Ciskei was one of two Bantustans created as a homeland for the Xhosa people; the other was Transkei. The Ciskei state was specifically set-up for the Ngqika clan, a Xhosa subgroup. Prior to the European arrival in Southern Africa, a Ngqika monarchy had existed in an area west of the Great Kei River.
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Grus paradisea - There are 8 species of crane in the Grus genus. Most cranes cover an extensive range between their summer and winter nesting sites, but the blue crane confines itself to the African continent. The breeding season for the blue crane begins in October and runs through March. Two eggs are produced and both parents share in the incubation process. The eggs hatch after 30 days and the chicks fed by the mother through a regurgitation process. Chick fledge in 4 months and stay with the parents until the next breeding cycle.
