In a bid to better understand the distribution and threats facing several highly threatened and endemic amphibians, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Threatened Amphibian Program recently launched a project in the Western Cape, focusing on five of the most range-restricted frogs of the region. This work is being done in partnership with the Bionerds, supported by the Whitley … [Read more...]
Giant leap for SA amphibian conservation recognised
A conservation biologist from South Africa has won a prestigious Whitley Award worth £40,000 to support her quest to save threatened amphibians. Dr Jeanne Tarrant works for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), where she manages the Threatened Amphibian Programme. The EWT is the only NGO in South Africa to include frogs as a conservation focus. The Whitley Awards, often … [Read more...]
Plans afoot to save critically endangered KZN frogs
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is working hard to protect the last remaining locations in which the Endangered Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgilli) are found. The EWT is pleased to announce the recent publication of the Biodiversity Management Plan for this proudly South African but highly threatened species. An important consequence of the implementation … [Read more...]
EWT aims to break world record for frog protection
Leap Day for Frogs is held annually towards the end of Feb to raise awareness around the plight of frogs. This year the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) are trying to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of leapfrog globally. Let's take a leap of action and do something to appreciate and protect one of the most threatened group of animals on Earth: frogs! … [Read more...]
Critical water resources gobbled up by alien invasives
As South Africa continues to battle the drought which is further impacting on already scarce water supplies, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is implementing measures to conserve wetlands – a primary source of fresh water – and to prevent the loss of water resources to alien invasive plants. Since long before the era of the Egyptian Pharaohs, wetlands have supported the … [Read more...]
Ladies in conservation recognised this Women’s Month
What a month for our women in conservation. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) consistently receives recognition for its outstanding conservation of species and ecosystems in southern Africa, through the research it conducts and the projects it implements to address threats to our most vulnerable species. This would not be possible without their women in conservation. This … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 4: Time for the chicken run
It's raining today. I didn't want it to rain right now but I am grateful for my plants to get this rain. The reason for not wanting rain is that we are up to our elbows finishing the chicken tractor. We offer you another installment by Sue Vingerhoets of Foxglove organic farm. This mobile hen house can be moved into place for the hens to work over a piece of ground and when … [Read more...]
Urgent work needed to save our Cranes
The first ever Chrissiesmeer Crane Festival was hosted by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) last month and attracted over 150 visitors to the tiny town of Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga, exposing them to the magnificence, but also the alarming plight, of our cranes and their wetland habitats. All three of South Africa’s crane species are seen in the area, but the region is of … [Read more...]
Water is sacrificed for gold
When the Climate Train arrived in Johannesburg, Nasrec station earlier this month we all knew we were in for an eventful three days. However, unless you’re a football fan, you probably have very little reason to visit Nasrec Station. Since the Soccer World Cup was hosted in South Africa last year, this pristine station has for the most part been quiet. But when the train … [Read more...]
Through the eyes of a toad!
Imagine you are a western leopard toad living in your snug little home under a pot plant for 11 months of the year, happily snacking on organic, 'pesticide free' cockroaches and crickets in your vegetable patch at night while your human sleeps. It's the end of July, it's raining and the moon is getting fuller with every passing night. Your belly is laden with 1000 eggs … [Read more...]
Ensuring a future for SA’s frogs
Across the globe, amphibian numbers have been in fast decline since first reported in 1990. Habitat change due to human population growth has been identified as the leading factor, but in pristine habitats population reductions are as a result of a number of factors including ultraviolet light, climate change and infectious diseases. The South African National Biodiversity … [Read more...]
Freddie the frog
The builders departed and the gardening of the small courtyard began. I wanted to bring the garden into the house, so to speak. All shade plants, big and small ferns in our small space but most of all a small bird- bath / pond. Within the year, all was growing well and a hadeda arrived. In our small space he looked like a dinosaur as he came and went during the day. He was a … [Read more...]
Listen for the painted reed frog’s whistle
A frog researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) is calling on nature lovers in the Western Cape to help her with research on the occurrence and distribution of the painted reed frog in the Province by reporting when they hear the call of this little frog in their region. Ms Sarah Davies is studying the painted reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus) for her doctoral studies in … [Read more...]
