Island EcoVentures

03/10/2024

Hello fellow travelers, as you may or may not know, I recently moved to Colorado (in November). I'm sorry I haven't posted in ages, but I've been rather busy adjusting to my new life and environment. I just signed up, as I do annually, for the Pangolin photo challenge and while in previous years this involved donating to the cause, this year it involved attending the Pangolin Africa training academy and completing the Pangolin Champions course.

I was fully aware that Pangolins were being persecuted, but did not know the extent of their plight and it's clear that most people are similarly unaware or don't even know what a Pangolin is.

Today, I'd like to shine a spotlight on this, one of Africa's lesser-known yet critically endangered species.

Pangolins, often referred to as "scaly anteaters," are extraordinary creatures that play a vital role in their ecosystems. With their unique armor-like scales and gentle demeanor, they roam the forests and savannas, contributing to the delicate balance of nature.

However, they are facing an unprecedented crisis. They are the most trafficked mammal in the world, persecuted for their scales, which are falsely believed to possess medicinal properties in some traditional Asian cultures. This demand has led to rampant poaching and illegal trafficking, driving pangolin populations towards extinction.

As responsible travelers, it's crucial that we raise awareness about the plight of pangolins and take action to protect them. Here's how you can make a difference:

Educate Yourself: Learn more about pangolins, their behavior, and the threats they face. Knowledge is the first step towards advocacy.

Take time to watch this very informative and deeply moving video:

https://www.pangolin.africa/the-film

Support Conservation Organizations: Consider donating to reputable organizations dedicated to pangolin conservation, such as the Pangolin Crisis Fund or the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pangolin Specialist Group.

Spread the Word: Share information about pangolins and their conservation on social media platforms, encouraging others to get involved.

Choose Responsible Tourism: Opt for travel experiences that prioritize ethical wildlife encounters and support local conservation efforts.

Together, we can be the voice for pangolins and ensure their survival for generations to come. Let's make a difference and protect these incredible creatures that are an integral part of Africa's natural heritage.

Happy adventuring!

We have partnered with Pangolin Photo Safaris, Biggest Leaf Travel and award-winning South African filmmakers Bruce Young and Johan Vermeulen to produce a powerful, awareness raising film about the critical situation facing the African pangolin. From the co-director of Blood Lions, this powerful doc...

09/28/2023

Zodiac Journeys: Travel Aligned with Your Star Sign

I trust this message finds you well and ready for an exciting adventure! Recently, I stumbled upon an intriguing article in a renowned travel magazine that delves into the fascinating world of astrological travel. It presented 12 distinct trip ideas, each aligned with a sign of the zodiac. As someon...

07/30/2023

Creating a greener world, one Journey at a time!

Hello Fellow Travelers, I hope this message finds you well and excited about embarking on a journey of meaningful exploration. As the founder of this eco-conscious travel venture, I am delighted to introduce myself and share a little about my story, passion, and commitment to sustainable travel.

05/19/2023

05/19/2023

Today is endangered species day! One species that I've become very familiar with is the Least Tern. Although considered threatened here in Florida, Great Plains and Midwest terns are endangered.
Least Terns have lost extensive nesting habitat to beach development and increased human activity. They are colony nesters, meaning they nest in a group, which allows them to exchange information about food sources, as well as to detect and mob predators. An entire colony can be easily destroyed by predation by foxes, raccoons, dogs and house cats and even (as I've just discovered, Night Herons), by human trampling, or by catastrophic storms.
In the past couple of decades, due to habitat loss, least terns have taken to nesting on flat roofs, especially gravel ones.
Least terns do respond quickly to improved habitat, such as the removal of beach vegetation or the dumping of dredged sand. Populations seem to be slowly rising, although they are still listed as 'threatened' by the state. At many nesting areas, signs warn people against entering colonies, many of which are roped off during breeding season.
Today is endangered species day! One species that I've become very familiar with is the Least Tern. Although considered threatened here in Florida, Great Plains and Midwest terns are endangered.
Least Terns have lost extensive nesting habitat to beach development and increased human activity. They are colony nesters, meaning they nest in a group, which allows them to exchange information about food sources, as well as to detect and mob predators. An entire colony can be easily destroyed by predation by foxes, raccoons, dogs and house cats and even (as I've just discovered, Night Herons), by human trampling, or by catastrophic storms.
In the past couple of decades, due to habitat loss, least terns have taken to nesting on flat roofs, especially gravel ones.
Least terns do respond quickly to improved habitat, such as the removal of beach vegetation or the dumping of dredged sand. Populations seem to be slowly rising, although they are still listed as 'threatened' by the state. At many nesting areas, signs warn people against entering colonies, many of which are roped off during breeding season.

04/07/2023

Check out my blog post

10/24/2022

Hello, I am thrilled to be supporting Birds Need Us by helping to fundraise for their giving day on Friday, November 11, 2022. Birds need us now more than ever as 3 billion have been lost in the last 50 years and two-thirds of North American species are at increasing risk of extinction from climate....

10/19/2022

We have two very exciting African Safari's planned for 2023 & 2024