Join the Effort: Contribute to Protect our Rainforests

We all know that forests are vital to our lives, providing the air we breathe and housing over half of the world’s land-based wildlife. It is never enough to emphasize the issue of deforestation which threatens both human health and our planet by increasing carbon emissions, contributing to pollution, and driving climate change. In this article, we will focus on two major contributors: palm oil production and illegal logging.

Rainforest deforestation map
Font: WWF

According to a deforestation report from the World Wildlife Fund, we lost over 160,000 square miles between 2004 and 2017.

Agriculture is the leading driver of global deforestation, fueled by increased food consumption. Palm oil plantations, in particular, have a significant impact. Palm oil is primarily used for cooking in developing countries and is also found in food products, detergents, cosmetics, and, biofuel.

While plantations expand across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, providing job opportunities for local communities who, drawn by the prospect of decent wages, do not realize the long-term consequences, this growth is causing widespread destruction of critical habitat for many endangered species including orangutans, rhinos, elephants and tigers. Moreover, burning forests to make room for the crop is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and intensive cultivation methods result in soil pollution, erosion, and water contamination.

With better management practices, the palm oil industry can thrive without harming forests. By enforcing strict production criteria, oil palm plantations can operate sustainably without encroaching on rainforests.

WWF is actively involved in this effort by:

  • Promoting sustainable palm oil production through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which includes palm oil producers, buyers, and environmental groups
  • Encouraging companies to use certified sustainable palm oil in their products
  • Working to remove incentives that drive forest destruction for palm oil production

You can contribute by donating at https://www.worldwildlife.org/.

In Borneo, forests are disappearing rapidly, with palm oil plantations and illegal logging causing the loss of half the island’s forest cover in the past 50 years.

Due to poverty and limited access to healthcare, many residents have turned to illegal logging.

Founded in 2006, Health in Harmony (HIH) is a rainforest conservation organization that supports the health of people, ecosystems, and the planet by collaborating with rainforest communities on solutions in healthcare, livelihoods, and education.

Orangutan Gunung Leuser
photo © mytouristmaps

Although Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities represent only 6% of the global population, they protect over 80% of Earth’s biodiversity. HIH believes these communities are the experts the world must listen to and work with to address the climate crisis.

In 2017, the company launched a chainsaw buyback program, offering farmers money and support to establish alternative livelihoods in exchange for turning in their chainsaws. HIH’s healthcare clinic allows residents to pay in whatever way they can, whether with cash, seedlings, manure, rice husks, or other available resources and the medical centre provides also discounts to villages that demonstrate a reduction in illegal logging.

A 2020 Stanford University study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detailed the ten-year impact at a proof-of-concept site in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, HIH developed a plan to scale up their efforts, expanding to additional sites in West Kalimantan (Bukit Baka Bukit Raya), the Manombo Forest in southern Madagascar, and the Xingu River Basin in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.

Here are some interesting numbers:

8.7 million hectares of rainforest protected
88,441,929 pounds of carbon dioxide protected in Indonesia
10,322 patient visits conducted across all sites
697 under-5 infants received healthcare in Borneo
3,000+ orangutans protected in Borneo
Increased access to family planning and birth control at all program sites
42,000+ old-growth trees protected in Borneo through Chainsaw Buyback
1,690 community members received benefits from our Conservation Stimulus package in Indonesia
10,196 people in 28 villages supported through community outreach programs in Borneo
87,295+ signatures on our petition to U.S. Congress on future pandemic prevention

In 2024, HIH aims to protect 11 million hectares of rainforest across Indonesia, Madagascar, and Brazil, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities leading the efforts. This includes an additional 1.65 million hectares to be safeguarded this year. The organization will also support 335,000 people in these regions as they work to protect rainforests globally.

You can contribute by donating at https://healthinharmony.org/

Mapping Memories to Create Your Unique Travel Photobook


photo © pexels.com

Traveling offers a wealth of new experiences, cultures, and landscapes.

