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15 top wildlife experiences + Tsavo’s wild dogs + Botswana’s elephant mystery solved
The Simpsons understood why people buy ivory, rhino horn, diamonds and pangolin scales:
Lisa: Dad, what if I were to tell you that this rock keeps tigers away?
Homer: Uh-huh, and how does it work?
Lisa: It doesn’t work. It’s just a stupid rock.
Homer: Uh-huh.
Lisa: But I don’t see any tigers around here, do you?
Homer: Lisa, I wanna buy your rock.
CLEVER CONSERVATION
This week, I attended the launch of a local youth football and netball tournament spearheaded by pro footballer James Mayinga, South African National Parks and the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). What does this sports tournament have to do with wildlife conservation? Everything.
“The tournament aims to create opportunities for the youth, strengthen social support structures, encourage hope, and provide them with a positive focus in their lives. By doing so, GKEPF strives to build trust and relationships between the protected areas, the local communities, and the organisations dedicated to environmental protection, encouraging a shared sense of belonging and pride in our natural heritage,” says GKEPF
Making the connection for local people living on the Kruger boundary between our country’s most popular sport and what lives on the other side of the fence is not just clever conservation; it’s essential. Hats off to that GKEPF crew, who continue to make huge strides for conservation at ground level.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Bees, bats, butterflies and… wolves? There’s a new pollinator around – and if you can believe it – it’s a predator. The Ethiopian wolf, the world’s rarest wild canid, has been seen (for the first time) licking the nectar from Ethiopian red hot poker flowers. As they savour the sweet nectar, pollen sticks to their whiskers and fur, hitching a ride from flower to flower. And the wolves even take their pups to the flowers to teach them to do the same.
This occurrence, taking place in the Ethiopian Highlands, might be the first record of a large carnivore playing an integral part in pollination. With fewer than 500 Ethiopian wolves left, it’s a bittersweet discovery. The wolves and the red hot pokers both rely on Ethiopia’s high-altitude habitat, now under siege from climate change and human encroachment. Who knew the path to conservation could involve a wolf with a sweet tooth?
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/new-hope-for-tsavos-wild-dogs/
TSAVO’S WILD DOGS
Tsavo’s African wild dogs face major threats. A new conservation initiative is working to save these painted dogs. Here’s how
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/15-top-african-wildlife-experiences/
15 WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
The ultimate guide to your African safari bucket list. Here are our choices of 15 top African wildlife experiences on the continent
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/botswana-elephants-mass-die-off-solved-cyanobacteria-theory-affirmed-by-scientists/
MYSTERY SOLVED
Hundreds of elephants died mysteriously in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in 2020. Scientists affirm cyanotoxins were the cause
TRAVEL DESK:
Keen to explore the best that South Africa has to offer? Or treat yourself to an opulent East African safari? Browse our recommendations below and let’s start planning your dream safari.
This luxury safari offers an unforgettable introduction to the stunning beauty of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and endangered species. Encounter rare Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes up close, see the Big Five, enjoy endless adventurous activities, find majestic rhinos – Africa’s unicorns – and unwind in luxurious accommodation amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Not sure when to go on safari? No worries, here is our month-by-month guide to help you decide when to have that next ultimate safari experience
WATCH: Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda hosts Africa’s most extensive protected tract of montane forest. Here’s all you need to know about a safari to Nyungwe. (07:42) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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