African Predators [antikvár]

FOREWORD Africa is the 'cradle of mankind', and we can trace our human ancestry back to this continent through our own genes. This mop of who we are and where we come from shows clearly that all humans on the other continents are descended from the small number of tribes that left Africa to colonize the world some 100 000 years ago. In this sense, all humans are Africans, and the condition of this ancestral continent should be of universal concern. The last significant relics of the megofauna that once strode all the continents are found only in Africa, and many visitors come from all corners of the earth to view the elephants, rhinos, antelopes and the predators. It is the large predators, usually the big cats, that often grab the most attention, and the thrill of seeing wild lions or leopards in their natural environment is an experience of a lifetime. The wild dog, hyaenas and the jackals also fascinate visitors to Africa. There ore in fact 14 large terrestrial predators, meaning those weighing about 10 kg or more, in Africa, and this book provides fascinating facts, figures and insights about them that will enlighten even the most seasoned wildlife enthusiast. Regrettably, this group of predators is not universally loved in Africa, and several species have suffered from a serious reduction in numbers and range, while some are precariously surviving In protected areas that are like islands In the sea of humanity. Because predators regularly conflict with animal husbandry by humans, and because humans have superior firepower and technology, the ancient tapestry that wove man and beast together in Africa Is unravelling at an ever-Increasing pace. The planet Is In the grip of the 'sixth extinction', where human activities are causing the rapid loss of species from a variety of ecosystems. Africa, with Its rapid population growth and often volatile politics, has the most to lose in terms of wild areas, biodiversity and megafouno. The rapid spread of knowledge about the continent's rich natural heritage is essential In the battle to save It from destruction. The Intellectual and moral responsibility to do so rests not only with the people of Africa, but with their close relatives, the people of the rest of the world. This book does a fine job of spreading the word about predators, their role in ecosystems, and their place in Africa. It should be widely read and disseminated, so that the responsibility of conserving these animals for future generations of humans will be based on an enlightened foundation. Dr John Ledger Director, Endangered Wildlife Trust Endangered Wildlife Trust EWT Mission Statement: The Endangered Wildlife Trust conserves endangered species and ecosystems in Southern Africa by: initiating and funding research and conservation action programmes; preventing species extinctions and maintaining biodiversity; supporting sustainable natural resource management; communicating the principles of sustainable living by education and awareness programmes to the broadest possible constituency, for the benefit of the people of the region. CCG Mission Statement: The Carnivore Conservation Group promotes the conservation of carnivores through integrated research on aspects that will help develop and implement sound management strategies.