Each trip provides moments worth preserving and reliving. A travel photobook is a perfect way to document these adventures, creating a tangible collection of memories.

This article will guide you through the process of creating a unique travel photobook that captures the essence of your journeys.

Why Create a Travel Photobook?

– Emotional and Nostalgic Value

A travel photobook is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a journey back in time. Flipping through its pages can evoke the emotions and excitement you felt during your travels.

It serves as a personal time capsule, preserving the moments and experiences that made your trip special.

– Tangibility and Physical Connection

In an age where most of our photos are stored digitally, having a physical photobook creates a tangible connection to your memories.

Holding a photobook, feeling the paper, and seeing the printed images provide a different and more intimate experience than scrolling through digital files.

– Creative Expression and Storytelling


photo © pexels.com

Creating a photobook allows you to express your creativity. From selecting photos to designing the layout, you can tell your travel story in a way that is uniquely yours.

The process of creating a photobook itself can be a rewarding and reflective activity, allowing you to relive and appreciate your travels.

Planning Your Photobook

– Deciding on a Central Theme or Concept


photo © pexels.com

The first step in creating a travel photobook is deciding on a central theme.

A well-defined theme helps unify your photos and stories, giving your photobook a cohesive look and feel. Think about what aspect of your travels you want to highlight.

Examples of themes include cultural experiences, nature and landscapes, or adventure and activities.

– Gathering and Organizing Travel Photos

Once you have your theme, start gathering your travel photos. Organize them by trip, location, or event. This will make it easier to select the best images for your photobook.

Consider using photo organization software to help you sort and manage your collection.

– Outlining the Structure and Flow of the Photobook

Decide on the structure and flow of your photobook. Will it be chronological, following the sequence of your trip, or thematic, grouping photos by themes or locations?

Creating an outline or storyboard can help you visualize the flow and ensure a smooth narrative.

Selecting and Editing Photos

– Choosing High-Quality Images

Select photos that are clear, well-composed, and high-resolution. Avoid blurry or poorly lit images, as they can detract from the overall quality of your photobook.

Aim for a mix of candid shots and scenic views to capture the spontaneity and beauty of your travels.

– Balancing Candid Shots with Scenic Views


photo © pexels.com

Include a variety of photos: people, landscapes, activities, and close-ups of interesting details. Candid shots capture the spontaneity and joy of your travels, while scenic views showcase the beauty of the places you’ve visited.

This variety keeps your photobook engaging and visually appealing.

– Editing Tips to Enhance Photo Quality

Use photo editing software to enhance the quality of your images. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos look their best.

Cropping can help improve composition, and retouching tools can remove any distractions or imperfections.

– Designing the Layout

Using Photobook Software or Online Services
Choose a photobook software or online service that offers the tools and flexibility you need. Popular options include Adobe InDesign, Shutterfly, Mixbook, and Blurb.

These platforms provide templates and customization options to help you create a professional-looking photobook.

– Layout Tips: Balance, Spacing, and Alignment

Balance and Spacing: Ensure there is enough white space to avoid a cluttered look. Balance the placement of photos and text to create a harmonious design.

  • Alignment: Keep photos and text aligned for a clean and professional appearance. Consistent alignment creates a polished and cohesive look.
  • Consistent Style: Use consistent fonts and colors to maintain a cohesive look throughout your photobook.

    – Incorporating Text: Captions, Dates, and Stories

    Add captions, dates, and short stories to provide context and enhance the narrative. Personal anecdotes and reflections make your photobook more intimate and engaging.

Consider including maps and itineraries to give context to your travels and help structure your photobook.

Adding Personal Touches

– Including Mementos: Tickets, Maps, and Other Souvenirs

Enhance your photobook with mementos like tickets, maps, and other souvenirs. These items add a personal touch and bring your photobook to life.

Use pockets or envelopes to store loose items within your photobook.

