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Timbavati trophy hunting debate + de-extinction debunked + epic wildlife pics
The trend to ‘de-extinct’ species is a waste of time and money. The latest example involves heralded but fake claims that the massive dire wolf (of Game of Thrones fame) had been brought back from extinction. What these lab-dwellers have actually done is genetically edit gray wolf with a few dire wolf-like traits. In the words of paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill, as quoted in Scientific American, ‘This is a designer dog.’ What, exactly, is the point of putting so much effort and money into manufacturing a fake species when actual, extant gray wolves (all wolf species, actually) are being vilified, hunted, trapped, and poisoned over much of their range? There are more ‘zombie conservation’ examples – but I have run out of space.
Contrast that with our Photographer of the Year galleries below. Each year, we are knocked back by the quality of photos submitted, and this year again boasts a spectacular crop. We are in the final weeks of the entry submission period, so if you have been dallying, it’s time to send in your entries. The winners get to join my team on an epic journey of discovery into Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville (not the troubled DRC). If the thought of lowland gorilla, forest elephant and bongo does not excite you, how about Demidoff’s galago, palm civet, Congo clawless otter, Hartlaub’s duck and Nkulengu rail?
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
They may not inspire postcards, but vultures are proving to be some of Southern Africa’s most valuable ecological assets. A new BirdLife report states that vultures are worth up to $1.8 billion a year to Southern Africa’s economy. That figure stems from their ecosystem services: clearing carcasses, preventing the spread of disease, flagging poaching activity, and keeping things tidy in the bush. And yet, vultures remain among the most threatened bird groups on the continent. The report highlights the monetary risks of ignoring the birds’ decline. As expert carcass decimators, they’re doing the work most of us would rather not think about. Conservation isn’t just about saving species – it’s about safeguarding the invisible systems that sustain us all.
7 dramatic kills, 14 moments of serenity, 6 chaotic captures, 7 babies, and plenty more – that’s what you’ll find in this week’s Photographer of the Year galleries – see our two galleries below. Plus, we take a look into Timbavati’s trophy hunting policies, annual offtakes and conservation funding, and ask the question – is trophy hunting a sustainable complement to photo tourism in the reserve? The latest story in our Decoding Hunting series.
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
SHOOTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Can regulated trophy hunting support conservation in a modern reserve reliant on tourism? We explore the case of Timbavati
Story 2
STUNNING PHOTOS – GALLERY 1
Our Week 9 entries are in! Check out Gallery 1 of the latest top pics. Enter to win a safari to Odzala-Kokoua
Story 3
STUNNING PHOTOS – GALLERY 2
Week 9 of Photographer of the Year is live! Click to explore Gallery 2 & enter to win a trip to Odzala-Kokoua
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks for you this week:
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Our safari guests say…
Colleen embarked on a Rwandan adventure with AG: “Exceptional trip with all details meticulously taken care of. From the airport pickup and drop-off, to transport and accommodation and guides, all was taken care of. I am a keen birder, but my travel partner was not keen on doing any birding. But Christian organised separate activities so we both could get the most out of our trip.
We started off with 3 days in Nyungwe NP, and all I can say is that it made me want to go again and stay longer. After Nyungwe, we were whisked to Akagera NP. Travel time was taken into consideration with coffee and bathroom breaks, and we still managed to reach Akagera in time for a sunset boat cruise. Both Nyungwe and Akagera are great spots for nature lovers.
This is my second trip arranged through AG, and everything was organised very efficiently. Christian was easy to approach with many questions beforehand, and he understood what I wanted. He arranged excellent local guides to get the most from our short trip to this beautiful country. I will definitely approach AG for future Africa trips. As a female and often solo traveller, it takes away any concerns about logistics, finding good guides, transport, and accommodation. I’ve used other agents before, but for future trips, I will not look any further than AG.”
Get in touch today, and let AG start planning your dream safari.
WATCH: In the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, an unexpected hero has emerged – the African giant pouched rat. Scientists in Tanzania are training these rodents to detect hidden contraband like pangolin scales, rhino horns, and ivory in shipments passing through ports and airports. These giant rats could revolutionise anti-trafficking efforts with their extraordinary sense of smell and problem-solving abilities. (06:55) Click here to watch
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