Greetings everyone and welcome to our “Paws On The Ground” update.
I am excited to introduce this to you and hope that you enjoy all that we have to share.
The past few months have been extremely busy. Carl Thornton (Pit-Track K9 Conservation and Anti-Poaching Unit) and I have spent much time away on location in the Greater Kruger area, deploying teams on protection details to keep the increased poaching activities at bay. With the ceasing of visitors in the tourist areas due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the instances of poaching – especially of rhino – have meant that extra vigilance is essential.
We have just celebrated World Lion Day on 10 August 2020. It is an important day to spread awareness and highlight the plight of these magnificent animals. This year, we celebrated the day with a three-part blog series, featuring special stories from our team and supporters, as well as our colleagues and partner organisations, including those working on the ground with lions and in conservation generally, along with authors, photographers and film makers. There are some incredible stories of animal rescues and survival, encounters with these big cats in the wild, and the incredible work that is being done across Africa to save our national treasure. We are so grateful for everyone’s contributions to this special piece.
Until next time, please stay safe at this uncertain time, and as always, thank you for your interest and continued support for our work.
Drew Abrahamson, Founder & Director
Africa’s Treasures Part 1: Cats & Dogs African Style
Our new four-part series on “Protecting Africa’s Treasures” discusses a variety of African species, Captured in Africa Foundation’s work and the work of our partners in protecting these treasured animals, and wildlife conservation generally, including what you can do to help, no matter where you are in the world.
Part 1 begins with an age-old favourite – cats and dogs. Only this time, it’s Africa’s wild version – magnificent lions and unique and often misunderstood African painted dogs. Both fierce hunters and carnivores, both social animals, and both in serious trouble. But friends they are not.
DID YOU KNOW!?
Lions can reach speeds of up to 81 km/h (50mph)
but can only hold that speed for short bursts due to lack of stamina.
African Tourism Assists Communities During COVID-19
A great article from our safari company Captured in Africa, providing an update on the work being undertaken across South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda to help local communities during the pandemic.
Whilst travel is restricted during these testing times, our tourism industry is still hard at work in many aspects that make up our eco-tourism philosophy, including continued support for local people and wildlife, particularly local people who rely on tourism jobs and income. Here’s a wonderfully positive overview of just a handful of goings on that you may not have.
Celebrating World Lion Day
To celebrate lions on World Lion Day, we asked our loyal supporters, esteemed colleagues in the field, leaders in lion conservation, authors, photographers and film makers to share their special stories and memories of lions, and give us an insight into their love for these dynamic cats.
These amazing stories were featured across three parts, which can be viewed from the links below:
Part 1: A Love of Lions – Foundation Team & Supporters
Part 2: Heart & Soul – Authors & Conservationists
Part 3: Up Close & Personal – Guides, Photographers & Film Makers
DID YOU KNOW?
The word ‘leopard’ comes from the Greek word leopardus, a combination of Leon (Lion) and Pardus (Panther).
Think you know Big Cats? Test your knowledge!
1. True or False: Lions are the largest big cat species in the world.
2. What colour are a lion cub’s eyes when it is born?
3. True or False: A lion’s heels don’t touch the ground when it walks.
Africa’s Treasures Part 2: Africa’s Matriarchs
Matriarchal societies are rare in the animal world, but Africa has various species that fit into this structure. Today we are discussing two of these – the beautiful and grand African elephant and the often-misjudged spotted hyena.
These groups are led by the dominant female, which is usually the oldest and largest, and the mother of many of the group’s offspring. These matriarchies form close-knit and highly social groups, with the ruling animal serving a vitally important role – to protect her group, ensure they are fed, teach the young, and lead the pack to survival.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
Making Headlines
Interview: Ensuring big cats are protected – Captured In Africa Foundation’s interview with Your African Safari (YAS).
Article: 12,000 Lions Are Being Bred In Captivity To Be Hunted By Tourists – Thousands of lions are being bred in captivity so they can be shot dead by tourists in Africa, Lord Ashcroft has revealed in a new book detailing the horrors of hunting. [Warning: Graphic Content]
Article: We can’t go back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic. We must start respecting animals and nature – The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new urgency to this fight. While most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been closed to the public, poachers and traffickers have become emboldened.
Upcoming Dates of Interest
World Vulture Day – 5 September 2020
World Rhino Day – 22 September 2020
World Gorilla Day – 24 September 2020
Join Captured In Africa Foundation in celebrating the above dates, as we admire their beauty, whilst educating on their importance & plight – tag us on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #WorldVultureDay, #WorldRhinoDay and #WorldGorillaDay respectively.
#CommittedToConservation
Thank you.
(All images © Captured In Africa Foundation)
__________
Dedicated to Pit-Track anti-poaching k-9 KOVU,
who recently passed away from Cancer following 10 years loyal service.
