Wildlife Bodyguards

I am a Anti-Poaching Ranger from South Africa. I'm here to share my photos and stories about the magnificent animals I protect everyday.

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Africa’s Big cats

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Great White Shark - by: { Morne Hardenberg}

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The Frame by Ole Henrik Skjelstad on 500px

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the last sunrise of the summer / by Laurent Meister

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Africa’s Big cats

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wildlifebodyguards A poacher being arrested carrying his kills.

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

As many people know, lionesses carry the pride. Groups of 3-6 hunt, while male lions will only join if there is large game involved. Lionesses also remain playful throughout their lives, unlike males. It is not unheard of to see cubs and lionesses playing with ostrich eggs, turtles, or mama lion will let the cubs play with her tail. This further demonstrates that lions are very social animals, they take pride in their pride.

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

In order to determine if female giraffes are ready to mate, the male giraffe will have the female urinate into his mouth (this is known as flehmen). A female giraffe’s urine tastes different when she is ready to mate.

Many giraffes have one spot on the back of their neck that is shaped like a heart.

Thus, giraffes are kinky and cute. 

To learn more about conservation, like us on Facebook

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr

This young male was very relaxed and calm while I was photographing him. However, after I was finished taking pictures I turned my back to leave he cheekily started stalking me. Looking back at him he froze and acted like nothing was going on. I turned my back again and he did the same thing. Moral of the story: Don’t turn your back on a male lion.

For more information on conservation and anti-poaching in South Africa like us on Facebook

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Leopard Tortoise by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

I found this little cutie while I was patrolling the Bulele Nature Reserve (part of The Greater Kruger Park). Named for his markings, he’s just a wee little guy now, but Leopard Tortoise’s can grow to be 460 mm (18 inches). You never know what you’re going to find on patrol!

For more information on conservation and anti-poaching in South Africa, like us on Facebook

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr

The common name for this regal looking bird is a "Grey Go Away" bird. Aptly named for its distinctive 'go way' like call. They use this call when humans or other animals approach. If hearing the call of this bird in the distance, there is likely a human, poacher, or large animal in the vicinity.

To learn more about conservation and anti poaching in South Africa, like us on Facebook

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

In order to determine if female giraffes are ready to mate, the male giraffe will have the female urinate into his mouth (this is known as flehmen). A female giraffe’s urine tastes different when she is ready to mate.

Many giraffes have one spot on the back of their neck that is shaped like a heart.

Thus, giraffes are kinky and cute. 

To learn more about conservation, like us on Facebook

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

Chinese traditional medicine users and proprietors believe the consumption of tiger bones can treat ailments ranging from heart and kidney disease to scabies and joint aches. As the worlds tiger populations have plummeted to critical levels the supply has been substituted with lion bones. Now hunting and poaching adds to the pressure of this already endangered big cat.

Like us on Facebook to learn more.

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Photo by Stan Mastrantonis via Tumblr 

A male leopard can weigh up to about 80 kilograms. But can quite easily pull a carcass twice its weight up a tree--backwards. Its unique joint and musculoskeletal structure allow them to lock their wrists in place to keep grip on the tree. They are truly amazing creatures.

However due to their incredible strength many cultures believe that one can inherit the strength of the leopard by ingesting it. So like the black rhino, the leopard is being poached. It is a shame and an outrage that these animals are being pushed further towards extinction for a completely fabricated myth. Like us on Facebook and learn more.

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There have been a lot in the media recently about the dwindling rhino population, but what does it actually mean? 

Writing from personal experience and research I explore why this magnificent beast may disappear from our planet.