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3-legged lion’s epic swim + expedition Garamba
The ‘amphibian apocalypse’ has reached Africa. A few years ago, scientists raised the alarm when a deadly disease, known as chytridiomycosis, wiped out scores of frogs in Australia and the Americas, causing “the worst loss of biodiversity of any disease ever recorded”.
Now, scientists have found that the disease, caused by a fungus that disrupts the way amphibians breathe, thickening their skin, causing dehydration and stopping hearts from beating, is spreading. Chytridiomycosis is spreading especially quickly in Kenya and Cameroon, and has been recorded in a number of African countries. Amphibians are an important part of many ecosystems, feeding on disease-causing mosquitoes and other insects and providing food for other animals.
The good news is that researchers in Australia have found that setting up little ‘frog saunas’ can save certain species of frogs from the fungal pandemic. Watch this space.
Why did the 3-legged lion swim the 1.5km croc-infested channel? Check out our story below to find out. And also check in with Kingsley Holgate’s expedition team, who visited DRC’s incredible Garamba National Park to discover an extraordinary tale of peace and recovery.
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor
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Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/why-did-the-3-legged-lion-swim-the-1-5km-croc-infested-channel/
3-LEGGED LION SWIM
Researchers have filmed lions swimming 1.5km through crocodile-infested waters, as they search for new mates & territory
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/garamba-conservation-in-war-and-peace/
EXPEDITION GARAMBA
Kingsley Holgate & his Afrika Odyssey team are connecting 22 African Parks protected areas. Read about their trip to Garamba NP, DRC
TRAVEL DESK:
Keen for a safari that makes a difference? Both safaris below prioritise conservation-focused lodges and activities – while also showing you the best of African wildlife. Our experts are ready to design your responsible African safari experience
How can YOU help Tsavo’s tuskers?
Tsavo Conservation Area has one of the last stronghold populations of super tuskers on the continent, and protecting these elephants, and the viable gene pool they represent, is essential to the proliferation of tuskers in Africa. What can you do to help?
- Educate yourself and others by learning more and sharing our Guarding Tuskers campaign with your networks
- Donate $10 to pay for 8 kilometres of vehicle patrols – or multiples thereof to keep Tsavo Trust’s wheels on the ground.
- Donate $50 to keep an aircraft in the air for 9 minutes – or multiples thereof to keep Tsavo Trust’s eyes in the sky.
Read more about our Guarding Tuskers campaign and how to donate here.
WATCH: Check out the trailer for Rhino Man, which follows the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa’s rhinos from being poached to extinction. Rhino Man is available for streaming this week. See where to stream here. (02:36) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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