of smell and also reduced body odour, making it harder for trackers to pick up the fighter’s scent. 

Mwariama’s death in 1989 was ironical. For more than 10 years, he had survived colonial bullets, deadly traps, wild animals, very tough terrain and weather but died from envenomation after he sucked snake venom out of his friend’s leg. It is claimed the snake’s venom entered his blood stream through cavities in his teeth. The fried survived.  The ultimate sacrifice. A true patriot who died saving a life just like he spent a decade fighting for freedom. 

      The gallant fighter

After Kenya gained independent in 1963, Mwariama and his troop refused to leave the forest fearing for his safely. Emissaries had to be sent to his hideout to assure him Kenya was finally ‘free’. Unfortunately, it is a black man, who was more ruthless and crueller than the white man, who finally put Mwariama in chains and stole his dignity as Mwariama was charged with treason and thrown in prison for 6 months. While the others were given land and government positions in Nairobi, Mwariama was handed a pitiful job as assistant chief, whereby he later resigned.

David Njagi’s book ‘The Last Mau Mau Field Marshals’ has detailed stories about Mwariama and other Mau Mau fighters. 

A Mole that Holds the Secrets of Cancer, Alzheimer and Pain

Naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), aptly nicknamed sand puppy, is an obnoxious looking underground dwelling rodent that look like a slack toothed sausage. Though it has a wrinkly hairless body, tiny eyes and elongated pair of front teeth, this mammal may be holding the secrets of how to overcome or avoid cancer, how to avoid aging, feeling pain and even living in the extrasolar planets. Of late, the naked mole rat has caused serious row among scientists over what might be the naked mole rat most unusual feature, outstanding resistance to cancer. 

These burrowing rodents, native to Kenya and horn of Africa, have for many years fascinated medical researchers in many ways. They have surprisingly long lifespans of up to 37 years and have antiaging qualities. They hold the record of the longest living rodents. The reason for their longevity is thought to be related to their ability to substantially reduce their metabolism in response to adverse conditions, and so prevent aging-induced damage from oxidative stress.

They are highly resistant to pain. They do not feel pain when exposed to acid or capsaicin (the active chemical in chilli). They survive for lengthy periods with very limited oxygen level. They survive for at least 5 hours in air that contains only 5% oxygen (man can survive for about 5 - 45 minutes). 

The naked mole-rat does not regulate its body temperature in typical mammalian fashion. Their body temperature changes according to the external temperature, rather than carrying out thermoregulation like other mammals. They are thermos-conformers rather than thermos-regulators.

They are also one of the only mammals known to live in highly organised, multigenerational colonies, similar to ants and bees. Though they live in colonies made up of 100 individuals (sometimes they can grow to a 300- strong group), there is only a single female (queen) who breeds and mates with one or two, breeding males. The rest of the colony, of both sexes, have their reproduction suppressed and never ever breed, they are sterile. The small ones tend to act as workers and carry out colony maintenance activities. The larger moles seem to adopt a more defensive role, acting as solders keeping predators, such as snakes, at bay.

They live in complex underground tunnels which have great deal of branching and interconnections, resulting to a colony's total tunnel length of up to 4 kilometers. Tunnels connect nest chambers, toilet areas and food sources. Burrowing is the only way these animals find food, because they do not venture above ground. They are well adapted to their underground existence. They have small eyes, short thin legs. Nevertheless, they are highly proficient at moving underground and can move backward as fast as they can move forward.

Naked mole-rats have a high resistance to tumours. Scientists claim the moles have a potential mechanism that averts cancer, an ‘over-crowding’ gene, p16, which prevents cell division once individual cells come into contact. Scientists have also claimed that the reason naked mole-rats do not get cancer be attributed to an extremely high-molecular natural sugary substance, which is over ‘five times large’ than that in cancer-prone humans and cancer-susceptible laboratory animals. There also claims that the naked mole rats are so good at avoiding cancer because of their way of life. 

In Kenya, the naked mole-rats are found in Meru National Park, Tsavo East National Park and Kibwezi area. 

Kenya’s Rarest Antelope

Roan Antelope. Korongo in Swahili.

One of Kenya’s rarest antelopes and the third largest of Kenya’s antelopes. A large horse like antelope with a grey to rufous coat and a distinctive a black-and-white clown-like facemask, which is darker in males than females. It has long, tasseled ears.

Named for its roan color (a reddish-brown), it has a lighter underbelly, white eyebrows and cheeks, and black face. It has short, erect manes, a very light beard, and prominent red nostrils. 

Both males and females have ringed backward-curving, scimitar like horns, although they are shorter in the females.

