Population numbers of carnivores in Zimbabwe have dropped significantly due to land reform that has seen large tracts of land change hands
Category Archives: Natural history
WildAid calls for ban on synthetic rhino horn exports
U.S.-based entrepreneurs are developing synthetic rhino horn that can’t be differentiated from actual horn, but WildAid and the Center for Biological Diversity believe that this will only accelerate consumer demand in Asia for illegal wildlife products.
South African private wildlife numbers overstated
Endangered Wildlife Trust has published a study on wildlife ranching, which shows that South African private wildlife numbers may be inflated threefold.
Will this giant hunting auction benefit African wildlife?
Does trophy hunting support wildlife conservation in Africa? The world’s most influential hunters’ association would like you to think so.
The horror of snares
Unravelling the danger of snares – the indiscriminate killer of the bushveld and a serious threat to Africa’s free-roaming wildlife
An open letter to point out flaws in legalising the rhino horn trade
An open letter to Mr. Hume, the owner of South Africa’s largest privately owned rhino herd, with regards to his wish to lift the CITES ban on the rhino horn trade.
Lions, trophy hunting and the US government – the 27 facts you need to know
27 things you need to know about lion trophy imports in the US, and the impact hunting is having on lions in Africa.
Local community rallies together to save elephants that are stuck in the mud
The tale of an attempt to rescue two elephants from the mud after they became stuck after trying to drink water from muddy pools
60 new species of dragonflies discovered in Africa
The number of dragonfly species known in Africa has increased by almost 10% in the last century – from 700 to 760 species
Video: Extremely rare white lions caught on camera
Rarely-seen white lion cubs caught on camera at N’wanetsi Concession in Kruger National Park – by Jame Suter (guide and filmmaker)
Famous Marsh lions poisoned in Maasai Mara
Lions from the Marsh Pride, made famous by the Big Cat Diary series, have been poisoned in the Maasai Mara with at least two lions dead as a result.
Saving the cheetah: a need for speed
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, with a body built to incredible acceleration. But its also fast heading towards extinction in the wild
Why you should care about thickets
A thicket is a dense, almost impenetrable tangle of trees, shrubs, and vines, that is home to a host of biodiversity. Here is why you should spare a thought for thickets
Rehabilitating and releasing baby rhinos
Baby rhinos need special care and Ntombi was no exception. This is her story – after 18 hack wounds from poachers who had killed her mother
A very special pangolin rescue
This is a story of two rescued pangolins, a story of compassion and transboundary teamwork to help two endangered mammals
8 unexpected uses for elephant dung
Elephant dung has many uses to humans – from delicious coffee and beer, to medicine, insect repellant, biogas and paper
Tanzania’s most wanted elephant poacher and ivory trafficker arrested
A major ringleader, who is also a supplier of weapons, ammunition and cars to poaching syndicates, is arrested. And with both ‘Shetani’ and the ‘Queen of Ivory’ now in custody, there is a chance to crack down on the international networks involved in the illegal trafficking of ivory.
12 edible indigenous South African plants
Connect to your food and the rhythm of nature in a new, fresh and wild way by growing these 12 indigenous edible plants.
Zimbabwe elephant hunter identified as German mogul Rainer Schorr
Animal rights group PETA has named the hunter who killed one of Africa’s largest elephants as German businessman Rainer Schorr
18 000 Mauritian flying foxes: to cull or to treasure?
The Mauritian government plans to cull 18,000 endangered flying foxes – scientists say that this drastic measure threatens their existence
Rescuing Beatrice the baby aardvark
‘A’ is for aardvark – a strange nocturnal creature that wanders some of Africa’s drier areas. ‘B’ is for baby aardvark that was rescued
PALF’s dogs sniff out illegal bushmeat
Crocodiles and turtles are released after the PALF dog team sniffs them out in a road block.
China issues one-year ban on African ivory hunting trophy imports
China has issued a one-year ban on African ivory hunting trophy imports ahead President Xi Jinping’s visit to Britain this month.
