A message from African Wildlife Foundation
IN DESPERATE TIMES, JUDICIOUS ACTION
FALL 2013 CONTENTS
Africa Geographic
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AWF editorial staff Patrick J. Bergin, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer Washington, DC, USA Craig R. Sholley Vice President for Philanthropy and Marketing Washington, DC, USA John W. Butler, Jr. Director of Marketing and Membership Washington, DC, USA Mayu Mishina Senior Writer and Publications Manager Washington, DC, USA With contributions from William H. Funk and Gayane Margaryan. Africa Geographic staff Peter Borchert Founder Sarah Borchert Editor Leni Martin Project Manager Judy Beyer Sub-editor Cindy Armstrong Designer Production Reproduction Resolution Colour (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town Printing & binding Paarl Media, Paarl Copyright © 2013 All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Black Eagle Media (Pty) Ltd and/or the photographer/author. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Published by Black Eagle Media (Pty) Ltd (Reg. No. 1992/005883/07) 1st Floor, Devonshire Court, 20 Devonshire Road, Wynberg 7800, Cape Town, South Africa; P O Box 44223, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa Tel. +27 (0)21 762 2180 Fax +27 (0)21 762 2246 www.africageographic.com SUBSCRIPTIONS
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ately the phrase “Desperate times call for desperate measures” has been coming to mind. Not surprisingly, it’s usually when I come across news of yet another stunningly cruel act of elephant or rhino poaching. That’s when I feel, as we all inevitably do, a momentary sense of hopelessness. To me, though, “desperate measures” implies reckless, imprudent actions— a last resort by those who no longer feel capable of careful consideration. Personally, I think desperate times such as these are when we must be especially judicious and thoughtful about what to do next. Desperate times call for a cool head. At the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), this philosophy has led us to revise our species conservation strategy. Our applied research strategy—using sound scientific data to determine our conservation actions—has been effective for wildlife conservation in the past, but at this point, when illegal wildlife trafficking is such an overwhelming force on the continent, it’s no longer enough. At the core of AWF’s new strategy is the recognition that certain species now require focused support beyond what we might typically implement in our largelandscape conservation work. AWF will therefore be giving out Species Protection Grants, funding for six specific areas of action: elephants, rhinos, large carnivores, Personally, I think great apes, law enforcement, and awareness. desperate times The awareness area especially is a newer focus for us, and I must admit that I’m such as these are pretty excited about it. Because Asian when we must be demand for elephant ivory and rhino horn especially judicious is what has spurred such vicious poaching in Africa these past few years, AWF began and thoughtful about working with our partner WildAid on a what to do next demand-reduction campaign in Asia. We’ve since added another awareness drive that focuses solely on Africa. The latter effort, called “African Voices for Wildlife,” urges Africans to stand up in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. Previously, AWF would not necessarily have included “awareness” as a component of our species approach. Now we recognize that it’s a critical piece in the effort to stop the illegal wildlife trade. You can read more about our two awareness campaigns on pages 2–3, and about our new species strategy on pages 8–9. AWF is not abandoning our other conservation work in Africa. In fact, your support has allowed us to continue to tackle new challenges in new ways. The Republic of South Sudan boasts the second-largest wildlife migration in the world—and with your help, AWF has started advising the still-new government on appropriate wildlife policies to ensure this migration continues (page 14). Meanwhile, AWF’s Daniel Wesonga is hard at work implementing the Conservation Schools program we told you about in the last issue. Read our Q&A with him on page 12. None of this would be possible without you. In these desperate times, we’re grateful you choose to stand with us to protect the elephants, rhinos, and other incredible wildlife of Africa.
46 AFRICA’S LOST APES Africa’s great apes have endured much at the hands of humans, and while the nature of their exploitation may have shifted, the corruption and abuse associated with trafficking in them remain. Eastern lowland gorilla Gorilla beringei graueri Photographer: Eric Baccega/NPL/Diffusion
18 AROUND AFRICA Trials of a young leopard; New shark research reveals fewer great whites; A leucistic kingfisher; Adaptable South African fur seals. 24 IAN MICHLER’S DIARY Going green—the real deal. 26 CSI BLOODHOUNDS It’s all in the nose as far as the young ranger-dogs employed to sniff out trails in Virunga National Park are concerned. ROBYN GIA NNI
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A NEW STRATEGY FOR THE TIMES
In light of unparalleled levels of poaching and development in Africa, AWF adjusts its species strategy to provide more targeted wildlife protection.
2 AWF URGES CONSUMERS TO SAY ‘NO’ Targeting Asian demand for elephant ivory and rhino horn with a new public awareness campaign.
3 AWF LAUNCHES THE ‘AFRICAN VOICES’ CAMPAIGN AWF’s Africa-centered public awareness campaign urges citizens to stand up against poaching.
Male jacanas take parenthood seriously, from preparing the nest to incubating eggs and seeing chicks through to independence.
38 THE MOODS OF MOZAMBIQUE
Along Africa’s photogenic ‘coconut coast’, a wave of optimism shines through the bustle and pace of everyday living.
52 SOUNDSCAPES
Taking photographs of the African bush and its inhabitants is one thing; capturing their sounds is quite another.
60 HEADING INTO THE MILD, WILD WEST Dazzling white beaches, extravagant seasonal wildflower displays and some pretty good wine estates are among the charms of South Africa’s West Coast.
4 NEWS FROM AFRICA
69 YOUR AFRICA Your sightings in Africa’s national parks; News, events and citizen science; What’s online; Birds in your gardens.
12 EDUCATION FOR CONSERVATION
81 KHAKI FEVER
Daniel Wesonga, director of AWF’s new Conservation Schools program, talks about the link between conservation and education.
14 PROTECTING A LIVING LEGACY Patrick Bergin, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer
32 BEST DAD IN THE WORLD
An offbeat take on safari guiding.
88 TRACKING BACK best dad in the world 32
Even after decades of war, the Republic of South Sudan boasts a rich biodiversity worthy of conservation action.
15 OUT OF AFRICA JOHN B UT L ER
Leslie Wainger, the winner of AWF’s 2012 Safari Sweepstakes, shares her incomparable first-time visit to Africa.
A W F. O R G
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