Table III.

Other indigenous indicators used for short- and long-term forecasting

IndicatorShona nameEnglish/Scientific nameObserved behaviourMeaningAction
Birdsshuramurovewhite bellied stork or abdim stork (Ciconiaabdimii)Migration in large numbersGood Rainfall season approachingLand preparation
HayaGreat spotted cuckoo (Clamatorglandarius)“toitsvanga” sound is heard through the dayRainfall season approachingLand preparation
tsvotsvotsvo sound is heardRains imminentDecide crop to plant first
 DenderaSouthern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)Makes distinct sounds during the night and early hours of the morningDrizzly and cool weather conditions later in the dayPrepare for dry weather
InsectsdzvatsvatsvaSolifugida spp.Runs all over especially at nightRains imminentSeed should be ready
Closes its holeRains coming in a few hoursFertilizer application
Opens its holeDry weather conditions persistsPlan activities that do not require rains
NyenzeCycada spp.Sings continuously in OctoberGood rainfall season predictedDecide on crops to grow
MhashuOrthoptera spp.Observed in large groupsPoor rainfall seasonLook for short-season seeds
MhamhatsiHymenoptera spp.Taking their food outside their holeNo rains in the short termPlan activities that do not require rains
NhowaLepidoptera larvaeObserved in abundancePoor rainfall seasonGathering wild grains
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