Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is a place of abundance; one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth – for the safari connoisseur
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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
CEO note: Crafty strategy + great news + rhino facts
CEO note: Crafty strategy + great news + rhino facts
RHINO
Africa’s 2 rhino species are the most numerous of the world’s 5 species. Here is everything you need to know about black and white rhinos
580 elephants return to Virunga in DR Congo – and other species follow in their wake
580 elephants have been seen moving again between Queen Elizabeth NP in Uganda and Virunga NP in DR Congo – and other species are following
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
CEO note: Free at last + Hwange + the edge
CEO note: Free at last + Hwange + the edge
The Edge of Existence and human-wildlife conflict – we interview James Suter
The Edge of Existence tells the story of human-wildlife conflict on the western boundary of Tanzania’s Serengeti. We interview the filmmaker
HWANGE
Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest national park, Hwange is a safari paradise that hosts large populations of elephants, lions and wild dogs
Confiscated parrots fly free again over DR Congo forests
39 poached & confiscated African grey parrots released in eastern DR Congo after being rehabilitated at Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre
CEO note: Reality check + another ‘problem’ elephant killed
CEO note: Reality check + another ‘problem’ elephant killed
Jens Cullmann, 2020 Photographer of the Year – gallery two
This fantastic gallery by Photographer of the Year 2020 winner Jens Cullmann will have you booking your next safari with Africa Geographic
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
Chacma Baboon
The baboon is one of the largest monkeys in the world, with human-like cunning and 4cm canines that rival those of leopards
CEO note: Captive-bred lion hunting not ‘fair chase’ + Lost & found
CEO note: Captive-bred lion hunting not ‘fair chase’ + Lost & found
Riff Raff the ‘problem-causing’ elephant shot and killed
The ‘problem-causing’ elephant known as Riff Raff has been shot and killed by provincial authorities in South Africa
Captive-bred lion hunting not acceptable – say Dallas Safari Club & CIC
Captive-bred lion hunting “not representative of responsible, sustainable, fair chase hunting … damaging the reputation of hunters” …
Lemurs of Madagascar
The lemurs of Madagascar are a fascinating family of primates of all shapes & sizes that have evolved to fill every niche on the island
“Lost” species of chameleon found in hotel gardens
A ‘lost’ species of chameleoln – Voeltzkow’s chameleon – has been found in a hotel garden in Madagascar after it had been assumed extinct
CEO note: Perfect storm alert + Mana Pools
CEO note: Perfect storm alert + Mana Pools
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
Mana Pools
Mana Pools is Africa’s iconic park for bush walking without a guide – renowned for encounters on foot with wild dogs & relaxed elephant bulls
Africa’s Wild Dogs – A Survival Story
Africa’s Wild Dogs – A Survival Story is a photographic book celebrating these charismatic predators and telling their story
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
CEO note: Strawberry leopard + here be dragons + living next door to a poacher
CEO note: Strawberry leopard + here be dragons + living next door to a poacher
Strawberry leopard – a first for Gauteng
Photos: The ‘strawberry leopard’ is a genetic rarity that seldom occurs, and is almost never seen. Well, one has now been seen in South Africa
HERE BE DRAGONS – The Nile crocodile
The Nile crocodile has evolved over millennia to be a cunning, patient and ferocious predator that is capable of taking down large prey
Cycads: Are you living next door to a poacher?
