Imagine diving under water at high speed or wrestling with struggling prey while still needing perfect vision. For many animals, this is routine. Their secret is an anatomical feature called the nictitating membrane. The name comes from the Latin word nictare, meaning to blink. It is also commonly referred to as a third eye lid. …
Sea Turtles Along Tanzania’s Coast Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in Tanzania’s coastal waters. Drawn by extensive seagrass meadows and healthy reef systems, these ancient marine reptiles play a vital role in the country’s coastal ecosystems. Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) also regularly nest …
Returning Home: Sea Turtle Conservation in Tanzania Read More »
I have been based in Rwanda for the last four years and have had the pleasure of photographing many different primate species in their natural habitat across the region. I have also had the privilege of documenting and supporting the work of international conservation organisations working to protect these amazing creatures. From Mountain Gorillas and …
From the beautiful iridescence of a sunbird through to the cryptically earth-toned patterns of a nightjar, bird plumage has to be among the most striking and awesome of all animal clothing. Feathers are unique to birds and first evolved millions of years ago on their dinosaur ancestors. Feathers are the most complex structures to be …
When I look through my photographs of Rwanda’s birds I am always struck by their diversity. They’re a kaleidoscope of different colours and patterns. There is amazing variation in overall shape and size. This is also true if I just focus on all the different beaks or bills of the different species of birds! So, …
The oxpecker family, scientifically known as Buphagidae, compromises of just two species, both of which are residents here in Rwanda and found in Akagera National Park. Their plumage is described as being a drab brown with lighter undersides. The eyes of both species are a striking bright yellow which boldly contrasts with their otherwise subdued …
Rwanda’s twelve woodpecker species have found homes in a variety of wooded habitats at differing elevations across the land of a thousand hills. From the montane rain forests in the west and north of the country through to the savannahs and woodlands in the east, and everywhere in between. The plumage of the woodpecker family …
Getting to know Rwanda’s birds – The Woodpeckers Read More »
If you want to see lots of range-restricted bird species in Rwanda, then Nyungwe National Park is without doubt the place to be! Nyungwe is part of the Albertine rift, a mountain range which runs through Uganda, DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda. This region is renowned for its high number of Albertine Rift Endemic (ARE) species, …
Nyungwe National Park – Afro-montane birding at its best Read More »
If it’s avian diversity you want, then look no further than Akagera National Park! Not only is Akagera a birding hotspot but it’s also home to lions, leopards, elephants, black and white rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and so much more too! Located in north eastern Rwanda, along the international border with Tanzania and it’s …
Akagera National Park – an absolute gem for watching birds Read More »
Rwanda is home to approximately 9 members of the shrike family Laniidae, and this includes the Northern Fiscal and Grey-backed Fiscal. The fiscals get their name from their ‘suit-and-tie appearance’ apparently reminiscent of an old British taxman! The majority of Rwanda’s shrike family are breeding residents and can be found throughout the year. The two …