Cape Town residents have until Monday 16 March to comment on a draft Nature Reserves Bylaw devised and published by council. The proposed document intends to protect and preserve nature reserves in the municipal boundaries and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors to these areas. Cape Town is an integral part of the Cape Floristic Region, with much of its unique … [Read more...]
Large illegal logging operation uncovered in Mozambique
In October 2019 a successful security operation led to the arrest of several suspects involved in a large illegal logging operation in Mozambique’s Coutada 4, a hunting concession that lies on the northern border of Zinave National Park. After hearing what sounded like chainsaw operations in an area where logging is strictly prohibited and having suspicions confirmed by … [Read more...]
Youth delegates from across the world pledge to protect wildlife
The World Youth Wildlife Summit brought together 225 youth delegates, adult chaperones (educators and community leaders), conservation experts and keynote speakers from the 21st – 24th September, to equip the youth to become Ambassadors for Conservation and influencers to reduce wildlife crime. The impact of wildlife crime was highlighted during the Opening Ceremony when … [Read more...]
Lion trade: the secret threat faced by SA tourism industry
Annually, thousands of tourists flock to South Africa to experience our unique wildlife. But behind this booming industry is an ugly truth, many wildlife encounters support the mistreatment of iconic species, such as lions. Tourism plays a vital role in job creation and contributed over R130-billion to the economy in 2017, about 2.9% of the total gross domestic product … [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...]
Landmark decision for lions ahead of World Lion Day
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is delighted to note that the Pretoria High Court has today set aside the 2017 and 2018 lion bone quotas, stating that these were both unlawful and unconstitutional, and that due process was not followed in the setting of these quotas. Before giving his judgement, Judge Jody Kollapen said that this issue has implications for both current … [Read more...]
Parliament concerned about trophy hunting in the Greater Kruger area
Parliament is concerned with issues related to the trophy hunting of Kruger National Park animals and specifically with the contractual relationship between the Kruger and neighbouring private reserves whereby Kruger animals are hunted in the Greater Kruger area, outside of the Park. The Greater Kruger area is an open system permitting Kruger animals to roam across private … [Read more...]
Lion breeding industry harming SA’s reputation according to new poll
A nationwide survey, by the Humane Society International (HSI), has revealed that the majority of South Africans believe the captive lion breeding industry is harming the country’s international reputation. This announcement comes on the first of a two-day South African Parliamentary inquiry into the lion breeding industry. According to the study, South Africans demonstrate … [Read more...]
Key conservation organisations secure global support to end canned hunting
The fight against canned lion hunting has had a small victory by gathering global support. This support will be formally announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, which is taking place in Hawaii from the 1st to 10th September. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in association with Wildlands, the South African Wildlife College (SAWC), and a range of other … [Read more...]
Demand justice for Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe
Cecil the Lion was the most famous lion in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park – but now he's dead, and his killer may not even face any jail time. Reporters are working to confirm the horrifying details of Cecil's death. Here's what sources are saying: this month an American dentist named Walter James Palmer used bait to lure Cecil out of the park, then shot him with a bow and … [Read more...]
Vietnam challenged about horn trading
Government will start targeting foreigners who come to South Africa for rhino trophy hunting, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Wednesday. Poaching statistics continue to increase exponentially year on year, with an estimated 159 animals killed since the beginning of 2012. The majority of illegally traded rhino horn is smuggled into Vietnam and … [Read more...]
A different way of thinking about rhino poaching
It is a violent act to kill a defenseless, non-offending animal like a rhino. However we will never see the end to such violence if we do not deal with human poverty that exists within ourselves and on the edge of wildlife reserves. Poverty can be physical like starvation, disease and homelessness, but it can also be emotional - the inner emptiness that leads to deprivation … [Read more...]
