Environment

The global wild meat trade is an intricate web, interlinking food security, income, and environmental health for millions across Africa and Asia. However, lurking within this complex system are significant threats to biodiversity, public health, and our ecosystems. Have you ever paused to consider how vibrant life hinges on the delicate balance maintained by these wild creatures? In regions where livestock is scarce, wild meat often steps in to fill a crucial nutritional gap. Yet, the very systems that provide for rural…

In a devastating turn of events, Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has been the scene of an alarming tragedy. Recently, the lifeless bodies of approximately 50 hippos and other large mammals were discovered, painting a haunting picture of nature's fragility. Authorities confirmed that laboratory analyses indicated these animals succumbed to anthrax, a highly infectious disease instigated by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This pathogen poses a serious…

Devastating torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of destruction in Kinshasa, claiming the lives of at least 33 individuals, as confirmed by local reports. This number may sadly rise, with authorities still assessing the situation. The heart of Kinshasa has been particularly vulnerable, with neighborhoods like Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Barumbu, Limete, Matete, and Masina bearing the brunt of the deluge. Each of these areas presents a different story of loss, resilience, and community struggle, painting a vivid picture of…

In recent weeks, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency has issued a stark alert regarding the impending weather conditions expected this month. The agency forewarns of severe rain, which could lead to significant flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable locales. Such warnings are not to be taken lightly; they serve as a call to action for residents to prepare diligently for what lies ahead. According to the agency's forecasts, precipitation levels in the upcoming weeks are anticipated to exceed the long-term average…

A recent investigation conducted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) sheds light on a complex web of challenges facing the Sahel region. The study indicates that, while a direct link between climate change and terrorism may not be readily apparent, the effects of climate change on agricultural production and natural resource distribution can set the stage for local conflicts. These disruptions, stemming from shifting weather patterns, often lead communities to compete fiercely for essential resources. Consider, for…

In a significant triumph for conservation efforts, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have successfully garnered a court-ordered settlement dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered African Penguin. The settlement emphasizes the establishment of no-take fishing zones, a decisive step towards safeguarding not just a species, but an entire ecosystem. What does this order entail, you might wonder? It mandates the creation of no-take zones…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude has unleashed chaos across Southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique, its effects rippled through southern Malawi, leaving behind a trail of destruction characterized by heavy rainfall that inundated 13 districts. As the winds howled and the skies opened up, at least 11,000 individuals found their lives upended. Homes were swept away by relentless torrents, while vital crops that had promised…

Nestled within the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger lies the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity. Yet, this remarkable sanctuary faces a perilous paradox. What should be a celebration of nature’s splendor is marred by a sinister undercurrent: organized transnational crime. From arms smuggling to drug trafficking and human exploitation, the WAP Complex has become a multifaceted battleground, as highlighted by Feyi Ogunade in The Conversation Africa.…

Tracking elephant populations across the vast landscapes of Africa has long been a complex endeavor. Logistical hurdles, civil conflicts, and funding limitations have posed significant obstacles. Yet, a recent study, expertly collated by George Wittemyer for The Conversation Africa, has pulled together data from a staggering 1,325 surveys conducted over 50 years, shedding light on a stark reality: a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. To put it into perspective, the African savanna elephant population has decreased by a…