Good news as Riff Raff – the “problem” elephant destined to be destroyed – has been granted extended protection at his current reserve by the South African High Court.
Category Archives:
Spider Macro Magic
With a record-breaking, never-before-seen 29,887 entries received for our Photographer of the Year 2019 competition, our judges had an incredibly tough time deciding on our winner and runners-up. But at the end of the day, it was the pure macro-magic of Eraine van Schalkwyk’s jumping spider that caught the eye of our judges, and she …
Namibia: Spectacular colours of a magnificent wilderness destination
Be inspired by this selection of images that capture Namibia’s extraordinary light. Expect a visual feast!
Critically endangered addax antelope to be reintroduced in Chad
The critically endangered addax antelope is to be brought back from the edge of extinction through reintroducing captive-bred species into the wild in Chad.
Experience an art safari in the Big 5 Greater Kruger
Safari report-back: Art safari in Big 5 Greater Kruger with a professional wildlife artist. What my guests had to say. By Alison Nicholls
Wild Babies
It’s only one week until entries open for our Photographer of the Year 2020! We’re brimming with excitement about what gems will be unearthed this year, and to get in the mood, we’re showcasing another great gallery of adorably cute wild baby animals – from Photographer of the Year 2019. Our Photographer of the Year 2020 …
Using ‘chilli balls’ to reduce human-elephant conflict in Zambia
Crop-raiding elephants in Zambia are being deterred humanely through the use of ‘chilli balls’ which are fired at their rumps.
Opinion: Zimbabwe’s shameful export of baby elephants under the guise of ‘sustainable use’
Opinion: Export of baby Zimbabwe elephants to China in defiance of CITES is shameful, and makes a mockery of ‘sustainable use’.
Klaserie Capers
He emerged silently from the gloom and ambled towards us with that gentle rocking gait that big bull elephants use to cover vast distances with minimal effort. His white tusks glowed in the moonshine, but otherwise, he was just a huge dark grey smudge that loomed larger by the second. The eight of us sat …
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.
Samanyanga – the legendary big tusker of Malilangwe
A moving tribute to the magnificent tusker known as ‘Samanyanga’, of Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve – by wildlife filmmaker and photographer Kim Wolhuter. Samanyanga died of natural causes.
Declining Dynasties – Blacktip
It is a year since the BBC first screened Dynasties: Painted Wolves and nearly three since they stopped filming in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Since then, the dynasty has struggled. In part two of this trilogy (read part one here), Nicholas Dyer, who has followed these packs for the last seven years, continues the story with …
Katavi National Park takes radical action on hippos
Opinion by biologist: Controversial dam being built in Tanzania’s remote Katavi National Park to save hippos may have negative environmental consequences.
Matusadonha National Park to be managed and restored by African Parks and Zimbabwe government
Zimbabwe’s iconic Matusadonha National Park will now be managed by African Parks and the government in a bit to secure the park and restore wildlife populations.
Akagera National Park: The intricate link between conservation and community
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is a success story in the making – where wildlife conservation, tourism and community upliftment are one and the same.
Large illegal logging operation uncovered in Mozambique
Security operation uncovers large illegal logging operation in Mozambique.
Ethiopia’s Omo Valley Tribes
Black and white portrait photography is a simple aesthetic that can speak volumes. The lack of colour introduces an authentic perspective, where the use of light adds mood and intensity. This is how German photographer Victoria Knobloch approaches her work. With her direct and straightforward photographic approach, she reveals the uniqueness and natural beauty of everyday …
Opinion: Trophy hunting is not all black and white, says conservation biologist
Trophy hunting: Conservation biologist explains the complexity of the situation in a remote area of Tanzania, calls for reason and practical solutions that work on the ground.
Breaking: Campaigners outraged as Zimbabwe exports 30+ baby elephants to Chinese zoos
More than 30 wild-caught baby elephants, held captive for nearly a year in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, have been flown out of the country via Victoria Falls Airport en route to Chinese zoos.
The Greatest Spectacle on Earth – Crossing the Mara
The energy in the air is feverish, filled with anticipation and burgeoning adrenaline. The chorus of thousands of voices echos through the dust as the herds make their way towards the banks of this legendary river, signalling what’s to come. If the conditions are favourable, what follows will be the breathtaking pinnacle of nature’s greatest spectacle, …
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Celebrated tusker Matt dies in Kenya
One of north Kenya’s largest tuskers, a celebrated bull elephant called Matt, has sadly died – of natural causes.
Okapi conservation gets a boost, with new DRC reserve management partner
Okapi conservation has received a boost, with the signing of a new management agreement for The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A journey with purpose: Supporting conservation in Mozambique
The Journeys with Purpose expedition team head to Mozambique to support its threatened wildlife and connect with the local communities.
Update: Open-cast copper mine given go ahead inside Lower Zambezi National Park
TRAGEDY for Zambian conservation as court gives go ahead to mine inside Lower Zambezi National Park.
