12 Facts About Abel Chapman

Abel Chapman contributed in saving the Spanish Ibex from extinction and helped in the establishment of South Africa's first game reserve.

Abel Chapman was born at 212 High Street, Bishopwearmouth, on 4 October 1851.

Abel Chapman was the eldest child of Edward and Jane Chapman and came from a long line of sportsmen who were both accomplished hunters and acclaimed naturalists.

Abel Chapman's grandfather, Joseph Crawhall, was an accurate grouse shot in Hexhamshire, as well as being a founder member of the National History Society of Northumbria.

Abel Chapman often made drawings of the birds he saw and shot there.

Abel Chapman joined his father's firm, the Sunderland-based Lambton Brewery, after leaving Rugby, travelling to Portugal, Spain and Morocco as part of his work in the wine trade.

Abel Chapman travelled the world as a young man, shooting big game and wild birds for pleasure.

Abel Chapman was fascinated by the wildlife of Spain, striking up a friendship with fellow wildlife enthusiast Walter J Buck.

Abel Chapman co-authored two books with Buck about hunting and fishing at the site, Wild Spain in 1893 and Unexplored Spain in 1910.

Abel Chapman retired from the family firm in 1897, following its takeover by J W Cameron, and moved to Houxty in Northumberland, where he created his own little nature reserve.

Abel Chapman's proposals were sent to the International Convention for the Preservation of Wild Animals in London in 1900 and, shortly after, the Sabi Game Reserve was established.

Abel Chapman was a member of the Society for the Preservation of the Wild Fauna of the Empire.