Lodge owner says that the loss of wilderness areas is the main reason behind reductions in populations of lions, elephants and other species.
Category Archives: Natural history
Video: Sketching a Chobe lioness
Alison Nicholls, our art safari guide, shares a video of her sketching a lioness in Botswana.
Wildlife vet: the Botswana elephant debate is actually about a bigger conservation issue
Botswana elephant debate: Wildlife vet says that this is NOT about too many elephants in Botswana, it’s about too many elephants in areas where humans, livestock and elephants overlap.
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.
Addressing Malawi’s deforestation crisis
On the International Day of Forests the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust addresses Malawi’s deforestation crisis.
Captive lion breeding is here to stay, says DEA
The Department of Environmental Affairs has rejected the Portfolio Committee’s resolution to end the captive breeding of lions.
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.
Opinion: Put down the petitions – help create alternatives for Botswana beyond elephant hunting
Botswana elephant debate: Tourism marketing manager urges the tourism industry to create alternatives beyond elephant hunting.
New research study looks to empower Namibian communities to champion environmental conservation
A new environmental research and education organisation will work with rural communities in Namibia to promote nature and wildlife conservation.
Samara – Rewilding the Great Karoo
Recreating a self-sustaining ecosystem and restoring it to its former glory is the vision of Samara Karoo Reserve in the Great Karoo.
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.
Comoros – The Forgotten Archipelago
The Comoros. It’s a name that conjures up a rich history of mighty sultans who once ruled over a melting pot of different cultures on islands at the end of the world. A volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast, the Comoros is made up of three major islands, called by their French names: Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Nzwani). Once …
Opinion by human-wildlife conflict specialist: Botswana has found her voice about elephants – but will we listen?
Human-wildlife conflict specialist comments on the recent recommendations regarding the hunting ban and human-elephant conflict in Botswana.
Opinion: Dr. Mike Chase on elephant poaching in Botswana
Dr Mike Chase, from Elephants Without Borders, provides a statement on the elephant poaching in Botswana.
Botswana government questions elephant survey report by Elephants Without Borders
Botswana’s government has questioned a new report by Elephants Without Borders detailing their 2018 elephant aerial survey.
Namibia culls hyenas to save its wild / feral horses
Shooting hyenas to save wild horses raises heated debate about whether conservation authorities should intervene between endemic wildlife and ‘feral’ animals.
Video: Elephant experts condemn Zimbabwe’s inhumane capture of wild baby elephants for Chinese zoos
Elephant experts condemn Zimbabwe’s inhumane capture of wild baby elephants for Chinese zoos as video emerges showing animals in distress.
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.
Opinion: Dereck Joubert reacts to Botswana hunting and culling recommendation
Respected filmmaker and conservation spokesperson Dereck Joubert has reacted to the Botswana government committee proposal to resume trophy hunting, and commence with elephant culling. Plans also include erecting fences to prevent certain wildlife migrations, and improve on human-wildlife conflict mitigation methods.
Hunting ban in Botswana should be lifted says government committee, and elephants culled
Hunting ban should be lifted and elephants culled, says Botswana’s government committee. Other recommendations include growth of the hunting industry, some animal migration routes closed and human-wildlife conflict strategies implemented.
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.
Opinion: Activist exposes South Africa’s lion park scams
Lion activist says let’s call a scam for what it is.
Researchers discover tiny new frog species in Ethiopia
A new species of puddle frog has just been discovered by researchers on the unexplored and isolated Bibita Mountain in southwestern Ethiopia.
Updated rhino poaching stats – what is not being disclosed – comment from award-winning filmmakers
Award-winning filmmakers Susan Scott and Bonné de Bod comment on the latest rhino poaching statistics released by the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Award-winning STROOP now available via download
Acclaimed South African documentary ‘STROOP’ continues award sweep… and releases on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and Vimeo.
Black leopard: My quest to photograph the most elusive cat in Africa
British wildlife photographer, Will Burrard-Lucas, has captured a series of high-quality camera trap photographs of a wild melanistic leopard (otherwise known as a black panther) in Africa.
Opinion: Pro hunter responds to our CEO regarding hunting in Greater Kruger
Professional hunter Paul Stone has responded to Simon Espley’s opinion editorial questioning whether the trophy hunting industry will ruin Kruger National Park’s expansion plans.
