Decoding Science Archives - Africa Geographic

Is lion hunting sustainable?

Lion hunting sustainability in Africa has been extensively investigated by pragmatic experts desperate to conserve our remaining wild lions

Hyena cubs infected by parasite ‘self-sacrifice’ by approaching lions

Funky fact: Hyena cubs ‘self-sacrifice’ by recklessly approaching lions if infected by a microscopic parasite. New research

Does tourism benefit local people? A Namibian case study

Does tourism always benefit local people? A new study of an established project linking Windhoek to the Zambezi region in Namibia suggests not

Chimps kill baby gorillas – observed for the first time

Chimps kill gorilla babies in two separate incidents in Loango National Park, Gabon – the first time the behaviour has ever been observed

Namibia’s livestock guarding dogs are saving cheetahs

Guard dogs are saving cheetahs, says new research based on livestock guarding dogs – because livestock losses have reduced by 91%

Wildebeest sleep and the mysteries of slumber

Wildebeest sleep for just four and a half hours in a 24 hour period – most deeply in the dead of night – says new research

The science behind rebranding wild dogs

Rebranding wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) – new research suggests that “painted dog” triggers the most positive reaction from humans

How the Kilimanjaro glaciers left truth in the cold

Kilimanjaro’s disappearing glaciers have been a symbol of climate change for more than than 15 years. Science says it is much more complicated.

Do tracking collars impact animals negatively?

New research indicates that animals fitted with tracking collars, experience no long-term, negative effects. Further research is needed however.

Lion farming and zoonotic diseases

The zoonotic diseases that lions carry and why lion farming is potentially harmful to human beings – new research

Four giraffe species, seven subspecies: new research

Giraffe – four species and seven subspecies the correct division – says new research

Banks must help fight illegal wildlife trade

Banks can help fight illegal wildlife trade but their failure to identify the financial footprints of poaching syndicates results in lost opportunities to disrupt trade – new research

Changes to CITES listing process recommended

CITES listing process needs to change with careful consideration given to the complicated set of conservation implications for each species.

Elephant range is just a fraction of its potential

Africa’s elephants occupy just 17% of their possible range, their historical areas fragmented by human activity. There is potential for expansion – new research

African grey parrots in traditional medicine

African grey parrots are targeted for medicinal and spiritual practices in West Africa. The trade is a significant threat to grey parrots – new research

Forest elephants – vanishing ghosts

Forest elephants have finally been granted species status (something scientists have known for decades). With this has come the appalling IUCN classification of ‘critically endangered’

Fairy circles – ghostly footprints of dead Euphorbias

Fairy circles – Euphorbia toxins are responsible for the bizarre fairy circles that have baffled and fascinated scientists – new research

The story behind the Namibian elephant auction

Namibian elephant auction: We look at the background, reasons and context of the controversial sale by auction of 170 wild-caught elephants

Does the farming and legal trade of wildlife do more harm than good? New study

Farming and legal trade of wildlife could increase demand for wildlife products and so be negative from a conservation perspective – research

Did fences cause the elephant deaths in Botswana?

New study examines whether fences could have impacted the elephant deaths in the Seronga region of Botswana in mid-2020.

Spotting elephants from space

Artificial intelligence and satellite images can help conservationists count elephants from space, says new research.

The extinction business – South Africa’s cold-blooded reptile trade

South Africa’s amphibian & reptile trade is a growing industry that is unregulated, unsustainable, and unethical – says report

Arch-enemies? New research on lions vs hyenas

Lions vs hyenas is the ultimate African drama. New research has shed light on the dynamics between these two apex predators

Female banded mongooses incite violence for better mating opportunities

Female banded mongooses lead their groups into deliberate conflict with rival groups to increase their chances of mating – research

Forest elephants going hungry as climate change stops trees from fruiting

Forest elephants are losing body condition – most probably due to climate impacts on forest tree fruit production – say researchers

COVID-19 ‘perfect storm’ threatens conservation in Africa

A new report examines just how bad COVID-19 is for Africa’s wildlife and protected areas and what needs to be done to save our wild spaces

Saving rodents, losing primates – we need tailored strategies to manage bushmeat trade

Viewing all bushmeat trade through one lens over-simplifies the complex situation and could lead to accelerated disappearance of some species

Trophy hunting – how do African people feel?