Notorious Chinese ‘Queen of Ivory’ arrested
“The Queen of Ivory”, a Chinese national, has been arrested by a specialised task force in Tanzania. To date, she is the most important ivory trafficker ever arrested in the country.
Redefining Madagascar
Sonja Gottlebe moved to Madagascar 40 years ago, and is now the owner of tour operation Boogie Pilgrim and the founder of GOTO Madagascar. She is also the driving force behind the expansion of Fair Trade Tourism into Madagascar – the world’s only tourism certification programme developed to encompass Fair Trade principles. Fair Trade Tourism has …
US and China ban ivory sales in historic move
One giant leap for elephants (and mankind) as China and the United States commit to ban ivory sales.
Elephants held hostage in Laikipia
Young bull elephants held hostage in Laikipia after destroying crops. It is estimated that local communities lose over a US$1 million in revenue from raiding elephant in Kenya each year.
The race to rescue a snared rhino calf
A young rhino called Bahati has been caught in a snare, which he has managed to snap but which has left him with deep wounds that needed to be treated as soon as possible. The Kenya Wildlife Service and rangers have been tracking him since Thursday morning but haven’t been able to find him yet. Keep your fingers crossed for this little rhino and prey he gets the treatment he needs soon!
Case proven: ivory trafficking funds terrorism
A sensational and shocking film provides the first direct evidence linking ivory trafficking to terrorism.
Dereck Joubert responds to a hunter on the economics of hunting
Dereck Joubert responds to hunter claims – explains how the argument for hunting gets thinner each time it is tested
MSC ban the transport of hunting trophies
The privately owned global shipping company, MSC, has banned the transportation of hunting trophies on ethical grounds.
The hidden struggle of South Africa’s freshwater fish
A new conservation film, entitled Fins in the Fynbos, aims to turn the spotlight on threatened fish species and how to save them.
But first, let me take a lion selfie!
An exploration of the reality behind the lion breeding industry and the heavy implications of taking a ‘selfie’ with an adorable lion cub.
Hunting lions for fun
Dereck Joubert explores the viability and ethics of hunting in the aftermath of the killing of Cecil the lion
Zimbabwe lifts nationwide trophy hunting ban
The nationwide ban on hunting lions, leopards and elephants in Zimbabwe has been lifted, but a ban is still in force in a limited area including on the farm where Cecil was killed and on another farm where a second lion was hunted.
American Airlines and United Airlines also ban hunting trophies
Following recent news that Delta Airlines has banned the transport of hunting trophies, two other American airlines – United Airlines and American Airlines – have been quick to follow suit.
Graphic content: Baby hippo killed by its pod
A baby hippo is slaughtered by its pod in a startling series of photographs that highlights the realities of wild Africa
Delta joins growing list of airlines banning hunting trophies
Delta has announced a ban on transporting trophy kills following pressure from customers, activists and a petition with 395,245 signatures.
Golden jackal: A new wolf species hiding in plain sight
New research suggests that the golden jackal should actually be classified as a species of wolf.
Professional hunters’ association president calls for a review of lion hunting
After viewing the new film Blood Lions, Hermann Meyeridricks is asking the hunting association to reconsider its position on lion hunting.
Zimbabwe elephants sold to Chinese zoo malnourished and injured
Pictures taken by a local wildlife charity activist of the elephants in quarantine pens at Chimelong Safari Park show young elephants in visibly poor conditions with protruding bones.
Snakebite!
A miraculous escape from death, and how to prevent and treat snakebite.
SAA lifts embargo on the transportation of hunting trophies
South African Airways have lifted with immediate effect the embargo that was placed on elephant, rhino, lion and tiger hunting trophies.
7 distinguishing features of the Uganda kob
A special species of antelope in Central Africa, here are 7 attributes that will help to identify a Uganda kob.
A hyena with its prize – the head of a lion
Disturbing images of a hyena carrying its prize – the head of a lion killed during a territorial dispute between lion prides
Animal ‘selfies’ that make for good science
In the largest camera tracking survey to date, a researcher captured 1.2 million stealthy animal “selfies” in the Serengeti National Park.
