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This month’s Nature’s Heartbeat is about the African Leopard. I’ve seen many leopards in the Africa bush and each time is a special moment. Their beauty is undeniable. I’m always in awe of them. Unfortunately, as with so much of our wildlife, the African leopard’s primary threat is human activity. Habitat fragmentation, reduced prey base and human-wildlife conflict has greatly reduced its population. Supporting organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation can help. It’s the leading international conservation organization focused exclusively…

This month’s Nature’s Heartbeat is about the African Lion. I’m so impressed by the presence and magnificence of these animals. Lions are one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture, and it’s no wonder why. They are stunning! I’m always in awe to see them. Over a century ago, there were more than 200,000 wild lions in Africa. Now it’s estimated there are between 20,000 – 30,000. Lions have vanished from over 95% of their historic range…

This month’s Nature’s Heartbeat is about mountain lions, living in 21 of 23 countries in the Americas. Because of the vast range it occupies, it holds the Guinness world record for the animal with the greatest number of names. It has over 40 names in English alone including America’s lion, mountain lion, cougar, puma and panther. The Mountain Lion Foundation believes the status of the mountain lion population is virtually unknown and very much in question. Every day, our remaining…

Can you name the eight species of bear that exists in the world? They are grizzly, black, polar, giant panda, Asiatic black, sloth, sun and spectacled. The Great Bear Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Missoula, Montana, dedicated to the conservation of the eight species of bears and their habitat around the world. The Foundation was created in 1981 to be a voice for the bears. Bear News is their internationally distributed quarterly newspaper dedicated to increase citizen action,…

Tigers teach us to trust our instincts and act swiftly when needed. They show us the value of focus, patience and the element of surprise. This month’s poem is in honor of these beautiful creatures. Let me know what you think. Tigers are estimated to have walked the earth for nearly 2 million years, yet 96% of their numbers have disappeared in the last century. There is only an estimated 3,890 tigers in the wild; all of them could fit…

Inspiration from the Eagle By Kathleen Reeder   Soaring majestically with grace, With commanding courage and strength, Carrying our prayers and dreams on its wings, On the bridge between heaven and earth.   The chief over all winged creatures, Alert with keen sight and no fear, Our symbol for personal freedom, To choose when to fight or to take flight.   Spread your wings… soar as the eagle, Expand your view… stretch your limits, Ride the storm’s fierce wind waves…

A Hummingbird’s Message By Kathleen Reeder   Jewels in flight with lightness of being, Magical creatures full of life and joy, Savoring each sweet moment free of time, Dazzling us with their humming song, Enchanting us with super powers.   Perhaps a messenger between worlds, Keeping nature and spirit in balance, Teaching us to live in the moment, Pursue our dreams with courage, and  Endure the wild with cleverness.   Allow her message to refresh your soul, To stir feelings…

My Cheetah Instincts By Kathleen Reeder   I am a cheetah individual in Botswana, Always alert, vigilant, courageous, never wasteful, Creating energy waves as I purposefully and freely move, Honoring my gifts of speed, agility and beauty, Trusting my place on Mother Earth as a solitary being, Comfortable, secure and energized by my essence, Savoring the shade of a tree on a hot day,   I am a mother of four cubs, Witness to their sacred birth and existence, Sharing…

Secrets of Water By Kathleen Reeder Fall colors, Cool air, blue skies, light breeze on my skin, The creek luring me with a melody of calming music, Brooks babbling, waterfalls splashing, tumbling and gushing, Shimmering, glittering and reflecting warm sunlight, Softly whispering secrets to those who are listening,   I’m here, I’m listening………… The water reveals the Tree of Life, With deep roots hugging the shoreline, Full of branches and leaves evolving in constant sensual motion, Moving with a seductive…