"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine
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See a wild Tiger on Safari, India
The Tiger is the largest member of the cat family. Tiger numbers were around 100,000 in the early 1900's but are now estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000. Of the nine subspecies of Tiger only 5 exist on the wild- Bengal, Indochinese, Siberian, Sumatran and Malayan. South Chinese Tigers now only exist in captivity and the Caspian, Javan and Balinese Tigers are sadly extinct.
This dramatic drop in the numbers of tigers is due to poaching, the poaching of their prey and the destruction of their habitat. Wild tiger populations are now fragmented across India, China, South East Asia, Siberia and the island of Sumatra.
Seeing a tiger in the wild is a humbling and exilarating experience. In India you can take the safari on the back of an elephant for an added thrill. But before going on a Tiger Safari make sure to do your research and ensure that the tour operator is helping the survival of this endangered species. That any fees are put back into Tiger conservation so that future generations get to see this majestic creature.
This dramatic drop in the numbers of tigers is due to poaching, the poaching of their prey and the destruction of their habitat. Wild tiger populations are now fragmented across India, China, South East Asia, Siberia and the island of Sumatra.
Seeing a tiger in the wild is a humbling and exilarating experience. In India you can take the safari on the back of an elephant for an added thrill. But before going on a Tiger Safari make sure to do your research and ensure that the tour operator is helping the survival of this endangered species. That any fees are put back into Tiger conservation so that future generations get to see this majestic creature.
Visit the Orangutans of Borneo
Orangutans are the Asian great apes. The Orangutan is native to Malaysia and Indonesia in South East Asia, but are now only found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The Sumatran Orangutan is classed as critically endangered and the Bornean Orangutan as endangered. The Sumatran population is now approximately 7,000 and the Bornean between 45,000 and 69,000. This is a drop of 80% in 75 years for the Sumatran and 50% in 60 years for the Bornean. This is due to forest fires, logging, palm olive plantations, poaching, and the pet trade.
Orangutan's habitat is tropical and sub-tropical forests as they spend most of their time in the trees. In Malay Orangutan means 'person of the forest'.
The rainy season in Borneo runs from November to March and should be avoided, but expect some rain all year round.
Whether you choose Sumatra, Malaysian Borneo or Indonesian Borneo you will also have to choose whether to you want to see Orangutans in the wild or at a rehabilitation centre. Both have positive and negative aspects.
Rehabilitation centers may seem more convenient but remember that these are also there to serve mass tourism. The centers were originally set up to help orphaned, injured or captured orangutans back into the wild. Unfortunately the contact with humans has exposed some to diseases meaning they are unable to be released and others are never able to fully look after themselves outside of the center and continue to come back at feeding times. This is not to say there has been no successes just make sure you do your research before going as some now cater fully for paying tourists rather than rehabilitating the Orangutans there.
A more exciting, adventurous and some would say better way to see these gentle giants is to actually get out into the wild. It may be harder going and involve trekking for hours through swamps off the beaten track for no guarantee of actually seeing an Orangutan, but it is far more rewarding. This also helps by bringing money into the region and showing local landowners that there is outside interest in Orangutans and the protection of their natural habitat.
Again research fully before you go so that the tour or area you choose supports conservation and promotes eco-tourism as a way of sustaining and protecting the land and the creatures that make their home there.
Orangutan's habitat is tropical and sub-tropical forests as they spend most of their time in the trees. In Malay Orangutan means 'person of the forest'.
The rainy season in Borneo runs from November to March and should be avoided, but expect some rain all year round.
Whether you choose Sumatra, Malaysian Borneo or Indonesian Borneo you will also have to choose whether to you want to see Orangutans in the wild or at a rehabilitation centre. Both have positive and negative aspects.
Rehabilitation centers may seem more convenient but remember that these are also there to serve mass tourism. The centers were originally set up to help orphaned, injured or captured orangutans back into the wild. Unfortunately the contact with humans has exposed some to diseases meaning they are unable to be released and others are never able to fully look after themselves outside of the center and continue to come back at feeding times. This is not to say there has been no successes just make sure you do your research before going as some now cater fully for paying tourists rather than rehabilitating the Orangutans there.