Trophy hunting: How do African people perceive and react to trophy hunting compared to those from the Western public – research

How much water should lodges be using?

How much water should safari lodges be using? The lowering of groundwater levels could compromise the ecosystem and wildlife.

Elephants & cattle – restoring soil nutrient levels

Research shows that elephants can assist farmers by restoring soil nutrient levels when cattle have depleted those nutrients

The importance of adult male elephants

The selective harvesting of old bull elephants damages broader elephant society because of the important role played by the bulls – research

“Lost” species of elephant shrew alive and well

Researchers have rediscovered the Somali Sengi (an elephant shrew) – which was thought to be extinct and was last seen nearly 50 years ago

Domestic cat predation on wild animals in Cape Town

The domestic cat is a honed killing machine whose impact on biodiversity in South Africa is only now being fully revealed

Counting lions: new study shows the importance of good counts for lion conservation

Counting lions using correct techniques is vital to understand how many lions there are. Historical surveys have not resulted in good data

Keeping an eye on predators

Attacks on livestock by wild predators is a common problem in Africa – and scientists say that painting eyes on cattle backsides could help

“Living dead” – elephants in Kruger NP are sterilizing palm trees, says research

Elephants feeding on fan palm trees are preventing the palms from reaching full size & reproductive potential in Kruger NP, says new study

Tiny primate: new species of mouse lemur discovered

Scientists have discovered a new species of mouse lemur in Madagascar – which is already threatened by habitat loss & climate change

Roan antelope conservation challenges

Roan antelope populations have dropped to perilously low levels, and there is every chance they could disappear from the areas such as Kruger National Park

Will legal international rhino horn trade save wild rhino populations?

Will legal international rhino horn trade save the wild rhino population? Find out here in this thought-provoking opinion post

It’s not about the worm

Mopane worms are a popular source of protein and delicious snack for rural people in Limpopo – read about a sustainable Kruger harvest program

Aardvarks and climate change

Aardvarks are being severely impacted by climate change, says research being conducted in arid areas where temperatures are expected to rise

Human impact results in leopard inbreeding – research

Human activity is affecting negatively on leopard populations – via changes in age, sex & social structure of leopard populations – research

Trophy hunting ban could harm conservation on private fenced farms in South Africa – says study

Trophy hunting on many private fenced farms in South Africa – this study examines the impact that a ban could have on biodiversity

The real economic value of Greater Kruger National Park

A 2020 study has revealed the considerable economic, social and political contributions of the Greater Kruger National Park

The rat with a deadly secret

Deadly secret: the crested rat transfers poison from the bark & leaves of a highly toxic tree to its fur as a predator-evasion strategy

Lion evolution according to genome sequencing

Scientists have used genome sequencing of lions to reveal the evolutionary history of living & extinct lion species.

20mm pygmy seahorse discovered in South Africa

A divemaster has discovered a new species of pygmy seahorse in a sandy coral reef in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, that is only 20 mm long.

Wildlife trade between South Africa and China exposed – legal and illegal

The vast scale of legal and illegal trade in wildlife species between South Africa and China – many of them CITES 1 species – has been revealed by an extensive report.

Forest elephant populations smaller than previously thought

Africa’s forest elephant populations are smaller than was previously thought, say researchers. This realisation has a significant impact on future priorities and conservation strategies.

What’s in a (scientific) name?

The weird meanings behind animal scientific names – for example, the black rhino scientific name means ‘double horn double horn’

Secretive forest species such as giant ground pangolins and Congo peafowl revealed by camera traps in DR Congo

Secretive forest species such as giant ground pangolin, Congo peafowl and cusimanse revealed by camera traps in DR Congo.

