Apex predators present an irresistible opportunity to capture the power and beauty of the natural world – yet also the vulnerability and precariousness of ecosystems.
.
Five Wild Shots Wildlife Photography Symposium speakers share their images of these consummate hunters, an insight into the role alpha species play in shaping ecosystems.
.
See their images, and learn more about how you can attend the Wild Shots event on 2 November in Cape Town: https://www.wildcard.co.za/wild-shots-2019-apex-predators/
A heart-pounding sighting from Francis Makkink earlier this year in the Kruger National Park:
"It appeared to be a normal day as my family and I meandered in our Toyota Innova along the Gomondwane loop in the Kruger National Park. The route is shady, with relatively thick shrubs lining either side of the dirt road.
"We approached a stationary car, appearing to be watching a herd of elephants milling about in a clearing ahead, just off the road. Although the elephants appeared to be relaxed, they were still a little too close for comfort, and neither car was willing to risk spooking a charge.
"After a long wait, we were joined by another car, who was not willing to wait. The car pulled off to our left and casually sauntered passed the herd of elephants, having the audacity to take a photograph on the way. The herd continued grazing, unperturbed. The car in front of us got braver, and decided to do the same thing. We watched in awe as the car moved hurriedly passed the herd and continued up the loop without so much as a blink.
"We had now watched two cars move directly passed the elephants without reaction, who by this time had moved further into the bush. We decided that the elephants were relaxed enough and further enough into the bush to warrant a quick escape. The coast was clear. Deciding to film our ‘quick escape’ and get a passing shot of the majestic animals, I wound down my window and pressed record as we went passed the clearing.
"A giant grey shape suddenly loomed on the screen of my camcorder as an elephant appeared out of nowhere in a full-frontal charge, metres away from my door. My brother put foot on the accelerator as screams of terror reverberated from inside the car. But the elephant halted at the last second – a mock charge. Rangers argue that the tell-tale signs of a mock charge are when an elephant flaps out its ears while charging, compared to a normal charge where the ears stay flat against the elephant’s head. Needless to say
South Africa’s only walking festival takes place this weekend! Find out everything you need to know about the Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival, taking place over Easter (19-22 April 2019).
Visit www.walkingfestival.co.za for more information.
#hitecwalkingfest #walkingfestival
Explore the Garden Route on foot over the Easter Weekend. The Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival has over 52 different walks and trails to discover and enjoy. Follow them and book your walks online today: Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival 2019
#hitecwalkingfest #walkingfestival
Lace up your walking shoes and join our friends at the Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival over the Easter Weekend.
Sign up and enjoy over 52 different walks - the ideal way to explore the beautiful Garden Route.
Follow them and book your walks online today: Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival 2019
#hitecwalkingfest #walkingfestival
LOVE THE OUTDOORS?
Our friends at the Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival invite all hikers to sign-up and enjoy over 52 different walks during the Easter Weekend. Follow them and book your walks online today: Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival 2019.
#hitecwalkingfest #walkingfestival
It's baby season at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Eswatini (Swaziland). Too adorable! Thanks to @tameswazi for capturing the moment. #biggameparksofswaziland #wilddestinations #instatravel #travelgram
It's International Mountain Day! #MountainsMatter
THE FACTS:
🏔 Mountains cover around 22% of the earth's land surface;
🏔 Mountains provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater;
🏔 Mountains host 25% of terrestrial biodiversity and 28% of earth’s forests;
🏔 6 of the 20 most important food crops originate in mountains (potatoes, maize, barley, sorghum, apples, tomatoes);
🏔 Mountains attract 15-20% of global tourism.
More than half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy. Yet mountains are under threat from climate change, land degradation, over exploitation and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, both for mountain communities and the rest of the world.
GET INVOLVED:
How can you advocate for mountain issues? Tell us why mountains matter to you, and tag your post / comment with the hashtag #MountainsMatter!
#Wild traveller Bosko Simic recently visited the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and came across this #springbok with one very strange looking horn. Have you spotted this animal before?
Cheetah sighting
Just look at this incredible Kruger National Park sighting by Wild Card Programme Manager Hein Grobler.
Persistence paid off for this hyena pup. His mom just couldn't resist when the little one begged for milk. Video by Charles and Tanya Steyn in the Kruger National Park's Punda Maria area. Sign up for our newsletter NOW: http://bit.ly/2eNVPHc
Have a ROAR of a Wednesday Wild fans. Video by Peet de Smet shot in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Wild editor Romi Boom took this clip in the Kruger National Park when 10 lions walked passed their vehicle. And this lioness is a beauty! Send us your wildlife video clips to [email protected] Wild fans!