South Africa’s illegal tiger trade and farming of other big cats threatens the wild populations of these animals across the world
Category Archives: Natural history
Jackals of Africa – consummate survivors
Jackals are the ultimate survivors of the African bushveld. These social & intelligent canids are expert opportunists and masterful lurkers
Super tusker Tolstoy treated for spear wound
Amboseli super tusker Tolstoy is in recovery after being treated for a spear wound, following a midnight raid on nearby crops.
Namibia’s elephant auction: Evaluating the results
Namibia’s controversial elephant auction: balancing conservation, welfare and legality – Opinion editorial
Japan: An illegal ivory trader’s haven – new report
Japan’s domestic ivory market is driving the illegal ivory trade around the globe, creating a cover for illicit imports and exports
Southern ground-hornbill – Africa’s rara avis
The southern ground-hornbill is a complex, social, endangered species that marks the dawn chorus with its haunting, thunderous call
Caracals of Cape Town – navigating a landscape of fear
Caracals navigate the dangers of the urban Cape, attracted to the edge of urban spaces at a significant potential risk – new research.
Gerenuk – Africa’s gawky oddball
Gerenuk: these tiny giraffe gazelle are endearing, somewhat comic and almost alien in appearance – and high on the safari bucket list
Hope for African wild dogs? New report
Could we double African wild dog (painted wolf) numbers by 2050? With funding, collaboration and recovered territory, it’s possible.
More forest elephants in Gabon than previously thought – new research
Good news: there are more forest elephants in Gabon than previously believed – first countrywide elephant population estimate in 30 years
Kruger rhino poaching update: 75% population reduction in 10 years
Rhino poaching has decimated Kruger NP populations by 75% in 10 years. We dive into the latest research figures from SANParks
Wildlife corridors – paths of connection and hope
Wildlife corridors are used by lions, elephants & other large creatures. If humans avoid those corridors they can reduce loss of lives & livelihood
The emotions of human-wildlife conflict
Human-wildlife conflict – emotions and cultural significance attached to wild carnivores strongly influence mitigation strategies. New Research
Eastern Madagascar
A journey through eastern Madagascar is an adventure for endemic lemurs, birds, reptiles, pristine beaches and ancient forest
Western Madagascar
Western Madagascar boasts iconic images and creatures – fossas, lemurs galore, upside-down trees and rocks with teeth!
Thomson’s gazelle – underappreciated speedster
The Thomson’s gazelle is an under-appreciated antelope of the Mara-Serengeti – a terrific athlete, and integral part of the Great Migration
Lion nomad settles in Zinave NP – first in 30 years
A large nomad lion has settled in the remote Zinave NP, Mozambique; the first lion there in 30 years – major conservation success story
Orange bat discovered in Guinea
A new (orange) bat species has been discovered in Guinea. With bright orange fur and black wings, Myotis nimbaensis is unlike any other bat
Furore over Namibian community-based conservation
Journalists target Namibia’s community-based conservation program. This is what 76 affected entities have to say – decide for yourself
Giraffe conservation status – latest numbers give hope!
Good news! All 4 giraffe species populations have been increasing after sustained conservation interventions
High society – spotted hyena inherit social networks
High-ranking spotted hyena cubs inherit a social network of allies which increases access to resources & breeding opportunities: New research
Tana River primates – on a broken wildlife highway
The critically endangered Tana River red colobus & mangabey are endemic to the forests on the banks of the Tana River
Poaching and tuskless elephants – the scientific confirmation
Ivory poaching selectively drives the evolution of tuskless elephants – new research confirms what many experts have suggested for decades
Herding 4 Health – people, livestock and conservation
Herding 4 Health is a rural community activity promoting conservation by teaching innovative herding in and near wildlife areas
Sunbird feathers and the sweltering cost of beauty
Gorgeous iridescent sunbird feathers play an essential role in visual communication but could dangerously increase heat absorption – new research
Caracal – Africa’s deadly beauty
The caracal, with its luminous eyes, dramatic ear tufts, bold facial markings and stocky physique is arguably Africa’s most exquisite cat
Mobilising Africa’s biodiversity experts to put nature on the decision-making map
African biodiversity experts mobilise to produce a continental map of ‘biodiversity intactness’ for African decision-makers.
Striped hyena – the forgotten fourth hyena
Striped hyenas lurk in the shadows, shy and elusive. They are seldom seen, poorly understood and may answer our questions on hyena evolution
White-bellied pangolin pups in Nigeria
White-bellied pangolin pups, rescued from an animal market in Lagos, desperately need help from Namibian pangolin expert Maria Diekmann
Bees – a solution to human-elephant conflict
Bees and elephants – their busy, buzzing ways are providing a solution to human-elephant conflict – an innovative conservation solution
Grabbing the lion by the tail – intervention vs interference
Grabbing the lion by the tail – Interference and intervention in the lives of wild animals are controversial and there are no simple answers as to when or if they are appropriate. Jamie Paterson gives her perspectives.
Oryx – four legendary spear-tipped antelope
Oryx – four robust, dignified and courageous species. Icons of the desert perfectly adapted to their desiccated rangelands.
Crossing the human-wildlife barrier
Crossing the human-wildlife barrier – is it ever okay? Three positive African examples involving a pangolin, a blesbok and a clan of hyenas
African eagles – Avian apex predators
African eagles soar through the skies, sharp-eyed and fierce, bringing unexpected death from above to their prey.
Chobe National Park – Africa’s elephant Eden
Chobe National Park boasts the world’s highest elephant density, lush riverine woodland & vast dry savannas – embodying the safari spirit
Counting the Cape parrot – Africa’s rarest
Counting Africa’s rarest parrot – the Cape parrot – on a mountain top in Magoebaskloof, South Africa. By teamAG, led by CEO Simon Espley
Sable and Roan – the ‘horse-goat’ antelopes
Sable and roan – the two magnificent Hippotragus antelope – delight in their majestic bearing, gorgeous coats and rapier horns.
Wildlife economy in the Africa – Unlocking the potential
The ‘State of the Wildlife Economy in Africa’ report inspires investment in nature to improve conservation and support economic development.
Mukalya Private Game Reserve – Rescuing wilderness
Mukalya Private Game Reserve is a gorgeous piece of restored wilderness on the Zambezi River – an inspiring, family run safari experience.
Is lion hunting sustainable?
Lion hunting sustainability in Africa has been extensively investigated by pragmatic experts desperate to conserve our remaining wild lions
70 – leopard trophy hunting quota in Botswana for 2022
Leopard trophy hunting – the Botswana government has allocated a quota of 70 leopards for 2022. Is this sustainable and how do we know?
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
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
Odzala-Kokoua National Park – biodiversity bonanza
Western lowland gorillas, forest elephants & more. Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo is one of Africa’s hidden gems – for a safari with a difference
Leopard conservation in South Africa
Leopard conservation in South Africa requires a metapopulation strategy and a sustained, transparent commitment from government – expert opinion
Why rural communities choose wildlife hunting over cattle
Rural communities choose wildlife over cattle if they see and enjoy long term benefits from trophy hunting – says Namibian community member
Trophy hunters kill another breeding Hwange lion – Mopane
Trophy hunters kill another breeding lion (named Mopane) from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park – in a mirror of the Cecil tragedy
Forest elephant – endangered gardeners
Forest elephant numbers are believed to have plummeted 86% in just 31 years yet their role in maintaining forest ecosystems is critical.
Marvellous meerkats – mongooses of the desert
Marvellous Meerkats – socially complex and fascinating little mongooses found across the deserts of Southern Africa.
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%
