Last week welcomed significant news and positive movement for marine conservation in South Africa - a country that sits in the top five as a global hotspot for shark and ray diversity – as the WILDTRUST announced the launch of its newest marine campaign. On The Brink is a campaign underwriting a 3-year project called ‘Sanctuary for Sharks & Rays’ driven by WILDTRUST, in … [Read more...]
Protecting African wild dogs in KwaZulu-Natal
On Saturday 2nd April 2022, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal released it's newest pack of African Wild Dogs, which is composed of four 3 year old males who were originally brought into the reserve from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve at the end of 2020, and two 2 year old females born in HiP. African Wild Dogs are Southern Africa’s most endangered carnivore with an … [Read more...]
Using drones for recreational fishing is illegal
The WILDTRUST, along with several other conservation driven entities, fully support the recently published notice of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) which makes it clear that the use of drones (also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs) for the purposes of recreational fishing, is illegal. The largely negative reaction of the … [Read more...]
Rhino scarves mix conservation fashion with passion
When the Oscar winning documentary My Octopus Teacher graced international screens, it sent ripples of change and awareness around the planet. One man, one octopus, and the story of their bond, inspired millions around the globe. For humans this story was special – the animal became the teacher. For renowned filmmaker Craig Foster, it was an opportunity to share his … [Read more...]
New fashion pact promotes responsible renewable fibre sourcing
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) launched its Fashion Forever Green Pact today; a call to immediate action for the fashion industry—brands, retailers and manufacturers alike—to adopt responsible sourcing in support of the world’s forests. With the rising need for renewable and sustainable fibres in recent years, man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) have become the fastest … [Read more...]
Greenpeace Africa responds to Congo oil block cancellation
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to remove Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from the List of World Heritage in Danger. The decision follows clarification “provided by the national authorities that the oil concessions overlapping with the property are null and void and that these blocks will be excluded from future … [Read more...]
Monaco royalty raises awareness about rhino poaching
Imagine if we had to wake up on a planet that no longer had any rhinos. Will we tell our children that we did nothing as these magnificent creatures were hunted into extinction? What a tragic day that will be! This is exactly the scenario Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco wants to avoid. HSH Princess Charlene’s recent trip to Africa began as an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Help protect bird breeding grounds in Kleinbaai
The coastal strip in Kleinbaai is currently being excavated for the installation of a new sewer system. This area is the breeding ground for African Oystercatchers and white-fronted plovers. For years the people living next to this coastline have admired the birds looking after their young. They have protected the nests by putting up signs so that holidaymakers and dogs do … [Read more...]
SA hake fishery impacts threatened sharks and rays
In November 2020, WILDTRUST submitted a formal Objection to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the South African Hake Trawl Fishery. MSC certification is an “eco-label” found on seafood packaging, supposedly confirming the products contained came from a sustainable fishery. In its Objection the WILDTRUST cited concerns about the fishery's impact on … [Read more...]
South Africans say “no!” to exporting meat from endangered species
More than 45 000 people reacted to Dear SA’s campaign inviting comment on draft legislation allowing meat from endangered species to be added to the list of animals allowed to be slaughtered, consumed and traded. The overwhelming majority of those participating in the campaign objected to the South African government’s plan to expand the list of animals for slaughter and … [Read more...]
City asks residents to help spot Cape Dwarf Chameleon
The City of Cape Town is encouraging residents to keep a special eye out for the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, which is classified as a vulnerable species. This will assist the City in tracing where these chameleons occur. With the onset of autumn, these chameleons, also known as Trapsuutjies in Afrikaans, should be delivering offspring ahead of the rains, which usually occur around … [Read more...]
Curbing the rhino crisis – not all doom and gloom
With four suspected poachers recently apprehended at the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, it is no wonder that 2019 has been hailed as one of the best for the reserve. 2019 has seen great achievements for the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve with 6 rhino calves born on Somkhanda. This is an incredibly important contribution to Zululand’s rhino population and a testament to the … [Read more...]
Rhino awards recognises the people who protect wildlife
“It’s not whether animals will survive, it’s whether man has the will to save them.”- Anthony Douglas Williams. Africa’s wildlife is a vital part of the continent’s heritage. They are in many ways not a part of Africa, they are Africa. The increasing threats to Africa’s wildlife suggest that Africa could be in danger of losing a part of its identity. But there is hope. There … [Read more...]
