By Jon Isaacs The African leopard is the smallest of the “Big” cats. In terms of survival it is also the most successful. It inhabits a multitude of habitats ranging from forest to savannah to the outskirts of cities like Nairobi. The African leopard, or “Chui” in Swahili, is an ambush predator which tends to attack from within thirty metres of its prey. It is fast, deadly and will hunt in daylight or at night on almost anything that moves. Chui is incredibly strong and a skilled climber as typified by the fact it can carry its prey high up into a tree. The leopard is also the ultimate opport ..read more

Of all the cats of Africa, my favourite is the cheetah. Although not the biggest of the African cats, it is the fastest. It is built entirely for speed, being lightly framed, having semi retractable claws which give it grip, a tail which provides balance and a spine which is incredibly flexible allowing it to turn even when running flat out. It also possesses a large heart and lungs which provide it with maximum amounts of oxygen and help to control its body temperature when sprinting.   With numbers dropping from 100,000 to 7500 in a century, the species is in trouble and, when on s ..read more

If you’re the kind of person who likes to sleep late, get up leisurely and chill out whilst on holiday don’t go on a safari! Many people combine a safari with a beach or city break. This can work well, as long as you remember to do the safari first and then have the beach or city time to recover. It doesn’t really matter what age you are, a safari of a week or so will probably leave you extremely happy but utterly exhausted!   Whether you are in Africa or Asia the organization of serious safaris tends to take a similar pattern. You will be woken in the dark about forty five minutes t ..read more

I took my first steps into becoming a keen wildlife photographer as a ten year old, with a box brownie camera trying to get photographs of New Forest ponies. The results were grainy and in monochrome. I ended up back at my parent’s car in tears, carrying my sandals with muddy legs where I had walked into a bog. It’s been a steep learning curve and lots of fun ever since. Many people in recent years have got into wildlife photography due to the advent of cameras in mobile phones. I’ve often found that there is a misconception that in order to take good wildlife photos you need a really expensiv ..read more

I was surprised a few years ago when I read that the wild species of cat which scientists believed was most likely to become extinct in the 21st century, resided not in Africa or Asia, but in Europe. The Iberian Lynx is a smaller and more long legged relative of the European Lynx and its cousin, the much larger, Canadian lynx. It has a prominent facial ruff. It is known by several names including Spanish lynx and Pardel lynx. It was originally a common cat of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in Mediterranean scrubland containing dense rabbit populations. However, over centuries it was persecu ..read more

Baboons are a type of Old World monkey that belong to the genus Papio. They are intelligent and social animals that have been the subject of scientific study and cultural fascination for many years. In this article, we will explore the physical characteristics, behavior, and conservation status of baboons, and what makes them such a unique and important part of our natural world. Physical Characteristics of Baboons Baboons are large, muscular primates with elongated muzzles, sharp canine teeth, and powerful jaws that allow them to consume tough plant material and prey items. They have long, p ..read more

Polar bears are one of the most majestic and iconic creatures of the Arctic. They are known for their striking white fur and their immense size, which makes them the largest land predators on earth. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, behavior, and conservation of these mighty giants of the Arctic. Appearance and Characteristics: Polar bears have a unique appearance that is perfectly suited to their cold, Arctic environment. They have a thick layer of blubber and fur that keeps them warm in even the coldest temperatures. Their fur is actually transparent, but it appears white ..read more

Sea otters are beloved marine mammals known for their adorable appearance, playful behavior, and significant ecological impact. These furry creatures, also called "sea beavers," are found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating world of sea otters, their unique characteristics, and their essential role in marine ecosystems. Appearance and Characteristics of Sea Otters Sea otters are the smallest marine mammal in North America, weighing between 35 and 100 pounds and measuring 4 to 5 feet in length. Their fur is dense ..read more

Introduction: Black Panthers are some of the most mysterious and elusive big cats in the world. These dark-coated leopards and jaguars are known for their beauty and power, but also for their rarity and elusiveness. In this article, we will explore the behavior, habitat, and conservation of these majestic big cats. Appearance and Characteristics: Black Panthers are not a separate species of big cat but rather a melanistic (black-coated) version of leopards and jaguars. The dark coat is caused by a genetic mutation that increases the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin and fur co ..read more

Introduction: Brown bear cubs are one of the most adorable and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. These young bears are born small and helpless, but quickly grow into curious and adventurous youngsters. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about brown bear cubs and their development. Birth and Early Life: Brown bear cubs are born during the winter months while their mother is in hibernation. They are born blind and hairless, weighing only around 1 pound. In the safety of the den, the cubs will nurse and sleep for several months until they are strong enough to vent ..read more