insert_link Environment New fish found off Madagascar: remarkable long-nosed skate discovered in the deep ocean By Simon Weigmann, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change The Madagascar Ridge, in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is a remote, elevated area of seabed south of Madagascar. In 2016, my colleagues and I discovered a new cartilaginous fish species in its deep waters; a catshark that we named Bach’s catshark (Bythaelurus bachi) after German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. (In 2017 we discovered another new […] todayJuly 25, 2024 9
insert_link Local Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in New Delhi (India), decided on Wednesday to remove Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal from the List of World Heritage in Danger, following the positive steps taken by the State Party, which have contributed to improving the natural site’s state of conservation. Inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1981 for its unique biodiversity and exceptional ecosystems, Niokolo-Koba National Park has faced a series […] todayJuly 24, 2024 2
insert_link Local Namibia’s Onduli Ridge recognised as one of the best hotels in the world Ultimate Safaris’ recently upgraded Onduli Ridge has won the Richard Bangs Best Hotels in the World Award, celebrating unparalleled excellence in hospitality. Award-winning author and travel pioneer, Richard Bangs, explained that the six-suite luxury lodge and spa in Namibia’s rugged Damaraland, which “is known for its world-class accommodations, impeccable service, and unique experiences”, earned its place among the best hotels in the world because it “has set […] todayJuly 18, 2024 3
insert_link Environment South Africa’s 70,000kg rhino horn stockpile must be burnt to prevent illegal trading By Jason Gilchrist, Edinburgh Napier University Despite a global ban on international buying and selling of rhino horn since 1977, the South African government and owners of private rhino reserves continue to stockpile it. A new report by the EMS Foundation, a South African social justice and conservation organisation, advocates strongly against this practice. Ecologist and mammal conservation researcher Jason Gilchrist discusses what the […] todayJuly 3, 2024 11
insert_link Africa Study: A third of Africa’s great apes at risk from mining of transition metals Rising demand for the metals needed to power the global renewable energy transition potentially threatens more than a third of Africa’s great apes. Nearly 180,000 gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos face potential fallout from current and future mining projects for these transition metals, particularly in West Africa. Direct and indirect potential impacts from mining on apes include habitat destruction, health threats from light pollution and disease transmission, […] todayJuly 1, 2024 25
insert_link Africa Forced evictions suppress Maasai spirituality & sacred spaces in Tanzania In March, the Tanzanian government issued a new round of eviction notices impacting Maasai communities: The first one was issued in Simanjiro district for the expansion of Tarangire National Park while the second was issued to eight villages for the expansion of the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Maasai elders and spiritual leaders say they fear and disapprove of the Tanzanian government’s decision of eviction that has disrupted their […] todayJune 25, 2024 5
insert_link Environment Baobab trees all come from Madagascar – new study reveals that their seeds and seedlings floated to mainland Africa and all the way to Australia By Andrew R. Leitch, Queen Mary University of London There are eight species of baobab in the world, and they have a surprising distribution. Six are found in Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean; one is found on the continent of Africa; and the last is far away in Australia. The origin of this group of plants has fascinated people for a long time. […] todayJune 7, 2024 6
Africa South Africa: new Drakensberg nature reserve will protect ancient rock art, wildlife, livelihoods, grasslands and water South Africa’s Drakensberg mountains have a new 6,500 hectare nature reserve. The new Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve is working with communities and will preserve ancient rock art, vital grasslands and water sources for millions of people. It connects a neighbouring world heritage site to another nature reserve, expanding a huge transnational protected area from South Africa to neighbouring Lesotho. Most importantly, it will open a […] todayJune 4, 2024 5
insert_link Namibia U.S. Ambassador to Namibia strengthens conservation efforts U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry has completed a five-day tour of Namibia’s southern coastal region, visiting Oranjemund, the Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park, and Lüderitz from 13 to 17 May 2024. The trip is meant to boost economic ties and highlight ongoing conservation efforts between the United States and Namibia. Here is Julia Haludilu the US Press and Media Coordinator. todayMay 21, 2024 40
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