– Handwritten Notes and Reflections

Consider adding handwritten notes and reflections. These personal elements add depth and a unique touch that printed text cannot replicate.

Handwriting your reflections or adding doodles can make your photobook feel more personal and heartfelt.

– Personal Anecdotes and Travel Tips

Share personal anecdotes and travel tips. These stories and insights can be entertaining and useful for anyone who reads your photobook.

They also provide a deeper connection to the experiences you had during your travels.

Printing and Binding Options

– Choosing the Right Paper and Finish

Select high-quality paper and finish for your photobook. Options include matte, glossy, or satin finishes, each offering a different look and feel.

The choice of paper can significantly impact the visual appeal and durability of your photobook.

– Options for Binding: Hardcover, Softcover, Lay-Flat

Consider different binding options such as hardcover, softcover, or lay-flat binding. Each type offers different benefits in terms of durability and presentation.

Hardcover bindings provide a classic and durable option, while lay-flat bindings allow photos to spread seamlessly across two pages.

– Considerations for Durability and Longevity

Choose materials and finishes that will stand the test of time. This ensures your photobook remains in good condition for years to come.

High-quality printing and binding can help preserve your photos and stories for future generations.

Sharing and Preserving Your Photobook

– Sharing with Family and Friends

Share your photobook with family and friends. It can be a great conversation starter and a way to relive your travels together.

Consider hosting a photo night where you can share your photobook and stories with loved ones.

– Creating Digital Versions and Backups

Create digital versions of your photobook for easy sharing and backup. This ensures you have a copy in case the physical book gets damaged.

Digital versions can be shared via email or social media, allowing a wider audience to enjoy your travel memories.

– Storing Your Photobook Safely

Store your photobook in a safe place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Consider using a protective case to keep it in pristine condition.

Proper storage will help preserve the quality and longevity of your photobook.

Conclusion


photo © pexels.com

Creating a travel photobook is a wonderful way to preserve and relive your travel memories. By carefully selecting your theme, photos, and layout, and adding personal touches, you can create a unique and meaningful keepsake.

Start mapping your memories today and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful travel photobook that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Whether it’s for yourself or as a gift for someone special, a travel photobook is a timeless way to document your adventures and share your stories.


– sponsored –

Borobudur, Indonesia

Borobudur, whose name is derived from “Boro” for “big” and “Budur” for “Buddha,” is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It ranks alongside Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.

Borobudur has faced many challenges over the centuries. It was neglected around the 14th or 15th century AD when Hindu-Buddhist civilization began to decline in Indonesia and Islam rose. In 1985, it was targeted by a bomb that destroyed nine stupas and two Buddha statues; the perpetrator was a Muslim preacher. An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck on May 27, 2006. Before its complete restoration, Borobudur was also targeted by looters who took Buddha statues to sell to antique collectors or museums. Many parts of the temple were lost and diminished due to these looters, which is why many Buddha statues are headless.

Today, Borobudur is completely restored and considered one of the modern wonders of the world. It is a popular site for pilgrimage and is Indonesia’s most-visited monument. UNESCO listed Borobudur as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
Once a year, during the full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe Vesak Day, commemorating the birth, death, and enlightenment of Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha.

photo © mytouristmaps

The temple is estimated to have been built during the glory of the Syailendra Dynasty, between 760 and 830 AD. It likely took at least 100 years to complete and is thought to have been finished during the reign of King Samaratungga.

Archaeological excavations during reconstruction suggest that adherents of Hinduism or a pre-Indic faith had already begun to erect a large structure on Borobudur’s hill before it was appropriated by Buddhists. The foundations are unlike any Hindu or Buddhist shrine structures, suggesting the initial structure is more indigenous Javanese than Hindu or Buddhist.

