Tribute to a great conservationist

                                                  Pic Credit: African Parks

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Anthony Hall-Martin, conservation director of African Parks, on21 May 2014. He was 68 years old and was ailing from cancer.

Dr Hall-Martin’s conservation career spanned nearly 50 years. During this period he championed the cause of wildlife conservation in Africa and raised millions of dollars for its benefit. He was a world authority on the African elephant and black rhinoceros and has authored more than ten books and 80 scientific papers. He was directly responsible for establishing six new national parks, including Table Mountain, Agulhas, Namaqua and Mapungubwe.

African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead described Dr Hall-Martin as “a true gentleman, always dignified, tactful and charming, rarely forceful about his views and self-effacing about hisachievements“.

“Anthony’s life was too short-lived but his achievements were worthy of many lifetimes. He has left behind a giant legacy for the benefit of the world.”