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First photos + connected elephants + Sabi Sands safari
It’s been raining almost non-stop in the Lowveld since I expressed concern a few weeks ago about the lack thereof – and now we are experiencing floods! Happiness mixed with worries about the local people affected by rising waters and raging rivers. To our clients arriving for your stunning Greater Kruger summer safari: expect a few logistical issues due to flooding rivers and no-go muddy game-drive areas. Safari njema
Having dropped out of social media ‘discussions’ about trophy hunting years back (same angry people on both sides sprouting ideological nonsense), I was drawn to a dramatic outburst by a respected pro-trophy hunting academic who felt offended that a colleague had described her latest post as containing ‘misinformation’. Her loud and clear clarion call to adoring supporters was sounded, and the usual attack dogs obediently tore strips out of her detractor – going way beyond the damage to her reputation. Blood-lust satiated, and order was restored. Another day in the cut-throat life of social media influencers in the wildlife-industry space…
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
TRAVEL DESK UPDATES:
Our focus this week is on Africa’s top leopard safari destinations – South Luangwa in Zambia & Sabi Sands in South Africa. Check out these limited-offer safaris:
SPECIAL OFFER – 4 days at Tafika Camp, South Luangwa – From US$1,895pps
Fancy an early safari-season escape in May to the remote Nsefu Sector in South Luangwa National Park? Search for leopards, lions & wild dogs (obviously) – plus servals – on the salt pans. You’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the massed colonies of breeding yellow-billed storks. Don’t miss out!
Sabi Sands big-cat safari with Jamie – 6 days – From ZAR58,815pps
Join our scientific editor & NatGeo Wild guide Jamie Paterson for a limited-offer safari in big-cat paradise. The safari includes exclusive use of magnificent Jaci’s Sabi House & a safari vehicle, for a max of 6 guests. Track lions, leopards and other creatures as Jamie provides unique insights into the wonders of her old stomping ground.
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Our first weekly gallery for Photographer of the Year 2023 is here! And we couldn’t be happier with the submissions. Our entrants have delivered impressive shots this week: rare lemurs in Madagascar, a black leopard in Laikipia, a post-partum leopard, and even the intricate details of a dainty nose fly. This is probably one of the best first galleries we’ve had in all the years of this competition. A sign of the magnificent images to come in the next few months? Check out the gallery below.
Here’s a tip for aspiring Photographer of the Year entrants: Rather than submitting all your entries in one go, spread your entries over a few weeks. This will ensure your multiple, quality images don’t outcompete each other for a spot in our weekly galleries.
Habitat connectivity is essential to the conservation of elephants. New research based on three decades of elephant data explores how elephants move across the landscapes of southern Africa through protected areas and beyond – providing valuable insights that may aid a sustainable future for elephants. Read more in our second story below.
Happy celebrating Africa!
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2023-weekly-selection-week-1/
FIRST PHOTOS
Photographer of the Year 2023 entries for Week 1 are here! Enter for a chance to win your share of US$10,000 and a Botswana safari
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/putting-elephants-on-the-map/
CONNECTING ELEPHANTS
How do elephants move across southern Africa through protected areas and beyond? New research explores the value of habitat connectivity
From our Scientific Editor – Jamie Paterson
Tuesday was Valentine’s Day, and being the die-hard romantic I am, I’ve been saving this particular fact for just such an occasion.
Did you know that some female dragonflies have been known to fake death to avoid unwanted advances from males? They simply freeze mid-flight, crash to the ground and lie there motionless on their backs until the overly enthusiastic male loses interest.
And that’s all from me for this week.
Celebrating the Bateleurs
In our forum this week, Carla Geyser shares some insight about the work of The Bateleurs – an environmental air force made up of 150 volunteer pilots.
This group of civilians take to the skies to help protect Africa’s wildlands and creatures. The Bateleurs undertake important missions in partnership with various conservation organisations, from wildlife population counts to relocating animals and birds throughout southern Africa. Read more about the Bateleurs and their recent missions flying leopard tortoises – and one very special turtle – across South Africa, in Carla’s forum post.
WATCH: Photographer of the Year 2023 entrant Andrew Macdonald shares the epic journey he took to capture his image of the rare and critically endangered Perrier’s sifaka in Madagascar – overcoming the challenges presented by tricky lighting and terrain (04:29). Click here to watch
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