Welcome to our next iLCP Takeover — iLCP Senior Fellow @beverlyjoubert
“Hi all, I’m Beverly Joubert (@BeverlyJoubert), a wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large. I’m thrilled to be taking over as guest editor for @ilcp_photographers this week to share the remarkable landscapes and magnificent wildlife of Botswana, an area that @DereckJoubert and I have called our second home for many years.
Water is the lifeblood of Botswana’s north, and each year as floodwaters from the Angolan Highlands spill onto the flatlands, they saturate the parched soil and transform the landscape, creating the world’s largest freshwater inland delta. Elephants are almost synonymous with the Okavango. These enormous animals carve pathways through the floodplains as they trace its snaking channels and spillways.
Massive mammals have massive hydration needs and elephants must drink at least 150 litres of water a day to sustain their huge bodies. As herds trek through the drenched landscape, they forge trails in their wake creating passage for other animals that need to navigate through the dense reeds and thick vegetation. Myriad species depend on the services of these grey giants and even though their populations remain stable in the Delta, poaching and habitat loss still pose a significant threat to the future of this iconic species.” -@beverlyjoubert
Join us this week to learn all about Beverly’s work in the Okavango Delta!
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #wildlifephotography #okavangodelta #africanwildlife #conservationphotography
“Driven by an urge that cannot be ignored, these zebras journey over 250 kilometres each year from the grasslands of the Okavango Delta to the expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in the south.
Their migration begins in November/December and is triggered by the rains which transform the bleach-white salt pans into a seemingly endless mirror-like plain. The opportunity to photograph these striking animals from the air, set against the vast spread of the shimmering flatlands, is a true privilege – and one that wouldn’t have been possible before the turn of the century.
In the late 1960s, veterinary fences were erected across much of the country to avoid the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, cutting off ancient migratory routes. When the fences were moved in the mid-2000s, conservationists were startled to see the zebras returning to their migratory patterns. It’s a stark reminder of the impact we can have on the natural world and the resilience of wildlife in ever-changing landscapes.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #wildlifephotography #zebra #zebraconservation #okavangodelta #okavango
For lion cubs, a fallen tree is a jungle gym that provides hours of entertainment. We feel privileged to be able to watch these incredible cats in their natural habitat, learning the ropes and testing their limits; however, encounters like this can be bittersweet. Lions have been eradicated from much of their former range and are heavily threatened by habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. But there is hope. Our Big Cats Initiative (run by @GreatPlainsFoundation) helps fund vital lion conservation projects, and through collaborative efforts, we hope to give these iconic predators a fighting chance.
#lions #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram
In large swamps like Botswana’s Okavango Delta, reeds grow rapidly, clogging up channels, building silt and ultimately damming the water. That’s where species like hippos come in. These mega herbivores use their bulk to ensure that pathways through the aquatic vegetation remain open allowing other animals to access these areas and maintaining the delicate delta ecosystem. Without hippos, landscapes like the Okavango Delta would transform into something else entirely.
#nature #wildlife #hippo #Okavango
It’s difficult to imagine an African savannah without the statuesque figure of a giraffe decorating the horizon. Sadly, these iconic animals are rapidly disappearing across much of their range. Giraffe populations have declined by 40% in the last 30 years, and there are now fewer than 70,000 mature individuals left in the wild. Space is essential for large mammals, and shrinking habitats combined with a lack of wildlife law enforcement are largely to blame for what many are calling a silent extinction.
But all is not lost. Collaborative action among landowners in suitable giraffe habitats, along with more effective protection, could turn things around. The time to act is now.
#giraffes #giraffeconservation #wildlife #conservation #endangeredspecies
When lion cubs are not asleep or feeding, they’re playing. We never tire of watching and documenting the exuberant antics of these young cats as they gradually learn the intricacies of stalking and pouncing on their journey to becoming successful predators. Some cubs are bolder than others and quickly assert themselves as the most dominant amongst their siblings – it’s the sort of fighting spirit that could either be an asset in the face of threats or something that will land these brazen youngsters in trouble when they start battles they can’t win.
#lions #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography
When lion cubs are not asleep or feeding, they’re playing. We never tire of watching and documenting the exuberant antics of these young cats as they gradually learn the intricacies of stalking and pouncing on their journey to becoming successful predators. Some cubs are bolder than others and quickly assert themselves as the most dominant amongst their siblings – it’s the sort of fighting spirit that could either be an asset in the face of threats or something that will land these brazen youngsters in trouble when they start battles they can’t win.
#lions #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography
Trees are essential for leopards. These big cats sleep in the boughs, use the treetops to escape danger, stash their kills on lofty branches, and even use their arboreal abilities to launch aerial attacks on unsuspecting prey. In the Mara, where trees are scarcer than in heavily wooded habitats, leopards sometimes seek out the best trees to use as vantage points. A bit of height makes all the difference in this vast, open savannah.
