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Namibia’s controversial cull + Bazaruto’s dugongs + see Rwanda’s gorillas
The report below about the decision by the Namibian government to cull 723 animals (including 83 elephants) is packed with the complexities of life at ground level here in Africa.
The drought in Southern Africa is real, folks – we all feel it to some extent after years of poor rainfall. Against the grain of the report, I congratulate the Namibian government for being prepared to make tough decisions in the interests of their people, ecosystems and wildlife.
BUT …
Together with the report’s compilers, we raise serious concerns about the decisions made and the absence of scientific justifications. Our article contains details challenging the feedback we received directly from both the Namibian government and the report’s compilers. We understand that our stance may invite criticism from both sides, but we stand by our pursuit of scientific evidence.
Meanwhile, our safari clients report excellent wildlife sightings across Africa. Wildlife movements are predictable as animals seek water, and the lack of cover means visibility is good. We will ensure that the donations from all of our safaris go to causes that lessen the impact of the drought and support other conservation issues. Last week, I said I would let you know when our epic safari to find lowland gorillas and much more is ready for you. Find out more here (check out that cantering gorilla video at the top of the page!).
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Can hippos fly? Hippos are well-built for water, where they spend the majority of their time. However, not much was known about the locomotion that allows hippos, weighing up to 1,400kg, to move so fast when sprinting on land – until now.
A recent study has found that hippos trot (with diagonal limbs moving in near unison) at both slow AND fast speeds. Researchers observed that they become airborne at high speeds, with all four feet off the ground. Mid-trot hippos are airborne for up to 0.3 seconds at a time – longer than the 0.2-second periods that each foot spends on the ground when running. A gravity-defying feat for an animal of that size! This aerial ability means they are more athletic than elephants and unashamedly risk the slow recovery – due to the sensorimotor delays associated with their hefty size – that could accompany stumbles. So, while hippos don’t necessarily fly, they can indeed become airborne when launching themselves into a charge.
Below, read about the incredible work being done to save dugongs in the island paradise of Bazaruto, and also check out our article on Namibia’s planned cull of wildlife.
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/conservationists-condemn-namibias-plan-to-cull-amid-drought-meft-responds/
NAMIBIA’S WILDLIFE CULL
Namibia’s plan to cull 723 wild animals amid drought has sparked global outrage. Conservationists say the cull is politically motivated & unnecessary. MEFT responds
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/saving-mozambiques-last-dugongs/
SAVING DUGONGS
How do we save Bazaruto’s last dugong population? Mozambique and African Parks are building a local understanding of Bazaruto’s dugongs. Lorena Matos reports
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What our travellers say
Thank you to our safari clients who have left some stunning reviews on their adventures with AG through South Africa:
“I could have stayed forever!”
This was the third experience I booked with Africa Geographic, and I am working on another one. My stay at Madikwe Game Reserve was very special. A couple of highlights were seeing five tiny cheetah cubs twice, a pack of four wild dogs, many elephants and a huge variety of other wildlife. I stayed at two lodges, Madikwe Hills and Buffalo Ridge. Both were wonderful, although quite different from each other. Guides, trackers and lodge staff were so friendly and helpful. I didn’t want to leave when my visit ended. – Barbara
Four locations: Cape Town, Marrick Private Game Reserve, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. We had great birding at Strandfontein near Cape Town, plus penguins at Boulders Beach. Elusive and nocturnal species were targeted at Marrick and we hit the jackpot: 14 aardvarks, five aardwolves, numerous porcupines and other nocturnal animals. Even though the windy weather at Tswalu caused the animals to seek shelter, it didn’t disappoint. A daylight sighting of a pangolin and also an aardvark were the highlights. Tanda Tula in Timbavati always provides great sightings. A leopard and its young cub in a tree, and also a rhino and a young calf were top of the list. As usual, Christian from AG has delivered another brilliant trip. – Roger
Want to join our safari tribe and have experiences like this? Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
WATCH: An oldie but a goodie… Watch this incredible video of a wildebeest fleeing a pride of hunting lions in the Kruger National Park, captured by Laura Hughes. (0:29) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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