A camera trap study contributes new insights into the diverse world of small and medium-sized carnivores.
Category Archives: Natural history
Kenya’s ivory burn: the story in pictures
Photos documenting the biggest ivory burn in history, which took place in Nairobi National Park last weekend.
Video: rare footage of white lions mating
Video footage and epic photos of rarely-seen white lions mating in Timbavati, Greater Kruger. Chat to our safari consultants & pack your bags!
Travel companies call for an end to activities that exploit lions
Leading African tourism companies call for an end to captive breeding, canned hunting and other forms of abuse of lions
Africa’s Big Tuskers
Africa’s tuskers deserve special mention – these huge elephants are facing the combined pressures of poaching and trophy hunting
Lesotho’s only endemic freshwater fish under threat
Startling population crash of the fish species Maloti minnow is linked to dams and water tunnels of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Elephant poaching – intelligent law enforcement helps
Elephant poaching: Tanzania’s recent success in the ivory war is testament to the powers of a multi-agency anti-poaching strategy
STROOP – your chance to make a difference for rhinos
STROOP: Our CEO implores YOU to help ensure a controversial new documentary about rhinos is completed without censorship
Chapman’s Baobab has fallen down
Chapman’s baobab in Botswana – Africa’s first “post office” and a beacon for early day explorers has fallen down
White baboon stands out from the crowd in Arusha NP
A white, albino baboon has been seen wandering around Arusha National Park in Tanzania. This is an extremely rare encounter that has tourists flocking to view the mythical creature
Rhino poaching – Buy No Rhino
Meet the two South African sisters who cycled 6,000km across South-East Asia to save the rhino.
How China’s taste for wildlife feeds a killing frenzy
Africa’s extraordinary and charismatic wildlife is clearly under siege from the wrecking ball that is China.
Saving a little elephant
An elephant calf is saved after he became trapped in a dam at Phalaborwa Copper, Limpopo – thanks to the heroic team of Elephants Alive
Asia’s Golden Triangle – a conduit of death for Africa’s animals
The Asian end of the grisly wildlife trade business and a place that has become China’s illegal wildlife supermarket.
Carnivores in decline due to land reform
Population numbers of carnivores in Zimbabwe have dropped significantly due to land reform that has seen large tracts of land change hands
The horror of snares
Unravelling the danger of snares – the indiscriminate killer of the bushveld and a serious threat to Africa’s free-roaming wildlife
An open letter to point out flaws in legalising the rhino horn trade
An open letter to Mr. Hume, the owner of South Africa’s largest privately owned rhino herd, with regards to his wish to lift the CITES ban on the rhino horn trade.
Lions, trophy hunting and the US government – the 27 facts you need to know
27 things you need to know about lion trophy imports in the US, and the impact hunting is having on lions in Africa.
Local community rallies together to save elephants that are stuck in the mud
The tale of an attempt to rescue two elephants from the mud after they became stuck after trying to drink water from muddy pools
Famous Marsh lions poisoned in Maasai Mara
Lions from the Marsh Pride, made famous by the Big Cat Diary series, have been poisoned in the Maasai Mara with at least two lions dead as a result.
Saving the cheetah: a need for speed
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, with a body built to incredible acceleration. But its also fast heading towards extinction in the wild
Why you should care about thickets
A thicket is a dense, almost impenetrable tangle of trees, shrubs, and vines, that is home to a host of biodiversity. Here is why you should spare a thought for thickets
Rehabilitating and releasing baby rhinos
Baby rhinos need special care and Ntombi was no exception. This is her story – after 18 hack wounds from poachers who had killed her mother
A very special pangolin rescue
This is a story of two rescued pangolins, a story of compassion and transboundary teamwork to help two endangered mammals
8 unexpected uses for elephant dung
Elephant dung has many uses to humans – from delicious coffee and beer, to medicine, insect repellant, biogas and paper
12 edible indigenous South African plants
Connect to your food and the rhythm of nature in a new, fresh and wild way by growing these 12 indigenous edible plants.
Zimbabwe elephant hunter identified as German mogul Rainer Schorr
Animal rights group PETA has named the hunter who killed one of Africa’s largest elephants as German businessman Rainer Schorr
18 000 Mauritian flying foxes: to cull or to treasure?
The Mauritian government plans to cull 18,000 endangered flying foxes – scientists say that this drastic measure threatens their existence
Rescuing Beatrice the baby aardvark
‘A’ is for aardvark – a strange nocturnal creature that wanders some of Africa’s drier areas. ‘B’ is for baby aardvark that was rescued
PALF’s dogs sniff out illegal bushmeat
Crocodiles and turtles are released after the PALF dog team sniffs them out in a road block.
Elephants held hostage in Laikipia
Young bull elephants held hostage in Laikipia after destroying crops. It is estimated that local communities lose over a US$1 million in revenue from raiding elephant in Kenya each year.
