A LOOK AT THE SCATTERLINGS OF AFRICA... Tracking animals is an ancient skill, and while most people get excited about paw prints or hoof marks, real trackers know the truth: dung is king. Yes, droppings, scat, poop—whatever you call it—this unglamorous byproduct of the animal kingdom is like a diary entry in the wild. It reveals who was here, what they ate, and sometimes even how they’re feeling. Think of it as nature’s version of WhatsApp, except instead of messages, it’s... well, you get the idea. Let’s explore somen intriguing dung deposits, and remember: tracking is a skill, stepping in it is just bad luck.
EXPERIENCE DINOKENG GAME RESERVE
ELEPHANT
HYENA
Size & Shape: Chalky and chunky. Diet Clues: Bone fragments.
Size & Shape: Like a fibrous cannonball. Diet Clues: Grass, bark, and leaves.
Elephant dung is unmistakable due to its sheer size, often forming large, fibrous mounds. It contains a mixture of grass, leaves, bark, and undigested seeds, as elephants have inefficient digestion, processing only about 40% of what they consume. These dung piles support a miniature ecosystem, attracting dung beetles, fungi, and even seed- germinating plants. Because of its high fibre content, dried elephant dung is sometimes used as fuel for fires, and some traditional communities brew medicinal tea from it.
Hyena dung is unique in that it often turns white when dry, due to the high calcium content from consuming bones. It is usually cylindrical, dense, and contains fragments of bone and hair. Hyenas have an incredibly strong digestive system, capable of breaking down almost all parts of their prey, including hooves and horns. Their droppings can often be found near den sites, where cubs deposit communal waste.
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