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Brilliant pics + elephant auction + Katavi + ultimate Mara safari
Rant alert!
Recently we published our thoughts on the 6 best places to see painted wolves (wild dogs). Of course, you may have suggestions on how to improve on this list – which are always welcome. But here’s the thing: On our Facebook page, every comment focussed on our choice of name for Lycaon pictus – some so AGGRESSIVE that we hid the comments. Not one person on Facebook responded to the advice provided in our story. Not one. Juxtapose that with the comments in our app – every comment was relevant to the topic at hand. This is why we built the app – for relevant, CONSTRUCTIVE discussions. Plus, of course, to find the best prices at Africa’s most authentic camps & lodges. And to make secure donations to conservation projects that make a difference at ground level.
I am so over how social media has become a cesspit of trolls, scams and manipulative algorithms. Moving on. Please GET OUR APP (there is also a desktop version) by scrolling to the prompts below.
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Photographer of the Year is picking up steam! With every selection, it becomes harder to narrow down entries to a choice few. Don’t miss our epic Week 7 gallery below.
And if the entries are not enough to inspire longing for adventure, our story on Katavi National Park – Tanzania’s wildest secret – will. This guide to an electrifying safari nirvana, teeming with herds in the dry season, will have you packing your bags.
We’re moving with giants this week, and delving into the challenges of human-elephant conflict. In our third story below, read how beloved super tusker Tolstoy was saved last week after meeting the wrong end of a spear.
Majestic elephants conjure intense emotion in us. It’s no wonder Namibia’s controversial elephant auction has sparked debate. The first captured elephants have now entered the murky muddle of international wildlife trade. Our last editorial below, by conservationist Gail Thomson, is the most balanced view I have read on the matter to date, and is not to be missed.
Happy indulging in Africa to you all!
From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson
Did you know that we share around 96% of our genome with chimpanzees? Here’s another fun fact – that number is almost meaningless unless you happen to have a relatively comprehensive understanding of the science of DNA. The number jumps around from 96% to 99% for a start, depending on which similarity is measured. Chromosomes, genes, proteins, gene expression, mutations – it all gets very complicated!
Yes, we share many of our genetic building blocks with our closest relatives. But roughly 35 million differences change everything! These differences created the characteristics that make us uniquely human: our permanently bipedal stance, hairless (mostly) bodies and extraordinary intelligence (and frightening capacity for evil). The point is that tiny changes matter. And on a related (ha) note, a reminder that you can download our app and seamlessly donate to 61 vetted conservation organisations. Just a thought…
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2022-weekly-selection-week-7/
BRILLIANT PHOTOS
The entries are getting tougher to judge as the great pics keep rolling in. Check out our Week 7 selection, and don’t forget to enter.
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/katavi-national-park/
WILD KATAVI
Tanzania’s Katavi draws hoards of wildlife in the dry season & flourishes under floodplains in the rainy months
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/super-tusker-tolstoy-treated-for-spear-wound/
TUSKER TROUBLE
Rangers jumped into action to treat super tusker, Tolstoy of Amboseli, for a spear wound following conflict with farmers
Story 4
https://africageographic.com/stories/namibias-elephant-auction-evaluating-the-results/
ELEPHANT AUCTION
Opinion Editorial: balancing conservation, welfare & legality around Namibia’s controversial elephant auction
TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:
The ultimate Maasai Mara safari for those wanting to push the boundaries of their photography – to achieve THAT image that everyone talks about. Award-winning photographer-guide + a specially modified vehicle for those low-angle shots + off-road driving permits = the perfect combo. Need we say more? August 2022 – 2 places left.
Budget safari – South Luangwa, Zambia. This well-priced safari offers exceptional guiding and an authentic bush camp safari for travellers on a modest budget. Luangwa Valley is the birthplace of walking safaris and enjoys one of Africa’s highest leopard densities.
WATCH: Baby elephants rescued from mud in Mana Pools. Footage from two years ago that tugs at the heart-strings (02:45). Click here to watch
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