To Robert B. Haas, going on photographic safari allows him to watch animals in their natural habitats and to “take back a treasure or trophy without harming the animal in any way.” Unfortunately, Haas warns that more and more animals will become rare sightings if African critters continue to lose their habitats.

“There are only a handful of African countries that have large populations of wild creatures,” Haas says. “People are cutting down forests and taking over larger and larger territories for farming and cities.” This leaves less space for wildlife, who usually need large areas of land in order to survive.

Habitat loss is not the only cause of concern for African animals. Some populations are declining as a result of poaching—illegal hunting. Elephants are often killed for their tusks, rhinos for their horns, and other animals for their meat, skins, and fur.

Not all the news is bad though. Many African nations are working to stop poaching. Some are also working together to establish wildlife parks that cross national borders. That way, the preserve or park follows animals’ natural migration routes. “Animals don’t know when they’re going from South Africa to Botswana or from Kenya to Tanzania,” says Haas. With countries cooperating, animals will be protected even if they move from one nation to another.

A Helping Hand
Haas hopes his books and photography inspire people to appreciate our world and its wildlife. But that’s not all he does to help animals. He donates all the profits from his photos and books to research and conservation causes. He also works closely with the National Geographic Society and The Humane Society of the United States.

Because of the special connection he feels to cheetahs, Haas also became involved with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Based in the African country of Namibia, it’s the largest organization in the world dedicated to saving the cheetah. Haas made a donation to help build a hospital and research center for cheetahs.

Doing Your Part
Even if you never travel to Africa, you can make a difference for African critters too. ”Humans are the only species in the world with the power and therefore the responsibility to take care of other species. I think that’s what makes us so special.” And Haas says young people play the most important role in taking care of our planet and its animals.

“Kids are just adults waiting to happen. It’s a natural instinct to love creatures. If you can keep that in your heart as you grow older, you’ll make a positive impact on this world.”

Look for African Critters at your school book sale, and read a few excerpts from the book in this month's special edition of Critter Card Cutouts!

Photos reprinted with permission of the National Geographic Society from the book African Critters By Robert B. Haas. Copyright ©2008 Robert B. Haas. Available where all books are sold.