Female mongooses risk their lives for their offspring
A study shows that female mongooses are able to make calculated decisions to secure the best future for their offspring even if that means risking injuries by mating with males outside of their pack.
Blood Lions – a film exposing the brutal exploitation of the king of beasts
We interview wildlife campaigner Ian Michler, and filmmaker Nick Chevallier about their new film, Blood Lions.
Female elephant mistakenly shot by hunters
A female elephant was accidentally killed instead of an allegedly ‘damage causing’ bull elephant when a hunting permit was suspiciously issued at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.
EU bans import of hunting trophies from Tanzania and Mozambique
The European Union has banned the import of elephant hunting trophies from two African nations that have seen a significant decline in elephant numbers due to soaring levels of poaching.
Niassa lions benefit from elephant poaching
The lion population in Niassa National Reserve is increasing as a result of “getting huge amounts of meat” from poached elephants.
60% collapse of Tanzania’s elephants justifies US ban on trophy imports
Dwindling elephant populations in Tanzania and Zimbabwe justify the USA ban on the importation of elephant trophies from the two countries.
iSimangaliso winning the war against poaching
With four recent successes, iSimangaliso Wetland Park sets a great example in combatting wildlife crime.
Increased poaching causes surge in African vulture deaths
Facing multiple threats including poisoning by poachers, African vultures are declining at a critical rate and researchers suggest that they are heading towards extinction.
Lions are in trouble in Namibia
Lions could be in trouble in Namibia’s arid northwest if nothing is done to reduce human-predator conflict
4 fun facts about the bat-eared fox
The bat-eared fox is a cute, shy creature that wanders around southern Africa’s drier landscapes at night in search of food
Familiarising leopard cubs with vehicles
Guides at Marakele National Park spend their free time trying to positively affect how three little leopard cubs perceive vehicles and humans in the future.
Come dine with me (leopard special)
A lion and hyena share a serving of kudu.
The tale of a very special shoebill
A shoebill, afraid of fishing for his own catfish, is teaching local communities about sustainable fishing and the importance of wildlife.
Rescued penguins responding well to rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of oiled penguins continues at SANCCOB in the Eastern Cape
Vultures poisoned in Mpumalanga
Endangered white-backed vultures found poisoned; two rescued in time.
Elephants rejoice: China to end ivory trade
Shutting down commercial ivory markets worldwide is the single biggest step that governments can take to end the elephant poaching crisis.
Mounting up against poaching
Since man tamed the horse, the majestic animal has gone from being a means of transport to a tool of industry and war. Human society has advanced on the backs of horses, but we have since dismounted, finding little use for horses other than leisure. However, in some remote corners of Africa, the horse plays …
Wild Horses of the Namib
Wild horses of Aus in Namibia’s Namib Desert are tough and resilient – and yet at the mercy of drought and hyenas. A story of survival
A Southern African Mesosaurus site
Discovering the fossils of the Mesosaurus in Namibia.
Ivory trafficking at Mombasa Port
Ivory trafficking: undercover survey at the Mombasa Port reveals vulnerabilities, confirms high level corruption, and highlights national and international security issues.
Lufthansa bans transport of hunting trophies
Lufthansa airline changes its policy on transporting hunting trophies.
Mozambique announces major decline in elephant population
Dramatic 48% decline in Mozambique’s elephant population is due to criminal gangs decimating elephants for their ivory.
Uganda’s elephant population on the rise
The Great Elephant Census offers hope for savanna elephants in Uganda.
Putting right the black mamba’s reputation
The black mamba is a misunderstood snake – the subject of many urban legends and exaggerated claims Learn more here
A giraffe rescue
Old giraffe bull rescued from waterhole in Balule Nature Reserve.
Hyena rescued from snare in Liuwa
A hyena saved from the poacher’s snare in Liuwa.
Turtles – ninjas of the Deep
Turtles – the wanderers of Earth’s vast oceans – played a vital part in changing the conservation status of our coastline
No safe harbour for Cape fur seals
Cape fur seals under threat from pollution in Kalk Bay harbour.
