The Cameroon Prime Minister’s office announced the suspension of logging plans in Ebo forest on Tuesday, 11 August. The suspension of logging plans, which Greenpeace Africa called “a massacre”, leaves the fate of Ebo forest and the rights of local Banen communities entirely unclear. Ebo forest is essential for more than 40 local Banen communities. Amidst a global coronavirus … [Read more...]
Stop the next coronavirus: ban wildlife trade!
Our world has changed beyond belief - hundreds of thousands have died, shops are shuttered, and we can’t even hug our family and friends. The likely cause of this pandemic? The global wildlife trade. We know it’s driving the extinction of thousands of species, and is responsible for animal rights abuses - and now experts warn wildlife markets could be a “ticking time … [Read more...]
Rhino Conservation Awards to recognise unsung heroes
Nominations are now open for the Rhino Conservation Awards 2020, which aim to recognise those protecting Africa's wildlife. Never before has the importance of raising awareness for conservation and the individuals and organizations who fight tirelessly for it, been more paramount. These prestigious awards aim to highlight the people and organisations who are working … [Read more...]
Trained dogs to be placed across SA to stop poachers
World Rhino Day this year is again marred by horrendous statistics illustrating the poaching pandemic across the African continent. According to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), since 2008 some 7,900 black and white rhinos have been slaughtered for the illicit trade of their horns. The fight against poaching has been arduous and continually … [Read more...]
South Africa pushes for trade in endangered wildlife
The South African government, together with those of the DRC, Namibia and Zimbabwe, is proposing measures which, if enacted, could open the door to the international trade in elephant ivory, rhino horn and other endangered species. In a submission to the eighteenth conference of the parties (CoP18) to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild … [Read more...]
Annual fest seeks to educate on wetlands and water birds
The main purpose of the Flufftail Festival, held in Joburg earlier this month, is to teach people of all ages about the importance of conserving water, wetlands and waterbirds. On 8 and 9 February 2019 BirdLife South Africa, in partnership with Rand Water (Water Wise), Toyota, the Rare Finch Conservation Group and Joburg City Parks and Zoo, hosted the annual Flufftail … [Read more...]
Let your passions run wild this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is here and many of us already have plans in place to make our loved-ones feel special. But it’s also an opportunity to spread the love still further to causes close to your heart, with romantic accessories that endure long beyond the month of love. If you’re looking for a way to literally wear your heart on your sleeve and show how much you care about the … [Read more...]
Sustainable palm oil-certified pies a step in the right direction
Most responsible consumers are worried about the environmental, animal and social destruction of palm oil plantations and wonder how to negotiate their shopping without adding to the damage. Woolworths pies are the first South African food products to be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Early in 2018, Woolworths launched South Africa’s first … [Read more...]
Eco pools may help save endangered toads
Who would have thought a suburban swimming pool could save lives? William and Lisa Macdonald, of Sun Valley, near Fish Hoek in the Western Cape, may have found a way to help save the endangered western leopard toad (Schlerophrys pantherinus) from extinction in their area. “We settled here eight years ago and found the greenery of the dune belt, nestled at the foot of Table … [Read more...]
South Africa: home to the world’s most endangered seahorse
The Knysna seahorse is only found in a small section of South Africa and is one of only two seahorse species in the world currently listed as endangered. Locals need to act quickly to save the remaining specimens. Many divers, particularly photographers, have a bucket list of all the species they want to see before age catches up with them and diving is no longer an option. … [Read more...]
Time to add giraffes to the Endangered Species List
After pictures of a 37-year-old American woman posing next to the carcass of a giraffe bull surfaced online, social media exploded in disgust. Kentucky-born Tess Thompson Talley posted the photos on Facebook with the caption: "Prayers for my once in a lifetime dream hunt came true today! Spotted this rare black giraffe bull and stalked him for quite a while." Will & … [Read more...]
South African walker hopes to raise animal abuse awareness
If you could carry all your belongings in a backpack, what would you take? Keegan Horn was working in the film industry, where he saw the world focused on a materialistic lifestyle. A world he didn't want to be a part of. He knew he wanted to do something more meaningful and for a cause that was close to him. He embarked on a trip to Hogsback to reflect about his beloved … [Read more...]
Threatened fish will find sanctuary in new marine reserve
South Africa’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) footprint is currently sitting at 0.4% compared to a global average of 11%. “0.4% is simply not enough, and so we’re excited about the announcement of 5% expansion of our marine protected areas, following the commitments made by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA),” said Dr Jean Harris of WILDOCEANS. “We recently launched … [Read more...]