What exactly is CITES and how does it work?

CITES was established to regulate the international trade of animals & plants, to avoid the over-exploitation of endangered species

CITES processes are corrupt, says report

A report from TRAFFIC explains how corruption undermines the CITES-authorised trade in wildlife and offers suggestions as to how to mitigate its effects.

Newly discovered Taita Mountain dwarf galago (bushbaby) could already be on the brink of extinction

Newly-discovered species of bushbaby (galago) in Kenya’s Taita Hills is already on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss, say scientists

Elephant body language 101 – a guide for beginners

Elephant body language is a complex topic, yet there are a few simple clues and signals that explain elephant emotions and intentions

Black honey badgers spotted in Gabon

4 Melanistic (black) honey badgers captured on a camera trap in Gabon.

Humans not always to blame for genetic diversity loss in wildlife

People are not always to blame for loss of genetic diversity in wildlife, says new study.

Wildebeest migration routes under threat – researchers

Migratory routes of wildebeest in East Africa are under threat as human populations expand, say scientists.

Who is who? Elephant identification tips and tricks

This is how researchers in Greater Kruger identify individual elephants.

Killifish – suspended animation & shortest lifespan of any animal with a backbone

The killifish is a survivor that scientists are desperate to learn from. Using suspended animation to survive being entombed in dry mud, combined with the shortest lifespan of any animal with a backbone, killifish could unlock secrets to human ageing.

Lion poaching: Escalating demand for claws and teeth

The escalating demand for lion teeth and claws in Asian markets is driving the increased poaching of wild lions, says report.

Elephant poaching decimates key Gabon reserve

Elephant population in Gabon’s Minkébé National Park have been decimated, with 25,000 being poached in 10 years (80% reduction), says research results.

Leopard hunting: CITES quotas not sustainable, say researchers

CITES trophy hunting quotas for leopards are arbitrary and not sustainable, says research. Read here to find what the 3 researchers recommend.

Millipedes – 10 facts that we find interesting

Giant African millipedes often have unusually brightly coloured legs and bodies.

African grey parrots: How social media is facilitating both illegal trade and the fight against it

A recent study examines how social media marketplaces facilitate trafficking of endangered African grey parrots.

Elephants and trees

Does removing elephants save trees? This fascinating report delves into this important conservation issue.

Zimbabwe elephants: Report identifies existing conservation problems, calls for community involvement

Zimbabwe elephants: Report fingers ZimParks for incompetence and international NGOs for hoodwinking donors, concludes that surrounding communities have to be involved in conservation as beneficiaries.

Lions in Zambia are roaming across areas thought uninhabitable for them

Research: Lions are sneaking virtually undetected through dense human zones in Zambia, thereby ensuring genetic diversity throughout the entire Zambian lion population.

New report reveals the value of lions and their landscapes

The New Lion Economy is the first project of its kind to make the link between ecosystem services, economic development, cultural significance and the survival of lions.

Daisies that close at night have camouflaged petals to protect them from herbivores

A recent study has revealed a novel way in which flowers can avoid being eaten by herbivores.

Elephant ivory trafficking possibly controlled by only 3 major cartels, says research

Major implications for ivory trafficking as research reveals that only three cartels control most illegal trade, according to research.

Bull elephants mate more as they get older – research

Older male elephants are more determined to track down and mate with females than young elephants, says research.

Africa could skyrocket tourism investment & earnings – working paper

New report illustrates how African countries can attract tourism investment and significantly increase revenue and socio-economic benefits.

Do elephants affect vulture nesting success? Ongoing research

Researchers highlight the complex relationship between elephant impact and vulture nest survival in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Study: Elephant poaching rates in decline, but iconic species remains under threat

Latest study reveals elephant poaching rates in Africa have started to decline, but levels of poverty, corruption and ivory demand still threaten the iconic species.

