Category: Features

  • Flying Fish

    By Collins Wafula

    Flying fish, also known as volitans or exocoetidae, are truly a marvel of nature. These incredible creatures are able to fly through the air, leaping out of the water and using their large pectoral fins to glide through the air at incredible speeds. In fact, some species of flying fish can reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour and can fly for distances of up to 655 feet!

    But flying fish are not just fast, they are also incredibly diverse. There are about 40 different species of flying fish, which can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Their body shape and size vary depending on the species, with some being as small as 5 inches long, while others can reach up to 16 inches in length. This diversity makes for a fascinating study of these amazing creatures.

    But what makes flying fish able to fly? It all comes down to their unique pectoral fins, which are specially adapted to allow them to fly. These fins are large and elongated, providing the lift and propulsion necessary for flight. Additionally, flying fish have a streamlined body shape that allows them to glide through the air with minimal drag.

    Flying fish are not just fascinating to watch, they also play an important role in marine ecosystem. They are a common food source for many marine animals, including tuna, marlin, and swordfish. They also provide food for seabirds and other sea creatures. This makes them a critical link in the ocean food web and an important part of marine biodiversity.

    In conclusion, flying fish are truly one of nature’s most incredible and fascinating creatures. Their ability to fly through the air is a marvel to behold and their diversity and importance in marine ecosystem make them an essential part of the ocean’s biodiversity. Next time you’re near the ocean, keep your eyes peeled for these amazing creatures, you won’t be disappointed!

  • East African Springhare

    By Collins Wafula

    Are you ready for a leap into the wild, wild world of the East African Springhare? This incredible rodent species is native to the savannas and grasslands of East Africa, and is known for its awe-inspiring jumping abilities. With long hind legs and large hind feet, the Springhare can bound through the savanna like a gazelle, leaving predators in the dust.

    The East African Springhare is a true marvel of nature, with a body length of up to 50 centimeters and a tail length of up to 30 centimeters. Its fur is a striking reddish-brown color, but can also be gray or black. With large eyes and ears and sharp claws on its hind feet, this animal is perfectly adapted for life in the wild.

    But the Springhare isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also an expert at survival. Active during the night, it feeds on a diet of grass, leaves, and fruits, and will even snack on insects and other small animals for a bit of protein. Although it’s a solitary animal, it can also be found in small groups.

    But the real magic happens when it comes to the Springhare’s breeding behavior. The females have a gestation period of only 12 weeks, and give birth to litters of up to four young. These little ones are born fully developed, with fur and open eyes, and are able to jump within minutes of being born. It’s like something out of a science fiction movie!

    Despite their incredible abilities and unique characteristics, the East African Springhare is not considered to be threatened by conservation groups. However, it is hunted for its meat and its habitat is being destroyed by human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. So, let’s make sure to keep an eye on these leaping wonders and do our part to protect them and their habitats.

  • Africas Tiniest Creatures

    By Collins Wafula


    Have you ever wondered about the smallest creatures that call Africa home? These tiny animals may be small in size, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the continent’s ecosystem and are worth taking notice of.

    First on the list, we have the African Pygmy Mouse. As the name suggests, this tiny mouse is one of the smallest mammals in Africa, measuring only around 3-5 centimeters in length and weighing less than a penny. Found in the savannah and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, they are known for their agility and speed, as they can run up to 18 body lengths per second. The African Pygmy Mouse feeds on seeds and insects, and is an important food source for many small predators.

    Next, we have the African Fairyfly. This tiny insect, measuring only 0.5 millimeters in length, is one of the smallest known insects in the world. Found in the rainforests of central and West Africa, the African Fairyfly feeds on the eggs of other insects, and plays an important role in controlling the population of other insects. They are also known for their unique mating dance, where the males use their antennae to signal their readiness to mate to the females.

    Another small creature found in Africa is the African Golden Mole. These small mammals are found in the southern regions of the continent and are known for their unique physical characteristics, such as their hairless, scale-covered bodies and their large, paddle-like paws. Measuring only around 10 centimeters in length, they are known to burrow underground and feed on insects, worms, and other small creatures.

    The African Elephant Shrew is another tiny mammal found in Africa. Despite its name, it is not related to elephants or shrews, but is a unique species found in the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It measures around 20 centimeters in length and feeds on insects, spiders, and other small creatures. They are known for their speed and agility, as they can run up to 40 kilometers per hour.

