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...]
Raising awareness of the importance of forests
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree … [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...]
New plan to secure future for grey crowned cranes
Grey Crowned Cranes have undergone a long-term large scale population decline of up to 80% over the past 45 years. They are econic, charismatic flagships for Southern and East Africa's grasslands and wetlands. Now the fastest declining crane species in the world, South Africa has the only sustainable and increasing population in Africa. To elevate the conservation status … [Read more...]
Cycad poacher sentenced to 10 years in landmark ruling
In a ground-breaking decision, and for the first time on record in the Eastern Cape and possibly in South Africa at large, an Encephalartos cycad poacher has been sentenced to ten years direct imprisonment by the Jansenville regional court. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (the EWT) would like to commend the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate Coetzee, and the members of … [Read more...]
Coming together to save one of Earth’s largest mammals
They're among the world's oldest species of mammal. Rhinoceros and their ancestors have been around for nearly 55 million years and, at one time or another, nearly 100 different species of these incredible creatures have roamed the planet. Now, only five species remain — white, black, greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran — and three of those are critically … [Read more...]
Let’s help relocate rhinos to less violent pastures
There is a massive international effort afoot to raise money to relocate 100 rhinos away from the devastating poaching syndicates of South Africa to Botswana, where poaching rates are low. It’s crucial we act now, because over 1,000 rhinos are being killed for their horns annually. At this rate they’ll all be gone in 20 years. And I simply can’t stand the thought that my … [Read more...]