Dereck Joubert responds to a hunter on the economics of hunting
Dereck Joubert responds to hunter claims – explains how the argument for hunting gets thinner each time it is tested
‘Extinct’ plant discovered on Lion’s Head
A small species of plant, thought to be possibly extinct, has been rediscovered on the slopes of Lion’s Head.
The hidden struggle of South Africa’s freshwater fish
A new conservation film, entitled Fins in the Fynbos, aims to turn the spotlight on threatened fish species and how to save them.
Lion cub petting – but first, let me take a selfie!
An exploration of the reality behind the lion breeding industry and the heavy implications of taking a ‘selfie’ with an adorable lion cub.
Graphic content: Baby hippo killed by its pod
A baby hippo is slaughtered by its pod in a startling series of photographs that highlights the realities of wild Africa
CSI Bushveld – how did the python die?
In an investigation of Bushveld CSI, Corlette examines the corpse of 5 metre long python to determine what killed it.
Drones keep elephants safe in Tanzania
To reduce human-elephant conflict, drones are being used to chase elephants off farms and ensure their safety.
Professional hunters’ association president calls for a review of lion hunting
After viewing the new film Blood Lions, Hermann Meyeridricks is asking the hunting association to reconsider its position on lion hunting.
Snakebite!
A miraculous escape from death, and how to prevent and treat snakebite.
Blood Lions – a film exposing the brutal exploitation of the king of beasts
We interview wildlife campaigner Ian Michler, and filmmaker Nick Chevallier about their new film, Blood Lions.
Female elephant mistakenly shot by hunters
A female elephant was accidentally killed instead of an allegedly ‘damage causing’ bull elephant when a hunting permit was suspiciously issued at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.
Increased poaching causes surge in African vulture deaths
Facing multiple threats including poisoning by poachers, African vultures are declining at a critical rate and researchers suggest that they are heading towards extinction.
Lions are in trouble in Namibia
Lions could be in trouble in Namibia’s arid northwest if nothing is done to reduce human-predator conflict
4 fun facts about the bat-eared fox
The bat-eared fox is a cute, shy creature that wanders around southern Africa’s drier landscapes at night in search of food
Mounting up against poaching in Zakouma
Since man tamed the horse, the majestic animal has gone from a means of transport to a tool of industry and war. Human society has advanced on the backs of horses, but we have since dismounted, finding little use for horses other than leisure. However, in some remote corners of Africa, the horse plays a …
Oiled African penguins and chicks rescued
SANCCOB rescues 30 penguins from an oil spill in the Eastern Cape.
A Southern African Mesosaurus site
Discovering the fossils of the Mesosaurus in Namibia.
Elephants to roam between Knysna and Addo?
Building and hiking an ecological corridor from Eden to Addo.
Putting right the black mamba’s reputation
The black mamba is a misunderstood snake – the subject of many urban legends and exaggerated claims Learn more here
The creatures of the Boland caught camera traps
See what creatures live on the Boland’s mountains thanks to these great camera trap images!
Turtles – ninjas of the Deep
Turtles – the wanderers of Earth’s vast oceans – played a vital part in changing the conservation status of our coastline
Wild dogs of Serengeti
Wild dogs: a lost species is returned to Serengeti National Park.
65 endangered vultures killed in poisoning incident
65 vultures and a tawny eagle found dead in a poisoning incident on a private farm north-west of Hoedspruit.
Bangweulu horses on anti-poaching patrols
Meet the Bangweulu Wetlands Project anti-poaching horse patrol – ensuring that this excellent conservation project thrives!
Gaboon adder – iSimangaliso’s special snake
What you didn’t know about Gaboon adders at iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The wild beneath the ocean waves
‘What’s great about the ocean is that you swim a hundred and fifty meters from the shore, and you feel vulnerable – you are in the wilderness,’ says Craig Foster. Feeling vulnerable is something most modern humans try to avoid, but it would have been a regular part of our ancestors’ lives, and it draws …
Unravelling the mystery of Mmamoriri – the maned lioness
Meet Mmamoriri the maned lioness of Mombo!
9 Fascinating baobab tree facts
Here are some interesting facts about baobabs, Africa’s ancient trees.
Hand-rearing a black-bellied pangolin
Joel Gunter meets a critically endangered black bellied pangolin.
Finding gold in Gabon – the golden cat
I was used to working in the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, where the animals I studied roamed in full sight. I was used to the relative comfort and safety of getting around in a 4×4, and my camera went everywhere with me. Then, in 2010, I arrived in the Central African country of …
Ivory dealers busted thanks to German travellers on safari
On Monday the 16th of March 2015, two German travellers, Martin and Christin Kotthoff, led to the arrest of two ivory dealers near Kasane, Botswana.
Cape fire – life in the Ashes
Walking through the ashes of Table Mountain National Park after last week’s monumental fire, I didn’t expect to see it as a landscape teeming with life, and yet it was. The sensation was one mixed with awe at the devastation and wonder at the nature that has survived or is already emerging. The fire raged …
Rejuvenating cacao industries in the Congo
Cocoa plants proving to be a sustainable alternative to poaching in the Congo.
