On World Population Day, Friday 11 July 2014, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) reflected upon the links between human population growth and the impacts that this has on our environment, and how declining environmental health affects marginalised and poor communities the most. The first World Population Day was marked on 11 July 1987; the day the United Nations estimated … [Read more...]
Brown hyaenas spotted in suburbia
In the past few weeks there have been several reports of Brown Hyaenas in and around Johannesburg. The vast majority of the time these reports have been welcomed by the public with awe and enthusiasm, but there have also been expressions of concern and fear, which are not unexpected as most people are not familiar with these animals. This week’s incident, where a Brown … [Read more...]
Addressing transport’s impact on wildlife
October is Transport Month in South Africa, and emphasis is placed on the safety of all road users – that includes the safety of you, your family and friends, and our wildlife. Together we can all make a difference on our country’s roads ….. will you? Transport Month is an annual feature on the calendar of the Department of Transport and is one of the platforms and vehicles … [Read more...]
At least 635 rhinos down this year
To date, a staggering 635 Rhinos have been reported as poached in South Africa in 2013, with the real numbers possibly being higher. Rhino poaching is considered by some to be a low risk - high reward activity with an increasingly affluent market for rhino horn in the east, and this is responsible for driving the numbers of Rhinos poached ever higher. To date, a staggering … [Read more...]
Wild cheetahs return to the Free State
The cheetah, South Africa's second-most threatened carnivore, has returned to the country's Free State province for the first time in 100 years with the reintroduction of two male cheetahs at the privately owned Laohu Valley Reserve assisted by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The Free State is the only province in South Africa that has not had wild cheetahs since their … [Read more...]
When we celebrate water, we celebrate life
Water is life and not a single living organism on earth could survive without it. Rivers form the lifeblood of our existence and protecting these crucial ecosystems is becoming more and more critical as economic development and growing populations require increasing amounts of water. Throughout southern Africa, freshwater ecosystems are under severe pressure with more than 80% … [Read more...]
uMngeni River source declared SA’s 21st important wetland
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA) welcome the South African government’s recent decision to designate the uMgeni Vlei Nature Reserve as the country’s 21st Ramsar site. The Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) is an international treaty for the … [Read more...]
Reversing the plight of the oribi
The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Threatened Grassland Species Programme (TGSP) has entered into an exciting partnership with the South Africa Community Action Network (SA CAN) that will assist the EWT in combating illegal hunting with dogs, especially when threatened species such as Oribi are targeted. The Oribi, a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s … [Read more...]
Play a role in protecting wetlands this year
The 2nd of February is International World Wetlands Day and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) invites you to celebrate this crucial day with us. This year the theme of the day is ‘Wetlands take care of water’ and the aim of the day is to draw attention to wetland habitats and the vital role they play in the environment and the human economy. Said Ursula Franke, Senior … [Read more...]
Help save our frogs this December
Frogs are the most threatened group of species on Earth. These creatures of popular folklore are teetering on the brink of extinction and unless we act NOW to save them, South Africa too will start losing species. Frogs are not just potential princely suitors. These water-loving amphibians are extremely important in our ecosystems by providing food to a wide array of other … [Read more...]
Everest Summiteers Collaborate for Conservation
At a one-of-a-kind event in Johannesburg last month, 18 of the 25 South Africans who have summitted Mount Everest, and two non-South African summiteers now residing in this country, collaborated in support of conservation. The event, held at the Hyatt in Rosebank, was attended by more than 160 people and raised over R500 000 for Wild Dog conservation, primarily through an … [Read more...]