    Lastly, we have the African Pygmy Kingfisher. As one of the smallest species of kingfisher in the world, this tiny bird measures only around 14 centimeters in length and weighs less than an ounce. Found in the forests and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, they are known for their bright plumage and their unique hunting technique, where they hover in mid-air before diving into the water to catch their prey.

    These small creatures may be easy to overlook, but they play an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of the African ecosystem. They are also unique and fascinating in their own right and are worth learning more about. Next time you’re on safari or exploring the African wilderness, take a moment to look at the smallest creatures around you, and marvel at the diversity and complexity of the continent’s wildlife.

  • Africas Rarest Animals

    By Collins Wafula


    Africa is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, some of these animals are considered to be rare, with small and declining populations. Here are a few examples of some of the rarest animals found in Africa:

    The Black Rhinoceros: The black rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals in Africa, with only around 5,500 individuals remaining in the wild. They are primarily found in eastern and southern Africa and are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their horns.

    The Mountain Gorilla: The mountain gorilla is one of the most critically endangered primates in the world, with an estimated population of around 1,004 individuals. They are found in the Virunga Mountains that span across Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Habitat destruction, poaching and civil unrest are the main reasons behind their decline.

    The Saola: The Saola, also known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest animals in the world, with only a handful of individuals thought to remain in the wild. This elusive mammal is native to the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos, and it was only discovered in 1992.

    The Pangolin: Pangolins are the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world. All eight species of pangolin, including the four African species, are listed as endangered or critically endangered. They are found in many African countries and their population is declining due to poaching for their meat, scales and other body parts.

    The Cross River Gorilla: The Cross River Gorilla, is a subspecies of the western gorilla and is one of the most endangered primates in the world, with an estimated population of around 300 individuals. They are found in the upland rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon and are threatened by habitat loss, poaching and disease.

    The African Wild Dog: The African Wild Dog, also known as the Painted dog, is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores, with an estimated population of around 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are threatened by habitat loss, disease and human persecution.

    These are just a few examples of the rarest animals found in Africa, and there are many other species that are considered to be endangered or critically endangered. The preservation of these rare animals is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of the continent and the world. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs are crucial for the survival of these animals.

  • Africa’s Fastest Animals

    By Collins Wafula

    Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest animals, many of which are unique to the continent. While the cheetah is often considered the fastest animal on land, there are several other species that can reach impressive speeds.

    The Thomson’s gazelle, also known as the Tommie, is one of Africa’s fastest animals. These small antelopes can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, making them a formidable opponent for predators. They are found in the savannas and grasslands of East Africa and are known for their distinctive black and white markings.

    Another fast animal found in Africa is the impala. These medium-sized antelopes are known for their speed and agility, and can reach speeds of up to 72 kilometers per hour. They are found in savannas and grasslands across southern and eastern Africa, and are known for their distinctive spiral horns.

    The wildebeest, also known as the gnu, is another fast animal found in Africa. These large herbivores can reach speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour and are known for their distinctive horns and mane. They are found in grasslands and savannas across East and southern Africa and are known for their annual migration, which is one of the largest mammal migrations in the world.

    The ostrich, the largest bird in the world, is also one of Africa’s fastest animals. They can run at speeds of up to 72 kilometers per hour and are known for their long legs and distinctive feathers. They are found in savannas and desert regions across Africa and are known for their unique mating dance and for being flightless.

    Finally, the springbok, a small antelope species found in southern Africa, is also one of the fastest animal in Africa. It can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour and is known for its distinctive white face and dark brown body. It is a unique species of the region and its population is not found anywhere else.

    In conclusion, while the cheetah may be the most well-known fast animal in Africa, there are several other species that can reach impressive speeds. From the Thomson’s gazelle and impala to the wildebeest, ostrich and springbok, these animals are all a testament to the incredible biodiversity of Africa.

  • Chimpanzee Intelligence and Conservation

    By Collins Wafula

    Chimpanzees are one of the most intelligent and sociable animals on the planet. They are a type of great ape, and are closely related to humans – in fact, chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with us.

    Chimpanzees are native to the forests of Africa, where they live in large social groups called communities. These communities can range in size from just a few individuals to over 100 members, and are led by a dominant male. Within the community, chimpanzees engage in a variety of activities such as foraging for food, building nests to sleep in, and caring for their young.

