Kudu Ridge Game Lodge is a privately owned, family-run safari lodge and game reserve situated on 200 hectares of indigenous Addo bush in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Our reserve is home to a variety of antelope including kudu, nyala, duiker, cape grysbok, steenbok and some friendly zebra. It also home to the most wondrous birds, reptiles and insect, including the Addo dung beetle.
The Addo dung beetle is a very busy and essential member of our ecosystem. They are important as they clean up the majority of dung during the summer season. In winter the dung beetles sleep and the termites take over the job of cleaning.
Addo Dunge Beetle: Video
We filmed this video on a recent safari tour to the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.
The Addo Elephant National Park is best know for abundant herds of elephant. This is also one of the main reasons that you will find a particular species of flightless dung beetle, known as the Addo dung beetle, living here. This beetle particularly likes to eat and roll balls of elephant faeces (dung)! The flightless dung beetle (Circellium bacchus) was once widespread in southern Africa, but it can now only be found in the Addo Park and a small surrounding area. The Addo dung beetle is now listed as a vulnerable species and could become extinct if not protected.
Although you may be impressed by the size and strength of elephants in Addo park, the strength of the tiny dung beetle is actually more impressive. In relation to its size the dung beetle is the world’s strongest insect and also the strongest animal on the planet compared to body weight. Studies have also confirmed that the Addo dung beetle uses the stars at night to navigate and orientate.
Stay At Kudu Ridge: Find a Dung Beetle
At Kudu Ridge Game Lodge we offer accommodation with a warm and relaxing atmosphere, providing guests with a home-from-home experience. Our lodge is located a short 15 minutes drive from the Addo Elephant National Park and only 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport.
Enquire about our Addo safari tours when you next book your stay. Let us take you on an Addo adventure and introduce you to the wonders of our amazing Addo animals. We’ll even help you to find the incredible Addo dung beetle if you like!
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram [all links] and look out for our winter special, only available for bookings until the end of June. Email Alison on stay@kuduridge.co.za with any queries.
