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How many tuskers are left + epic wilderness gallery
This article will shake the tree – let’s see what falls out. To date, the debates about whether the killing of tusker elephants is sustainable have been held in a vacuum – because, bizarrely, there is no published estimate of how many remain. Many trophy hunting supporters claim that there are ‘plenty left’, while conservationists I regularly communicate with believe that tusker populations are reducing faster than the overall African elephant population decline – and they are incredibly concerned. A tiny minority of safari tourists have even seen a tusker.
So, many months ago, my team decided to commence the journey of finding out how many giant elephants are left. As you will read below, we have cast the net out wide and received a mixed catch. It’s important to understand that this is an ongoing process and that our estimate is not based on peer-reviewed science – for reasons explained.
We are bracing for a wave of feedback and hope that some will be useful in sharpening our estimate. I call on relevant researchers, protected area managers, concession utilisers and other experts to contact our editorial team if you have helpful information.
We will, of course, let you know each time we update this African tusker population estimate.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
The Congo Basin: where nature’s imagination knows no bounds.
In the past decade, scientists have discovered 742 new species here, including a crocodile, an air-breathing catfish, snakes, dragonflies, electric fish, an owl, and a monkey with a low haunting call that echoes through the forest: the lesula. The WWF’s latest report, “New Life in the Congo Basin”, celebrates these discoveries and sounds the call for one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. The Congo Basin rainforests – the “lungs of Africa” – are a biodiversity hotspot and global carbon sink. But between deforestation, poaching, and climate change, it’s a race against time to protect this region. Because losing these species isn’t just ecological – it’s losing stories, lifelines, and the magic of discovery. From catfish to crocodiles, these discoveries remind us that the Congo Basin isn’t just a rainforest – it’s a treasure trove that must be conserved.
This week, we bring you a stirring gallery of images from someone whose blood runs thick with the wilds of Africa. Check out a selection of images from renowned photographer Scott Ramsay’s latest book, Spirit of Africa, below. And don’t miss our report on our investigation to determine how many tuskers remain in Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/african-elephants-how-many-tuskers-are-left/
THE LAST TUSKERS
How many tuskers remain in Africa? We embark on an extended investigation to estimate the number of tuskers remaining on the continent
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/capturing-the-spirit-of-africa/
SPIRIT OF AFRICA
Scott Ramsay’s Spirit of Africa explores the essence of the continent through powerful images, moving stories & a call to protect Africa’s wilderness
TRAVEL DESK:
Keen for a safari to wild Zambia? Or how about a bucket-list safari to see the Great Wildebeest Migration? Both safaris below will show you the best of African wildlife. Let our experts design your responsible African safari experience
This safari visits central and northern Kafue National Park, Zambia – teeming with predators and vast herds of lechwe, buffalo and elephants. You’ll explore the Kafue River, vast stretches of river valleys, and the swampy floodplains of Busanga Plains, which are brimful of big cats, prey, and prolific bird life. Enjoy daily guided activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and boating.
Or looking for something different? Browse our variety of safari ideas on offer
Collaring Kruger’s lions
A number of lionesses from the Kruger National Park have become part of an exciting project – Kruger’s Pride – that will bring insight into how lion pride behaviour differs in fenced and open systems. Teams from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the Southern African Conservation Trust (SACT) successfully fit satellite-tracking collars on seven lionesses, and three more will soon be fitted with collars too.
Kruger’s Pride aims to compare pride behaviour between open and fenced systems. The project will test the effect of pride strength on territory size, measure territory infringement, and test pride aggression response during territory infringements. Stress levels of prides will be compared, as will the ratio of prey resource availability to home-range size.
You can help by sponsoring a collar in full or by donating any amount – large or small – to support this critical conservation project. Learn more here.
WATCH: Birds call him friend: Claver Ntoyinkima, a passionate and dedicated ranger from Nyungwe National Park, is this year’s recipient of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. Claver’s work in conservation, particularly in anti-poaching and driving community involvement in the protection of the environment, has earned him this international recognition. (04:30) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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