#leopard #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife
#Repost from @natgeo
Photo by @beverlyjoubert | Kenya’s wilderness areas may be a stronghold for Africa’s lions, but no country on the continent remains untouched by the challenges facing these majestic predators. The statistics can often feel disheartening and overwhelming. According to some estimates, lion numbers have dropped by 43% over the past 21 years, and many of the remaining 62 wild lion populations are now precariously small. Yet it is also true that dedicated, determined conservation efforts really can make a difference. In certain parts of Africa, there have been encouraging successes in revitalizing populations, bringing these predators back to areas where they had long been absent. What is urgently needed is the restoration of natural landscapes and the creation of interconnected wildlife corridors, so that lions can regain the critical space they need to thrive.
Let sleeping cats lie.
Cheetahs often use termite mounds as lookouts to scan their surroundings for potential prey, but this cat was quite content to sprawl out on top of its vantage point, clearly not yet ready to go on the hunt. These speedy predators expend a huge amount of energy chasing down their prey in high-speed pursuits, so some pre-hunt rest is always welcome.
#cheetah #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife #nature
Playing with fire. Lionesses often become unwitting participants in the rough-and-tumble games that occupy much of their cubs’ time. As these two youngsters wrestled and jostled, one of the cubs sunk his teeth into Mom’s tail. Like all mothers, lionesses are relatively tolerant and will put up with a fair amount of playful squabbling, but even the most patient moms lose their cool eventually. Discipline will be dished out in snarls and swats.
#lion #lioncubs #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram
“During the annual floods, Botswana’s Okavango Delta becomes a saturated swampland of twisting channels and deep spillways. Lions that live in this watery wonderland, learn how to navigate the soaked plains from a young age, and selecting the most narrow section to leap across becomes second nature. If a channel is too wide to bound over, lions will sometimes swim (somewhat reluctantly) to claim new territory or find a meal. All that wading and paddling – not to mention a diet of large prey – makes these swamp cats some of the strongest lions on the African continent, which is one of the reasons it’s so crucial that they are protected.
Some estimates suggest there are fewer than 16,000 African lions left in the wild today and many of them live in small reserves where they are not able to contribute significantly to the global population. The Okavango Delta remains a stronghold for these apex predators that are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Through projects like the Big Cats Initiative that we oversee through @GreatPlainsFoundation, and films like The Last Lions that highlights the perilous plight of these iconic animals, we hope to secure a future for lions in the Delta and across the continent.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#okavangodelta #beverlyjoubert #conservationphotography #africanwildlife #ilcp #ilcp_photographers
Before they adopt their regal stature and graceful air, elephants are – like all young mammals – playful and curious. Social bonds are forged early on as elephants develop the skills needed to navigate the social complexities of life in the herd. New research even suggests that these grey giants use vocalisations that are specific to individuals in their social groups, similar to how humans have personal names for each other. It’s yet another fascinating discovery that adds to our growing understanding of these sentient, social beings.
#elephants #elephant #wildlife
#Repost from @natgeo
Photo by @beverlyjoubert | For a cheetah mother, rearing young is a feat of patience, resilience … and preparedness. Staying watchful and alert is how meals are found and threats from larger predators averted. Luckily, in the sprawling flatness of Kenya’s Mara ecosystem, scanning the horizon for both takes just a little elevation. The ubiquitous termite mound offers the perfect perch when vigilance is required. Before very long, these two youngsters will grow to appreciate the usefulness of a lookout spot, too.
“The summer months in northern Botswana can be sweltering with temperatures that soar over 40° celsius. Even Africa’s most resilient animals feel the heat. This spotted hyena took a moment to sink into the cooling waters of one of the Okavango’s many water channels to escape the searing midday heat. I was able to get eye level with her as she submerged most of her body leaving just her head peeking out, her reflection perfectly mirrored in the glass-like water.
Hyenas are often maligned and misunderstood, disregarded by many as lowly scavengers that skulk in the shadow of apex predators like lions. In truth, these cunning carnivores are accomplished hunters capable of tackling large prey in coordinated hunts. Through ongoing, careful research into their fascinating lives, we’re beginning to truly appreciate the hyena’s complex social makeup, physical strength and endurance, and impressive intelligence.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #conservationphotography #botswana #okavangodelta #wildlifephotography
Elephant trunks contain thousands of muscles, and it can take calves some time to master their usage. Luckily for the youngsters, mom is always close by to help …
#elephants #wildlife #nature
“Ever-aware of the potential dangers lurking below the surface, this wild-eyed lion trudged through a deep water channel in the Okavango Delta. Crossings like this are a part of life for lions that live in the swamplands; vigilance and timing are key if the cats hope to safely navigate their watery terrain.
