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...]
First 5 international Hope Spots coming to SA
Dr Sylvia Earle will lead a Mission Blue Expedition to South Africa to launch the country's first five Hope Spots in December 2014. Sustainable Seas Trust and BirdLife South Africa are organizing the tour, in concert with a number of supporting organizations with a view to igniting public support for marine conservation. Dr Sylvia Earle, the architect of the Hope Spot … [Read more...]
Marine Law Enforcement Unit on high alert
The opening of the recreational WCRL season on Friday 15 November 2013 was greeted eagerly by the recreational fishers around the Peninsula, keen to take the opportunity to catch the recreational quota of four lobsters per fisher per day. A total of 48 officers from the City’s Marine Law Enforcement Unit, Table Mountain National Park’s Marine Unit, South African Police … [Read more...]
WESSA awards environmental wizards
Regional Environmental stars shine at WESSA Western Cape’s 65th Annual Regional Meeting and Awards ceremony. A select group of individuals and organisations were formally acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the Western Cape’s environmental conservation and environmental education sectors at WESSA’s 65th Annual Regional Meeting and Awards Ceremony, held at … [Read more...]
Shopping bags collect R1.7 for rhino conservation
Since the launch of the first iconic rhino reusable shopping bag in 2010, over R1.7 million has been raised for rhino conservation through a number of initiatives. Woolworths’ new limited edition rhino bag has arrived in stores in time for World Rhino Day on 22 September. Through the sale of each bag (R29.95), R10 (Vat inclusive) will be donated to the Wildlife ACT fund to … [Read more...]
Plant a tree this arbor month
Arbor month is upon us. A time when people are encouraged to plant trees to help remove some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Imagine if trees gave off Wifi signals, we would be planting so many trees. We’d probably save the planet too. Too bad they ONLY produce the oxygen we breathe! Trees might not help with wi-fi but they are as essential as we … [Read more...]
Calling all white lion protectors
The pioneering White Lion Leadership Academy is a CALL TO ACTION - equipping each participant with the lion-hearted values and intuitive courage to take their enhanced and heightened awareness into hard, fast, realistic and practical application in our critical times. The objective of the Academy is to inspire and empower participants to embody White Lion leadership … [Read more...]
Faith leaders tell Prince Philip about illegal wildlife trade
Statements by leaders of 34 religious traditions were presented to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh last month as part of a major initiative linking religions and conservation groups in opposing the illegal wildlife trade, which is annihilating the world’s rare and endangered species. The statements were presented to Prince Philip (one of ARC’s founders and WWF President Emeritus) … [Read more...]
Reversing the plight of the oribi
The Endangered Wildlife Trust Threatened Grassland Species Programme (EWT-TGSP) has entered into an exciting partnership with the South Africa Community Action Network (SA CAN) that will assist the EWT in combating illegal hunting with dogs, especially when threatened species such as Oribi are targeted. The Oribi, a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s temperate … [Read more...]
Japan halts whale hunt after Sea Shepherd clashes
Japan's fisheries agency says it has temporarily suspended its Southern Ocean whale hunt after clashes with anti-whaling activists. On Wednesday the Sea Shepherd group claimed two of its boats were rammed by a Japanese ship in Australian Antarctic waters. Activists say the attacks happened after they were ordered to leave the area by one of the boats in the Japanese whaling … [Read more...]
Rhino trade implicated in deaths
It's time to halt SA's rhino trade until we can sort out our poaching problem. If we don't do this, we will likely lose them forever, according to Margot Stewart of online advocacy website Causes. Since 1995, after a few unsuccessful attempts, South Africa was granted permission (by annotation) to trade in live white rhino to 'appropriate and acceptable destinations.' … [Read more...]
Australian tuna giant cans destructive fishing
John West, one of Australia’s leading canned fish manufacturers, has pledged to stop using destructive fishing methods that needlessly kill sharks, rays, baby tuna and turtles. The commitment means that John West will phase out the use of highly destructive and wasteful Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) used with purse seine nets by 2015. “John West has joined the growing … [Read more...]
