Found up to 5200 meters above sea level across the Andes of South America, Polylepis trees can grow higher than any other in the world. True survivors, these trees are[…]
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Author: seekingwilderness
Reconciling biodiversity conservation with ecosystem services to save rare Andean forests
Protected areas are important tools to conserve biodiversity. As they are often located in populated areas, protected areas are increasingly expected to also provide ‘ecosystem services’. Ecosystem services are the[…]
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The ghosts of Udzungwa Mountains National Park
In the heart of the Eastern Arc Mountains, roughly five hours driving from Dar Es Salaam, lies the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Although little known by tourists compared to other[…]
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Protecting nature in Half of the Earth could affect over one billion people
Humanity is currently experiencing the biggest biodiversity crisis it has ever faced. During this ‘sixth mass extinction’, entirely caused by human activities, species go extinct at a rate 1000 times[…]
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Spotting otters in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Otters are wonderful animals. With their streamlined body, webbed feet and water-repellent glossy fur, they are one of the best swimmers of all land mammals. We have long wanted to[…]
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Seeking a job in the Wilderness!
It’s the end of an era for Frederik and I: seven and six years after we started, respectively, we have successfully defended our PhDs at the University of Antwerp! And[…]
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In vultures’ heaven: the Spanish Pyrenees
I’ve had a sweet spot for vultures since I studied the breeding behavior of a pair of Cinereous or Black Vultures (Aegypius monachus) at the Zoo of Antwerp during my[…]
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True wilderness, no vampires: hiking the Carpathians in Romania
Transylvania. It evokes to most of us haunted dark forests and fog-crowned mountain peaks, home to the famous Count Dracula. To two biologists eager to explore the natural wonders of[…]
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The Jewels of the Taiga
Where to see wild Finnish Forest Reindeer in Finland In June 2018, I was lucky enough to present my work at the European Congress on Conservation Biology (ECCB) organized in[…]
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Survivors of the extreme: wildlife of the Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni is told to have the most beautiful views in South America. This large salt flat (the largest in the world) definitely left a very vivid impression[…]
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