Preface
The Council of Nature Conservation Ministers (CONCOM) is composed of all Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers having responsibility for national parks and wildlife. CONCOM is advised by a Standing Committee consisting of the Heads of Commonwealth, State and Territory Authorities responsible for national parks and wildlife matters.This ‘Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of [...]
It looks like a miniature striped hyena, but it’s not. The aardwolf (the name means “earth-wolf” in Afrikaans) is so highly adapted to eating termites that its teeth, except for its canines, have dwindled to mere pegs incapable of chewing meat. Its fangs are still well-developed, and it uses them to defend its territory from [...]
Spotted hyenas now live only in Africa in savannahs and deserts, but during the Ice Ages a giant-sized version roamed Europe and Asia and left bones in caves.Spotted hyena cubs are born almost black. It’s a few months before they take on the adult coloration.The litters are small compared to most other carnivores — usually [...]
Brown hyenas really are brown with whitish manes and very long, shaggy hair — particularly compared to spotted hyenas. They were once thought to be quite closely related to striped hyenas, but may be more closely related to spotted hyenas instead.
Differences between brown and spotted hyenas:
Brown hyenas are smaller than spotted hyenas, have pointed ears [...]
Between 1979 and 1989, the worldwide demand for ivory caused elephant populations to decline to dangerously low levels. During this time period, poachings fueled by ivory sales cut Africa’s elephant population in half. Since they were big targets and sported the largest tusks, savannah elephants took the worst hit. But as [...]
With the two finger-like points on the end of its trunk, an African elephant can pick up fruit the size of a marble — or a branch a foot thick. This elongated proboscis is an incredibly versatile tool: it provides a means for smelling, breathing, and touching, not to mention drinking and eating. Mothers caress [...]
Africa. Sprawled across this continent are vast savannahs, seemingly endless deserts, and impenetrable rain forests. Each region is dotted with a unique array of wild animals, from elusive leopards to the delicate, gazelle-like bongo. However, roaming throughout every African ecosystem is one constant: the elephant, which makes its home in every type of landscape. As [...]
Accompanying Jabu, Thembi and Morula on their daily foraging expeditions has given me plenty of time to ruminate. Watching them play, feed, mud-bath and interact – I wished all elephants could be as secure and happy.Reflecting on the unusually harmonious relationship we have with our elephants, it concerned me how differently from myself most rural [...]
On one of the next days I managed to finish clearing that trail I started on day three. It’s been hard work, but it felt good after it was done. This was also the first time I saw where this trail actually goes to. It leads to a beautiful small sand beach in the south [...]
On our way back home we anchored at a reef and everyone went snorkeling. This reef is probably one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many and different fish so close together (I have to admit that I’m not really an experienced snorkler or diver, though). [...]