Severe drought affecting elephants and other wildlife in Mana Pools
Severe drought in Mana Pools is affecting elephants and other wildlife – a photographer shares her images and thoughts.
Wild Art
Flowers and plants captivate me, skulls, skins and bones fascinate me. To me, they are potent symbols of life and death, inseparable and complementary. Living with my life partner Clive Stockil in the Lowveld wilderness of Zimbabwe, I am an artist and a naturalist, celebrating the indigenous plants and wildlife in the wilderness and in my …
Celebrating Africa’s Wild Babies with Families
We’re back with another dose of just what the doctor ordered: adorably cute wild baby animals of Africa! After the success of our last gallery, we’re turning our eyes to the incredibly close bonds that these babies share with their parents. This epic celebration gallery would not be possible if not for the stunning photographs entered in our Photographer …
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Opinion: How hunting black rhino contributes to conservation in Namibia
Black rhino hunts benefit conservation of our rhinos – opinion post by conservationist, on behalf of 64 Namibian conservation organisations.
Elephants and trees
Does removing elephants save trees? This fascinating report delves into this important conservation issue.
Skilful climbers: Lionesses scale near-vertical cliff in pursuit of prey
A great sighting as two lionesses show off their athletic climbing skills as they make their way up a near-vertical cliff face in pursuit of potential prey.
Malawi: On the frontline in the fight against illegal wildlife trade
Malawi may be one of the continent’s most peaceful nations, but it is currently locked in a fierce battle to protect some of the world’s most threatened species of wildlife.
Declining Dynasties
It is a year since the BBC first screened Dynasties: Painted Wolves and nearly three since they stopped filming in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Since then, the dynasty has struggled. Nicholas Dyer, who has followed these packs for the last seven years, tells the story of Tammy and the Nyamatusi Pack. ? Six …
Crunch time as Zambia’s Lower Zambezi NP comes under mining threat
Will Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia be mined? The courts will decide soon whether to allow the proposed controversial open-cast copper mine inside the park. The decision on whether it will go ahead will be handed down on 14 October by the High Court of Zambia in Lusaka.
Botswana elephant hunting: Chaos and disillusionment as citizen licenses are raffled
Botswana elephant hunting: Eight elephant hunting licenses were awarded to Maun-based Botswana citizens, and the eight winners and almost 6,000 losers were unhappy with the results when the reality of the T&Cs set in.
Collaring elephants in Gilé National Reserve – wilderness at its best!
Elephant conservation in action: Collaring elephants in Gilé National Reserve in Mozambique.
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.
Charlie’s Adventures – A celebration in wildlife photography
For some wildlife photographers out there, capturing the true essence of a photo is their primary goal – a photo where it goes beyond the physical image and portrays the raw emotion of another’s world. For Charlie Lynam, this is precisely what drives his passion for wildlife photography and ignites his desire to continually seek out and create incredible …
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Trophy hunting in Zambia to be suspended due to non-payment of hunting fees to communities
Trophy hunting in Zambia has been halted because communities have not been paid their fees and share of revenue.
Incredible sighting: Rare spotted zebra foal sighted in Maasai Mara
A rare spotted zebra foal with what appears to be pseudo-melanistic colouring has been sighted in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Gonarezhou – Land of Giants
GONAREZOU – a conservation success story and iconic wilderness destination for those seeking true wilderness
Off the beaten track: Camping at the Maasai village of Monduli Juu
Discovering Monduli Juu in Tanzania – an off-the-beaten-track campsite run by the indigenous Maasai people.
Twiga Tracker – Using modern technology to save the endangered reticulated giraffe
In a world first, the single largest GPS satellite tagging of endangered giraffes has taken place in Kenya.
Leopard takes down impala
The unpredictable nature of wildlife is what makes going on safari special and unique. Who knows what may be lurking around the next acacia bush or down a quiet dry riverbed? However, knowing what signs to watch for and adopting a deeper understanding of animal behaviour can give you that little boost in ‘reading’ this unpredictability. …
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.
Vultures of the Old World
“When one thinks about vultures, one envisions a bald-headed, blood-thirsty scavenger waiting for something or someone to perish. We have been brought up to believe that evil surrounds vultures, and this has led to cinematography portraying the species in a negative and unloved light. This has most certainly contributed to the species being disliked and …
Saving Spots – a new initiative to protect wild cats in southern Africa
A new project called Saving Spots has been launched to protect declining wild cat populations using synthetic leopard, serval and lion furs, known as ‘Heritage Furs’.
Lion pride kills more than 40 goats in Namibia, in two separate attacks
More than 40 livestock have been killed in a few days by a lion pride in two different locations in the Kunene region in Namibia.
Leopards in Namibia – latest population census results
The results of a recent leopard census in Namibia, providing a more accurate estimate of the distribution and number of leopards in the country.