The original foundation is a square, approximately 118 meters (387 ft) on each side. The temple has nine platforms, with the lower six being square and the upper three circular. It is decorated with relief panels and originally had 504 Buddha statues. The upper platform contains 72 small stupas surrounding one large central stupa. Each stupa is bell-shaped and pierced by numerous decorative openings, with statues of the Buddha inside the pierced enclosures.

photo © mytouristmaps

The monument’s three divisions symbolize the three “realms” of Buddhist cosmology: Kamadhatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the formless world).

Ordinary sentient beings live in the lowest level, the realm of desire. Those who have burnt out all desire for continued existence leave the world of desire and live on the level of form alone: they see forms but are not drawn to them. Finally, fully enlightened Buddhas go beyond even form and experience reality at its purest, most fundamental level, the formless ocean of nirvāṇa.

Kamadhatu is represented by the base, Rupadhatu by the five square platforms (the body), and Arupadhatu by the three circular platforms and the large topmost stupa.

Borobudur is covered in an astonishing 2,670 individual carvings, a mix of stories and decorations spread over a massive 2,500 square meters. These carvings tell a grand story, with a hidden base depicting the law of karma, followed by a journey through the Buddha’s life and past lives on the lower levels. As visitors ascend, they encounter tales of Sudhana’s quest for enlightenment. The entire experience is designed to be followed in a specific clockwise direction, mirroring the ritual circumambulation performed by pilgrims.

The 160 hidden panels at Borobudur don’t tell one story but act as individual illustrations of karma. Each panel shows a cause-and-effect scenario, depicting bad actions and their punishments, good deeds and their rewards, and everyday life caught in the cycle of rebirth. These panels were once hidden from sight but were photographed and are now on display at the nearby Borobudur Museum. Currently, only a small corner of the hidden base with these reliefs is visible to visitors.

Borobudur’s hundreds of Buddha statues may seem identical but they hold their hands in different mudras: symbolic hand gestures. These mudras represent the five cardinal directions and are associated with specific Dhyani Buddhas and their meanings.

As you walk around Borobudur in a clockwise direction, following the Pradakshina, here’s the sequence of mudras you’ll encounter on the Buddha statues, starting from the eastern side:

Bhumisparsa mudra: Symbolizes calling the earth to witness, representing unwavering determination (Akshobhya).
Vara mudra: Represents benevolence and offering alms (Ratnasambhava).
Dhyana mudra: Represents concentration and meditation (Amitabha).
Abhaya mudra: Represents courage and dispelling fear (Amoghasiddhi).
Vitarka mudra: Represents reasoning and discussion (Vairocana or Samantabhadra).
Dharmachakra mudra: Represents setting the wheel of dharma (law) in motion (Vairochana).

Borobudur is a great destination for photographers. Despite large groups of tourists, you can always find a spot with the right angle to take great shots without people. Many tours organize visits at sunrise, but keep in mind that the last available tour in the afternoon, close to sunset, also provides good lighting for photography.

When planning your visit, don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance, as access to the temple is limited.

Discover Dubai: Best Places to Visit During Your Leisure

Dubai is a city that is a perfect combination of the old and the new, and thus it has a lot of things that a tourist can do. From the tall skyscrapers that reach the sky to the calm deserts that tell the stories of the old times, Dubai is a place that always manages to attract attention.

No matter if you are looking for exciting adventures, or you want to take a drive to an island you can rent a boat from one of the boat cruises Dubai to experience the beauty of a good holiday in Dubai. This article will highlight the best places you can visit while discovering Dubai.

Best Places to Visit During Your Leisure

Burj Khalifa 

The tallest structure in the world is the Burj Khalifa. It’s a skyscraper that stands over 2,700 feet and 163 floors high.  

The structure contains many open-air viewing decks and luxurious lounges. You’ll get magnificent views of the UAE and Persian Gulf from these lounges and decks. Levels 38 and 39 have hotels on them and the top lounge is on level 154. Or you can experience its majesty from the water on a luxurious rented yacht and get stunning photos as well. 

