Researchers & species experts
With the recognition of the importance of conserving habitat, and the wildlife within, came the need to better understand their habits and behaviour, a need for research and species experts.
Researchers & species experts/champions/guardians
It has been the work of researchers and species experts, together with species guardians/champions, that have illuminated our understanding of the habitats, and species that inhabit them, and allowed us insights into the behaviour, and inter-dependence of species and habitat, that have allowed the formalisation of conservation principles and practices across the continent. Without their skills, experiences and teachings the threat to wildlife and wildlife habitats would be far greater and the solutions less reachable.
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The eminent field-biologist who conducted long-term studies around the world including on gorillas, lions, and cheetah in Africa starting in the 1950s.
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Pioneered a better understanding of chimpanzees..
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No one loved gorillas more..
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World renowned authority on African elephants..
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Dedicated research on African elephants over 40 years..
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The couple spent over 40 years conducting research on large carnivores with SANParks stationed in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier and the Kruger National parks.
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The “lion expert” of Namibia..
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celebrating 42 years of service to the Natal Parks Board (and then Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) and an expert on sea turtles.
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The story of their passion for lions..
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Ongoing lion research since 1966.
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Working to save the endangered Ethiopian wolf.
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A Spanish primatologist dedicates her life to working with apes in the Republic of the Congo.
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Concern for animal welfare lead her to open Lola ya Bonobo for orphaned bonobo.
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Exploration of the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba basins (TL2) in the DRC.
"…we have been chosen, by fate or providence or whatever you wish to call it. As far as we can tell, we are the best there is. We may be all there is. It’s an unnerving thought that we may be the living universe’s supreme achievement and its worst nightmare simultaneously."
"…we are awfully lucky to be here – and by ‘we’ I mean every living thing. To attain any kind of life at all in this universe of ours appears to be quite an achievement. As humans we are doubly lucky, of course. We enjoy not only the privilege of existence, but also the singular ability to appreciate it and even, in a multitude of ways, to make it better. It is a trick we have only just begun to grasp."
Bill Bryson – A Short History of Nearly Everything.