Large-tusked elephants are in decline, need to be protected from trophy hunting and poaching, says researcher

The need to protect large-tusked and potentially large-tusked elephants from poaching and excessive selective hunting pressure is more apparent than ever as the progressive decrease in average tusk size over the past three decades is potentially leading to over exploitation of older bulls.

Lion populations show significant loss of genetic diversity, say researchers

Lion populations in southern Africa are weakening genetically, and less able to recover from current and future pressures, say researchers.

Elephants are sentient and conservation strategy should adapt, says researcher

We struggle as humans to understand our own actions. How can we begin to understand and provide possible interpretations for the actions of other species such as elephants?

Bull elephants – their importance as individuals in elephant societies

It has long been recognised that older female elephants are pivotal to elephant ecology and herd survival, but what of older males?

Why identifying individual elephants is important, and the pivotal roles matriarchs and older bulls play

Understanding the importance of identifying elephants and the pivotal roles matriarchs and older bulls play.

Complex communication: Heaviside’s dolphins produce unusual sounds to communicate

Heaviside’s dolphins are shown to produce unusual sounds to communicate and appear to ‘take turns’ calling in larger groups.

Should Africa’s protected areas be reconfigured? – IUCN report

IUCN report asks if Africa’s protected areas need to be reconfigured in light of current conservation realities.

Trophy hunting in Africa is in decline, and no longer pays its way

Trophy hunting in Africa is in decline, and no longer pays its way, leading to poaching and habitat loss in hunting areas – according to IUCN report

‘Silver spoon effect’ provides lifelong benefits for banded mongooses – study

The benefits of the ‘silver spoon effect’ in banded mongoose pups extend across their lifetime, a new study has shown.

Botswana 2018 aerial survey – of elephants, baobabs and cattle

Botswana elephant survey now made public. You’ve seen all the political posturing from all sides, now read the actual report and make up your own mind.

What’s the difference between turtles, tortoises and terrapins?

Turtles, tortoises and terrapins are reptiles characterised by a cartilaginous shell – though often the terms used to describe these species can get a bit confusing, depending on the type of English used.

Research reveals why zebras got their stripes

Why do zebras have stripes? A study takes a step closer to answering this puzzling question and to understanding how stripes actually work.

Fate of meerkats tied to seasonal climate effects

Does a drier and hotter climate present a threat to the meerkats in the Kalahari Desert? Researchers reveal that climate change is likely to impact meerkats, and seasonal rainfall and temperature will be the key factors.

Servals thrive at huge petrochemical plant in South Africa

Researchers have found that a petrochemical plant supports a serval population density far greater than any other site on record across the entire range of the species.

Beach lions again hunting seals and coastal birds in Namibia, after 35 years

Research has revealed that the desert-adapted lions eking out a living on the harsh northwest coast of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park (SCNP) are again specialising in hunting seals and coastal birds such as flamingos and cormorants, after an absence of 35 years.

Warthog facts you need to know

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2019 marks the year of the pig. So what better way to celebrate it than by taking a look at one of Africa’s own wild pig: the warthog!

African, Asian & forest elephants – what’s the difference?

Did you know that there are three species of elephants? We take a look at the differences between the African, Asian and forest elephant.

Turtles being ‘feminised’ by climate change, say scientists

Up to 93% of green turtle hatchlings could be female by 2100, as climate change causes “feminisation” of the species, new research suggests.

Understanding lion infanticide

Lion infanticide: A look into why lions sometimes kill the offspring of their own species.

Opinion: Elephant experts respond regarding proposed citrus farm on Kruger border

Elephants Alive has released a comprehensive report regarding the proposed 120ha citrus farm development on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park.

To end wildlife trafficking, engage with local communities – study

The international donor community and governments have invested heavily in fighting illegal wildlife trade, but so far, they haven’t succeeded in ending rhino poaching. New research from UCT shows that for these initiatives to succeed, local communities – many of which live in or near protected areas – need to be involved.