Stories from Africa | Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

A few insights into the wildlife poaching status in Tanzania

Dec 26, 2016 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, All Posts, Poaching, Stories from Africa, wild animals, wildlife conservation Tagged: future of wildlife conservation, Ngorongoro Crater, rhino, Serengeti, Tanzania, wildlife conservation

These are strictly my observations during our visit regarding the wildlife poaching status in Tanzania. Wildlife by the thousands, no millions! But with the losses across the continent what is the wildlife poaching status in Tanzania? Tanzania’s 16 national parks comprise a total area of more than 42,000 km2. About 38% of the country is set aside as protected. These reserves are home to a large variety of wildlife species. Reportedly, 430 species and subspecies comprise the country’s more than four million wild animals. These include zebras, elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, dik-diks, gazelles, elands and kudus. A ranger’s…

Where have all the trees gone in Malawi?

Dec 6, 2016 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, All Posts, Stories from Africa Tagged: brick building, Charcoal, environment, Lake Malawi, Malawi, trees

Malawi a small poor African country once considered a jungle is now nearly treeless. “Where did all the trees go?” Before making our journey north from South Africa Russ read a book about Malawi. An early explorer from about a hundred years ago traversed the jungles of this small African country. He writes of thick undergrowth, mountains teeming with wildlife, lush green and hundreds of birds. Russ awaited our time in Malawi with great anticipation. Clear cut land. Burnt trees. Dry fields. Dusty roads. Even the supposed forests in the mountain areas of Mulanje, Zomba and Chelinda have only few…

Zero Wildlife to Thriving Big 5 Game Reserve – Impossible?

Nov 28, 2016 · by Russ · In: #NikelaAfrica, All Posts, Stories from Africa, wildlife conservation Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, African Parks, endangered species, Majete Game Reserve, wildlife conservation

What a great idea! Revitalize and restock old African National Parks often poached to extinction. The challenges are insurmountable but “African Parks” creats Big 5 Game Reserve throughout Africa. Gain the Political Will of Governments. Helping them remember how these parks are their heritage, the beauty of nature, the wonder of wildlife, a boost to their economies, and long term help to their people. There are great benefits to a Big 5 Game Reserve. Sure the parks were a white man’s thing of little interest to African rulers, but now they are beginning to cherish them as well. What about the…

A Heartbreaking Story of a Pangolin and the Cruelty of Poaching

Oct 8, 2015 · by Nikela Volunteer/Guest blogger · In: #LuvWildlife, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, All Posts, endangered, Pangolin, Stories from Africa Tagged: Lisa Hywood, pangolin, Tikki Hywood Trust

Lisa Hywood of the Tikki Hywood Trust, who rescue Pangolins from captivity and poachers, shares a personal story of dealing with the horrific treatment of these unique animals. THT050 – the tale of Phoenix….. 20 Aug 2015 Today the Tikki Hywood Trust received yet another Ground Pangolin – a trend that is on a terrifying rise in our Country and indeed worldwide. Although our process of receiving these innocent victims has become more streamlined and efficient (through unsolicited experience) nothing could have really prepared us for what we saw today. The standard routine of being called by the authorities to collect…

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…