This is somewhat far afield from my usual posts, but having visited African countries several times, including Uganda, this caught my eye.
I have a deep affection for African wildlife, large carnivores in particular. At the top of the food pyramid, they are intelligent and resourceful but also highly vulnerable species. Low human tolerance of these apex predators -- particularly where we and our livestock compete with wild ungulates for space and resources -- has driven many African predator populations to dangerously low numbers, threatening their viability.
Read here how the first comprehensive survey of Uganda's lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas in two decades produced both encouraging and disheartening results, depending on the species.
Coincidentally, I was rereading my tattered copy of Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens when I spotted the article I linked above. I bought and first read the Owens’ book in 1984, the year of its publication. Add it to your reading list if you enjoy wildlife adventures in truly wild places that also capture the triumph of the human spirit. And if you care to support conservation of Africa’s wildlife, the African Wildlife Foundation is the premier player in that effort.
Happy holidays to everyone.
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