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Another tusker falls + leopards’ unique voices + Addo’s elephants
News reached us this week that Paolo, a well-known Amboseli tusker, has died of natural causes. This is a huge loss to Amboseli’s shrinking tusker population. Paolo was among those elephants tallied in Africa Geographic’s estimate of how many tuskers remain in Africa, and his loss means our estimate has decreased, with only about 85 tuskers left. Read more about tusker numbers and our updated estimate here.
When it comes to real estate, white-backed vultures are picky tenants. They build their nests high in the crowns of knobthorn trees – prime property in the African bushveld. But there’s a catch: elephants tend to knock these trees over. But, these savvy scavengers have adapted. Scientists have found that the vultures are now choosing sturdier riverside trees that are less likely to be bulldozed by their giant neighbours. While elephants aren’t the main threat to vulture survival (humans still hold that title), protecting mature knobthorns could help keep both the vultures and trees happy.
This week, we celebrate another haven for elephants, South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park. We also examine research on an interesting new finding – that leopards have their own unique roars. See these stories below.
Happy celebrating Africa to you!
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
DID YOU KNOW?
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Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/addo-elephant-national-park/
ADDO ELEPHANT NP
From relaxed elephants to hard-working dung beetles, Addo Elephant NP is a conservation marvel packed with wildlife, adventure & history
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/the-unique-roars-of-leopards/
LEOPARD ROARS
Leopards have unique voices. A groundbreaking new study shows how researchers can identify individual elusive cats by their distinct roars
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks of the week
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Emily’s primate safari through Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC was nothing short of magical! She left us a glowing 5-star review:
“Christian from Africa Geographic was able to design a fantastic, unique and authentic primate viewing trip for us. But it included so much more. Apart from the wonderful itinerary, I found the activities and lodges to be very smartly selected, and all provided a wealth of amazing discoveries. I felt safe and loved connecting with the drivers. Without AG, I would never have had the opportunity to meet the people I did. All the members of my hosting team were reliable, informed and lovely to be with. I highly recommend using AG to design a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” – Emily
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WATCH: Lions once ruled Africa, but with fewer than 20,000 left, their future is uncertain. Award-winning filmmaker Bruce Donnelly and lion conservationist Dr. Paul Funston journey across southern Africa to uncover the last strongholds of these iconic cats, the challenges they face, and the people fighting to save them. Watch the highlights from A Place For Us, a powerful documentary made in association with the Southern African Conservation Trust on the battle to secure a future for Africa’s lions. (07:33) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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