The Mountain Bongo was originally only found in Kenya. Working towards increasing the populations of this very rare species the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) received a further 17 of these critically endangered animals from the Rare Species Conservation Foundation in Florida USA. In May 2024 Kenya had received 10 of these antelope from the USA, which have settled successfully.

In the 1970s there was an estimated 500 bongos, now it is estimated that only 100 remain in the wild in Kenya due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal activities, and disease.

Initially the newly arrived bongos will be kept at the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary in Nanyuki, Kenya - the world's first sanctuary dedicated to this species. Established through collaborations between Kenyan and American partners, the sanctuary provides a secure environment for breeding and rewilding efforts.

Innocent James, with funding from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed this wonderful innovative idea of a rucksack that generates enough solar power to charge a reading light.

The Tanzanian company, Soma Bags (soma is Swahili for “reading”) makes the galvanic gear from old cement bags and small photovoltaic panels that store energy during the day.

As the sun sets at 7pm every night in Tanzania – because it’s right by the equator – the firm is providing an “invaluable energy source” for young readers to read and do homework at night without relying on dangerous kerosene lamps or candles.

This project has also created much needed work and income in the manufacturing process, so far over 36,000 bags have sold across Africa.

Established in 1951, Majete Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi suffered decades of rampant charcoal production and poaching that wiped out all rhinos by the 1980s, all large carnivores by the 1990s and all elephants by 1992 when the last one was poached, according to the wildlife reserve’s conservation history.

In 20212 African Parks brought three lions to this 700 sq km/270 sq mile wildlife reserve ending the big cats’ 30-year absence.

Now the number of lions is estimated at 80-100, raising the risk of conflict between humans and wildlife as other animals flee from these top predators.

To ensure balance in the eco-system African Parks have been giving some lionesses contraception: “The management strategy focuses on maintaining ecological balance, ensuring that predator and prey populations remain sustainable.” says Craig Thomas, conservation manager at the reserve.

Western Cape conservation agency CapeNature has welcomed the agreement reached between the fishing industry, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds.

This has been endorsed by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to protect the critically endangered African penguin.