Desert Safari

© Ziga Plahutar/iStock

One of the best places you definitely want to go see is the Desert Safari. Yes. Still in Dubai. The trip starts with a driver of 4*4 cars. It will take you to a standard stop from your pick-up point. Guests can go desert camping with a mouth-watering Arabian dinner and traditional performers like belly dancers. During the day at the safari, you should know that you are in for a great adventure since you can try Dune Bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides and so on.

Miracle Garden

Think of all the eye-pleasing adjectives to describe nature and you have the Dubai Miracle Garden. It is a stunning, globally famous botanical garden in the Dubailand district of Dubai. 

This magnificent beauty of distinct floral arrangements, creative landscaping and beautiful flower display is open only from October to April every year.

Dubai Frame

If you want to take selfies in a very big frame, then check out The Dubai Frame. It is known as the world’s largest frame structure and was inspired by the logo of the World Expo 2020. It is located in Zabeel Park. Its main features are the audiovisual representations of pictures and the projections from the city’s birth to the future scape and the walkway on the glass bridge.

The Museum of the Future

As the name suggests it tries to incorporate technology and traditional art. It is located in the Financial District of Dubai. The Museum of the future is further divided into 3 zones which are, The Green Hill, the building, and the Void. Through the gathering of researchers, ecologists, financers and environmentalists, the museum is trying to find the solutions to the probable problems that cities might face in the future.

Palm Jumeirah

Your visit to Dubai is not complete if you’ve not seen Palm Jumeirah. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai. It is an artificial island modelled like a palm tree. It has a central trunk, a crown of 16 fronds, and a crescent that encompasses the outer edge. What consists of the fronds and crescent of Palm Jumeirah are luxurious villas, apartments, high-end hotels, world-class dining, and exciting entertainment options like Atlantis the Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Combine it with an opulent boat cruise and you will get a lifetime experience. 

The Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, West Dubai is the world’s first shopping resort. You can call it the “World’s Best New Shopping Mall.” Exciting news: you don’t have to worry about family outings in this mall! It’s got a family leisure centre with an indoor ski resort and Snow Park. That’s the first of its kind in the Middle East.

So, whether you opt for relaxing water entertainment on a cruise or get bewildered by fascinating architecture and modern art, Dubai needs to be on your list when you are planning a new holiday destination. 

– sponsored –

Po Delta, Italy

Nestled between the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions of Italy lies a hidden gem steeped in millennia of history and natural wonder: the Po Delta. This vast land, spanning 66,000 hectares, is not just a geographical marvel but a testament to the intricate relationship between nature, history, and human endeavour.

The story of the Po Delta unfolds like chapters in a historical epic. Its origins date back thousands of years, with the river Po carving its path through the landscape during the Bronze Age. The ancient Etruscans and Romans left their mark, shaping the delta’s course and forming bustling settlements along its banks.

Over the centuries, the delta has been moulded by human intervention, from Benedictine monks reclaiming land to modern-day reclamation efforts funded by the Italian state. The ever-changing course of the river, marked by floods and diversions, has shaped the land we see today: a delicate balance of nature and human ingenuity.

Despite its tumultuous past, the Po Delta is a sanctuary for biodiversity, boasting rich habitats teeming with life. From the tranquil lagoons to the bustling paleo riverbeds, the delta is home to over 370 bird species, diverse fish, and mollusc populations. Do not forget to bring your camera (a telephoto lens is recommended) and binoculars.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the delta offers great experiences, from birdwatching along the coast to exploring the vibrant marine ecosystems. Every year, events like the International Bird Watching Fair draw visitors from around the world, celebrating the region’s natural heritage.

No visit to the Po Delta is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures. From succulent seafood to exquisite Delta oysters, the region’s gastronomy reflects its bountiful waters and fertile lands.

