It could be possible to stop locust swarms using their own scent
A single locust is just bigger than a paper clip. But when these solitary critters attract others into a growing swarm, billions of locusts wind up flying together, forming a moving carpet that can block out the sun and strip the landscape of plants and crops. Giant swarms like this have Read More...
Why digital agriculture investments are critical in Africa
Although Africa has registered only three percent of the world’s COVID-19 cases, the continent is feeling the economic impacts of the pandemic more heavily than those of the disease. Investment in digital resources, especially in the agricultural sector, will be key for Africa’s recovery from Read More...
New photos of world’s rarest great apes with babies raises hopes
The Cross River gorilla is the most endangered subspecies of gorilla, with only 300 of them known to live in the wild. But the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has raised hopes that these animals at risk of extinction are actually reproducing after many photos of the rare gorillas were captured Read More...
Scientists are battling locust swarms from space
Locust swarms are serious. In a single day, a desert locust swarm (about 40 million bugs) can eat as much food as 35,000 people in a single day — and in the summer of 2020, billions of locusts were devouring crops across East Africa and the Middle East as part of an outbreak the size of which Read More...
This company is using drones to help fight malaria
Technology is a critical tool in modern medicine. In parts of Africa, drones are becoming a vital resource for combating malaria. A “crowd-droning” platform called Globhe is providing critical information for public health agencies on population statistics and potential mosquito breeding Read More...
Trade of wild African elephants will be banned under new international agreement
It will no longer be legal for wild baby elephants to be snatched from their families and exported to zoos around the world. The landmark conservation decision is the result of a new international agreement ratified by members of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Read More...
Meet the majestic “General Sherman,” resident of Sequoia National Park
General Sherman, a 2000-year-old giant sequoia, is not the largest tree in terms of height, but it does take the cake in total wood volume at an astonishing 52,500 cubic feet. The tree resides within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park and is a popular tourist destination for those who wish to Read More...
Africa on brink of eliminating polio as Nigeria marks 3 years without the virus
As the world strives to eradicate polio, Africa may soon reach a major breakthrough in efforts to rid the planet of one of the most devastating diseases of all time. Marking three years since the last case of polio was detected in Nigeria, the continent is expected to be certified free of wild Read More...
Kenya unveils Africa’s largest wind farm
With an eye on sustainable development, Kenya announced at the end of last year that it plans to move the country to 100 percent green energy by 2020. Now the nation has officially launched Africa’s largest wind power farm in a bid to boost electricity generating capacity and bring the country Read More...
African elephant poaching falls dramatically as ivory demand slows
Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic animals, but the crisis of illegal poaching has left numerous species vulnerable and even on the brink of extinction. Among these animals are elephants, that die in the number of tens of thousands each year for their ivory tusks. The good news Read More...