Safari Notes

Size:3,800 sq. km (1,500 sq. miles) Habitat type:Deserts and Xeric Shrublands Geographic Location:Island off the northeast coast of Africa (the Horn of Africa) Yemen Conservation Status:Critical/Endangered Some places seem to hover on the edge of the imagination. The remote and exotic island of Socotra, located between the coasts of Yemen and Somalia in the Indian Ocean, is just such a place. Known by ancient Indian, Arabian and Greek seafarers as an entrepôt for myrrh, frankincense and dragon’s blood trees, Socotra has been biologically isolated for several million years. Socotra remains one of the most fascinating places on earth, and has Arabia's greatest plant diversity. On our Yemen holidays on Socotra Island we will introduce you to the natural wonders of this blessed island, dubbed ‘the other Galapagos’. Responsible Travel More On Socotra: Socotraisland.org , Worldwildlife , FTIYemen , Wikpeadia , National Geographic , Lexicorient , New York Times , Arabian Widlife , Books ,

 Islam commands us to be kind and caring to all Wildlife and all living Creatures: There is not an animal (That lives) on the earth, Nor a being that flies On its wings, but (forms Part of communities like you. Nothing have We omitted From the Book, and they (all) Shall be gathered to their Lord In the end. The Noble Qura'an ~ 6:38 Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself. ~ Wisdom of Prophet Muhammad All creatures are like a family (Ayal) of God: and he loves the most those who are the most beneficent to His family. ~ Wisdom of Prophet Muhammad The Prophet(s) was asked if acts of charity even to the animals were rewarded by God. He replied: 'yes, there is a reward for acts of charity to every beast alive.' (Narrated by Abu Huraira, Bukhari, 3:322. Also Muslim, Vol. 4; Hadith No. 2244. Also Awn (Ref. No. 32), 7:222, Hadith No. 2533. Also Mishkat al-masabih, Book 6; Chapter 6. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "While a man was walking a

That's what I wished for , a few months ago. And well, Mr. Obama has almost decided: he's deciding whether to run for President . Again I say: it's only in the United States that some one with a background as Barack's, where one can have such aspirations and dreams. He has just taken the first steps ; a few excerpts from Barack's message: "As many of you know, over the last few months I have been thinking hard about my plans for 2008. Running for the presidency is a profound decision - a decision no one should make on the basis of media hype or personal ambition alone - and so before I committed myself and my family to this race, I wanted to be sure that this was right for us and, more importantly, right for the country." "..I've spent some time thinking about how I could best advance the cause of change and progress that we so desperately need." "Politics has become so bitter and partisan, so gummed up by money and influence, that we ca

How many people still read, regularly, the National Geographic Magazine and News? And such like? It seems, to me, fewer and fewer people are doing so. Mostly the old; least of all - the young. With a world full of other deviations like: the TV, computer games and other kinds of gadgets, people - the young in particular - have very little time for reading; especially reading articles such as those published by the National Geographic and such like. It's sad, in that - the National Geographic and other similar medias - such as The World Wildlife Fund and The African Wildlife Foundation - are the best sources, for knowledge and building awareness in our natural World and surroundings; and making people conscious of it. No wonder, the Earth is becoming more and more polluted and warmer; Arctic ice is melting fast and more and more animals and plants are becoming extinct. It's predicted that, before the end of this century, Polar bears will no longer live in the wild due to thei

Africa: Are Death, Disease And Decay the Face of Africa? The Nation (Nairobi) OPINIONJanuary 8, 2007Posted to the web January 8, 2007 Rasna WarahNairobi No one smiles in Africa, not even when they are being photographed. At least that is the impression one gets when seeing images of Africa through the lens of a Western photographer. Read On......

Flamingos, the main attraction for tourists at Lake Nakuru National Park, are moving to other lakes - even to as far as to Western Kenya; and many are, each day, dying too. The local officials' claim that, the birds are moving and dying due to the Lake loosing water due to drought - is nothing more than just trying to find excuses. The truth is that, Lake Nakuru and the surrounding habitat, have been poorly managed and are not well protected. There is no doubt that, the very beautiful and graceful birds are moving out of the area in large numbers - mainly due to the pollution and contamination of the lake, and a reduction of the quantity of the lake's water. Local factories, continuously release large amounts of wastes in to the lake; and the few streams that feed the lake, pass through populated residential areas - who too: release, pour and throw wastes in to the streams which then end up in to the lake. The few streams which feed the lake, are also diverted - along the way

Of late, in the last few months - Africa has become a darling for celebrities. It has hardly been out of International headlines; it is refreshing. In a way. I am tired of reading only about wars, famines, natural disasters, diseases and all the negative very painful reportage on Africa. These celebrities have got the World's attention on Africa's negative aspects, but with a difference. Most have, even in small ways, made positive contributions in changing lives. Bob Geldof, Bono, Mia Farrow, Angelina Jolie and her hubby Brad Pitt, Jessica Lange, Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Matt Dillon and recently - George Clooney. All are taking up issues concerning Africa and letting the World be more aware of them. Whether the celebrities' concern are honest and well intended or just a way of creating and getting publicity for themselves, is irrelevant to me. At least, through them - some of Africa's problems have been getting International attention. Has the year 2