    One of the most striking things about chimpanzees is their ability to use tools. They are known for using sticks and stones to crack open nuts, and even fashioning spears to hunt small animals. They also have a highly developed sense of communication, using a variety of vocalizations and gestures to communicate with one another.

    In addition to their intelligence and social skills, chimpanzees are also known for their strength and agility. They are skilled climbers, and are able to swing through the trees using their powerful arms and legs. They are also known to exhibit complex behaviors such as grooming, play, and cooperation, which are similar to those observed in humans.

    Despite their many remarkable traits, chimpanzees are facing numerous threats in the wild. Habitat destruction, hunting, and disease are all taking a toll on their populations, and they are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

    Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future of chimpanzees. Many conservation organizations are working to protect their habitat and raise awareness about the importance of these amazing animals. By learning more about chimpanzees and supporting their conservation, we can help ensure that these incredible creatures thrive for generations to come.

  • Vervet Monkey Culture

    By Collins Wafula

    Vervet monkeys, also known as green monkeys or Cercopithecus aethiops, are a species of Old World monkey native to Africa. They are highly social animals and live in groups known as troops, which can range in size from a few individuals to over 100.

    Vervet monkeys have a complex social hierarchy within their troops, with a clear alpha male at the top. The alpha male is responsible for leading the group and defending its members against threats, such as predators or rival troops. The other members of the troop have specific roles and responsibilities within the group, such as caring for the young or gathering food.

    Vervet monkeys are known for their vocalizations and use a variety of calls to communicate with each other. They have specific calls for different predators, such as leopards or eagles, and can even use different calls to distinguish between different types of venomous snakes. Vervet monkeys are also known to use gestures, such as nodding or shaking their heads, to communicate with each other.

    In terms of feeding behavior, vervet monkeys are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plants and insects. They are skilled foragers and will travel long distances in search of food. Vervet monkeys are also known to raid crops, which can lead to conflict with human farmers.

    Vervet monkeys are intelligent and adaptable animals and have been the subject of numerous studies on social behavior and cognition. They have been observed using tools, such as stones to crack open nuts, and have even been known to use medicine to treat themselves when sick.

    Overall, vervet monkeys have a complex and fascinating culture that is worth further study and exploration.

  • Gorillas, Misunderstood Forest Giants

    By Collins Wafula

    Gorillas are often misunderstood as aggressive and dangerous animals, but in reality, they are gentle giants. These intelligent primates are highly social and live in groups called troops, led by a dominant male known as a silverback. Within a troop, gorillas display a wide range of emotions, including playfulness, kindness, and affection. Despite their large size and strength, gorillas are generally peaceful animals and will only use aggression as a last resort to defend themselves or their troop.

    There are two main subspecies of gorillas: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The eastern gorilla is further divided into the mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla, while the western gorilla is divided into the western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla. Each subspecies has its own distinct characteristics, such as differences in size, coloration, and geographic range.

    Gorillas are omnivorous and their diet consists of a variety of plants, including leaves, stems, fruits, and seeds, as well as insects and other small animals. They have a complex culture and use a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate with each other.

    Gorilla families are led by a dominant male silverback and consist of multiple females and their offspring. The silverback is responsible for protecting and caring for the group, while the females are responsible for caring for the young. Gorillas have a strong bond with their families and will stay with the same group for their entire lives.

    Threats to gorillas include habitat loss, poaching, and disease. The loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and human expansion has greatly reduced gorilla populations, and poaching for their meat or for the illegal pet trade has also had a significant impact. Additionally, gorillas are vulnerable to diseases such as Ebola, which have caused significant declines in some populations.

    Some little-known facts about gorillas include that they are one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing about 98% of the same DNA. They are also one of the most intelligent primates and have been observed using tools and exhibiting problem-solving skills. Additionally, gorillas have been known to show compassion towards other species, including humans, and have been observed caring for orphaned children who were lost in the jungle.

    Overall, gorillas are fascinating and misunderstood animals that deserve our protection and appreciation. It is important that we learn more about their behavior and culture in order to better understand and conserve these gentle giants.

  • The benefits of online writing

    According to Wikipedia, writing is a medium of human communication that involves the representation of a language through a system of physically inscribed, mechanically transferred, or digitally represented symbols. It is not a surprise that many people have quickly moved from doing office work in their workplaces but also digitally. Technology is always evolving and it is up to us to change with it or else the world will leave us behind. Time waits for no man is a famous saying that has a lot of truth to it.

