#west african giraffe

[inatungulates]

West African giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis peralta

Observed by simben, CC BY-NC-ND

[thepastisalreadywritten]

[panafrocore]

The Magnificent Dabous Giraffes: An Ancient Testimony in Niger's Desert

The Dabous Giraffes stand as a testament to the ancient artists who carved their majestic forms into the rugged surface of the Dabous Rock. Situated on the western side of the Aïr Mountains in the expansive beauty of north-central Niger, Africa, these neolithic petroglyphs are a stunning sight to behold. Towering at a height of 6 meters (20 ft), the immense carvings depict two giraffes in a…

[ahopefulsoul]

South Africa 🇿🇦

26/28

[rjzimmerman]

Giraffes, in Steep Decline, Now Need Protection, U.S. Officials Say. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The tallest land animals in the world are declining so precipitously that they should be protected under the United States Endangered Species Act, federal wildlife officials said Wednesday.

While giraffes are found in Africa, the proposal would restrict the import of their parts into the United States and would increase conservation funding to help the animals survive.

In 2022, the last year for which international data was available, thousands of giraffe parts entered the United States: trophies, skins, feet, bones, bone carvings and leather pieces. Although trade is not the main reason for giraffes’ population losses, officials say it could add pressure on their numbers. The proposal would prohibit such imports without special permits.

“This action supports giraffe conservation while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline,” Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a statement.

About 117,000 wild giraffes are left worldwide, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, down almost 30 percent from the 1980s.

Northern giraffes have declined an estimated 77 percent since 1985, the wildlife service noted, to 5,919 animals from 25,653. The animals have vanished completely from numerous countries in West Africa.

It’s unclear what the election of Donald J. Trump would mean for the proposal, which will be open for public comment for 90 days and is supposed to be finalized within a year. It was during the last Trump administration that federal officials decided to consider listing giraffes as threatened or endangered, in response to a petition by advocacy groups.

The wildlife service attributed plummeting giraffe populations to habitat loss, as people take over land for urbanization and agriculture, poaching and the impacts of drought fueled by climate change. Without addressing these main drivers, conservationists say, little progress can be made.

Scientists do not entirely agree on the number of species and subspecies of giraffes. In its proposal, the agency recognized three subspecies of Northern giraffes, all of which it said should be listed as endangered. Two other varieties, reticulated and Masai giraffes, would be considered threatened, a less acute category. Two more subspecies, the Angolan and South African giraffe, were not found to be threatened but would be treated as such because they are so similar to the imperiled species that it would be all but impossible for law enforcement to tell them apart.

[victorluvsalice]

Hi all -- I'm on vacation this week, and I wanted to share with you some shots of my trip earlier today to Roger Williams Park Zoo to look at their "Dragons & Mythical Creatures" exhibit! This is a special exhibit running until August 11th where they've set up a bunch of simple animatronics of various mythical creatures from around the world around their Wetlands Trail path. The animatronics are a bit goofy, as you can probably see from the above pictures, but they were still fun to look at, and I had a good time going through and looking at them all with my folks. :) In order of their appearance in the photoset above, we have --

-->An alicorn (winged unicorn) right at the entrance

-->A siren by the lake -- they actually had three mermaids, but the other two were the traditional lovely ladies, so I decided to prioritize getting a picture of the one with the goofiest smile XD

-->Your traditional European dragon, who roared with glowing eyes

-->The Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, depicted in feathered serpent form wrapped around a pyramid

-->The Ninki Nanka, a West African beast with the face of a horse, the neck of a giraffe, and the body of a crocodile, which lives in muddy mangroves and according to the Limba people in Sierra Leone, causes thunder and lightning -- as you can see, this one has a horn for extra value

-->An Egyptian Sphinx sporting the traditional Egyptian funerary mask for pharaohs -- honestly, between that technicolor mask and the way it was wiggling its head, it was one of the most off-putting exhibits there

-->A Japanese kappa, a mischievous creature that here appears as a turtle standing upright with a vicious-looking beak and a divot on the top of its head -- I believe that divot is supposed to hold water, and if you can trick them into bowing to you, the water will flow out and they'll lose a lot of their powers

-->A Japanese Kasa-obake, which is an old and neglected umbrella that has picked up a spirit and become a mischievous ghost with a long tongue and a single eye. ...I will admit, I immediately accused it of being a Pokemon. XD

-->A traditional griffin, with the white feathered head, wings, and talons of an eagle and the body of a lion -- I especially like this one because it includes feathered ears as well, something you don't see on a lot of griffins -- but that you do see on the GRYPHON in the original Alice books!

-->A yeti -- who you may recognize as Bumble from the Rankin-Bass stop motion Christmas films, because apparently the park couldn't resist

-->FUCKING CTHULHU. With his head out of proportion to the rest of his body. If you're wondering what the hell he's doing here, Roger Williams Park Zoo is in Providence, Rhode Island, which just so happens to be the birthplace of HP Lovecraft. I guess they felt they had to. XD

[mybeingthere]

Djaba, Niger. Cattle. The black patina in the shape of the cattle has been scraped off the rock before painting started.

“Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, but it is more than that. It is the

common heritage of humanity.”

President Nelson Mandela

Niger is geographically diverse, having both the Sahel (savannah) and the Sahara (desert). The majority of the country’s rock art – made up predominantly of engravings – is located in the northern desert area, in and around the Aïr Mountains, where some of the art is thought to be several thousand years old. The Djado Plateau in the north-east is also rich in art that includes both paintings and engravings. One of the most celebrated sites of rock engraving is at a place called Dabous, to the west of the mountains. Here, two life-size giraffe were carved on the top of an outcrop, and may be up to 6,000 years old. Other notable areas for engravings are Iwellene in the northern Aïr Mountains, where some of the art is thought to be several thousand years old, as well the sites of Tanakom and Tagueit in the south-eastern Aïr Mountains, where engravings are located on the sides of two wadis (dry riverbeds).

[campsajasafaris]

Discover Uganda: Wildlife Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours | Camp Saja Safaris

Uganda is situated in the eastern part of Africa. It boasts a varied landscape that is truly captivating. This remarkable country provides numerous thrilling opportunities for exploration and observation. Its natural beauty is showcased through its diverse range of features. To name a few are its stunning nature reserves, captivating primates, majestic rivers, picturesque lakes, breathtaking beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.

Being a landlocked country, Uganda shares its borders with Kenya to the east, Congo to the west, Sudan to the north, and Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. The equatorial region in Uganda was gifted with lush rainforests, vast deserts, and magnificent waterfalls. Leading safari operators in Uganda collaborate with visitors, making their tours and safaris an effortless and ideal experience.

Uganda offers incredible opportunities for game viewing and wildlife safaris. The diverse landscape supports a wide range of animals, including primates and gorillas. Tourists can expect to encounter over 75 different species of animals, including the famous Big Five (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and rhinos). Other species such as hippos and giraffes can also be found in Uganda's sanctuaries.

The country is home to several national parks, including Kedipo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Murchison National Park. Murchison National Park, located in the northwest and situated on the shore of Lake Albert, is the oldest and largest park in Uganda.

Uganda safari holiday packages include Birding safaris. It offers the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species. Some notable birds include the Blue-headed Coucal, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Squacco Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Weaver Birds, Pied Kingfisher, Piapiac, Silver bird, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Quail-Finch, Red-throated Bee-eater, Speckle-fronted Weaver bird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver bird, Black-headed Gonolek, Denham’s Bustard, and many more.

The Boating part of your Uganda safari holiday package takes you to the best places for sport fishing. It is a popular safari activity in Uganda. The Nile River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, especially when the water level is low and clear. Tour operators in Uganda can arrange boating safaris and fishing trips, allowing visitors to catch fish and witness the majestic giant crocodiles that inhabit the river.

The open grasslands of Uganda are a thriving ecosystem where predators and grazers coexist during the dry season. This unique encounter between different species is a sight to behold.

Uganda is renowned for its gorilla population, with approximately half of the world's gorillas residing in the country. The Gorilla safari part of your Uganda tours and safaris truly make you stunning. The chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a key attraction for primate enthusiasts.

Exploring the conservation areas surrounding the national parks on foot is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Uganda. Ensure that you seize these indelible yet unforgettable moments with your camera.

Several fascinating things are there to watch in Uganda. Leading Safari operators in Uganda are always conscious about providing the best service all the time. They are very knowledgeable about Wildlife, Birds, Trees, Uganda Society, Customs, and traditions about the country. They can lead you by offering the sights and experiencing things that some can dream of. The Tour Operators can make you feel relaxed, and amazed by the sights, sounds, smells, and greenery of nature.

Leading safari operators in Uganda like Camp Saja Safaris always try to provide tourists with new appreciation and understanding about the wildlife. This is where you can book a holiday tour with a great combination and your choice among various adventures. They help in finding suitable and convenient itineraries for the perfect destination as per the needs of the tourists and budget. They are very much conscious about the comfort of the visitors and foreign tourists. The most capable, friendly, and helpful guides at Camp Saja Safaris share their talent, experience, and understanding with clients. It will bring an awesome experience among the tourists which they take back home. They make sure that Uganda safari holiday packages are designed as per tourist’s satisfaction.

East Africa is a memorable destination that should not be missed. Camp Saja Safaris made a great contribution to their clients’ satisfaction. They are one of the leading safari operators in Uganda and offer various customized tour packages as per clients' needs! For any assistance in conquering your thoughts, and passion for nature and wildlife photography please get in touch with Camp Saja Safaris at +1 (443) 409 2106.

Content Source From: www.thelifestyle-blog.com

[worldgirlsportal]

Real Kenya Girls Numbers Like as WhatsApp Phone Telegram Number, Facebook & Instagram Profile from East Africa

Kenya is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. It has a diverse landscape, including savannahs, mountains, lakes, and coastal areas.

Kenya is known for its rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and natural beauty. It is home to several national parks and reserves, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, where visitors can witness incredible wildlife, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, serving as a major economic and political hub. Swahili and English are the official languages, and Christianity is the dominant religion, although there is also a significant Muslim population.

Here African Kenyan Girls WhatsApp Phone Numbers for Friendship, Chat, Love in All Kenya Cities Girls like as Nairobi, Mombasa, Ruiru, Kikuyu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Thika, Limuru, Malindi, Kitale, Garissa, Kakamega, Kapenguria, Bungoma, Busia, Nyeri, Ol Kalou, Meru, Kilifi, Wajir, Mumias, Voi, Iten, Lugulu, Homa Bay, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Mandera, Narok, Kericho, Migori Girls Profile with Pictures, Status, Interest, Occupation.

Get Real Kenya Girls number: https://www.worldgirlsportal.com/list-of/kenya-girls-number/

[inatungulates]

West African giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis peralta

Observed by oumarouhamadou, CC BY-NC

[strangeauthor]

Well there’s the Ninki Nanka from West African folklore, large dragon-like beast. Imagine a Giant crocodile with the neck of a giraffe and a scaley horse head with three horns.

They reside in swamps and rivers who devours prideful people who think they can enter a swamp alone only to never return as they’ve been devoured by the Ninki Nanka.

girlboss

[pro-anomalocaris]

We need more giraffe appreciation posts. Here's a picture of the West African/Nigerian Giraffe, g. peralta, who lives further north than any other giraffe.

They're like the cream-colored rendition of giraffes and they like hanging out with a buddy.

[safarisandtravelafrica]

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season at Tsavo National Park!

Looking for the perfect holiday escape? Tsavo National Park, the largest in Kenya, offers a breathtaking adventure you’ll never forget! Where to Go:

• Tsavo East: Explore the vast savannahs, marvel at the iconic red elephants, and discover the beauty of the Yatta Plateau. • Tsavo West: Immerse yourself in lush landscapes, visit the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, and witness incredible wildlife at Rhino Valley.

What to See: • Majestic lions basking in the African sun. • Towering giraffes gracefully wandering through acacia trees. • Rare bird species in a birdwatcher’s paradise. • The enchanting Shetani Lava Flow, a testament to nature’s raw power.

Why Tsavo This Holiday Season? Celebrate amidst unspoiled wilderness, magical sunsets, and unforgettable safari moments. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a serenity lover, Tsavo has something for everyone! 🎅 Book your dream holiday today and let us make this festive season one to cherish forever!

🌐 Visit us at safarisandtravelafrica.com to plan your journey or DM us for personalized packages.

📸 Tag us in your Tsavo memories with #ExploreTsavo #SafariMagic #HolidayInTheWild Your adventure awaits!

[desertparadisevacation]

Plan Your Perfect Getaway with Palm Springs Weekend Rentals

Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in Palm Springs? With its warm desert air, scenic landscapes, and easy access to many activities, Palm Springs is the ideal spot for a quick escape. Our Palm Springs weekend rentals offer home comforts in villa-like settings, perfect for unwinding or exploring the city’s famous attractions. Choose from spacious homes and townhomes that feature private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and cozy, modern designs.

Things to Do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is full of things to do, from scenic hikes to unique museums and even stargazing. Here’s a quick list of activities to enjoy nearby while staying in one of our Palm Springs rentals:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Experience the best views in Palm Springs with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tramway is the largest of its kind and gives you sweeping views of Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Peak. Stop for lunch at the mountain top or continue hiking into the hills for more adventure.

Palm Springs Art Museum: Art lovers will appreciate this museum's collection of contemporary works, especially its exhibits focused on the American West and desert themes. It’s a great stop for anyone interested in art, with collections that range from paintings to glass and sculptures.

Joshua Tree National Park: For a nature day trip, Joshua Tree is less than an hour from Palm Springs. This national park is famous for its unique trees and rugged rock formations. You can enjoy a scenic drive or a peaceful hike through Hidden Valley and other trails.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: Just a short drive from Palm Springs, this zoo recreates North American and African desert environments, with animals and plants native to the regions. You can even feed giraffes for a unique experience!

VillageFest: Every Thursday, downtown Palm Springs comes alive with food vendors, art displays, and live music. It’s an easy and fun way to sample local treats and browse the creations of local artisans.

Golf Courses: Palm Springs is known for its scenic golf courses, including Indian Canyons Golf Resort and Desert Willow Golf Resort. Each course offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and challenging play.

Dining Options in Palm Springs

During your stay, make sure to check out Palm Springs’ diverse food scene:

4 Saints: Located at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, this rooftop restaurant offers Modern American dishes and a gorgeous mountain view, making it a perfect spot for a memorable meal.

Birba: This Italian eatery serves delicious pizzas and pastas in a beautiful outdoor setting, ideal for dining under the stars.

Cheeky’s Palm Springs: A popular brunch spot, Cheeky’s is known for its creative menu and local flair. Be sure to try the famous bacon flight!

The Pink Cabana: With Moroccan-inspired dishes, this restaurant is a great pick for those looking to try something new while enjoying classic Palm Springs style.

Stay Comfortable with Our Palm Springs Rentals

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a group of friends, or bringing the family, our weekend rentals provide a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Palm Springs. Each villa-like home or townhome is designed with relaxation in mind, featuring everything from fully furnished living spaces to private pools and patios.

Staying in one of our Palm Springs rentals allows you to experience the city like a local. Enjoy privacy, plenty of space, and amenities tailored to your needs. With a location close to all the top attractions, you can easily explore everything Palm Springs has to offer without straying far from your home away from home.

So, if you’re ready for a weekend of relaxation and fun, book one of our Palm Springs weekend rentals today and start planning your perfect escape!

If you have any queries, please visit our website at www.desertparadisevacation.com or Mail us at desertparadiserentals@gmail.com. We’re here to help make your stay at Desert Paradise Rentals unforgettable.

[daylightadventures01]

Kilimanjaro National Parks Safari: A Journey of a Lifetime

A safari at Kilimanjaro National Park offers much more than just wildlife viewing. It's an immersive journey into Tanzania’s diverse ecology. As you ascend higher towards the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the temperatures and landscapes shift, offering different zones teeming with wildlife. In the lower regions, dense rainforests serve as home to Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and even the elusive leopard. Kilimanjaro National Parks Safari As you ascend, moorlands and alpine deserts reveal unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels, creating a surreal experience for any traveler.

Besides the magnificent wildlife, Kilimanjaro National Park is an adventure-seeker’s paradise. It draws thousands of climbers each year, eager to conquer Africa’s tallest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters, offering one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the world.

Lake Naivasha National Park: Wildlife and Birdwatcher's Dream

Not too far from Tanzania lies Lake Naivasha National Park, one of Kenya’s premier birdwatching destinations. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, this freshwater lake provides a serene atmosphere and diverse ecosystems that attract a wide variety of birds and animals. Flamingos, pelicans, and kingfishers frequent the waters, while hippos and giraffes can be spotted wandering along the shores.

Lake Naivasha is a hub for ecotourism, offering activities such as boat rides, guided walks, and even cycling safaris through the nearby Hell's Gate National Park. The mild climate and rich biodiversity make it an attractive spot for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The park also houses Crescent Island, a sanctuary where visitors can walk alongside zebras, giraffes, and impalas. It’s a unique, peaceful experience that allows close interaction with the animals in their natural habitat without the confines of a vehicle.

For those planning to visit, it's essential to be aware of the Lake Naivasha National Park Charges. Entrance fees for foreign tourists are typically around $30 USD, though this may vary depending on the season and type of activity. For locals and East African residents, the fees are much lower. Additional costs may include boat rides and guided tours, but the breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere make every penny worth it.

Bwindi National Park in Uganda: The Land of Mountain Gorillas

Further west in Uganda, another stunning park awaits—the Bwindi National Park in Uganda. Renowned for its mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important biodiversity regions in Africa. The dense forests of Bwindi house over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

A gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi is truly unparalleled. Visitors can hike through the thick, mist-covered forest, guided by expert trackers to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The park’s rugged terrain and diverse plant life offer a rich backdrop, while the sight of a gorilla family lounging, feeding, or playing together is a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Bwindi is also home to numerous bird species, including the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The forest's rich ecosystem also supports other primates, forest elephants, and a variety of small mammals.

Though gorilla trekking permits can be pricey (often around $700 per person for foreign tourists), the unique opportunity to witness mountain gorillas up close in Bwindi National Park in Uganda makes it well worth the investment.

[azvolrien]

Ireland - Day 3

The day started out cloudier and cooler than the previous one, so as I set out for the zoo as planned I took my slightly heavier jacket rather than the sun-shirt I’d been wearing the previous day. This did not, in fact, turn out to be necessary.

There’s a convenient tram stop right outside the hotel, so I took the Luas along to Heuston Station and walked up to the zoo in Phoenix Park from there. The name of the park doesn’t actually have anything to do with the mythical firebird but is a corruption of the Irish fionn uisce, ‘clear water’. And now you know.

Dublin Zoo has a reciprocal arrangement with Edinburgh, so my membership got me in for free without even having to queue. After a quick detour to fill my bottle at one of the many handy water stations scattered around the zoo, I made for the Asian elephant habitat called the Kaziranga Forest Trail, I believe after a park in India where the zoo has been doing some work. There I unexpectedly ran into an old friend: completely unbeknownst to me, Chester Zoo’s bull elephant Aung Bo has been moved to Dublin to replace their old bull Upali. He’s looking well – I gathered that they’re giving him some time to settle in before they introduce him to the Dublin herd, but he seemed to find his new enclosure interesting and his broken tusk had grown back a lot since I last saw him a few years ago at Chester.

I left Aung Bo to his hay net and carried on up the zoo’s eastern path to their relatively recent (late 90s-early 00s) extension called the African Plains, which doesn’t actually limit itself to savannah-dwelling animals but also houses several denizens of the rainforest such as the bongo and the okapi. There is a sizeable savannah enclosure, which houses giraffes, zebras, white rhinos and some of the incredibly rare scimitar-horned oryx in apparent harmony. There are also ostriches, I’m told, but I didn’t spot any of them.

My favourite part of the African Plains was definitely the gorilla habitat. I had to watch for a while to get a good view of them, as their enclosure has a lot of plant cover for them, but I eventually got some great shots of the big silverback. I also got an interesting illustration of their group dynamics: during feeding time, the silverback lost his temper with one of the females and started beating her up, only to be pushed into an immediate retreat when the rest of the troop’s females ganged up on him and chased him back across the enclosure while his victim – apparently none the worse for wear – climbed a tree.

I then circled back down towards the zoo gate via the west path, which took me through the Asia section housing red pandas, snow leopards, Amur tigers and Asiatic lions. The tigers were hiding somewhere, but I saw all of the others and also stopped to listen to a keeper talk about the zoo’s California sea lions. All of the signage headers in the zoo are bilingual, and the Irish for ‘sea lion’ is apparently Mór-rón – literally just ‘big seal’ to my knowledge.

I’m all in favour of the point they’re making with all the bilingual signage, but I can’t help but find it a little ironic when Irish is not actually the first language of the overwhelming majority of people in Dublin.

I got a snack in one of the zoo cafes and went back around a few exhibits like the elephants, as well as checking out the reptile house I’d somehow missed the first time around, before I got a t-shirt in the gift shop and left the zoo at about 5 o’clock. I didn’t go straight back to the hotel and stopped for a while beside the colossal obelisk of the Wellington Monument to watch some of Phoenix Park’s free-roaming fallow deer, two normal-coloured bucks with somewhat wonky, lopsided antlers and a third dark-morph buck with a much more impressive, symmetrical set. I’ve read that the fallow deer is the closest living relative of the Irish elk. Fallows are one of the smaller deer species, but I can sort of see an echo of their huge extinct cousins in their palmate antlers.

After watching for a while, I was reminded anew that some people have no idea how to behave around wild animals. There are signs everywhere in the park telling you not to feed the deer and to give them space, but that didn’t stop a large group of people crowding around the trio trying to touch them to their obvious distress. The park’s deer are quite used to people, but they’re not pets, and I was starting to a) get genuinely worried someone would get gored and b) wonder if I should tell them to leave the deer alone myself when a park ranger showed up in a 4x4 to give them a row, mercifully saving me the trouble. Some things are best dealt with by someone in authoritative hi-vis.

I then followed the tram line back to the hotel for a brief rest before heading back out to an Italian restaurant I’d spotted the day before called Bar Italia, presumably not affiliated with the Edinburgh restaurant of the same name. Between the staff and the menu I gathered the place was run by some very proud Roman immigrants, and they served a delicious carbonara with a bit more of a peppery kick than I usually see, with a caramel-filled chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream for after. I wonder how much of an Italian community there is in Dublin; the history of migration in Ireland tends to focus more on people leaving than arriving, but the city does seem to have plenty of gelaterias.