BABY ANIMAL PREDICTOR Your chances of seeing newborns in November

ANTELOPE

Tsessebe and impala (both types of antelope) are seasonal breeders which give birth from October to November. The tsessebe are the first to produce their young, followed by the impala. Though they can run almost from the moment they are born, the young are ideal prey for the big cats.

WARTHOGS

For warthogs, rutting starts in April or May and the piglets are born from October onwards. Typically, a sow gives birth to two to four piglets which are weaned within six months. Although they stay close to their burrows while nursing, I saw plenty of grazing mothers with their young scampering around them.

ELEPHANTS

Because elephants are non-seasonal breeders, herds are made up of all ages from young calves to huge bulls. You may not see a newborn, but you are likely to see mothers with their young, as calves aren’t weaned until at least two years of age. Baby elephants will be on their feet within two hours and will join the herd after two days.

GIRAFFE

Also non-seasonal breeders, giraffes give birth at any time of year. Because they are herbivores, however, they are most likely to give birth in the spring when food is more accessible and survival rates are higher. Even if you don’t see a newborn, herds will always include a variety of ages from youngsters through to adults.

LION

Lionesses in the wild give birth every two to four years, but there may be several females in a pride – so there is also a good chance of seeing youngsters, if not newborn cubs.