THIS WEEK - Africa Geographic

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Namibia’s rhino woes + 📸 Photographer of the Year is here!

There has been a fair amount of publicity since my editorial last year about the lack of human crowd control at river crossings during the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration. One resultant story was by the New York Times, in which I was asked about the situation. Although the NYT journos did a great job, they did not delve into the complexities of the problem. And so some people responding to the article resolved to avoid going to Africa on safari. That straight-line logic is, of course, NOT going to help Africa overcome its many conservation issues. The better response as a RESPONSIBLE traveller is to research how to avoid being part of the problem and use a tour operator that best advises you. Nudge, nudge. I provide some insight here in another news media story about how to responsibly enjoy this epic safari experience.

Educating our species about conservation realities at ground level in Africa is complicated by many human conditions. Emotion, denial, naivety, prejudice, and vested interests – to name a few. That’s why we rely on you to help spread the word. Thanks 😉

Keep the passion

Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic

TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:

Choose your next adventure! Chat to our travel experts and you could soon be jetting off to the heart of the wilderness.

ART ON SAFARI – 7 days – From ZAR60,150pps
Join this popular art safari in Big 5 Timbavati, Greater Kruger – and hone your skills with professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls. Soak up the peace of the wild, create art on game drives, and enjoy a relaxing stay at Kambaku Safari Lodge.

GREAT MIGRATION, SERENGETI – 5 days – from US$3,425pps
If you’d like front-row seats as the Great Wildebeest Migration makes its way through the Serengeti ecosystem, this iconic safari is for you. Our chosen dates & camps are to maximise on sightings, based on where the herds are at the time.

From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld

There’s a buzz at teamAG – for the day has finally arrived. Photographer of the Year 2023 is now live! Find all the details you need further down in our newsletter.

A few days ago, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism released disturbing statistics, indicating that the incidence of rhino poaching is severely escalating in the country. 87 rhinos were poached in Namibia in 2022 – almost double the number poached in 2021. On a positive note, however, elephant poaching is decreasing. Read more in our first story below.

This week we delve deep into the magical primate-rich forests of Uganda’s Kibale National Park. Kibale is known for offering enthralling encounters with chimpanzees and is renowned for some of the highest primate densities in Africa. Read more about the wacky and wonderful inhabitants of this national park in our second story below.

Happy celebrating Africa!

Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/rhino-poaching-on-the-rise-in-namibia/
POACHING NAMIBIA
Rhino poaching is on the rise in Namibia, with 87 rhinos poached in 2022 – almost double that of 2021. Elephant poaching is declining

Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/kibale-national-park/
PRIMATE-RICH KIBALE
The forests of Uganda’s Kibale National Park are an oasis for countless primate species, including chimpanzees, & an array of fauna & flora

From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson

Did you know that Central Africa is home to a furry frog with Wolverine-like claws? The breeding males of the hairy frog species (Trichobatrachus robustus) develop hair-like dermal papillae on their flanks and back legs, giving the impression of a dishevelled froggy coiffure.

A fuzzy amphibian is weird enough on its own, but the hairy frog has another bizarre defensive trick quite literally up its sleeve. When threatened, they expose the bones of their toes through the skin to create a set of claws to rake their attackers. Hence the alternative name, the Wolverine frog. So effective is this approach that they have left behind deep, bleeding wounds on unwary scientists. How do they do this? Well, it appears that they intentionally break the bones of the toe and force them through the skin.

Sweet dreams…

Photographer of the Year is open for entries!

Have you sent through your pics yet? Get your entries in for Photographer of the Year 2023. We’re looking for your photos that celebrate Africa and capture the continent’s splendour, from wildlife action and landscapes to African culture and safari experiences.

There are some awesome prizes up for grabs: The competition winner and two runners-up will share the princely sum of US$10,000 and experience the ultimate private safari in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve.