insert_link Africa Analysis of largest elephant surveys ever shows stable population, but disturbing trends By Jim Tan via Mongabay New research comparing data from the two largest-ever elephant surveys reveals the overall population in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is stable, but also uncovers some concerning local trends. Elephant numbers in Botswana, home to more elephants than any other country, are stable overall, but declining numbers in areas where hunting is permitted, and increasing numbers in protected areas, suggest underlying […] todayApril 11, 2024 13
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa is to shut down captive lion farms. Experts warn the plan needs a deadline By Neil D’Cruze, University of Oxford; Angie Elwin, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Jennah Green, Manchester Metropolitan University The South African government has officially confirmed that captive lion farms will be shut down. A new ministerial task team report just released has cemented the government’s intention, first made public in 2021, to put an end to African lions being legally sold and traded live, both internationally and domestically. […] todayApril 8, 2024 13
insert_link Environment Wildlife migratory “corridors” set to grow, Africa-wide By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Wildlife, particularly roaming species, exhibit remarkable mobility, covering vast distances in pursuit of essential resources such as water, grazing land, mates or favourable conditions like ideal calving sites. Estimates by the Tsavo Trust, a Kenyan conservation nonprofit, reveal that elephants within the Tsavo conservation area undertake daily journeys of between 50 and 150 kilometres, following distinct migration routes and pathways. In […] todayApril 5, 2024 13
insert_link Africa Kenya’s wildlife conservancies make old men rich, while making women and young people poorer By Joseph Ogutu, University of Hohenheim Kenya once had an exceptional abundance and diversity of wildlife. But as the country’s population boomed, wildlife lost space to people, buildings, roads and agriculture. Since 1948, Kenya’s population has surged by 780%, from 5.4 million people to 47.6 million people in 2019. This was accompanied by a 70% drop in wildlife numbers, between 1977 and 2013. This massive loss of wildlife […] todayApril 5, 2024 6
insert_link Environment South Africa’s Cabinet approves end to lion and rhino breeding South Africa’s cabinet has approved a phased end to the captive breeding of lions and rhinos as the country plans to end practices that have corrupted its reputation as a custodian of some of the world’s biggest wildlife populations. SA’s cabinet, according to Bloomberg, also agreed to limit the hunting of leopards and hold off on a push to resume the international trade of elephant ivory. todayApril 2, 2024 10
insert_link Environment Government assesses extent of rhino poaching amid recent incidents The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is conducting an assessment to determine the extent of rhino poaching following recent incidents in the Etosha National Park. Since the beginning of the year, 28 rhinos have been poached, with 19 in Etosha National Park and four on a private farm in the Otjozondjupa region. According to ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the ministry has called for an urgent high-level meeting on security. todayApril 2, 2024 27
insert_link Africa Pangolins in Africa: expert unpacks why millions have been traded illegally and what can be done about it By Olajumoke Morenikeji, University of Ibadan Pangolins are fascinating creatures known for their unique appearance and distinctive scales. They are mammals belonging to the order Pholidota and are native to Africa and Asia. Due to their primary diet of ants and termites, pangolins are often referred to as “scaly anteaters”. The African pangolin species are dispersed throughout southern, western, central and east Africa. Pangolins face rapid […] todayMarch 22, 2024 34
insert_link World World’s migratory species decline Nearly half of the world’s migratory species are in decline and the global extinction risk is increasing. According to the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report launched at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan some whale species, sea turtles, and jaguars are among the animals at risk. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Executive […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 11
insert_link Lifestyle Migrating animals face collapsing numbers – major new UN report By Joseph Ogutu, University of Hohenheim The world’s travelling animals – marine turtles, whales, sharks, elephants, reptiles, wild cats, birds, and even insects – have entered a period of sharp decline, new research has found. The first ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report, released today by the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, showed that the conservation status of […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 23
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.
