A visitor to Leeupan in the Kruger National Park spotted two rare African pygmy geese.
‘The African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) is the smallest species of waterfowl in sub-Saharan Africa. African Pygmy Geese form monogamous pairs, and prefer slow flowing or stagnant water with dense aquatic vegetation,’ said Bob Humphries on his YouTube channel.
‘This pair of African Pygmy Geese were in the temporarily flooded Leeupan, in Kruger National Park,’ he added.
Pygmy geese feed on water lilies and vegetative parts of other aquatic plants, according to the San Diego Zoo. They will also eat aquatic insects and small fish. Interestingly, this goose can perch on tree branches and nest in high places, unlike most other waterfowl.
Take a look at the beautiful pair:
These animals are listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but their numbers have declined especially in Madagascar as a result of being hunted.
Image credit: Screenshot/Bob Humphries
