The Angola Government and African Parks have signed a management agreement for the vast 15,200 km² (1,5 million hectares) Iona National Park, initiating their first partnership to ensure the long-term protection of one of the country’s largest protected areas. Iona is an iconic southern Angolan desert landscape, extending from its Atlantic coastline over dunes, plains …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 9 – Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Gallery 2 ? A leopard leaps between branches. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania © Alice …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 9 – Gallery 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Gallery 1 ? Scarface, one of the legendary lions of Africa. Maasai Mara National …
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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.
Understanding Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that is usually spread by the female Anopheles mosquito. Prevention is better than cure, and we provide tips
Akagera NP (Rwanda) tourism revenue up 25%
Conservation success story – Rwanda’s Akagera National Park’s growth continues with a 25% growth in revenue in 2019.
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 8 – Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Gallery 2, Gallery 3 ? This male lion is a member of a coalition …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 8 – Gallery 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Gallery 1, Gallery 3 ? A spotted hyena attempts to get her cub …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 8 – Gallery 3
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Gallery 1, Gallery 2 ? An elephant family herd at a waterhole. Mashatu …
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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.
Trophy hunting: rural communities respond
Opinion: Rural communities are the custodians of African wildlife and deserve to have their voices heard in the trophy hunting debate.
Greater Kruger
The ‘Greater Kruger’ refers to 344,000 hectares (860,000 acres) of protected land to the west of Kruger National Park that provides a larger area for wildlife to roam freely. This additional land is owned by private and local community property owners.
Victoria Falls drying up? Fake news versus fact
Victoria Falls is not running dry, despite what some international news media keep telling us. Here are the facts.
Breaking: copper mine in Lower Zambezi NP cancelled
The planned open-pit Kangaluwi copper mine in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park WILL NOT proceed, says the Zambian government
Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs
When we mention Sudan, most people don’t react positively, either because they don’t know much about the country, or they recall negative news reports about it. Ten years ago, when we visited the “kingdom of the black pharaohs” for the first time, there were very few tourists. Nowadays, fortunately, some prejudices have disappeared, and more …
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 7 – Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 2 ? Thirsty elephants arrive at a waterhole. Kruger National Park, …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 7 – Gallery 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, with a stunning safari prize provided by Djuma Private Game Reserve, is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 1 ? A special moment between a mother lion and her …
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Saving the Northern White Rhino: Third Embryo Successfully Created
International scientists and Kenyan conservation authorities have successfully created the third viable embryo of the near-extinct northern white rhino. The global initiative has taken yet another step in the long journey to pull this subspecies back from the brink.
Communities delivering conservation impact & wildlife recoveries
Opinion: Communities are delivering significant conservation results equivalent to those of government parks and reserves.
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.
Conservation needs diversified approaches – opinion
Scientists suggest alternative land-use models to trophy hunting – models that are more inclusive of local people.
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 6 – Gallery 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 1 ? Close-up of an elephant’s eyelashes. Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa © Peter Reitze ? A walia ibex. Simien Mountains National Park, …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 6 – Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 2 ? A large bull meets an elephant calf. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa © Charmaine Joubert ? Springbok during a dusty sunrise. …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 5 – Gallery 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 1 ? A ring-tailed lemur suns herself while her baby keeps a firm hold on her back. Berenty Reserve, Madagascar © Beverly Houwing …
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Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 5 – Gallery 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! There are two galleries showcasing this week’s Weekly Selection. To see the other gallery click here: Weekly Selection Gallery 2 ? A yellow mongoose passes through camp. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa © Daniela Anger ? A young Mucubal boy herds his goats …
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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.
Another mass vulture poisoning raises alarm in South Africa
Yet another mass vulture poisoning raises alarm bells that deliberate poisoning of vultures for belief-based use is on the increase, say experts.
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.