A more exciting, adventurous and some would say better way to see these gentle giants is to actually get out into the wild. It may be harder going and involve trekking for hours through swamps off the beaten track for no guarantee of actually seeing an Orangutan, but it is far more rewarding. This also helps by bringing money into the region and showing local landowners that there is outside interest in Orangutans and the protection of their natural habitat.
Again research fully before you go so that the tour or area you choose supports conservation and promotes eco-tourism as a way of sustaining and protecting the land and the creatures that make their home there.
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Sail round the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These volcanic islands are spread over both sides of the equator and have been called a 'living museum and showcase of evolution'. They played a key role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection. This is because they are home to some unique and endemic species of bird’s, animals and marine life, and because the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity and the isolation of the islands have meant that the animals have evolved and adapted specifically to the island they are living on.
"It appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant countries." - Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle
The animal that the Galapagos islands are most associated with is the giant tortoise. The largest species of these can grow up to four feet in length and live for over 100 years. But you can also see fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, manta rays, and bird life includes Great Frigate, Blue Footed Booby bird, and the Galapagos Albatross.
A great way to visit these islands is on an organized boat tour or cruise.
"It appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant countries." - Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle
The animal that the Galapagos islands are most associated with is the giant tortoise. The largest species of these can grow up to four feet in length and live for over 100 years. But you can also see fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, manta rays, and bird life includes Great Frigate, Blue Footed Booby bird, and the Galapagos Albatross.
A great way to visit these islands is on an organized boat tour or cruise.
Explore the amazing Rainforest, rivers, and wildlife in the Amazon
The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, it covers 5,500,000 square kilometers of the Amazon Basin in South America. The majority of the rainforest is in Brazil but it also stretches into Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
The Amazon rainforest is named after the Amazon River which begins in the Peruvian Andes and flows for 4000 miles through the basin and into the Atlantic Ocean in Belem Brazil.
The Amazon is a diverse eco-system and is home to a vast range of mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds. 10% of the worlds species can be found in the Amazon and 20% of the worlds bird species, and they all rely on the rainforest for survival.
About 20% of the Amazon has already been lost because of deforestation and this is a continuing threat, as well as climate change, farming, the building of roads, dams, and logging.
The Amazon rainforest is named after the Amazon River which begins in the Peruvian Andes and flows for 4000 miles through the basin and into the Atlantic Ocean in Belem Brazil.
The Amazon is a diverse eco-system and is home to a vast range of mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds. 10% of the worlds species can be found in the Amazon and 20% of the worlds bird species, and they all rely on the rainforest for survival.
About 20% of the Amazon has already been lost because of deforestation and this is a continuing threat, as well as climate change, farming, the building of roads, dams, and logging.
Trek to see Mountain Gorillas
There are only around 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild and they can now only be found in the Virunga Volcanic Mountains of central Africa (Rwanda, Uganda & the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda).
New census figures (November 2012) show that the number of mountain gorillas have increased by 10% over the past two years, which is great as it was once thought that they could be extinct by the end of the 20th century. Unfortunately they still face many threats from disease, loss of habitat and poaching.
To visit the mountain Gorillas you will need to purchase a Gorilla Permit. This is so the number of visitors is limited to 6-12 (including rangers and trackers) per family group per day, this helps to avoid spreading diseases to the gorillas and to ensure these shy animals are not harassed. In the low season in Uganda a permit can cost $350 per day and $500 in high season, Rwanda $750 and DRC $400. These high fees are used for conservation efforts, to protect the Gorillas and contribute to their continued survival.
New census figures (November 2012) show that the number of mountain gorillas have increased by 10% over the past two years, which is great as it was once thought that they could be extinct by the end of the 20th century. Unfortunately they still face many threats from disease, loss of habitat and poaching.
To visit the mountain Gorillas you will need to purchase a Gorilla Permit. This is so the number of visitors is limited to 6-12 (including rangers and trackers) per family group per day, this helps to avoid spreading diseases to the gorillas and to ensure these shy animals are not harassed. In the low season in Uganda a permit can cost $350 per day and $500 in high season, Rwanda $750 and DRC $400. These high fees are used for conservation efforts, to protect the Gorillas and contribute to their continued survival.
