Founders Note

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman

The African landscape is incomplete without the towering figure of a giraffe headlining it. These giants of the animal kingdom are a sight to behold and sparks a sense of surrealism when you observe them. And there is no denying it – they are photogenic! A giraffe silhouetted against the twilight sky is a cherished shot for photographers in Africa.

It is great to observe the many moods of the Giraffe, from gentle giants who graze lazily at the lofty tree tops, they transform themselves to fearsome fighters who rain hammer blows with their formidable necks while defending territory or claiming a mate. And then, there is the gallant defender, who can dislocate a lionesses jaw with a single back kick when threatened.

It is a sad truth that these animals are hunted for bush meat, folklore medicine and for the curio trade. Another example of human greed and misconceptions threatening the survival of a species. And as is the case with many species, habitat destruction across Africa is harming the giraffes. It is high time we realized this and put a stop to our destructive activities.

We have news – proudly announcing the launch of Nature Art Trails Institute, Dubai – the newest Paws Trails initiative. This institute is conceived as a center for photography & fine art with an onus on nature, wildlife and conservation.  Our programs will imbibe and promote the spirit of conservation and peaceful co-existence with other fellow beings. We aim to become the premiere institute in Dubai in this space.

Thanks to all the wonderful photographers for your Giraffe images. It is the aim of Paws Trails to use community photography as a powerful tool for conservation. Please keep contributing and let your images tell the tales of enigmatic species from around the world to our readers worldwide.

www.pawstrails.com/register

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman

Founders – Paws Trails Explorer

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