Critical elephant corridor rediscovered in North Kenya
A female elephant fitted with a GPS collar travelled over 100 km across conservancy land – re-establishing old movement corridors
Zambia lifts big cat hunting ban
Zambia lifts ban on safari hunting to attract tourists.
South African lion management plan released
How lions in South Africa are destined to end up being traded to China.
65 endangered vultures killed in poisoning incident
65 vultures and a tawny eagle found dead in a poisoning incident on a private farm north-west of Hoedspruit.
Bangweulu horses on anti-poaching patrols
Meet the Bangweulu Wetlands Project anti-poaching horse patrol – ensuring that this excellent conservation project thrives!
The Wild Beneath the Waves
‘What’s great about the ocean is that you swim a hundred and fifty meters from the shore, and you feel vulnerable – you are in the wilderness,’ says Craig Foster. Feeling vulnerable is something most modern humans try to avoid, but it would have been a regular part of our ancestors’ lives, and it draws …
South African Airways Cargo to ban transportation of hunting trophies?
Reports claim that South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has placed an embargo on the transportation of hunting trophies.
How do you like your rhino – canned or wild?
Are South African conservation authorities intent on shipping some of our wild rhinos to live out their lives “safely” on hunting and horn cropping farms?
9 Fascinating baobab tree facts
Here are some interesting facts about baobabs, Africa’s ancient trees.
Finding Gold in Gabon
I was used to working in the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, where the animals I studied roamed in full sight. I was used to the relative comfort and safety of getting around in a 4×4, and my camera went everywhere with me. Then, in 2010, I arrived in the Central African country of …
A picture is worth a thousand words
DRC’s children affected by helicopter poaching incident.
Ian Redmond commends Malawi’s ivory burn announcement
Renowned conservationist, Ian Redmond, has stepped forward to champion Malawi’s fight against wildlife crime following the government’s announcement of its ivory burn this Thursday 2nd April.
The Cape fire and baboons
An update on the baboon troops after the Cape fire.
Ivory dealers busted thanks to German travellers
On Monday the 16th of March 2015, two German travellers, Martin and Christin Kotthoff, led to the arrest of two ivory dealers near Kasane, Botswana.
Official complicity in Mozambican elephant slaughter
As elephant poaching statistics continue to rise in northern Mozambique, a year-long investigation by Oxpeckers associate Estacios Valoi exposes official complicity in the slaughter.
End of the game for Namibia
Having been involved in Namibia’s community-based conservation programme over the past 20 years, Christiaan Bakkes is questioning whether the programme is still the success it has been hailed as.
Rescued from the Flames
‘The roots are still smouldering. Every now and then you hear a crash as one of the trees goes down in the forest,’ says Gareth Petterson, Inspector of SPCA’s Cape of Good Hope Wildlife Unit after returning from a rescue mission. ‘We were up there this morning and I thought it was quite warm. Then …
Life in the Ashes
Walking through the ashes of Table Mountain National Park after last week’s monumental fire, I didn’t expect to see it as a landscape teeming with life, and yet it was. The sensation was one mixed with awe at the devastation, and wonder at the nature that has survived or is already emerging. For 5 days …
Rejuvenating cacao industries in the Congo
Cocoa plants proving to be a sustainable alternative to poaching in the Congo.
Kenya burns 15 tonnes of ivory
15 tonnes of elephant tusks burn in Nairobi National Park in Kenya on a day that was at once tragic and full of hope.
When a serval meets a melanistic friend
Black / melanistic serval sightings are a rare occurrence, and getting great photos is even less likely. Check out these exquisite photos!
Running the Gauntlet in the Serengeti
The perils 1,3 million wildebeest face along their Serengeti migration route – as expanding local populations seek much-needed protein
NSPCA’s formal stance on selective breeding wild animals for colour mutations
The NSPCA speaks out on why selective breeding for colour morphs has absolutely no benefit to the individual animal, the species, biodiversity or conservation as a whole.
Treating Africa’s tuskers
Three large tuskers where treated for after being hit by poisonous arrows.
Southern African bearded vulture decline
Humans are largely to blame for the rapid demise of one of Africa’s most famous birds – the bearded vulture.
