Bill,

Another example of foolish human behaviour with animals: a couple of years ago, a southern right whale died in our seas not far from the city. Naturally, the floating carcass attracted several great white sharks. Sightseers went out in small boats, and a couple of them were photographed and filmed leaning over the side and touching great whites on the head as they fed. Quite rightly, not many people would have sympathised with them if they'd been chomped. But sadly, there would have been an increase in hatred and fear of sharks, when people properly should be taught to respect them.

Off my soapbox now :)

John

Gaurang,

That's funny about the topi. You will find plenty of tsetsebe in Botswana.

Btw, anyone know if topi and Tstsebe are just named differently or there are actual differences? I havent figured that out.....

Hari

<b>Another example of foolish human behaviour with animals: a couple of years ago, a southern right whale died in our seas not far from the city. Naturally, the floating carcass attracted several great white sharks. Sightseers went out in small boats, and a couple of them were photographed and filmed leaning over the side and touching great whites on the head as they fed.&quot;</b>

John, the whale incident I remember from my trips to Oz for marlin fishing was even worse ... people would stand on the whale carcass while the sharks were ripping off chunks and one guy even carried his infant child with him on the carcass ... you'd think the carcass might roll over under certain conditions, eh?

I thought this might be a peculiar form of Aussie madness but someone came up with pics from Montauk (off New York) from the 1960's of a guy doing the same whale carcass dance as great whites fed. Here's a link to the Aussie story, including how they tried to blow up the carcass ... I love the dry sense of humor ... &quot; ... and the charges detonated. Media reports said that no-one was standing on the whale at the time.&quot;

http://www.answersingenesis.org/crea...4/i2/whale.asp

Hari,

The tsessebe and topi are different subspecies of <i>Damaliscus lunatus</i>. They have the same general features. I think the tsessebe is a bit heavier.

John

John

Bill...same incident. I had just forgotten the detail and how long ago it was (about 4 years instead of a couple). :)

John

Ok, John...thanks

Hari

Nyamera...your nickname means 'topi', doesn't it?

John

yes John Nyamera is Topi (KiSwahili)

Thanks Aby. Sorry John, I didn’t notice you wanted to know what species I am. I’m happy to say I’m definitely a topi. The tsessebe? I don’t have much contact with that part of the family, but I don’t think their horns are as nice as mine.

that's OK, Nyamera. One of my mammal field guides uses the name in its description of the topi and its allies but I wanted to be sure. Nice choice, horny or not :)

John