There is a general expression which says, “Kabini never disappoints". Don’t know how many will agree with that, though :-) May be true to a certain extent, if one goes there with, not just the two biggies, a Tiger or a Leopard, in mind ;-) Kabini, definitely has a lot of surprises in store for a nature lover. Our afternoon safari had begun and we entered the forests of Kabini. A few minutes into it, we started hearing strong alarm calls....
No, don’t get any ideas; the title’s intent is not what you are thinking. This is neither a crime report nor is the Brown Fish Owl being framed or accused of anything but of being extra generous :-) On a safari into the forests of Kabini (and other similar habitats), the one sure shot sighting, if not anything else, would be the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE). I am sure, most of you will concur with me on this....
Jumping spiders are very notorious, stealthy hunters and they have evolved some very effective mechanisms to protect themselves from predation. One such, is to mimic ants. Ant mimicry, or myrmecomorphy, is a phenomenon in which arthropods develop morphological resemblance to ants, either as a means of safeguarding themselves from predators or as an easier way of feeding on the ants. Different kinds of ants, hence, different kinds of mimicry among jumping spiders....