    Online writing is the new thing; everyone has shifted online not only because the pandemic forced us to, but also because we had already shifted to online working way before the pandemic hit us. Online writing is one of the things that was encouraged and many people are moving to this. It has a lot of benefits to it, and in this article, I will be discussing some of them.

    To begin with, online writing offers flexibility to the writer and unlike the nine-to-five jobs, one can easily choose the time that they are most comfortable working in which they can easily deliver the work on time with no unnecessary pressure. Flexibility also allows a writer enough time that will enable them to showcase their skills appropriately since they took their time and were able to give the assignment their all.

    Also, online writing has opened a lot of job opportunities for people around the world. This means, that since online writing does not require you to physically go to an office every day, it has allowed people to get jobs that are far away from their geographical area. For example, a person from Kenya can easily write for a company that is based in the U.S. Online writing has led to many people having part-time work and earning extra money from it as well.

    Lastly, online writing allows one to attain a lot of knowledge on certain topics. When writing, one has to do research. By doing so, you get to learn many new things as you extend your knowledge on the specific topic. Every time you write an article, you expand your knowledge on things you are already familiar with and on things that you were not.

    In conclusion, online writing is a great way to start a career and gain experience along the way. As you apply for freelance writing jobs, make sure to understand how to look out for fraudulent sites that are out to steal your personal information. The future for online writing is bright, take the opportunity and run with it.

  • Adult Colouring Therapy

    Coloring is good for the brain, and there are now books that take advantage of this fact. Coloring is a fun way to pass time and has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. It’s no longer just for kids.

    While creating artwork, we can let go of the stresses and worries of everyday life by focusing on the present moment. Your mind can follow your hand’s movement along the page and focus on what is happening right now, rather than thinking about what happened yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. There is no other way to explain it: coloring allows you to find peace within yourself by creating something beautiful with your own hands.

    During the big bad wolf book sale, I learned about coloring therapy from a psychologist. I opted to take part and bought the creative mindfulness adult coloring book. I used to enjoy coloring as a child; I’m not much of an artist, but as we get older, we let go of some interests because we’ve outgrown them. As an adult, coloring has offered me with endless hours of therapeutic rejuvenation and happiness. I have decided to get back into this coloring “high”.

    Adult coloring is not widely practiced, but it is both fun and relaxing while also being creative. It’s also a fun hobby because you can use whatever art supplies you want (pencils, markers etc.). If you don’t like one medium, try another until you find something that works for you.

    What is art therapy?

    Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that employs the creative process to help people improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Adult coloring books are being used for art therapy to help people relax or regain control over their lives. Art therapists help people recover from illness, injury, or trauma. Art therapy can assist people suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. This is possible as it allows them to express themselves nonverbally. Many studies have shown that making art can reduce stress by lowering blood pressure, increasing endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller), reducing muscle tension by relaxing muscles during drawing movements, and slowing breathing patterns to allow for relaxation.

    Coloring helps you in focusing on the present moment, which is necessary for meditation. It helps you relax and take a break from your thoughts, making it easier to meditate.

    Coloring can be a great way to relax and unwind. It’s a distraction that allows you to concentrate on the present moment, which is necessary for meditation. It can help you relax and take a break from your thoughts, making it easier to meditate.

    Art is a form of self-expression. It can help when expressing feelings and emotions that you might not have the words for. Maybe you feel like you are unable to fully express with your words thus you turn to art. Art can help you relax because it is a creative outlet that allows us to temporarily escape reality and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and unique.

    Adult Colouring Therapy can be a great way to ease your mind after a stressful week at work

    Art also contributes to our well-being by allowing us to gain new perspectives on the world around us through various mediums such as painting, drawing, or coloring, which will help open up new perspectives on how we see life in general.

    Coloring books are eligible for all ages. Adult coloring is the way to go if you’re looking for something that will lift your spirits and give you some much-needed relaxation.

    Coloring books are affordable, ranging from Ksh 500-1000 per book (depending on what kind of package you want). They available in book stores.

    You don’t really need any special tools either. Simply pick up your preferred color pencils or markers and get to work straight away making gorgeous artwork! Anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can engage in this therapeutic hobby if they have some free time.