African Crossroads’ climate-themed fourth edition, “Ecoexistence: A Manifesto”, held on October 14 and 15, was a testament of radical inclusion, featuring voices of change from townships, villages, universities, creative hubs and even the natural elements. From naming Air the guest of honour, to drawing on the sounds of nature in the open-source archive, Sound Atlas, and the culturally immersive game, Lotus of the Nile, the event was marked by organic maximalism and moved away from a human-centered environmental cosmology to emphasise the interconnectedness of life. This Is Africa revisits highlights of the two-day hybrid conference.
Wildlife
Politics and Society Lions are less likely to attack cattle with eyes painted on their backsides
Many carnivores are ambush predators. Being seen by their prey can lead to them abandoning the hunt. In a new study we describe how painting eyes on the backsides of livestock can protect them from attack.
Politics and Society ‘Sides of a Horn’ sheds light on the human toll associated with the poaching crisis
Conservation enthusiasts can experience the premiere of wildlife film, ‘Sides of a Horn’ which highlights the conflict between poachers and game rangers in communities. Film producers chose to create a short film, “to tell vital, urgent stories, and this story is as urgent as they come.”
Politics and Society Hope for the revival of the Northern White Rhino
After the death of Sudan; the last male northern white Rhino; the extinction of the species seemed imminent. Scientists have however managed to create two embryos using eggs from the two remaining female Northern White Rhinos and frozen sperm from deceased males. A step that may lead to the revival of the sub-species.
Arts, Culture and Sport Lupita Nyong’o narrates Discovery Channel’s docuseries which explores life on the Serengeti Plain
The ‘Serengeti’ is the title of a new, six-part wildlife docuseries series by the Discovery Channel debuting this August. The series will highlight the majestic animals of Tanzania’s Serengeti region and their day-to-day lives. It will also feature an original score and narration by Academy Award-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o
Lifestyle Kifaru: a feature documentary that explores the painful emptiness of extinction
Beyond the global headlines surrounding the precarious condition, and consequent death of ‘Sudan,’ the last male northern white rhino in existence, ‘Kifaru’ tells the moving story of Sudan’s looming death through the eyes of his primary caregivers. The feature, which has already won several illustrious film awards paints a stark picture of what it looks like when a species ceases to exist.
Arts, Culture and Sport It’s Sarabi’s pride, Mufasa just lives there: a biologist on The Lion King
Lions don’t generally have armies of hyenas, but not every aspect of The Lion King is inaccurate.
Lifestyle Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: Madagascar
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park seems unreal but it is people. Nature at it’s finest. Take a look at the astounding images.
Lifestyle Omo The White Giraffe: Tanzania
Meet Omo! She is a 15 month old giraffe. She was found in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.