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Hunting unpacked + Photographer of the Year 2025
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We must openly debate extraction industries like trophy hunting, using science as our foundation. Constructive debate involves respect for each other and factual accuracy.
The alternative is what we have today – emotional social media dogfights providing a distraction for conservationists and cover for a minority of unchecked hunting operators in their quest to surgically remove dwindling genetic icons – nature’s evolutionary trump cards and pathfinders.
Please read my opinion editorial below and share it far and wide. Click here to access the link and share it on social media. The wider the net, the more likely our chances of stamping out unsustainable behaviour. Feel free to email me your thought-provoking feedback.
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Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
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Sometimes, you just want your space and a side of community – no strings attached. Just ask the bush Karoo rat – a master of contradictions. The rat is the poster child for the loner lifestyle, living solo and foraging independently. But beneath its solitary exterior lies a social soul. Surprising new research shows these tiny rodents, nestled in South Africa’s Namaqualand, happily coexist with their close kin. Researchers found that small kin groups can form between pairs of relatives. Their home ranges overlap, they are able to alert each other to predators, and might even swap snacks.
Turns out, being a loner doesn’t preclude the occasional chit-chat or resource-sharing with family. The findings suggest the rats’ ancestors lived in pairs, evolving solitary living as a unique adaptation. Understanding this mammalian social evolution could help conservation efforts for solitary species. The Karoo rat reminds us: living solo doesn’t mean you’re antisocial.
This week, we have exciting news. Photographer of the Year 2025 is just around the corner – and opens for entries on 1 February. This year, our winners receive a once-in-a-lifetime prize: an incredible trip to Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville. More on that soon enough – and you can learn more here. It’s time to start gathering your best pics of life in Africa! In celebration, and eager anticipation, we invited our 2024 Photographer of the Year, Dewald Tromp, to share some of his favourite photos with you. Check out Dewald’s portrayal of life on the African savannah below. And don’t miss Simon’s thoughtful introspection on the intricacies of trophy hunting.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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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/dewald-tromp-our-2024-photographer-of-the-year/
PHENOMENAL PHOTOS
Photographer of the Year 2024 Dewald Tromp shares a selection of his favourite images and the stories behind them
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/you-asked-our-ceos-view-on-hunting/
ON HUNTING
Is hunting justifiable? Simon Espley explores the ethics & realities of hunting’s impact on conservation, biodiversity & local communities
TRAVEL DESK:
Our safari picks of the week
Searching for something different? Browse our ready-made safari ideas OR click here for free safari planning.
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AG experts on the road
Our travel experts have had a busy few months exploring extraordinary destinations and testing out the best experiences for our safari clients: from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and more! Their thorough research will ensure an authentic handcrafted safari experience for you. That’s how we know the what, when, where and who of creating a dream safari. Will you choose AG to plan your unforgettable adventure?
Chat to us and let’s start planning your unique African safari!
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WATCH: Photographer of the Year 2025 is open for entries from 1 February to 30 April. We’re looking for your photos that celebrate Africa and capture the continent’s splendour. Learn more and check out this year’s fabulous prize – a trip to incredible Odzala-Kokoua NP in Congo-Brazzaville. (1:37) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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