The most endangered living organisms in the world today are not rhinos, elephants, or even pangolins – they are plants called cycads
The Colours of Salt
AERIAL ART is a coffee table book by photographers Jay & Jan Roode who celebrate the spectacular Namibian coastline with astonishing images
Ruaha
The ancient Ruaha landscape, dominated by huge baobabs & elephants, is home to a wide variety of wildlife for the perfect wilderness safari
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
The Power of Unity – Cheetah coalition in Maasai Mara
This is the story of a cheetah coalition of five males – the Tano Bora coalition, meaning ‘The Magnificent Five’ – in Kenya’s Maasai Mara
POACHERS – the people behind the statistics – a reality check
POACHERS – who are they and what motivates them? TRAFFIC investigates the driving factors of poaching activities and suggests solutions
Ignorant complicity amongst some safari guides
This refreshingly honest opinion editorial looks at eco-ethics amongst safari guides as they go about finding animals for guests
Bee wise
On the south-western tip of Africa, a bee conservation group has spent the last seven years discovering the wisdom of our wild honeybees
Tembe elephant bull relocated to community-owned reserve
A large young elephant bull has been relocated from Teme Elephant Park to Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal
Etosha
Etosha offers that iconic African safari experience: a waterhole packed with thirsty animals & the drama of stalking big cats seeking a meal
The great elephant balancing act
Elephants are amazing animals and a favourite for holidaymakers on safari. BUT meeting an elephant at night near your home can be terrifying
Nyungwe NP in Rwanda under African Parks management
African Parks has announced the signing of a 20-year agreement with the Government of Rwanda to manage the biodiverse Nyungwe National Park
Lion farming – Lord Ashcroft submission to South African High Level Panel
Lion farming presentation by Lord Ashcroft to the High-Level Panel looking at the management of lions and other species in South Africa
Kruger waterhole problems
Kruger waterhole problems are being reported, and it is not clear which waterholes are closed as per the Kruger ecosystem management plan
KHWAI
Khwai in Northern Botswana is a wildlife haven. Bordering the Okavango Delta, Moremi & Chobe – Khwai is an iconic safari destination
Human-lion conflict in a key lion population area
Human-lion conflict is a major issue for the conservation of wild lions – we look at the successful Kwando Carnivore Project in KAZA
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.
Selous be dam(n)ed
Selous is facing changes – from increased conservation status to a huge hydro-electric dam being built on the pristine Rufiji River
Africa’s Wild Dogs – A Survival Story
Africa’s Wild Dogs – A Survival Story is a photographic book celebrating these charismatic predators and telling their story
Elephants & cattle – restoring soil nutrient levels
Research shows that elephants can assist farmers by restoring soil nutrient levels when cattle have depleted those nutrients
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourism destination, for obvious reasons – offering tree-climbing lions to chimpanzees
Donkey smugglers profit off wildlife trafficking routes
Cross-border donkey smugglers in Zimbabwe and Botswana are operating pipelines used for ivory, pangolins and Covid-19 contraband
Cyanobacteria to blame for elephant deaths – Botswana officials
Elephant deaths: The sudden deaths of over 300 elephants in Botswana were caused by cyanotoxins produced by blue-green algae, say officials
Swimming blind – why critically endangered blind cave catfish needs research
The blind cave catfish, only found in a cave in Namibia, lives in total darkness. It is one of the rarest freshwater fish species in the world
FOSSA: 5 fascinating facts
The fossa of Madagascar has the predatory skills of mongooses and civets – acrobatic and lightning-fast – and the strength of a cat
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
Why are elephants dying in Zimbabwe and Botswana?
