Human Wildlife Conflict 22 | Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

Last of the Lion Chasers? Scary Implications!!

Jan 14, 2015 · by Russ · In: #NikelaAfrica, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, All Posts, conservation, endangered, Human Wildlife Conflict, leopard, Lions, South African Tour, Stories from Africa, wild animals, wildlife conservation Tagged: conservation, lion, Lion Research, Steve Henley

Revelations while stalking Lion in Botswana. I can’t believe we are actually here. The Kalahari Desert is one of the rawest areas of Southern Africa to experience the bush and see wildlife. For years I have dreamed of going deep into this remote region where herds of wildlife roam the landscape and the only access is by 4×4 through deep-sand two-track roads. There it is again, a Lion’s roar to the west. With huge eyes Margrit quietly turns to me. In the glow of the morning sun we quickly finish stowing the roof top tent and throw the rest of…

Look What’s On the Road In Botswana

Dec 11, 2014 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, Human Wildlife Conflict Tagged: Botswana, cattle, donkeys, elephant, goats, horses, lion, Ostrich, road

PHOTOS Few roads traverse the land known as Botswana and what’s on them is surprising. Wide swaths are allocated to the few roads that link the handful of populated areas in Botswana. Once off the main north – south or east – west highway potholes and corrugated gravel or sand tracks are the norm. As are donkeys, goats, horses and cattle grazing alongside, if you’re lucky, or standing on, if you’re not. Unlike neighboring South Africa where people abound and spill out onto the roads Botswana remains, how most of us imagine Africa… Wide open bush for miles. We even…

Is UnWilding Africa Following America?

Dec 3, 2014 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, All Posts, Animal Poaching, conservation, endangered, Human Wildlife Conflict, Lions, wild animals, wildlife conservation Tagged: Africa, America, bears, buffalo, Bushbuck, cattle, conservation, Gemsbok, kudu, mountain lion, Sam, unwilding, Waterbuck, wolves

Pushing out nature to advance civilization is not new so is unwilding Africa simply following what happened in America? “Bam!” He drops! The last Waterbuck lies dead in the dry grass. Tears roll down her cheeks, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you!” Again and Again… Over the past seven years this all too familiar scene has repeated itself over and over again as the herd of Waterbuck and Bushbuck slowly dwindled at the hands of the poachers. Her beloved diverse species of antelope including Gemsbok and Kudu have given way to the new wildlife… cattle. As…

Will African Elephants Continue to Live Like This?

Aug 26, 2014 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: Animal Poaching, Elephants, Human Wildlife Conflict Tagged: African elephant, Brittany Markley, elephant, Nikela volunteer

The largest land mammal today but will the African Elephant be roaming the Savannah tomorrow. Loxodonta africana africana. The African Elephant of the Savannah. It starts with a life – So tiny and fragile. The little African elephant grows in its mother’s womb for nearly two whole years until it is born. Weighing in at 136 kg (300 lbs) or more and totaling almost a meter in height, the elephant is born quite large. Of course, by the time the little one is done growing, he or she will weigh in at around six tonnes and be almost four meters…

Killing a Nuisance Predator Creates New Problems

Oct 14, 2011 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: Human Wildlife Conflict, Raptors Tagged: Leopard, leopards, owl, owls, predator, Primates

African birds of prey, the owl and falcon predators like the leopard, wildlife in Africa. “…so they shot the owl!” It all started one fall. Each morning on the farm, it seemed like there was one less chicken! The days seemed calm, no apparent squawking or sign of trouble. At night several hens roosted on the empty flower box hanging from the small balcony. One moonlit night the mystery of the disappearing chickens was solved. On the way to relieve himself the farmer heard a slight noise. He turned his head toward the sliding doors just in time to see…