"Surveying the Flowery Scene for Danger"

Early morning in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana, and following the

first summer rains, the bush had burst forth with a splash of bright yellow Devil Thorn flowers.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, this Marsh Mongoose appeared, stood up on its hindquarters

and surveyed the scene for danger.

Marsh Mongoose - Atilax paludinosus

The Marsh Mongoose is big and dark brown, varying to lighter, speckled or red brown in colour

and often seen near water. It has sturdy, short legs and a thick tapered tail. Its feet are long,

have unwebbed toes and naked soft palms

Nikon D2xs,�12.4 megapixel resolution, AF VR-Nikkor 80-400 mm  f4.5-5.6 D lens, at 400 mm,

effective 600 mm in DX format, 1/1000^th sec @ f5.6, ISO 800

Photograph by Trevor Woodburn