Go Sea Kayaking with Killer Whales in British Columbia
Orcas or Killer Whales are the largest member of the Oceanic Dolphin family. They are powerful sea preditors that hunt in pods of up to 40 individuals and feed on other marine animals such as fish, squid, sea birds, seals, sea lions, and even whales.
British Columbia is the most western province in Canada, its capital is Victoria and its largest city is Vancouver. BC is a great place to go for an outdoors adventure especially sea kayaking. On a sea kayaking expedition you get to take in the breathtaking Canadian landscape as well as have the potential to see seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, bears and eagles, but the most popular draw is the chance to kayak beside Orcas. BC is the perfect destination because every year between July and October a group of about 200 Orcas can be found in an area called the Broughton Archipelago. This is a group islands and islets on the edge of the Pacific ocean. Johnston Strait is a narrow channel in the Broughton between Vancouver island and British Columbia mainland. It is here that most of BC's resident Orcas return every year to feed, sleep, play and mate, and it is here that sea kayaking tours head.
Tours can take place over a number of days to get the most out of the experience and include camping in the wilderness under the stars.
British Columbia is the most western province in Canada, its capital is Victoria and its largest city is Vancouver. BC is a great place to go for an outdoors adventure especially sea kayaking. On a sea kayaking expedition you get to take in the breathtaking Canadian landscape as well as have the potential to see seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, bears and eagles, but the most popular draw is the chance to kayak beside Orcas. BC is the perfect destination because every year between July and October a group of about 200 Orcas can be found in an area called the Broughton Archipelago. This is a group islands and islets on the edge of the Pacific ocean. Johnston Strait is a narrow channel in the Broughton between Vancouver island and British Columbia mainland. It is here that most of BC's resident Orcas return every year to feed, sleep, play and mate, and it is here that sea kayaking tours head.
Tours can take place over a number of days to get the most out of the experience and include camping in the wilderness under the stars.
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See a Polar bear in the wild
The Polar Bear is native to the Artic Circle and the surrounding seas. There are five nations that have wild Polar Bears, Norway, Greenland, USA (Alaska), Canada and Russia.
Polar Bears preferred food is seals and their ideal habitat is the sea ice. Polar Bears can swim for days at a time and at a speed of up to 6mph.
The biggest threats to Polar Bears are climate change, pollution, and hunting. Currently the Polar Bear population is estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000.
There are a number of tour options available and a lot of them centre around the Western shores of the Hudson Bay in Canada. In particular a town called Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. This is because every Autumn, hundreds of bears come out of hibernation and come down to the Bay to await the freeze and the chance to feed for the first time in six months. This two or three week opportunity to see the wild Polar Bears is between October and November.
Polar Bears preferred food is seals and their ideal habitat is the sea ice. Polar Bears can swim for days at a time and at a speed of up to 6mph.
The biggest threats to Polar Bears are climate change, pollution, and hunting. Currently the Polar Bear population is estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000.
There are a number of tour options available and a lot of them centre around the Western shores of the Hudson Bay in Canada. In particular a town called Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. This is because every Autumn, hundreds of bears come out of hibernation and come down to the Bay to await the freeze and the chance to feed for the first time in six months. This two or three week opportunity to see the wild Polar Bears is between October and November.
Spot the 'Big Five' on Safari
The big five refer to the African Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. The term was originally used by hunters and then turned into a marketing tool by Safari operators.
Although great to spot 'the big five' Africa has so many more animals equally amazing to see in the wild including, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Hippos, Gorillas, Crocodiles, and Zebras.
The best places in Africa to go on Safari are Chobe National Park, Botswana, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Etosha National Park, Namibia, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, Masai Mara, Kenya, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
Although great to spot 'the big five' Africa has so many more animals equally amazing to see in the wild including, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Hippos, Gorillas, Crocodiles, and Zebras.
The best places in Africa to go on Safari are Chobe National Park, Botswana, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Etosha National Park, Namibia, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, Masai Mara, Kenya, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.