Sightings of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have crashed this year in False Bay near Cape Town, South Africa—one of the best-known hot spots of the predators in the world—and scientists aren’t sure why. Orcas, which love to dine on shark liver, may have scared them off, researchers say, but human activities could also play a role. Shark Spotters, a local charity that … [Read more...]
Environmental report understates potential catastrophe on the East Coast
In January 2018, environmental consultant ERM (Environmental Resources Management) submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application on behalf of Italian oil company Eni seeking environmental authorisation to drill up to six deep water wells offshore of the East Coast of South Africa (Block ER236) in water depths up to 3000m. On 17 September ERM notified interested … [Read more...]
Parties unite to solve 400-year-old problem
The Western Cape is one step closer to finding long-term solutions for dealing with damage-causing jackal and caracal, reportedly costing farmers across South Africa a total of R20 million last year. CapeNature met with organisations representing animal welfare, conservationists, veterinarians, academic and research institutions, farmers and professional hunters earlier this … [Read more...]
Blood Spots Leopard
Panjo, the Fernandes' pet tiger that was in the news a few weeks ago, has placed the public focus on big cats in South Africa. He might have been a Bengal Tiger, not in the least indigenous, but at least alive and well in this country. South Africa features equal beauties in the form of the lion, the cheetah and the leopard, to name but the jewels in Africa's crown. These … [Read more...]
Save the leopards with Anatolian dogs
It is essential for livestock farmers to find non-lethal methods to protect their animals from predators. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog fits this bill perfectly. Anatolians have the ability to protect livestock through their physical attributes of size, strength, good eyesight, sense of smell and hearing and their dedication and loyalty to their adopted families. The leopard … [Read more...]
