Africa Geographic August 2006 [antikvár]

editorial U Yet again we are reminded (as if we need reminding) that nature is never the real threat to the world's wild places and wildlife ^ ^ Rainfall in many parts of Africa is at best unpredictable, often a case of none at all, not enough or too much. This is nothing new: historians tell us of irregular patterns of great droughts followed by great floods throughout our continent's recorded past, and paleo-scientists tell us of similar happenings from beyond these times. It has to be said, though, that these extreme swings and the even greater difficulty of foreseeing them is exacerbated by the period of accelerated climate change our planet is currently undergoing, in great measure at the hand of us humans. What is amazing is the earth's ability to recover from these extremes, particularly in the wilder parts where the integrity of the land in terms of the naturally occurting plants and the creatures that feed on them is substantially intact. A particularly good example of this is Hwange National Park in the north-western corner of Zimbabwe. From our cover photograph of a baboon sentinel gazing imperiously over the Hwange landscape and Ariadne Van Zandbergen's other images of lush bush and well-fed animals that illustrate Ian Michler's article (see page 30), it is difficult to picture the harsh drought that gripped the region only months earlier. For a short while, heart-rending images of emaciated, thirst-crazed animals (and many dead ones too) were given wide coverage in both the local and international press. Mostly these were accompanied by articles pointing to the supposed collapse of Zimbabwe's wildlife infrastructure, which had led to water pumps that could have brought relief being inoperable. People from all over were drawn into the unfolding tragedy and gave generously to help ameliorate the situation. A few short months later, Michler visited a restored Eden. And while I commend the compassion and efforts of all who tried to help, it was nature that did the real healing, as following one of the hottest and driest periods on record, the rains came and, with seemingly miraculous speed, seeds germinated and trees and shrubs sprouted into food. Wildlife and conservation managers in Zimbabwe feel that, to some degree, the reports of drought were sensationalised by the press. While not dismissing the unpalatable fact that many animals did die of starvation (rather than thirst) they point out that hot, dry periods are part of the natural cycle for the region and, given the extteme conditions for the past summer, it was surprising that even more animals did not die. They go on to say that far greater dangers to conservation and animal populations arise out of poaching and unsustainable hunting. Yet again we are reminded (as if we need reminding) that nature is never the real threat to the world's wild places and wildlife. The real threat is us, the human species. And the only way to curb this threat is to bolster the hugely Inadequate funding of protected area management throughout Africa, not only to police and fence but also to work with communities and governments to find well-funded and sustainable solutions. About our magazine___ Africa Geographic is editorially and financially independent. It enjoys the support and endorsement of several non-government organisations, but it is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group. Africa Geographic strives to foster an awareness of wildlife, conservation, eco-travel. indigenous cultures and the general environment. It consistently advocates the wisest use of natural resources in a manner that involves and is of real benefit to the people of Africa. Africa Ceographic Is published 11 times a year.