Once a widely distributed species in Kenya, the roan antelope numbers are on the decline. According to KWS official 2021 Census report, there are currently just 14 roan antelopes in the country. All the 14 are found in Ruma National Park, located in the former Lambwe Valley in Homa Bay County. This is a huge decline in the number of roan antelopes, from 202 in 1976 to 14 in 2021.

This massive decline in numbers can be attributed to killing of the Roan for meat and traditional values – such as horns for musical instruments and skin for burial ceremonies. Predation of young roan antelopes by hyaenas and pythons is also a major cause of this decline. After giving birth, the mothers keep the young roan away from herd for six weeks, exposing them to predators.

The small number of the roans within the park has already resulted in high levels of inbreeding, which most likely increase the roan’s vulnerability to diseases, stress and reduce their fertility, growth rate and survival.

Roan antelopes are similar in appearance to the Sable antelope and can be confused where their ranges overlap. Sable antelope males, however, are notably darker and have a brownish-black coat.

Scientifically, Roan Antelope is known as Hippotragus equinus. 'Equinus' comes from the Latin word 'equus' ('horse-like'), referring to its horse-like appearance.

Roan antelopes have an unusual call that sounds like a whistle. However, when they are angry they emit a high-pitched squeal, a horse like snort if scared, and a low hiss if they are wounded. 

Roans congregate in herds of up to 20 individuals with a very characteristic social structure. Within the group, the more dominant female is the leader. There is only one adult male (called a bull) in each herd. The juvenile males are exiled from the herd at about 3 years old.

All the female calves remain. When the herd gets too large, it divides into smaller groups of cows and their young. These groups will form new herds, once again with only one adult bull.

The young males, which have been separated from the herd, associate in "bachelor groups" of up to 12 individuals. Among the bachelors, the most dominant will be the first individual to join a new group of females when the position is open. Sometimes, during their fights for dominancy, they inflict bodily harm to the contender.

Roan antelope are brave animals. If threatened by a predator, including lions, they will confront it, using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats have died during such fights.

Safari Ants :Natural Wound Sutures?

Siafu.  Safari ants also referred to as ‘driving ants’, ‘legionary ants’, or ‘visiting ants’. They exhibit extremely aggressive nomadic behaviours and indiscriminately kill by overwhelming prey with their massive numbers. True to their name, they are always in large numbers on safari, visiting or attacking. They do not stay. They pass through an area like a swarm of locusts and wipe out anything in their path. The only way to escape their attack is take off or remain motionless. 

                            Solder Safari ant

The safari ants’ society has three main castes each with specific roles and responsibilities. 

Soldier ants, the large ants with an oversized head and gigantic mandibles, are the defense force.  The defend the family. Their mandibles are actually so large that soldier ants can't feed without assistance from the smaller worker ants.

Worker ants are smaller in size and have smaller mandibles. They are responsible for everything from fighting on the front lines to carrying food back to the nest to caring for the queen and her eggs. Workers tend to live about a year. 

Queen is the only reproductive female of the colony. She is protected and cared for by her colony, as she is what unites the nest and so her survival is very key. She can live up to 20 years. She is the largest of the ants, with an oversized abdomen for accomplishing her reproductive needs. As the only reproducer, the entire colony (some 300,000 to 50 million ants) are most likely all her offspring. 

The entire colony made of females. The male ants are bred for reproductive needs only.  These alates (winged drones) are formed during mating season. They are larger than solders, have wings and bloated sausage like abdomens. No wonder they are sometimes referred to as Sausage flies.  They leave the colony soon after hatching. Once they reach sexual maturity, they are drawn to the scent trail left by a column of siafu.  When a colony encounters a male, the tear off his wings and carries him back to the nest to mate with the queen. The male dies about 48 hours after mating with the queen.  The queen lays up to 1 million eggs per month. 

                    Saugage fly - Male Safari Ant

The safari ants are blind. They can only sense light intensity, but not discern anything in front of them. They rely on a form of chemical communication called pheromones, which they taste and/or smell with their antennae. They use up to 20 different pheromone cues to communicate with their colony as well as discern friend from foe. Some beetles, wasps, and millipedes are able to produce a chemical that mimics the army ant pheromone scent. This way they can actually conceal themselves from safari ant detection and avoid being attacked and eaten.

                  Solders' guarding on a trail

The siafu bites are used as natural emergency sutures (wound stitches). The solder ants are allowed to bite on both sides of the gash, then break of the body leaving ants head act as makeshift surgical staples creating a seal that can hold for days allowing natural healing to take place

                                    Soldier's Bite