The Liberian mongoose Liberiictis kuhni, the only member of its genus, was described as a new species from skulls in 1958. The first two complete specimens were obtained as recently as 1974. Although several more animals have been captured since then, all in Liberia, the species's status and ecology remain poorly known. In 1988 the FFPS contributed £500 towards a field study of the mongoose in Liberia and while this expedition succeeded in finding only one animal that had been killed by a hunter, a subsequent attempt in 1989 was more successful.

Why do we try to preserve wild animals? Why do we set aside delightful scenes of nature? Why do we establish open spaces and national parks? Would it not be better to accept here and now that man in his dominion over all the lesser creatures has every right to divest the land of animals, trees, or anything else which may stand in his way, or hinder him in exploiting the earth for the alleged well-being of mankind? Vast sums are spent in the larger continents to control domestic animal diseases; greater sums are spent in denuding the face of the earth of its natural cover, so that there can be more room for cattle, crops, factories and cities, in an attempt to meet the insatiable clamour of millions of human beings. Should we not pause to assess what irreplaceable assets are being endangered by this scramble and to what extent those assets contribute to men's peace of mind?

Capacity development is essential for the effective management of protected areas and for achieving successful biodiversity conservation. European Natura 2000 sites form an extensive network of protected areas and developing the capacity of staff at all levels is a priority that will positively influence the appropriate implementation of conservation actions. In this study we identify the main challenges and potential solutions to developing the skills, knowledge and tools required for effective Natura 2000 site management. Our findings are based on a case study of the European project LIFE e-Natura2000.edu, which focuses on capacity development in practical biodiversity conservation and management through integrated and blended learning experiences (i.e. a combination of face-to-face and virtual teaching). We illustrate the main elements for successfully building capacity within a variety of knowledge and experience backgrounds and operating levels related to the management of Natura 2000 sites. Multifaceted, blended learning approaches are key to tackling the various needs of Natura 2000 managers in terms of skills, knowledge and tools.

One of the most important aspects of the conservation of nature is its relation to a world problem: that of producing food and raw material in quantities sufficient to balance increases in population. This problem may, of course, be considered from various points of view. I shall consider it mainly from the point of view of an ecologist, starting from the fact that because the amount of highly productive land under cultivation is diminishing rather than increasing, it will be necessary to turn to regions at present marginal or undeveloped in order to produce any considerable increase in production.

This visit took place from August to October, 1962, and its aim was threefold: first, to see and observe large African mammals in their natural environment; second, to visit places where research into the ecology and breeding biology of these animals is being carried out and, third, to become familiar with the conditions and requirements for field work in Africa.

In a foreword to the report, Mr. R. Dreschfield, the chairman, writes: “The tragic loss of Ken Beaton has marred a year of great progress in the parks: a year graced by the visit of Her Majesty the Queen to the Queen Elizabeth Park. The foundations laid by Ken Beaton and the honour of Her Majesty's visit will stand us in good stead for many years to come and will be an inspiration for us to make our two parks second to none.

The authors carried out the first field survey for otters in Lithuania, which demonstrated that the species is still widespread. With otters now rare or absent in much of western Europe, conservation strategies for the animal and its habitats in remaining eastern European strongholds must be developed.

After a canoe journey down the Omo River in southern Ethiopia, the author concludes that the river canyon is ‘a viable ecosystem with a rich natural assemblage of large mammals’. But it is only the canyon's inaccessibility that protects the animals, and he wonders how long it will do so.

The author found many changes when he returned to Azraq after an absence of 14 years. Although the concept of a major Desert National Park had been abandoned, two reserves, embracing semi-desert and wetland, had been created. The Shaumari Reserve is having some success in breeding desert species for re-establishment in the wild, notably the oryx. The Wetland Reserve, however, is in danger; its wildfowl populations appear to be declining and the central marsh may be shrinking. Remedial action is essential if the wetland is to retain its importance, both as a reserve for birds and as a tourist attraction.

North Yemen banned the import of rhinoceros horn in 1982. There is still a demand for the horn to make dagger handles, however, and to meet this some is still smuggled into the country. This illegal trade threatens the world's last populations of rhinoceros and in late 1987 the author went to North Yemen to study the problem and to devlop a conservation strategy.