Stories & galleries
Lake Malawi fish species at risk of extinction
The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has revealed that overfishing is causing fish species in parts of the developing world to decline, with 9% of the 458 fish species assessed in Lake Malawi at high risk of extinction.
Rare conservation win: Mountain gorilla population ticks up
The IUCN has updated the status of mountain gorillas, officially changing them from ‘Critically Endangered’ – the highest level of threat – to ‘Endangered’.
Giraffes are in trouble, says IUCN status update
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is once again drawing attention to the plight of giraffes.
Captive lion breeding and bone trade: MPs call for an end to the practice
The Environmental Affairs Committee has called for a policy and legislative review on captive lion breeding for hunting and lion bone trade.
Good news as China now reverses decision to lift ban on trade in tiger and rhino parts
China has postponed the lifting of a ban on the trade of rhino horn and tiger parts for medicine and other uses, the government said on Monday, after a storm of protest from conservation groups over a plan to water down the decades-old prohibition.
Namibia – Celebrating African Light
Photography is all about light. Visiting one of Africa’s magnificent wild places is always an adventure, but experiencing it in great light can make it an out-of-this-world experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. In the early morning and late afternoon, the low standing sun brings out an array of colours that add a magical …
Gorilla Doctors
The dart lands just below her left shoulder. Gashangi, a 33-year-old mountain gorilla, reacts as though stung by a bee. She swipes a large hand toward her perceived antagonist but is unable to reach the feathered projectile. A few moments later, she gets up and begins to move off through the lush montane vegetation towards …
Fire and elephant: Agents of change in the Maasai Mara
Investigating the changing makeup of the Maasai Mara’s vegetation over time and how elephants have contributed to these changes.
To end wildlife trafficking, engage with local communities – study
The international donor community and governments have invested heavily in fighting illegal wildlife trade, but so far, they haven’t succeeded in ending rhino poaching. New research from UCT shows that for these initiatives to succeed, local communities – many of which live in or near protected areas – need to be involved.
Opinion: Farcical quotes from the lion farming colloquium in South Africa
An opinion post on the colloquium on lion farming in South Africa.
Painted Wolves
Everything is still and quiet as the sun pounds the floodplain of the Zambezi Valley. It is late afternoon, but the intensity of the heat has not abated. In front of me are a group of animals lying in a heap. Occasionally a big round ear will twitch, or a head might lazily rise, only …
Scientists warn that the world’s wilderness areas are disappearing
Scientists reveal that just 23% of the world’s landmass can now be considered wilderness, with the rest lost to the direct effects of human activities.
