Description
Maroka ♀
Maroka originated from small cliff in the curve of the Khubedu river valley at an altitude of 2400m in the Maloti mountains of Lesotho. Harvested in 2023, her egg was carried to safety past angry village dogs, and by 4×4 vehicle through two river crossings, in the nick of time through the border and down the winding Sani Pass.
At just over a year this special juvenile female is just starting to grow her beard after which the species gets its name. And, yes, in this case the girls are allowed bearded two! These hair-like crines in adults form the facial mask that extends from around the eye across the gape into the tactile beard under her throat. It will be at least another 6 years before Maroka is ready to breed.