Large herd of elephants seen in Nigeria’s war-torn northeast
In an exciting discovery, a previously-unknown herd of 250-300 elephants has been spotted in Nigeria’s far northeast corner, making it the first reported sighting of elephants in the region since the Boko Haram insurgency began a decade ago.
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.
Smoked baby chimpanzee on hotel menu, says NGO
Smoked baby chimpanzee on the menu at prominent DRC hotel, says NGO.
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 4
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! ? A red-billed oxpecker and buffalo take a drink together. Zimanga Private Game Reserve, South Africa © Alan Nixon ? Painted wolves (African wild dogs) with the remains of their meal. Selinda Concession, Botswana © Gerhard Thom ? A lion …
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Millipedes – 10 facts that we find interesting
Giant African millipedes often have unusually brightly coloured legs and bodies.
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 3
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now in full swing and open for submissions! ? A sub-adult lion comes in to steal a kill made by spotted hyenas, only to find very little for himself. The hyenas did not bother getting their meal back because they had had their full. Maasai Mara National Reserve, …
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6 Swahili food dishes you won’t want to miss!
Swahili cuisine is tasty, filling and plentiful. Here are six Swahili dishes you won’t want to miss on your travels in Tanzania.
Mountain gorilla population continues to rise
Great news! The population of mountain gorillas is on the rise, and now stands at an estimated 1,063 individuals.
Swahili – a brief safari guide to key words and phrases
Language and everyday culture are intertwined, so it’s worth learning some polite phrases in Swahili, as making the effort to speak another’s language is welcome in any country.
Survival against the odds – 2 special elephants
The touching stories of two wild elephants whose struggle for survival will amaze (and humble) you, and provide a sense of perspective into the wonderful journey of life.
Collared elephant hunted in Botswana, tracking device destroyed
A large bull elephant carrying a research collar with a tracking device has been killed by trophy hunters in Botswana, and the tracking device destroyed.
Lions in Gorongosa show population increase
Lions in Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique) are benefitting from better conservation measures, and show a population increase to 146, the nature reserve announced on Wednesday.
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 2
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now open for submissions! Here is the first gallery of entrants: ? A spotted hyena pops its head out of the carcass of a giraffe that had died while giving birth. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya © Nitin Michael ? “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. A bull elephant …
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The Return of Malawi’s Cheetahs
A total of 5,645 kilometres… That is 845 km more than the distance across the United States of America, 2,500 km further when travelling east to west across Australia, and 2,845 km more than the distance across South Africa. That distance does not even count all the little trips in between, including the time spent …
Uganda birding – 10 best spots
The 10 best birding spots in Uganda, which hosts 1065 species – the ideal place to improve your life bird species list
Photographer of the Year 2020 Weekly Selection: Week 1
Our Photographer of the Year 2020 is now open for submissions! Here is the first gallery of entrants: ? A juvenile leopard pops his head out of an excavated termite mound. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa © Jo Taylor ? A spotted hyena carries the remains of a kill. Etosha National Park, Namibia © Manuel Graf ? A …
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Riff Raff the “problem” elephant receives extended protection against destruction
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.
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.
Opinion: Approval of citrus farm on Greater Kruger border puts the region’s Protected Area Expansion Project at risk
Citrus farm approved on the border of Greater Kruger. Concerned protected area managers believe that this will threaten the entire region.
Safari!
“AFRICA” – now tell me that you don’t hear Sir David Attenborough’s voice when you read that word. Home to an abundance of incredible wildlife and considered the birthplace of humankind, this continent beckoned wildlife enthusiast Olli Teirilä in a way that he could never have expected. With a passion for adventure and wildlife, Olli …
CITES CoP18 – most controversial one ever? Here are the results for African species
CITES CoP18 – all the results for African species, including rulings for elephant and rhino trade that have some African range states questioning their ongoing participation in CITES.
Minister: How many wild rhinos do we have left?
How many rhinos do we have left in our National Parks? An open letter to South African Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy.