Oysters farm Po Delta
Oysters farm at Sacca di Scardovari © mytouristmaps

Sample the finest mussels and clams from the Sacca di Scardovari or savor the renowned eels from the Comacchio valleys, do not miss a taste of the traditional “moleche”, a delicious crab caught just after they shed their hard outer shell, leaving them with a soft, edible shell.

For travellers seeking adventure, the Po Delta offers also opportunities for exploration. Start your journey at one of the visitor centres scattered throughout the region, where you can learn about the delta’s history and plan your itinerary.

Whether by foot, bike, or boat, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the delta’s diverse landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll through quaint fishing villages or immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendour of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Po Delta map


As tourism flourishes in the region, efforts to conserve and protect the delta’s delicate ecosystem are more important than ever. Organizations like the “Consorzio di Bonifica Delta Po-Adige” work tirelessly to manage drainage systems and preserve the delta’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

In the heart of the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, the delicate balance between nature and human activity is a reminder of the resilience of this unique landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or culinary connoisseur, the Po Delta offers a journey unlike any other, an enchanting blend of past and present, where every moment is a discovery waiting to be made.

African man-eating lions: Ghost and Darkness from Tsavo

“In the forests bordering on this line, there are found those lions called “man-eaters,” and moreover these forests are full of thorns and prickly shrubs.
Portions of this railway from Mombasa to Uganda are still being made, and here these lions fell on the workmen and destroyed them.
Such was their habit, day and night, and hundreds of men fell victims to these savage creatures, whose very jaws were steeped in blood.
Bones, flesh, skin and blood, they devoured all, and left not a trace behind them.
Because of the fear of these demons some seven or eight hundred of the labourers deserted, and remained idle;
Some two or three hundred still remained, but they were haunted by this terrible dread,
And because of fear for their lives, would sit in their huts, their hearts full of foreboding and terror.
Every one of them kept a fire burning at night, and none dared to close his eyes in sleep; yet would some of them be carried away to destruction.
The lion’s roar was such that the very earth would tremble at the sound, and where was the man who did not feel afraid?”

Roshan Mistari, 29th January 1899. From J H Patterson, The Man-eaters of Tsavo, 1907.

The Tsavo Man-Eaters were two large male lions in the Tsavo area of Kenya who killed around 135 workers engaged in the construction of a bridge of the Kenya-Uganda Railway, project led by British Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson.

The construction of the bridge over the Tsavo river started in March 1898 involving several thousands of imported Sikh workers from British India along with local laborers. During the next nine months of construction, the two maneless lions prowled around the campsite, dragging workers from their tents at night and devouring them, despite thorn fences (still employed today in Masai villages to safeguard against predators) and campfires.

With the escalation of these attacks, numerous workers fled from Tsavo, leading to a halt in the bridge construction, and additional Sepoy Indian soldiers were dispatched to aid in the lion-hunting.
After repeated unsuccessful attempts to ambush the lions, Patterson shot and wounded the first lion on 9 December 1898, but it escaped. Later, it returned at night and began hunting Patterson back. He shot it again with a more powerful rifle and found it dead the day after.

Tsavo Lion

To kill the second lion it took nine shots with different rifles. The first shot was fired from a platform that Patterson had built near a goat killed by the lion. After eleven days, two shots from a second rifle struck the lion while it was trailing Patterson and attempting to escape. The next day, Patterson shot it three more times with the same rifle and three more times with a third rifle, eventually killing it with the last shot in the head. He claimed it died still trying to reach him from a branch. It was the 29th December 1898, 20 days after the killing of the first lion.

Tsavo Lion

The construction crew returned and finished the bridge in February 1899. The railways are still in use today under the control of the Kenya Railways Corporation and Tsavo lions continue to occasionally threaten humans.

The lions’ skins, sold to the Field Museum of Natural History of Chicago in 1924 for a sum of $5,000 were used to reconstruct the lions which are along with their skulls.
The two lions are known as FMNH 23970, and FMNH 23969, but the people named them back then “the Ghost” and “the Darkness”.

