Don Pinnock

Cape Town

Writer and Photographer at Freelance

Freelance writer and photographer. Former editor of Getaway magazine, naturalist and photographer

Articles

Uganda is world’s top market for trafficked Galápagos iguanas

1 week ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

Researchers have uncovered a system that links a landlocked country in central Africa to the global trafficking of protected iguanas from the Pacific Ocean Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean are often seen as a living museum of evolution. Home to unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, the islands have long drawn scientists, conservationists and curious tourists. When Charles Darwin landed there in 1835 he was astonished at the biodiversity.
Human impact on nature is putting biodiversity under massive pressure

3 weeks ago | africanelephantjournal.com | Don Pinnock

By Don Pinnock – Daily MaverickFrom the smallest microbes to the largest mammals, a sweeping new study has painted the clearest picture yet of how human activity is reshaping life on Earth. Our footprint is everywhere and it’s leaving complex, far-reaching marks on the natural world. We’re not only changing which species exist and where, but are also eroding the variety of life in our local ecosystems.
What did you eat for breakfast? Imagining Africa’s conservation future

3 weeks ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

THINKING FUTURES (2) – SEEKING SOLUTIONS Africa is at a critical crossroads with challenges in biodiversity, climate, demographics, urbanisation, governance, economic development and food security. Are we prepared? People from across the continent held a thought workshop to look for answers. What did you eat for breakfast today? Now imagine the year is 2100. You’re still living on this continent. What does your breakfast look like then? Where did the food come from?
Human impact on nature is putting biodiversity under massive pressure

3 weeks ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

THINKING FUTURES – OUTLINING THE PROBLEM From the smallest microbes to the largest mammals, a sweeping new study has painted the clearest picture yet of how human activity is reshaping life on Earth. Our footprint is everywhere and it’s leaving complex, far-reaching marks on the natural world. We’re not only changing which species exist and where, but are also eroding the variety of life in our local ecosystems.
Since the beginning of human writing we have been documenting our love of beer

3 weeks ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

CURIOSITY The oldest reference in the first known writing — cuneiform — was not about gods or kings, but about beer. Lots of it. It was signed by a brewer. In the dusty lowlands of ancient Mesopotamia, between the winding rivers of the Tigris and Euphrates in what is now Iraq, Sumerian civilisation rose, not only on the back of agriculture, but perhaps more curiously, on the back of beer.
Bones exposed, limbs mutilated, tiger found in agony at North West breeding facility and euthanised

4 weeks ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

ANIMAL CRUELTY The owners left the injured tiger to begin tearing her legs apart, trying to relieve the stress or pain. An NSPCA inspector reports widespread neglect at the facility. Warning: This report contains images of a graphic nature that may upset sensitive readers. Her bones were exposed. Her paws mutilated, tendons raw and visible, claws worn down to a single splinter. The tiger lay in the dust, unable to stand and had to crawl to reach food placed before her.
The symbolism and survival of Earth’s birds of heaven

4 weeks ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

BIRDS OF A FEATHER For thousands of years the beauty of cranes has captured our attention, and their migration provoked our imagination. In a world of increasing threats to their future, these extraordinary birds have won champions who fight for their survival. On a trip from Cape Town to Cairo, adventure guide Mike Copeland and I were cooling off under a palm tree alongside the Nile when the light suddenly dimmed.
Environmental disaster unfolding as poison from Chinese mine flows down major Zambian river

1 month ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

ECOSYSTEM DEVASTATION The Kafue River, a water source for more than half Zambia’s population plus industries and game parks, is dying as a toxic mine brew makes its way through the country. The disaster began on 18 February 2025 when a tailings dam collapsed at a Chinese corporation-owned copper mine in northern Zambia. The spill released about 50 million litres of acidic and highly toxic waste into the Kafue River ecosystem.
How cyanobacteria and government inaction are threatening the country’s water supply

1 month ago | dailymaverick.co.za | Don Pinnock

WATER CRISIS Cyanobacteria are probably the most numerous creatures to have ever existed on Earth. They’re good for making oxygen but otherwise bad news for most life forms. Through neglect of our water systems they’re on a feeding frenzy. Much of South Africa is facing a water crisis, but it’s not just drought or climate change driving the problem.
South Africa: Conservationists in Shock At Death of Top SA Cheetah Scientist Vincent Van Der Merwe

1 month ago | allafrica.com | Don Pinnock

Globally renowned South African conservationist and National Geographic Explorer, Vincent van der Merwe, who organised the transfer of cheetahs to India, was found dead in his apartment in Riyadh. No foul play is suspected. A Facebook post from Van der Merwe's family read: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vincent van der Merwe, a beloved brother, dedicated conservationist and tireless advocate for cheetah conservation.