THE MEERKAT

Photograph by HA!

The amusing and highly sociable meerkat is a native to the scrub-lands and deserts of southern Africa.
They live in large colonies with 20 or 30 members in a complex co-operative society that has led them to be described as the most sociable animal on earth.
It is a popular belief in some regions of Africa that the meerkat is a "sun angel" sent by the gods to protect villages, straying cattle and lone tribesmen from the "moon devil" or werewolf. It is also believed by the Bushmen of the region  to be the first animal created by their god.

The Owl

Photograph by HA!

Thousands of years ago among the ancient civilisations of the Indus Valley , the owl represented wisdom and helpfulness and was thought to have powers of prophecy. These same beliefs were upheld later on by the ancient Greeks through their myths and fables. People have always been fascinated by the owl and in the recent past it was also feared and associated with witchcraft.

The dragonfly

Photograph by HA!

The dragonfly is one of our most ancient insects, flying around ,up to 250 million years ago.
They are masters of flight.They can move each of their four wings independently, fly 30 miles per hour, move up or down, make 90 degree turns while in full flight, hover, fly backwards and fly in slow motion. They have two large compound eyes with amazing 360 degree vision and up to 30,000 lenses allowing them to see a wider spectrum of colours than humans. They do not sting and contrary to folklore and legend, this prolific mosquito hunter is not evil!