The IUCN’s Amphibian Specialist Group has just published the latest issue of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. This is a collaborative effort by hundreds of amphibian biologists, conservation managers and scientists who have put forward a best practices roadmap for global amphibian conservation.

Most encounters with elephants are peaceful and will leave a lasting appreciation and memorable experience of these intelligent and sentient beings. We delve a little into some recent and unfortunate elephant-related injuries and fatalities to tourists and the rangers on the ground.

A recent study published in the journal Nature has provided better clarity on the origins of baobabs. This study was undertaken by Jun-Nan Wan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with colleagues from Madagascar, Kenya, the United Kingdon and Denmark. Baobabs most likely originated and diversified on the island of Madagascar and from there dispersed to north-western Australia and the mainland of Africa.

Delegates representing 196 contracting parties to the CBD convened in Nairobi over six days deliberating on a range of issues which will be advanced at the 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) later this year.

Conservation cannot be achieved under the veil of poverty. The cost-of-living crisis and lack of employment opportunities are dire, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We can’t adequately address conservation issues when people are hungry and don’t have a dignified home to return to.