wildlife

Zimbabwe’s crocodile industry inches forward, raises questions about jobs, conservation and value What sounds at first like an exotic sideline to traditional agriculture is quietly becoming a fixture of Zimbabwe’s export economy. Over the past two years crocodile skin exports have inched up from US$32 million to US$34 million, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Fisheries Davis Marapira told reporters — a modest rise that nonetheless signals a sector pushing for a larger role in foreign exchange earnings and rural…

Namibia sends troops and helicopters as fire devours a third of Etosha National Park Wind-driven flames have ripped through roughly one-third of Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa’s most important wildlife reserves, prompting Namibia to deploy helicopters and hundreds of additional troops to bolster firefighting efforts. The blaze — believed to have started at a charcoal production site outside the park — has killed wildlife, shredded grazing and breeding ground, and prompted sharp criticism of the government’s…

According to the latest comprehensive evaluation by WWF, the wild populations of various monitored animal species have seen a staggering decline of over 70% in the past fifty years. This sobering assessment is powered by data from an impressive 35,000 populations spanning more than 5,000 distinct species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. The WWF Living Planet Index reveals a disturbing trend of accelerating declines across the globe. Particularly alarming is the situation in biodiversity-rich areas…

A trio of fascinating new marine species has recently been unearthed within the extraordinary waters of South Africa, influenced by the intricate dance of the Benguela and Agulhas currents. These discoveries include the charming "walking sponge" (Suberites ambulodomos), a minuscule clam (Brachiomya ducentiunus), and an elusive parasitic isopod (Pseudionella pumulaensis). Jannes Landschoff provided these insights in an article for The Conversation Africa. Though these organisms may be diminutive, their impact on marine…

Namibia is taking decisive action to manage its wildlife amid a severe drought by planning to cull a total of 723 wild animals. Among those slated for removal are 83 elephants. This initiative aims to provide much-needed meat to local communities struggling with the effects of the prolonged drought. The cull will unfold in both national parks and communal lands, particularly in regions where wildlife populations are deemed to surpass the available grazing areas and dwindling water resources. As the drought continues to…

Farai Maguwu, the Director at the Center for Natural Resource Governance, has voiced strong apprehensions over such a proposal to cull elephants. He fears it would meet with intense backlash, reminiscent of the uproar following Namibia's similar decision. In Zimbabwe, approximately 100,000 elephants roam the land; however, the ecosystem can realistically support around 45,000. Complicating matters further, Zimbabwe faces restrictions on the sale of these majestic creatures due to the regulations set forth by the Convention…

The famous Virunga National Park in DR Congo announced on Friday the birth of a mountain gorilla in this tourist region threatened by armed groups. The birth of a new male baby took place on the morning of August 22,…

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) is campaigning for the inter - ministerial decree specifically approving the capture and killing of certain protected species. Correspondence was sent to various authorities, including the Deputy Prime Minister and the Congolese Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development.…

"Kenya: when green gold threatens elephant survival".…

The inhabitants of the suburbs of Nairobi had a great fear this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in the morning. A lion had ventured into the middle of a residential area and caused panic. The park service finally sent out guards and veterinarians. The cat fell asleep and was caught before being released. An event that can illustrate the urban areas' progress over nature.…