Our weekly conservation newsletter
Wild dog myth busted + Volcanoes and gorillas + pangolin crisis
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
YouTube has just deleted one of our videos of elephants mating, courtesy of their ‘s*x and n*dity policy’. Our objection was rejected within minutes by software. The offensive action took place in the distance, amongst the agitated family group. So graphic videos depicting mangled civilians as bombing campaign collateral and trophy hunters shooting animals for fun are ok, but heaven forbid we expose our species to natural events like elephants mating.
I was reading the email from YouTube, my mind suspended somewhere between ‘surely this is a hoax’ and ‘oh ffs’, when Mother Nature tapped me on the shoulder as if to say, ‘don’t worry, we will sort this out.’ A troop of treetop vervet monkeys began hurling loud offence at what I assume was a passing leopard. There is an old one-eyed leopard who often passes this way, checking up on the monkeys and one of her favourite restaurants, a regular roosting knobthorn tree for a large flock of guineafowl. She knows this area well and has raised several litters here.
Life is good, despite our species’ determination to become subservient to software and algorithms.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
Click below to listen to this editorial
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
For decades, we’ve heard a tidy story about African wild dogs: only the alpha female breeds, and subordinates fall in line. But research gathered over 14 years by the African Wildlife Conservation Fund in Zimbabwe overturns that narrative. In Savé Valley, subordinate females breed regularly, and their pups survive just as well, sometimes better. In this endangered carnivore, cooperation is a strategy that strengthens the pack. Read more about this fascinating find in our story below. And if you’re intrigued by this research, or anything else wild-dog related, don’t miss the African Wild Dogs United 2026 Virtual Conference, happening 10–12 March. Over three days, scientists, conservationists and wild-dog champions will gather to share the latest research, confront conservation challenges and unite behind the long-term survival of this remarkable species.
This week, we also feature our safari guide to Volcanoes National Park, where misty volcanoes, ancient forests and life-changing encounters with mountain gorillas await. And don’t miss our Photographer of the Year Week 2 gallery, with another breathtaking batch of images from the continent.
Did you know? Your African safari choice makes a difference
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 African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Our stories this week
UNTAMED PICS
Our Week 2 Photographer of the Year selection is here! Enter for a chance to win a safari to Nyungwe NP
Volcanoes National Park is a leading gorilla trekking destination in Africa. This volcanic landscape offers stunning scenery & biodiversity
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Southern Africa wild dog safari – 11 days
This unforgettable 11-day journey through Southern Africa, led by expert guides, will take you to all the best spots to see endangered African wild dogs. Visit Hwange, the Okavango Delta, and Kwando Reserve, and stop over in Victoria Falls. Experience guided bush walks, game drives and mokoro excursions – all in search of painted wolves.
The ultimate primate safari – 8 days
An immersive primate safari through the ancient volcanic rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda. Trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and vast troops of striking black-and-white colobus, with time to unwind on beautiful Lake Kivu and connect with Batwa culture and local coffee traditions.
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Electrocuted pangolins
Between 1,000 and 2,000 pangolins are electrocuted in South Africa each year.
Pangolins often get caught on the trip-wire fences surrounding protected areas. These electrocutions can cause severe, if not fatal, injuries such as facial swelling and bleeding from the nose and eyes. Thankfully, Provet Animal Hospital is helping to treat those pangolins that fall victim to fences.
These injured pangolins require immediate treatment, including fluid therapy, anti-inflammatories, painkillers, and antibiotic treatment. Rehabilitated pangolins can be released back into the wild. These pangolins are fitted with satellite and radio tags to help monitor and track their progress after release.
Your donation, big or small, will support the team at Provet Animal Hospital to deal with the seasonal influx of these precious creatures. Learn more about our Save a Pangolin campaign here.
* Note that all pangolins are housed at offsite locations for security purposes.
WATCH
Botswana is the ultimate safari destination – from drifting through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro to watching Chobe’s vast elephant herds and standing on the surreal Makgadikgadi salt pans. Add predators, warm local culture and a reputation for conservation leadership, and it’s easy to see why Botswana reigns supreme in sustainable tourism. Here are seven reasons why Botswana should top your safari wish list. Click here to watch. (04:02)
Cover image: A jumping spider in a folded leaf in Greater Kruger, South Africa © Eraine van Schalkwyk. Photographer of the Year 2019 winner
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