Detecting wildlife cybercrime
Being able to identify transactions involving restricted species, and conversations happening about them, will assist law enforcement in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
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.
Opinion: Our CEO asks whether the trophy hunting industry could ruin Kruger’s big expansion plan
Our CEO asks whether the trophy hunting industry will bring the Greater Kruger to its knees.
Parliament attacks Kruger agreement with neighbouring private reserves
The South African Parliament has strongly criticised South African National Parks for signing a formal agreement on 5th December to ratify a long-standing cooperation arrangement between Kruger National Park and several neighbouring private and community game reserves, which together form an area known as “Greater Kruger”.
Dereck Joubert sets the record straight about trophy hunting impact on lions and refutes claims of so-called benefits
An opinion post by Dereck Joubert as he sets the record straight about trophy hunting impact on lions and refutes claims of so-called benefits.
First new widow spider species discovered in 29 years
Potentially the largest widow spider in the world has been discovered in the critically endangered sand forest of South Africa.
Exploring the Jurassic world of Mahé in the Seychelles
Several hours flight due east of mainland Africa a rugged island, covered in towering green mountains and home to wild stretches of coastline, rises from the ocean floor. From afar it looks positively Jurassic, an Eden in every sense of the word. This is Mahé.
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.
2 Countries want changes to white rhino CITES listings, to permit trade
Proposed changes in CITES have been released, with Namibia proposing to downlist its population of white rhinos to Appendix II, to allow only international commercial trade in live animals and hunting trophies, and Eswatini seeks to allow unrestricted international commercial trade in all specimens of its white rhino population, which is currently included in Appendix II.
Africa is divided over ivory trade ahead of wildlife meeting
Several African countries with some of the world’s largest elephant populations will push this year for looser controls on legal ivory trade, while another group of countries on the continent says more restrictions are the best way to curb the illegal killing of elephants for their tusks.
World’s rarest duck released back into the wild
A duck thought to be extinct for 15 years has been brought back from the brink and given a new home on a remote lake in Madagascar.
The African Lion
“There are few sounds as evocative and exhilarating as a lion roaring his challenge into the African night; triggering in us all a primordial reaction of fear and awe. Lions are essential players in Africa’s wild spaces, ruthlessly executing the role of an apex predator and so helping maintain biodiversity and ecosystems, which change fundamentally …
Understanding lion infanticide
Lion infanticide: A look into why lions sometimes kill the offspring of their own species.
Opinion: Ecologist responds to Guardian newspaper article against trophy hunting
Campaign against trophy hunting – a western urban cultural imposition on rights of rural African communities: arrogant cultural superiority or ignorance?
The winners of our Best Video Clip 2018 competition
Announcing the winners of our Best Video Clip 2018 competition! Take a look to see who has won the $500 prizes!
Penguins: What’s being done and how you can help
Cape Town is synonymous with many things, like Table Mountain, picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and of course our iconic African penguin.
Opinion: Why trophy hunting is counter-productive as a ‘conservation tool’
Trophy hunters target the largest or rarest animals they can find – or those with the biggest horns, tusks or manes. Yet both science and common sense tells us that that goes against nature’s law of survival of the fittest.
Graphic video: Hippo commits infanticide
Dominant male hippos can engage in brutal fights to defend their territory, and can even commit infanticide to secure their dominance over the pod.
Somaliland wildlife medicine and husbandry: new partnership announced
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has announced a new international partnership between European and African institutions to enhance Somaliland’s ability to treat and care for confiscated wildlife.
A great year for wildlife in Maputo Special Reserve
In a conservation success story, more than 4,200 animals have been translocated to Maputo Special Reserve since 2013 through a multi-year rewilding project led by Peace Parks Foundation.
SA adventurer returns after 50-day all-women conservation expedition
50 days, four countries and 11,235 km later, South Africa humanitarian and eco-warrior, Carla Geyser, has returned home having led a successful international all-women conservation expedition into Southern Africa.
4 Elephants die as mercy mission goes wrong during heatwave
Tragedy as four elephant bulls that were causing havoc in the Gravelotte area in Limpopo die during relocation attempt.
