human-animal bond
What inspired you to write Tracks in the Dust, and why did now feel like the right time?
Having reached the age of 70, I felt it was important to record my recollections before they faded into obscurity. I wanted to offer readers insight into my personal life, my work as a conservationist, and my deep connection with dogs, particularly Saba. The book is a semi-memoir, so it combines personal reflections with stories from the bush. It felt like the right time to look back on the journey that shaped me.
The book does not shy away from the harsh realities of conservation. Why was it important to present an unfiltered view?
Nature can be harsh but it is not malicious. Predators kill to survive, and ecosystems function through a balance that has existed for millennia. Human greed, however, is different. Modern conservationists are often fighting not against nature, but against the destructive and wanton exploitation of natural resources. I wanted aspiring conservationists and readers to understand that conservation today involves difficult moral and practical challenges, not just romantic encounters with wildlife.
Was there a chapter or memory that was particularly difficult to write?
Without question, writing about Saba’ s passing was the most difficult part of the book. I have experienced the loss of close relatives over the years, but Saba’ s death affected me profoundly. She was not only a working partner; she was a beloved companion who shared some of the most challenging and meaningful moments of my life.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing wildlife conservation in South Africa today?
Socio-economic disparities around wilderness areas remain a major challenge, as does humanity’ s insatiable appetite for products that deplete wild populations, whether timber, fish, or wildlife products. At the heart of the issue is greed: the constant desire for more. The key is to channel that drive constructively through sustainable practices and meaningful community involvement.
How has life changed since stepping away from the frontlines of conservation?
It has taken time to adjust to a life without the daily sounds and challenges of the bush. I miss hearing lions roar and witnessing the movement of large herds across the landscape. At the same time, retirement has allowed me to discover many underrated wilderness areas in South Africa, such as the Klein Karoo and the Eastern Cape Highlands. These places may not have the“ Big Five” emphasis, but they are deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching.
Tracks in the Dust: A Game Ranger’ s Journey is published by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
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