 Reference Base  Hunting the elephant in Africa and other recollections of... |
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Stigand, C.H., 1913. Hunting the elephant in Africa and other recollections of thirteen years' wanderings. London, MacMillan, pp. i-xv, 1-379
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Zambia |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Hunting |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Whilst hunting near Lake Bangweolo I followed one for the greater part of the day, and finally crept up, closely followed by the faithful Matola, within five yards of where he lay, heavily breathing in thick grass. Even then it was so thick that I could not see him properly, and bungled the shot, and he crashed off with a noise like an infuriated steam engine. We tracked him till dark, but did not come up with him again.
This particular rhino followed close to the edge of a grass fire for several miles. I have often read, and been told, of wild animals' fear of fire, but never myself noticed anything to corroborate this idea. In fact, rather the reverse. I have often put up game lying peacefully quite close to a bush fire. These grass fires are of yearly occurrence, and the game must be well accustomed to them. It is only when surrounded by a fire ring that they lose their heads, and indeed this must be a very alarming occurrence, especially if there are hundreds of natives at the same time shouting from all sides.
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