Leopard - Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has abundant water resources. There are seven rivers and significant ground water reserves, yet almost 70% of the rural population does not have access to clean water. The problem does not stem from a lack of water, but lies more in the inability to provide an infrastructure able to store and deliver safe water.

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Panthera pardus - Of the five cats in the genus Panthera, the leopard is ranked fourth in size. Although it ranks low in size, the leopard is far ahead of the other species within this family in setting essential standards necessary for excelling as a hunter. The leopard is fast and strong. It can attain speeds of 58 km/h and is the only Panthera species able to pull itself up a tree while carrying a heavy carcass. It will eat anything crossing its path, can adapt to a wide range of habitats, and is known for its high success rate in ambushing prey.

African Burrowing Python - Sierra Leone

Calabaria reinhardtii - The adult African burrowing python, also known as the Calabar python, grows no longer than 1 meter. The tail is similar to the head in shape and color. This is used as a decoy in distracting animals posing a danger. When threatened, the python will lower its head, raise its tail, slowly wag the tail back and forth to draw the source of danger away from the snake’s head. If this fails, the python will roll itself into a ball with the head tucked safely in the middle.

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Sierra Leone and Liberia were founded as safe havens for freed slaves; Sierra Leone was a British venture, Liberia an American venture. During and after the Revolutionary War, Britain evacuated slaves falling into their hands to Canada or the Caribbean. The 1787 attempt at settling these freed slaves into the “Province of Freedom” was unsuccessful; a failure resulting from fierce attacks from local tribesman. In 1792, another attempt was made with better results; the settlement was named Freetown.