Natural threats like crocs or rival predators only add to the precariousness of lion populations across Africa. These big cats have been eradicated from 90% of their historic range due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Today, small populations of lions cling to survival in pockets of protected habitat scattered across sub-Saharan Africa. Space is a critical necessity for the world’s remaining prides and we must create protected areas where these big cats can thrive. To date, @GreatPlainsConservation (cofounded by @DereckJoubert and I) has safeguarded 1.1 million hectares of wild habitat across Africa securing a future for countless species.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#africanwildlife #okavangodelta #ilcp #ilcp_photographers #endangeredspecies #africanlion #conservationphotography
Summer has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere. When rains soak the grasslands of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they trigger an abundance of new life. Tiny gazelles take their first tentative steps under the watch of their protective mothers. Newborn antelope are quick learners, and after just a few wobbly steps, this calf was moving around confidently and with surprising agility. Keeping up with mom could be a lifesaver on these predator-rich savannahs, so the sooner this newborn can master mobility, the better.
#wildlife #Mara #nature
Summer has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere. When rains soak the grasslands of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they trigger an abundance of new life. Tiny gazelles take their first tentative steps under the watch of their protective mothers. Newborn antelope are quick learners, and after just a few wobbly steps, this calf was moving around confidently and with surprising agility. Keeping up with mom could be a lifesaver on these predator-rich savannahs, so the sooner this newborn can master mobility, the better.
#wildlife #Mara #nature
Three generations.
Spotted hyenas do not begin life with their speckled coats. In the first few weeks of their lives, hyenas have pitch-black fur, which is gradually replaced with tawny spotted pelages as they mature. This portrait captures the natural progression from tiny, dark-furred pup to a scruffy teenager, finally culminating in the hirsute pelt most characteristic of the species.
#hyena #wildlife #nature
Wildlife photography is largely about putting yourself in the right place at the right time and waiting for the magic to happen. This lone zebra was the perfect accompaniment to a moody, misty Mara morning.
#zebra #Mara #wildlifephotography
“Wary of the threats around them, but lured by the promise of a much-needed drink and the coolness of the water, a pair of giraffes hesitate at the edge of a spillway. Stretching like a golden ribbon that slices through the savannah, the Selinda Spillway is a vital source of sustenance for an array of species. This ancient waterway links the northern Okavango Delta to the Zibadianja Lagoon and feeds a delicate ecosystem that, like so many others, relies on freshwater.
If a water source like this were to run completely dry, water-dependent species like giraffes would be forced to stray away from protected land onto the fringes of the Delta where they would likely come into contact with people.
In a world that’s rapidly warming and on a continent increasingly plagued by drought and threatened by human development, watercourses and water-rich plants are becoming ever more scarce. For large mammals with water needs to match, this could spell trouble ahead.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #okavangodelta #giraffe #endangeredspecies #africanwildlife #climatechange #climatecrisis
“For much of the year, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of Botswana’s driest regions, but when rains nourish the parched earth, grasses start to sprout and the pans fill with nutrient-rich waters. Massive flocks of flamingos from across the continent gather here to breed and feast creating an astonishing migratory spectacle. From above, the flamingos leave delicate, feathered lines in the algae-filled water as they take off, like brushstrokes on a painting, their pink plumage creating explosions of colour on the vast shallows of the pans.
This is one of the largest flamingo breeding sites in Africa and it’s driven by seasonal rains. As global weather patterns shift in response to a changing climate, phenomena like this are at increased risk of vanishing completely, putting migratory bird species under threat.” – @beverlyjoubert
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #birdmigration #wildlifephotography #africanwildlife #conservationphotography #botswanawildlife #flamingo
“As we face increasing threats to the safety and security of wild species and spaces, the need for innovative conservation solutions is more urgent now than ever before. This rhino was translocated from a high-poaching zone to an area where it’s hoped it will form part of a new, viable population.
Despite a slight decline in the number of rhinos lost to poaching – something that may be attributed to an overall reduction in rhino numbers – illegal killing continues to decimate Africa’s remaining rhino populations. My goal as a wildlife photographer has always been to tell nature’s narratives in a way that inspires and motivate global audiences to fight for the survival of imperilled species. And I hope that images like this reflect the reality of the conservation challenges facing those on the frontlines.
Our #ProjectRanger initiative was created through @GreatPlainsFoundation during the pandemic as an emergency relief fund for conservationists struggling
without the support of vital tourism revenue. Since then we’ve realised the desperate need for initiatives like this and have continued to raise funds for rangers on the ground who work tirelessly to safeguard wild species and landscapes. Collaborative action is key in achieving conservation success and it’s hoped that by bringing organisations and communities together to fight for a shared cause that we can give imperilled species a fighting chance.
I hope you’ve enjoyed following along over the last week as I’ve shared some of my favourite images. For more, follow me at @BeverlyJoubert.” – @beverlyjoubert
Thank you to iLCP Fellow @beverlyjoubert for sharing her incredible work with wildlife in the Okavango Delta this week! Be sure to give her a follow to learn more about her ongoing projects and conservation efforts!
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#ilcp #ilcp_photographers #okavangodelta #rhinoconservation #endangeredspecies #rhino #conservationphotography #wildlifephotography