Saving trafficked pangolins, one release at a time
A story about releasing trafficked pangolins back into the wild, thanks to a dedicated team of people fighting to ensure the survival of these threatened creatures.
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.
Death of Tait: The end of a legend
In the BBC’s Dynasties documentary we meet an incredible painted wolf: Tait. Here is an account of her final days as the alpha female by photographer Nicholas Dyer.
The Cheetah
“A cheetah in full flight is one of Africa’s most breathtaking sights – that blindingly rapid and yet sublimely smooth acceleration and the ability to swerve at full speed take one’s breath away. And, with a hunting success rate above 50%, cheetahs are amongst the most successful of Africa’s large carnivores when it comes to …
West African giraffe return to Gadabedji after 50 years of absence
Eight West African giraffe travelled over 800 kilometres in 48 hours to be safely re-introduced to the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve in Niger, after an absence of almost 50 years.
Famous super tusker Tim rescued from certain death
Tim, an icon of Amboseli and one of Africa’s largest and most magnificent elephants, has been rescued from certain death.
Lion bone quota now reduced to 800 skeletons from 1,500
The quota for the lion bone trade has been reduced from 1,500 to 800 lion skeletons, according to a media statement from the DEA.
New citrus farm on Kruger border – have your say
A citrus farming enterprise has purchased a small but ecologically pivotal farm on the border of the Klaserie and Timbavati private nature reserves (Greater Kruger) near the town of Hoedspruit, and plans to develop a citrus orchard in this vital game reserve area.
Balule responds regarding traumatising elephant hunt incident
Balule Nature Reserve responds to the incident regarding a traumatising elephant hunt.
Illegal collared elephant hunt in Greater Kruger – warden convicted
A warden has been convicted in court after a collared elephant was illegally hunted.
Here’s how YOU can make a difference for RHINOS
Our CEO has a message for those of you who want to make a difference for rhinos. Start by watching STROOP, then take action.
What’s in a name? Dogs or wolves, painted or wild
Lycaon pictus has many names in English, from ‘African wild dog’ to ‘painted wolf’. We take a look into the background of this endangered animal’s many English names.
The Mountain Gorilla: Gentle Giants
“The thrill of trekking for mountain gorillas in the astonishingly beautiful misty highlands of East Africa is not difficult to explain. Quietly observing these gentle giants as they go about their day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a privileged few, and to be treasured beyond compare. If you are lucky enough to exchange glances with …
Video: Malawi gains new giraffe population in Majete Wildlife Reserve
Thirteen South African giraffe have been translocated over 2,500 km and safely released into Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve, establishing its first population.
Why did the tortoise cross the road?
Tortoises cross roads for a variety of reasons. Here are some important things to consider if you come across one while driving on the road.
Lake Malawi fish species at risk of extinction
The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has revealed that overfishing is causing fish species in parts of the developing world to decline, with 9% of the 458 fish species assessed in Lake Malawi at high risk of extinction.
Rare conservation win: Mountain gorilla population ticks up
The IUCN has updated the status of mountain gorillas, officially changing them from ‘Critically Endangered’ – the highest level of threat – to ‘Endangered’.
Giraffes are in trouble, says IUCN status update
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is once again drawing attention to the plight of giraffes.
Captive lion breeding and bone trade: MPs call for an end to the practice
The Environmental Affairs Committee has called for a policy and legislative review on captive lion breeding for hunting and lion bone trade.
Good news as China now reverses decision to lift ban on trade in tiger and rhino parts
China has postponed the lifting of a ban on the trade of rhino horn and tiger parts for medicine and other uses, the government said on Monday, after a storm of protest from conservation groups over a plan to water down the decades-old prohibition.
Gorilla Doctors
The dart lands just below her left shoulder. Gashangi, a 33-year-old mountain gorilla, reacts as though stung by a bee. She swipes a large hand toward her perceived antagonist but is unable to reach the feathered projectile. A few moments later, she gets up and begins to move off through the lush montane vegetation towards …
Fire and elephant: Agents of change in the Maasai Mara
Investigating the changing makeup of the Maasai Mara’s vegetation over time and how elephants have contributed to these changes.
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.
Opinion: Farcical quotes from the lion farming colloquium in South Africa
An opinion post on the colloquium on lion farming in South Africa.
