Protecting Kruger’s Wilderness: The Battle Against Invasive Species Kruger National Park — nearly 20,000 square kilometres of wild savanna, woodland, and river — is one of the world’s most celebrated conservation landscapes. It is home to an incredible diversity of … Read More
Author Archives: Jaco Becker
The Giants Among Us
The Giants Among Us: Understanding Elephant Population Dynamics Elephants, the world’s largest land mammals, are not just icons of the wild—they’re also powerful indicators of the health of Africa’s ecosystems. Their numbers rise and fall in response to a complex … Read More
The “Unstoppable” Honey Badger
The Honey Badger: Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Conservation of a Legendary Survivor When it comes to fierce animals, size is not everything. The honey badger (Mellivora capensis) may not be the largest predator in Africa, but it has earned legendary … Read More
Cheetah vs Leopard: Masters of Speed and Stealth
Cheetah vs Leopard: Masters of Speed and Stealth When it comes to Africa’s predators, few animals capture the imagination like the cheetah and the leopard. Both big cats wear beautiful spotted coats, both are powerful hunters, and both play essential … Read More
Nature’s Striped Enigma
Nature’s Striped Enigma Few animals embody the wild beauty of Africa quite like the zebra. With their unmistakable black-and-white stripes, zebras have fascinated scientists, storytellers, and safari-goers alike for centuries. Yet, beyond their striking coats, zebras are complex animals with … Read More
Understanding the Basics: Key Ecological Concepts of our Wonderful Environment
Understanding the Basics: Key Ecological Concepts of the Environment The natural world is a complex, interwoven system where every organism, from the tiniest bacterium to the largest elephant, plays a role in maintaining the balance of life. Ecology—the study of … Read More
The Social Dynamics of Lions in Kruger National Park
The Social Dynamics of Lions in Kruger National Park Understanding the Complex Lives of Africa’s Apex Predators Lions (Panthera leo), often called the “kings of the savanna,” are one of the most iconic animals in Africa. Nowhere is their majesty … Read More
Alone: South Africa – Surviving the Karoo’s Harsh Beauty
Alone: South Africa – Surviving the Karoo’s Harsh Beauty Alone, the hit survival series known for its unfiltered portrayal of human endurance, has taken its boldest leap yet—into the unforgiving heart of South Africa’s Great Karoo. In Season 12, contestants … Read More
Is Elephant Poaching Still a Problem?
Is Elephant Poaching Still a Problem? 1. Overall Trends: Decline, But Not Defeat Good news: After peaking in the early 2010s, elephant poaching in Africa dropped significantly. Ivory prices collapsed, and seizures are down—2021 saw the lowest poaching levels since … Read More