Elephants dying: Professor Keith Somerville investigates the mysterious deaths of more than 300 elephants in Zimbabwe and Botswana
Wild dogs facing increased persecution in Eastern Namibia
Wild dogs face increased persecution, as evidenced by this puppy carcass found on a road – likely the victim of an intentional killing
Trophy hunting quotas for South Africa in 2020: leopards, elephants and lion bone exports
Trophy hunting quotas for South Africa in 2020: leopards, elephants and lion bone exports – announcements by Minister Barbara Creecy
“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
Tsavo – Land of legends
Tsavo East and West National Parks in Kenya are part of the broader Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem where there is a feeling of vast ancient space
Coal mining in Hwange: gov bans mining in national parks
Coal mining in Hwange cancelled – according to a recent government statement that all mining in national parks is banned with immediate effect
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
Zebra
The zebra is a firm favourite among safari-goers because of their dazzling black and white stripes and familiar horse body language
Coal mining in Hwange National Park
Two coal-mining concessions have been awarded to Chinese companies in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and the neighbouring Deka Safari Area
A different safari – photographic hides
Fantastic images from a day in the photographic hides of Indlovu River Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve near the town of Hoedspruit
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
A Black and White Photo Safari
An exquisite gallery of black and white images that will have you contacting Africa Geographic about your next safari
Are Namibia’s carnivores at risk? Calling on citizen scientists
Namibia is conducting an assessment of its carnivores and you can help by using an app to report your sightings as a citizen scientist
Bwindi
Bwindi is the fairy-tale forest we dreamed about as children; it is also where you can meet and spend time with gentle mountain gorillas
“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
Lion trophy hunting – we interview Craig Packer
We interview researcher and conservationist Craig Packer about lion trophy hunting – with a focus on Tanzania, his former home
Mud
This fantastic photo gallery of wildlife coated in mud will have you contacting Africa Geographic to arrange your next safari
Sitatunga
The sitatunga is Africa’s only amphibious antelope; specially adapted to their habitat by virtue of elongated, widely splayed hooves
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
Understanding the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is an enormous watery oasis, home to an astonishing variety of wildlife and host to some of the best Botswana safaris
Mauritius oil spill – pictures, map and details
The oil spill threatening the Mauritius south-east coastline was caused by a Japanese ship that is carrying almost 4,000 tons of oil
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
Buffalo – Godfather of the African bushveld
The African buffalo has earned itself something of a reputation – particularly the cantankerous old ‘dagga boys’. Learn more here
Rhino poaching stats 2020 – more shades of grey
Rhino poaching for 2020 is lower because of the COVID-19 lockdown – although SA Minister claims the victory for her team
A plane full of hyenas
Four spotted hyenas completed a journey of over 1 400 km to Zinave National Park, Mozambique – after decades of no carnivores in the park
Kruger roan antelope deaths by neglect – more of the same, says informant
Roan antelope in Kruger breeding camps are dying due to neglect, with reasons varying from dehydration to disease – here are the facts
8 Cheetah cubs rescued in Somaliland – destined for illegal pet trade
8 cheetah cubs rescued in Somaliland during three operations – they were destined for the illegal pet trade that continues despite Covid-19
Jens Cullmann, 2020 Photographer of the Year – gallery one
This fantastic gallery by Photographer of the Year 2020 winner Jens Cullmann will have you booking your next safari with Africa Geographic
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
Declining Dynasties: Painted Wolf Pressures
Some say that the painted wolf (African wild dog) population in Mana Pools is the lowest in a decade. Why is this and how can we help?
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
Chameleons – 6 must-know facts
Chameleons are unique, weird & wonderful – changing their skin colour & shooting their tongues out to reach 100 km/hr in 1/100 of a second !
Understanding rinderpest
Rinderpest is a deadly virus that devastated livestock & African wildlife species in the late 19th century – the impacts are still felt today
Cheetah brothers go on international walkabout
A cheetah brother coalition has attracted the attention of researchers as they journey across international borders in search of territory
Change is coming to the safari industry
This story is about how technology and human nature are shaping the future of your dream hand-crafted safari – is that a good thing?
North Luangwa
North Luangwa in Zambia is remote and wild, accessible only by air or tough 4×4 vehicle – the perfect place for walking safaris
W National Park in Benin now falls under African Parks management
African Parks has concluded a management agreement for W National Park in Benin, adding the 18th national park to its management portfolio
Rescued pangolins given a rare second chance
Seven rescued pangolins rehabilitated and moved to a new home that is secure and ready to once again play host to pangolins
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
Lion cubs to bones – we interview Lord Ashcroft about ‘UNFAIR GAME’
We spoke to Lord Ashcroft about his book UNFAIR GAME – a must-read exposé of South Africa’s morally bankrupt captive lion breeding industry
Leopards: silent, secretive and full of surprises
Leopards: These breathtakingly beautiful, charismatic, powerful & mysterious creatures are the top request on safari. Learn about them here.
20 roan antelope die of dehydration in fenced Kruger camp – ranger dismissed
Tragic death by neglect of 20 roan antelope in a Kruger breeding camp leads to the dismissal of a Kruger section ranger