AFRICA Dynamics

On this International Leopard Day, we took an extra moment to admire one of Africa’s most magnificent animals. These big cats are solitary, elusive, and incredibly strong. They can lift prey twice their weight, and often haul them up into trees to protect their meals. Leopards can jump 10 feet vertically and 20 feet forward. It is pure magic if you are able to witness these majestic creatures in person. Their beauty combined with their power will have your heart racing when you’re face to face with a leopard!

February 21 was World Pangolin Day, and we have a soft spot in our hearts for the world’s scaliest mammal! We encourage you to learn more and help spread awareness about this fascinating animal. Pangolins are the only mammals in the world covered in protective scales, and when threatened, they curl into a tight ball to shield themselves from predators. They are quite elusive creatures, and despite their impressive defense strategy, they are the most trafficked mammals on the planet, targeted for their scales and meat. All eight species of pangolin are now threatened with extinction, making education and conservation efforts more important than ever. Join us in celebrating this extraordinary species and supporting the work that researchers and conservationists are doing to protect them.

Pangolins are found across parts of Africa and Asia, and a few destinations have become known for conservation efforts. For those who dream of seeing one in the wild, it is possible, though always rare and never guaranteed - a reminder that some of nature’s greatest treasures reveal themselves only to the patient!

If you’d like to learn more about Pangolins, we highly recommend watching “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” on Netflix. It beautifully captures both the fragility and hope surrounding these remarkable animals.

📷: Scott Hyman 📍: Tswalu Kalahari Reserve