WildLife Experience

The Similipal Tiger Reserve in India has made remarkable progress in combating poaching through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled cameras. Over the past two years, AI-based trail cameras have helped authorities identify and apprehend approximately 80% of poachers in the reserve.     These 140 smart cameras analyze images in real-time, alerting rangers to suspicious activities. Since their deployment, 51 arrests have been made, and no poacher has been caught repeatedly, indicating a strong deterrent effect. The technology is complemented by increased ranger patrols and the use of patrol vehicles to cover remote areas quickly.   This innovative approach highlights how technology can be a game-changer in wildlife conservation. The success of the Similipal reserve offers a promising model for other protected areas struggling to contain poaching activities and protect endangered species.

In recent months, there has been a troubling rise in lion poaching incidents near the Moremi Delta area in Botswana, particularly around the town of Maun. Although less than 20% of poached lions’ remains are detected by authorities, the number of cases is increasing steadily. Poachers primarily target lion heads, paws, and skins, which are sold for use in traditional medicine and rituals known locally as muthi . This illegal activity not only threatens the survival of Botswana’s lion populations but also impacts local communities economically. Ecotourism, a major source of income, suffers when iconic wildlife species disappear. Conservation groups are intensifying efforts to combat poaching, working alongside local communities to raise awareness and implement stricter patrols. The cultural demand for lion parts underscores the complex challenges of balancing tradition with wildlife protection. Without urgent action, the majestic lions of Botswana risk becoming casualties of human gre...

In a chilling repeat of history, another lion carefully studied and GPS-tracked by Oxford University researchers has been killed by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe. The lion, affectionately known as Blondie, was part of a long-term conservation study in Hwange National Park—a name that may sound familiar to those who remember the death of Cecil the Lion in 2015. This new tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by even the most closely monitored wildlife, and the urgent need for stronger protections around national parks and conservation areas. Who Was Blondie? Blondie was a magnificent, five-year-old male lion, tracked by the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) of Oxford University. Recognized for his striking appearance and dominant presence, Blondie played a crucial role in the social structure of his pride. His GPS collar was not just a research tool—it was a symbol of hope, intended to safeguard him from harm by signaling his monitored status. Sadly, that did not stop wh...

  It is with a heavy heart that we share the somber news of the passing of the Limping Monwana male, a lion who embodied resilience and survival against all odds. Born in early 2016, the Monwana males were fathered by the mighty Black Dam male, one of the largest and most formidable lions of his time. From a young age, these brothers exhibited remarkable aggression and strength. By 2020, their dominance was so pronounced that they were rumored to have killed their own father, claiming control over the Giraffe pride in Timbavati. Tragedy struck in early 2021 when the healthier of the two Monwana males was found deceased, with only a small portion of his face left for identification. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Limping Monwana, who sustained an injury that would become a defining feature of his life. Despite his initial limp, the Limping Monwana evolved into a nomad, traveling alone and facing numerous challenges. His injury worsened over time, but his sp...

  Lions are one of the most iconic and fascinating animals on the planet. These big cats are known for their majestic manes, powerful roars, and fearsome hunting skills. However, there is one aspect of lion behavior that is not often talked about: their mating habits.    Lions are social animals that live in prides, which are made up of several females and their cubs, as well as a few dominant males. Mating within a pride is common, and male lions will mate with any female in the pride that comes into estrus, which can occur several times a year.                                               credits:DailyMail Male lions also engage in what is known as "extra-pair copulation," which means they mate with females outside of their own pride. This behavior is t...

  Conservationists have reported that over 150 critically-endangered vultures have been poisoned to death in separate incidents in Botswana and South Africa. The killings have pushed these birds closer to extinction, adding to the threat they already face from habitat loss and other human activities. Vulture poisoning is a common occurrence in wildlife-rich southern Africa, where poachers target them to avoid drawing unwanted attention to their illegal activities.    Additionally, the birds' heads are used in traditional medicine, according to wildlife groups.   The latest incidents occurred when more than 50 white-backed vultures were found dead in Botswana's northern Chobe district on Friday, while approximately 100 more were discovered in South Africa's Kruger National Park on Thursday, according to vulture conservation group Vulpro. In both cases, the birds died after feeding on the carcass of a buffalo that appeared to have been laced with poison, said Vul...

  Fourteen lions have recently escaped from Kruger National Park in northeast South Africa, sparking concern among locals and tourists. The animals were last seen near the Phalaborwa Foskor Mine, which is located near the Mozambique border. The public has been advised to stay vigilant as the lions are still on the loose.  Although it remains unclear how the lions managed to escape from the park, government officials have assured the public that rangers are closely monitoring the situation and that the animals will be safely captured and returned to the park.      Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is mostly surrounded by fence. It is highly unusual for such a large number of lions to escape at one time in South Africa, and the incident has caused alarm among local authorities.  This news follows just days after a leopard killed a toddler in the park. The leopard had entered the living quarters at Malelane Technical Servic...