Malilangwe Trust

A Malilangwe start to the week, you don’t grow when you’re comfortable. . . . #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #PT #scouts #antipoaching #zimbabwe #malilangwescouts

If you could be anywhere in the world, where would it be? #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #beautifulzimbabwe #sunsets #sundowners # nature #wildplaces Footage: @jenconaghan

Whilst some reptiles may not be for everyone, it's hard not to be impressed with nature's diversity. @jenny_hishin_photojournalist images and insights… I, like many of you, am not a big fan of snakes. However, when they are discretely and respectfully going about their business and not trying to trip you up, I am able to admire them - from a safe distance. In this case the serpent was a non-venomous southern African rock python (Python natalensis) that was in the process of constricting a dassie/ rock hyrax. It was macabre yet mesmerizing watching the reptile consume its prey. In these photos the python has coiled itself around the dassie and is in the process of clamping the coils tighter and tighter, asphyxiating the dassie. It would have ambushed the dassie, biting it quickly before starting to immobilise it by coiling around it. See how it tests the air with its forked black tongue, trying to assess if we are a threat. Pythons are very vulnerable to attack from predators like leopards when they are in the process of killing and consuming their prey. If threatened or disturbed they will abandon the prey by uncoiling themselves and slithering away, so it's really important for us as spectators to let it consume its meal - especially as one dassie will feed a python for a few months. In the last two photos you can see it has released the dead dassie and started the long process of swallowing it. Contrary to popular belief pythons don't unhinge their jaws to swallow their food. Instead a stretchy connective tissue between their cranium and lower jaw allows them to open their mouths four times wider than their skulls. We watched as it then twisted and turned in order to move its body over the dassie, inch by inch, until it had covered the whole carcass and could close its mouth and swallow it down. #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #reptiles #herping #pythons #nature #wildlifephotography #snakesofinstagram #singita_

In between their toes and all over - our African Wild Dogs soaking up some cool relief from a highly prized, almost dry creek bed on a snoozy afternoon. With temperatures still in the high 30s’C and above, any opportunity to cool off is a must. Images: @chlo_maureen #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #adricanwilddogs #dogsofinstagram #canids #zimbabwe #mudbath

One of the most powerful forces in Africa, is her people. International women’s day aims in identifying, celebrating, and increasing visibility of women's achievements for the betterment of all. By sharing our empowering journey’s, we help to create tangible impact, and offer inspiration and knowledge pollination that fuels the next generation of trailblazers. #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #internationalwomensday #girlpower #community #laughter

How many kingfisher can you name? With in excess of over one hundred brightly coloured species, kingfishers have a cosmopolitan distribution across the globe, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica. They all share common characteristics of striking plumage, large heads with strong, sharp, pointed bills that complement their impressive hunting abilities. Whilst the Giant kingfisher may be the biggest species found across Africa, the largest of all the kingfisher family worldwide belongs to an Australian favourite - the Kookaburra. Images: @jenny_hishin_photojournalist #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #birdsofinstagram #kingfishers #birds#conservation #zimbabwe #nature

Blended Salmon hues and a pastel blue horizon set the backdrop to an idyllic early morning sighting of a relaxed white rhino family. Methodically, they mow the dried grasses filling their enormous appetites. Oblivious to the around the clock protection and support team that work tirelessly to ensure their long term survival. Image: @mark.saunders1969 @malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #zimbabwe #conservation #whiterhinos #rhinoconservation #ourlegacy #ourfuture

Education equality is critical for development and helps lay the foundations for growth and social well-being. The provision of sustainable and reusable sanitary pads via our RESCUWS program enables girls in the surrounding communities to attend school with dignity. Thereby increasing confidence whilst reducing absenteeism and without financial burden for up to 5 years. Now that’s worth singing about. @roarafrica @afripads_ltd #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #ROARAFRICA #WomensEmpowerment #education #ourfuture #girlpower #equality #sustainability #reusablesanitarypads #zimbabwe

Sobering official statistics have emerged via the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment who have announced that 499 rhinos were killed in 2023. This represents a worrying increase of over 10% against 2022's poaching losses. These figures highlight the ongoing conservation challenges for the sustainable survival and protection of all remaining rhino populations. It is imperative we continue to ensure they have a viable future in protected wild spaces. This responsibility falls to each of us; in the everyday choices we make for our planet and via our actions in supporting tangible conservation efforts that make a sustainable difference to rhino strongholds, which in turn also provides habitat for a diverse range of animal and plant species. On a daily basis in all weather conditions, the Malilangwe Scouts continue to quietly carry out their duties with resolve, maintaining the ongoing protection and guardianship of these iconic animals. A management strategy that is underpinned by science, restoring and maintaining a balanced habitat and protected by a strategic, disciplined and passionate Anti-poaching team. Image: @jenconaghan #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #zimbabwe #conservation #rhinos #rhinoconservation #ourfuture #antipoaching #bethechange

Africa’s sun can be a furnace, it can melt or forge you. As it set, the final golden fiery flecks perfectly lit the observatory giraffe and wild dog pack already engrossed in the initial moments of a silent and co-ordinated pursuit. Image: @jenny_hishin_photojournalist #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #zimbabwe #giraffe #wilddog #sunset #africasusets #goldenhour #singita_

‘There’s only one thing better than finding a leopard orchid in a tree.’ @jenny_hishin_photojournalist #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #zimbabwe #leopards #bigcats #africanorchids #flowers #flora #singita_

An arial percher. . The Pied Kingfisher’s black and white cocktail attire and impressive arial hunting prowess are distinctive qualities - often using ‘hovering’ as a major hunting technique. With wings beating rapidly above the water, it’s a very energy consuming activity most effective for Kingfishers that feed aquatic prey. This female had three quick successes, each time via a precision plunge into the water catching her unsuspecting meal. Then, using her strong dagger like beak to deliver a stunning blow or coup de grace prior to gulping down lunch. Images: @jenny_hishin_photojournalist #malilangwe_trust #malilangwewildlifereserve #zimbabwe #conservation #piedkingfisher #kingfishers #twitter #birdsofinstagram #singita_