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...

  Despite the encouraging news that rhino poaching rates have declined in recent years, illegal hunting still poses a significant threat to the survival of African rhinos. Between 2018 and last year, at least 2,707 rhinos were poached across the continent. While poaching rates in 2020 were lower due to Covid-19 lockdowns, some range states have reported an increase in poaching since travel restrictions were lifted. The decline in poaching rates has also been uneven, with white rhino populations in Africa decreasing by almost 12 percent from 18,067 to 15,942 between 2018 and last year. In contrast, populations of the rarer, critically endangered black rhino increased by just over 12 percent, from 5,495 to 6,195 during the same period.                                 Image source: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images Overall, Africa's rhino p...

 The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, home to some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet. But with beauty and diversity comes loss and tragedy, and the recent news of the death of Snyggve and Tryggve, two of the most impressive lions on Namiri Plains, has left a deep void in the animal kingdom. Snyggve and Tryggve were sons of the famous lions C-boy and Hildur and had reigned over the plains for over seven years. They were iconic lions, having conquered pride after pride and sired many cubs. Their presence was always felt, and their roars could be heard from miles away. They were a symbol of strength and resilience, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. Their reign, however, ended tragically when Snyggve was killed by three young males who were part of a coalition of seven. It is assumed that his brother Tryggve met the same fate. This great loss has left a deep impact on the animal community and all those who w...

This is the brutal moment 5 hungry hyenas corner and eat a zebra with broken back feet alive while it tries its best to escape the predators. This ruthless sighting was captured by 28-year-old, guide/manager at   Royal Safaris , Matthew Roach, while on a sunset game drive with his guests in Kruger National Park.     Matthew tells LatestSightings.com the story: “It was a good afternoon out on my usual sunset/night drive. I had six guests with me that day and another safari vehicle with a guide following close by. We had spent the afternoon slowly making our way to a leopard that had been hanging around for the past few days in hopes that we might find her and her cub.”   “We were lucky enough to find her and spend 10 minutes with her before moving on. Unfortunately, her cub was not around. As we left the sighting a vehicle approached us and told us there were hyena blocking the road ahead. We went to investigate! As we drove around the first corner, we spotted five hy...

  Covid-19 Infected Lions Prompt Variant Warning in South Africa Lions, pumas were infected by handlers at a Pretoria zoo Animals got sicker than largely asymptomatic zoo staff                                            (Image credits: google.com) Lions and pumas at a private zoo in the South African capital of Pretoria got severe Covid-19 from asymptomatic zoo handlers, raising concerns that new variants could emerge from animal reservoirs of the disease, studies carried out by a local university showed. A 2020 study of feces from two pumas that had had diarrhea, nasal discharge and anorexia showed the animals had Covid-19 and made a full recovery after 23 days, the   University of Pretoria   said in a statement on Tuesday. A year later, in the midst of South Africa’s delta-...

A family’s outing to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal turned into a nightmare when a bull elephant charged, battered and then overturned their vehicle at the weekend.  The occupants – believed to be a husband, wife and their two children, aged eight and 10, from the coastal town of Mtunzini – were reported to be severely traumatised, but not seriously hurt. It is unclear why the elephant attacked the car, but it is understood that an investigation will be launched by park officials. Dramatic video footage taken by the occupants of another vehicle show the elephant shoving a white Ford 4×4 bakkie after it had flipped the vehicle over onto its roof. Images circulated on social media show that the windscreen was cracked, with dents to both sides of the vehicle.   Ntuli and fellow staff were returning to a field camp in a three-ton truck from Hell’s Gate when they came across a breeding herd of 26 elephants drinking at a reservoir at about 7pm.  They stopped t...

   FACTS ABOUT BABOONS                                                               (image credit: Natgeo.tv) Baboons are some of the most identifiable of the monkey world. They have tufts of hair on either side of their faces and large, hairless bottoms that can turn red. These old-world monkeys also do not have prehensile tails like some other monkeys, which means they don't use their tail like a hand. Size Baboons are the world's largest monkeys, according to National Geographic. From head to bottom, baboons grow to 20 to 34 inches (60 to 86 centimeters) and their tails add an additional 16 to 23 inches (41 to 58 cm) to their length. They weigh about as much as a human chil...

 Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs Amazing Facts About the Hippopotamus:   1. The name Hippopotamus comes from the Ancient Greek ‘river horse’.   2.Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.   3.An adult Hippo needs to resurface every 3 – 5mins to breathe. The process of surfacing and breathing is automatic, and even a hippo sleeping underwater will rise and breathe without waking.   4.They are only territorial while in the water. Both reproduction and birth occur in the water. Hippo calves weigh approximately 45kg at birth and can suckle on land or underwater by closing their ears and nostrils. Each female has onl...

 10 FACTS ABOUT RHINOS 1. THERE ARE 5 SPECIES OF RHINO... ...Two African – black and white rhinos – and three Asian – greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. Three of these (black, Sumatran and Javan) are listed as ‘critically endangered’ by IUCN – there are thought to be fewer than 70 Javan and 100 Sumatran rhinos left in the wild, meaning their populations are truly under threat of extinction.  2. THEY’RE HUGE Sumatran rhinos are the smallest, but they can still weigh 600kg (that’s almost 95 stone). And white rhinos are the largest, weighing up to 3,500kg (over 550 stone, or well over 3 tonnes!).  This is mighty impressive considering they mainly eat grass and leaves.   3. BLACK AND WHITE RHINOS ARE BOTH, IN FACT, GREY The names of black and white rhinos are misleading – as both are actually grey. The white rhino is said to have gotten its name from the Afrikaans word for wide (‘wyd’), referring to its wide, square lip (in contrast, black rhinos have a ...

A zoo in southern China placed a golden retriever in a lion enclosure while they relocated the big cats. The video, filmed in the city of Xichang in Sichuan Province on March 27, shows a golden retriever in a cage with a lion sign hanging on it. According to reports, the sign was removed when a reporter visited the zoo on March 29. The zoo employee said: "There used to be lions in that enclosure but we have changed the location for them and golden retrievers are in that enclosure now." The zoo has apologised to the visitors.   Click to watch the video

  The Aardvark                                                         (credits: google) Aardvark, this bizarre creature  – the animal that opens every English dictionary – is unlike anything else you might meet on safari. Although fairly common, its shy, nocturnal habits mean that sightings are extremely rare.                               (credits: julius mkize) 5 Fascinating Facts: 1. An aardvark may use its ribbon-like 30cm-long tongue to gather up to 50,000 ants in a single night.  2. Powerful limbs and spade-like claws allow an aardvark to dig up to 60cm...