Plastic recycling is not enough: we need to address plastic pollution at the source

Plastic recycling is not enough: we need to address plastic pollution at the source

While organisations, scientists, governments and activists from around the world debate on how to save the planet from plastic waste, how can they really begin to solve this issue when we have no facts about where exactly the pollution is or who is responsible? “Plastics are among the most ubiquitous materials in our economy, our…

Kenyan wildlife policies must extend beyond protected areas

Kenyan wildlife policies must extend beyond protected areas

At least 15% of the world’s surface is governed by laws to protect its living species, including plants, animals and fungi. But this is not enough. The most recent estimates suggest that an additional 30% of the planet’s surface needs further conservation attention. Without this additional protection the world will continue to lose large numbers of species. What does this look…

Global Mountain Gorilla Population Count Grows to 1,063

Global Mountain Gorilla Population Count Grows to 1,063

Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration reveal that the number of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in the 340-square kilometer transboundary protected forest have increased to 459 from an estimated 400 in 2011 This announcement brings the global wild population of mountain gorillas to 1,063 when combined with the published…

wildlife ranching

South Africa struggles to manage wildlife ranching: why it’s a problem

Over the past few decades, South Africa has seen a dramatic conversion from livestock or crop farming to wildlife ranching – known locally as game farming. The result has been a rapid rise in areas enclosed by game fences and a high demand for wildlife. Animals are increasingly being traded privately and at wildlife auctions….

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is created by a delicate balance, but for how much longer?

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is created by a delicate balance, but for how much longer?

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is a mosaic of water paths, floodplains and arid islands. The delta sits in the Okavango river basin, which spans three African countries: Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Because it’s an oasis, in a semi-arid area, it hosts a rich array of plants and attracts a huge variety of wildlife….

Best of frenemies: Unexpected role of social networks between species

Best of frenemies: Unexpected role of social networks between species

Social networking, even between competing species, plays a much bigger role in ecology than anyone previously thought, according to three biologists at the University of California, Davis. “There’s mounting evidence that different species pay attention to each other in the wild, especially if they share predators,” said Mike Gil, postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis. “The…

Pressure Mounts on Governments to Stop Baby Elephant Imports

Pressure Mounts on Governments to Stop Baby Elephant Imports

The Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has been denied access to the country’s captive elephants, reportedly about to be sent to captive facilities in China. This suggests that welfare concerns are being ignored. The ZNSCPA is constitutionally permitted to access any part of the country if they suspect cruelty…

Let the [RE]CHARGE journey begin: Hitting the road to raise sustainability awareness

Let the [RE]CHARGE journey begin: Hitting the road to raise sustainability awareness

7 October 2019, Zellik – Panasonic’s sustainable rechargeable battery brand, eneloop, has partnered with premium vehicle manufacturer, Jaguar, in a campaign to raise funds for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in environmental and sustainability projects. eneloop Panasonic and Jaguar were proud to see the [RE]CHARGE Activation campaign come to life at a kick-off event held in…

African wildcats under threat of hybridization by domestic and stray cats

African wildcats under threat of hybridization by domestic and stray cats

Alley Cat Rescue Protects African wildcats in Kruger National Park through TNR. Six hundred free-roaming cats have been sterilized and vaccinated by Alley Cat Rescue‘s international partnership to protect African wildcats in South Africa. The project aims to protect vulnerable populations of genetically pure African wildcats (AWCs) from hybridization by sterilizing free-roaming domestic and stray cats…

Debunking myths about the impact of elephants on large trees

Debunking myths about the impact of elephants on large trees

Pangolins, a group of unique African and Asian scaly mammals, are considered to be one of the most heavily trafficked wild mammals in the world. They are hunted and traded for their meat, scales, and other body parts, and used as traditional medicines in parts of Africa and Asia. Of the eight pangolin species, four are found…