When a melanistic serval meets a spotted serval
Black / melanistic serval sightings are a rare occurrence, and getting great photos is even less likely. Check out these exquisite photos!
Running the Gauntlet in the Serengeti
The perils 1,3 million wildebeest face along their Serengeti migration route – as expanding local populations seek much-needed protein
NSPCA’s formal stance on selective breeding wild animals for colour mutations
The NSPCA speaks out on why selective breeding for colour morphs has absolutely no benefit to the individual animal, the species, biodiversity or conservation as a whole.
Treating Africa’s tuskers
Three large tuskers where treated for after being hit by poisonous arrows.
Southern African bearded vulture decline
Humans are largely to blame for the rapid demise of one of Africa’s most famous birds – the bearded vulture.
African penguin release on Boulder’s Beach
Endangered African penguins waddle their way to freedom in Simon’s Town.
A response to the hunting debate
A response from well-known conservationist Gail Potgieter on the hunting debate.
The Thing About Hunting
The thing about hunting is that the topic is so polarising that it prevents meaningful discourse between people who probably have more in common than they care to admit. And, while the protagonists battle it out, the grim reapers continue to harvest Africa’s wildlife and other natural resources. We humans tend to silo information to …
9 amazing facts about the AARDVARK
The aardvark is a fascinating & elusive animal that many experienced travellers to Africa desperately want to see. Read more about aardvarks
Which snake is Africa’s deadliest?
Which snake is Africa’s deadliest? As it turns out the most venomous isn’t the deadliest.
Why people kill lions
In light of the events in Tanzania on the first of January, Jeremy examines the age old conflict between humans and lions in East Africa.
The bloodhounds of Virunga in DR Congo
In the DRC’s Virunga National Park conservationists have taken a different approach in the fight against poaching – they got themselves some good old-fashioned bloodhounds.
Africanis
In the dusty rural villages of South Africa, one can expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes roaming freely, seemingly uncared for and feral. To those who are used to the regulated pedigree world of dogs, these ‘village dogs’ are widely thought of as un-domesticated and most likely carriers of the rabies virus. …
The dog: conservation’s best friend
One of Aesop’s fables tells of a vixen taking her numerous pups out for an airing. She comes across a lioness proudly carrying a single cub. ‘Why such airs, haughty dame, over one solitary cub?’ sneers the vixen. ‘Look at my healthy and numerous litter here, and imagine, if you are able, how a proud …
Cry Wolf
The Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore. Learn what is being done to protect them in the Ethiopian highlands
Meet the Wolfpack
Gallery of fantastic images documenting the journey of an Ethiopian wolf pack from den to fully fledged members of the pack
The Rise of the Huntress
A commentary on the rising popularity of hunting among young women.
Fascinating Pangolin Facts
Get to know more about the pangolin, one of Africa’s most elusive creatures
Elephants, communities and conservation
Gail Potgieter talks about making your footprint count for conservation when touring Africa.
Pangolins: chinks in the armour
How pangolins end up in medicine, on menus and electric fences.
The Luckiest Pangolin Alive
The story of a little pangolin who’s making a big difference.
Get To Know The Gorillas
CLEARING UP THE MIST AROUND THE GREAT APES
Congo: the living forest
DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF CONSERVATION IN THE CONGO
Lion King or Commodity?
AN ANALYSIS OF
THE LION BREEDING INDUSTRY
IN SOUTH AFRICA
Ivory – the burning question
AMERICA’S ONGOING DEBATE OVER THE TRADE IN IVORY
The painted ape
The mandrill is the most colourful of all monkeys & occurs in the dense rainforests of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo & Gabon
Shades of Grey
A JOURNEY FROM A BUSTLING FOREST COMMUNITY TO SOLITARY LIFE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
Get to know the grey parrot
There are 25 species of parrot native to Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius, according to the IUCN – with preferred habitats ranging from closed forests to arid zones. Parrots are not as diverse or abundant in Africa as in Australasia and the Neotropics. The grey parrot is found in the primary and secondary rainforests of West …
A friend of the enemy
A CONSERVATIONIST INTERVENES IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PEOPLE AND PREDATORS
Giving life to Cape vultures
Maggie explains how the endangered Cape vultures are hatched at VulPro.
Shelley’s crimsonwing – no photos in natural habitat
A rare photograph of an elusive Shelley’s crimsonwing. There is only one other known photographed of this threatened bird.
A Namibian’s view on hunting in his home country
Namibian John K Kasaona gives a local’s view on the Namibian hunting debate.
Satao – the Giant Who Will Never Die
HOW SATAO, KENYA’S LEGENDARY TUSKER, IS A SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POACHING
How Charcoal Fuels al-Shabaab’s Terror Campaign
A POTENTIALLY GREATER THREAT TO WILDLIFE THAN POACHING
How to count elephants from a plane
THE METHOD BEHIND AERIAL SURVEYS OF AFRICAN WILDLIFE