“The Ghost” was 9 feet 8 inches (2.95 m) long, and 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 m) high.
“The Darkness” was 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) long and 3 feet 11 inches (1.19 m) high.

Colonel Patterson published the book The Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Other East African Adventures in 1907. It is possible that he exaggerated the figures, suggesting that as many as 135 individuals had been consumed by the lions. This sensationalization may have played a role in boosting book sales. On the contrary, the Ugandan Railway Co. reported 28 deceased workers, with estimates ranging from 28 to 31 victims, based on their examination of Colonel Patterson’s original journal.
However, the same analysis also pointed out that the journal exclusively referenced Indian workers and that Patterson indicated that African worker casualties might have been substantially higher.

Recent studies on the isotopic signature analysis of their bone collagen and hair keratin were published in 2009 and suggested that the first lion ate the equivalent of 10.5 humans and the second 24.2 humans.
Though none of these modern studies have taken into account the people who were killed but not eaten by the animals. The diet of the victims could have also affected the outcome of the test, since many of the workers at Tsavo were Hindus and may have had a vegetarian diet, which could have led to categorize the victims as vegetarian species.

Theories for the man-eating behavior of lions have been reviewed by Peterhans and Gnoske, as well as Dr. Bruce D. Patterson (no relation to Colonel Patterson). Their discussions include the following reasons:

In 1898, a rinderpest outbreak (cattle plague) had a significant impact on the lions’ typical prey, compelling them to search for alternative sources of food.
The Tsavo lions might have become accustomed to discovering deceased humans near the Tsavo River crossing. This area was a frequent route for slave caravans headed to Zanzibar, the central hub of the East African slave trade.
An alternative argument indicates that the first lion had a badly damaged tooth that would have compromised its ability to kill natural prey. However, this theory has been generally disregarded by the general public, and Colonel Patterson, who killed the lions, personally disclaimed it, saying that he damaged that tooth with his rifle while the lion charged him one night, prompting it to flee.

Dr. Patterson also researched why the man-eating lions of Tsavo were maneless and concluded that mane absence was due to the hot temperature.

Patterson’s book was the basis for several films:

Men Against the Sun (1952)
Bwana Devil (1952)
Killers of Kilimanjaro (1959)
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Prey (South Africa, 2007)
Prooi (Netherlands, 2016)

Tsavo Lion
Male lion at Tsavo West National Park, Kenya – June 2023 © mytouristmaps

Tsavo lions are not the only man-eaters reported in recent history, here are some of the other famous lions:

From 1932 to 1947, in southern Tanzania, a particularly menacing group of 15 lions earned the ominous moniker Man-eaters of Njombe. These lions’ aggression stemmed from the British colonial administration’s attempts to curb a rinderpest virus outbreak. To contain the virus that was decimating local livestock, the government initiated the killing of wild animals such as zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes. This action led to a scarcity of prey for the lions, driving them to seek out alternative sources of food.
The Njombe pride exhibited a cunning approach, adopting nighttime movements and daytime hunts, a deviation from the typical behavior of lions. Prior to their eventual extermination by the British game warden, the Njombe pride tragically claimed the lives of an estimated 1,500 individuals.

In 1909, Chiengi Charlie, nicknamed the “White Lion” due to his unique light coloration, instilled fear across Zambia. His unusual appearance, resembling whiteness and sporting a half tail, led local communities to hold him in a sort of legendary awe. Roaming through villages, he hunted the residents, later joining forces with two other male lions. He managed to elude capture by villagers for an entire year, during which he devoured a total of 90 individuals. His reign of terror only came to an end when he was finally shot.

Between 2002 and 2004, a young lion named Osama, named after the Arabic word for lion, claimed the lives of more than 50 individuals. When he was shot in 2004, he was just 3 ½ years old. The youth of his age has prompted certain researchers to theorize that Osama acquired his people-hunting skills from his mother. Another hypothesis posits that he targeted humans due to a substantial abscess on one of his molars, similar to the Tsavo lions.