Painted Wolves
Everything is still and quiet as the sun pounds the floodplain of the Zambezi Valley. It is late afternoon, but the intensity of the heat has not abated. In front of me are a group of animals lying in a heap. Occasionally a big round ear will twitch, or a head might lazily rise, only …
Scientists warn that the world’s wilderness areas are disappearing
Scientists reveal that just 23% of the world’s landmass can now be considered wilderness, with the rest lost to the direct effects of human activities.
Understanding elephant migration in the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area
What you should know about elephant migration in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park – the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area.
Botswana’s president addresses the issue of game farms and hunting in Botswana
Botswana’s president addresses the issue of game farms and hunting in Botswana.
China lifts ban and legalises tiger bone and rhino horn for medical purposes
China has revised a law on the ban of rhino horn and tiger bone products that would now allow domestic trade and use of the products for scientific, medical and cultural purposes.
REST – Rehabilitation & Conservation in Action
The morning sun was starting to make us sweat as we sat on the ground in a circle and waited. There wasn’t a breath of wind as small puffs of pale-yellow dust rose into the air, kicked up by four inquisitive creatures who were making their way towards us. Slowly but surely, they got within …
Continue reading “REST – Rehabilitation & Conservation in Action”
Video: Gorilla males who babysit have greater reproduction success
Research reveals that male gorillas have greater reproductive success if they spend more time taking care of kids.
The Okapi: The Shy Forest Dwellers of Central Africa
The mysterious and enigmatic okapi is one of the oldest mammals on Earth, but it has only been known to the western world since the early 20th century. Covered in unusual markings on their rump and legs, okapi are elusive, shy and gentle, and nearly impossible to observe in the wild due to their secretive …
Continue reading “The Okapi: The Shy Forest Dwellers of Central Africa”
Discovering the forest birds of Maasai Mara
The banks of the Mara River in the Maasai Mara of Kenya offer ideal habitat for birds – and for bird-watchers, especially if you find a puddle of water, and especially during the heat of the day.
SA rhino film wins top awards at US film festivals
The South African feature documentary STROOP – Journey into the Rhino Horn War has won the coveted Best Documentary award at the prestigious San Diego International Film Festival held this past weekend.
Newborn giraffe: Defying the odds
It was an honour to watch this giraffe mother expertly care for her newborn in his first moments, magical to watch as he finally stood and heartwarming to witness his first steps.
Rhino Dehorning: Tip of the Iceberg
Before coming to Africa, I had little to no knowledge of the constant efforts being made to save our precious rhinos – one of Africa’s most iconic animals. Not long after arriving, however, I had the opportunity to photograph and assist in a rhino dehorning operation, a somewhat controversial method of hopeful poaching prevention, and …
3 Epic safaris to do before you kick the bucket
Our 3 epic safaris to do in Africa before you kick the bucket! Life is short and these safaris are the best life investment
Kruger’s roaming lions
“Never a dull moment in the bush” is something my husband and I tell each other all the time. Well, that is certainly true for the events of a few weekends ago when a male lion got out of our stunning Kruger National Park!
Kruger 10-year management plan
SANParks has released its Kruger National Park management plan covering the next 10 years. This 259-page report is essential reading for Kruger fans who enjoy debating the issues that the Kruger management team has to deal with on a regular basis, such as problem-animal management, hotels in Kruger and trophy hunting of free-roaming wildlife on reserves adjoining Kruger.
Video: How cracks in an elephant’s skin keep it cool
An in-depth study of the African elephant’s wrinkly skin has revealed how its intricate design helps to keep the animal cool, protect them from parasites and prevent dehydration in their dry habitat.
Cannibal cobras
While Cape cobras are known to eat other snake species – up to a third of their diet – recorded instances of Cape cobras eating individuals of the same species has been extremely rare… until now, when researchers investigated and discovered how common and widespread cannibalism in cobras really is.
DRC president torches ivory and pangolin scale stockpile, releases parrots
Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila on Sunday set light to an ivory stockpile to highlight the problem of poaching in the central African country.
Kenya’s Shaba National Reserve: Wild Africa at its best
Shaba National Reserve, lying deep in northern Kenya’s expanse, is a stunning wilderness home to dramatic gorges, open plains and extinct volcanoes.