In 1991, the Lion of Mfuwe struck terror by claiming approximately six lives in Zambia’s Luangwa River Valley. An individual from California, USA, was on a safari visit during this period and reportedly patiently awaited his chance in a hunting blind for nearly three weeks before finally being presented with the opportunity to take down the lion. Renowned for its huge size, measuring close to 10 feet in length, the lion’s remains now reside at the Field Museum in Chicago.

In 1929, there was a lion that started following and attacking people near the Msoro Mission. This lion got the name Msoro Monty because of the similar sounds in the name. “Msoro Monty” was good at avoiding traps set for him. After causing a lot of deaths, he suddenly disappeared leaving no traces.

Namvelieza, or The Cunning One, killed 43 people near Kasawa, Zambia. Tanzania’s Paper Lion got his name because he seemed to drift from victim to victim randomly, like a scrap of paper floating in the breeze.

These man-eating lions are still subjects of oral stories passed on by inhabitants of the African villages and everybody can learn a lesson from these stories. Human interference (again!) is often the root cause of these killings. When ravaged by hunger and pushed to desperation, big cats can and will turn to humans for food.

Dust Devils, Kenya

Dust devils, small-scale whirlwinds are fascinating natural phenomena which emerge under specific environmental conditions. In regions with exposed, dry ground and intense sunlight, the sun’s rays heat the surface, creating localized pockets of hot air. The heated air rises rapidly, and cooler air rushes in to fill the void, initiating a rotating motion. The Coriolis effect, influenced by the Earth’s rotation, further shapes the vortex into its characteristic spiral pattern.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya © mytouristmaps

They commonly appear as relatively small and mild phenomena, often measuring less than 2 meters in diameter and featuring average wind speeds of around 45 miles per hour (70 km/h). Typically, they dissipate swiftly, within a minute of forming.
Nevertheless, exceptional occurrences have been observed, where they grow remarkably large and intense. In such instances, they can reach diameters of up to 100 meters and exhibit wind speeds exceeding 75 mph (120 km/h). Some of these powerful dust devils persist for as long as 20 minutes before finally subsiding.

Dust devils are frequent visitors to arid and semi-arid regions across the world. They commonly appear in deserts, dry lake beds, and open fields during warmer months.

Dust devils in Amboseli, Kenya
Amboseli National Park, Kenya © mytouristmaps

We captured some devils in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. This region is renowned for showcasing these mesmerizing formations amidst its vast savannahs. Here, the unique landscape and weather conditions offer a perfect stage for the graceful dance of dust devils.

Interestingly, dust devils are not exclusive to our planet. These intriguing phenomena have also been observed on the surface of Mars. Mars, known for its thin atmosphere and vast desert-like landscapes, provides the ideal conditions for the formation of dust devils. These Martian dust devils have been discovered from data reported by NASA’s Viking probes, revealing their striking similarity to their Earthly counterparts. The study of dust devils on Mars provides valuable insights into the atmospheric dynamics and weather patterns on the Red Planet.

Within the realm of dust devils lies a rare and captivating variation – the fire devil. Unlike its more common counterpart, the fire devil forms over an active fire or smoldering hot spot. As a wildfire blazes, the intense heat warms the surrounding air near the ground, causing it to rise and create a low-pressure area. Cooler air then converges, initiating a rotating motion that forms the fire devil. This extraordinary whirlwind blends the power of fire with the grace of a dust devil, creating a breathtaking yet concerning sight.

Apart from dust devils and fire devils, there are several other intriguing variations of vortex phenomena in nature. For example, “hay devils” form in the warm air above freshly-cut hay fields, gently swirling stalks and clumps of hay harmlessly through the air. “Snow devils” can occur in snow-covered areas, and “steam devils” can be observed in the steam rising from power plants or over warm bodies of water.