2022 has been an incredible year for SANBI and conservation horticulturist and tree expert Mpendulo Gabayi from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Mpho Mathalauga (horticulturist) from KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, and Ntsakisi Masia (seed collector - Millennium Seed Bank Partnership) from Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden as they were triumphant in their … [Read more...]
California frogs proposed for species protection
In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition and lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed Endangered Species Act protection for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada and central and Southern California. This stream-dwelling frog species has disappeared from more than 50% of its historic habitat in the state. “At … [Read more...]
A new shark and two rays for Africa
What better way to celebrate Shark Awareness Day (14 July) than with the news of a new shark and two rays (flatsharks) in African waters? A new species of shark and 2 rays (guitarfish/ flatsharks to be exact) have recently been described by Dr David Ebert, an ichthyologist (devoted to the study of fish, including bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and jawless fish) based in … [Read more...]
Harnessing technology to combat shark trafficking
Recognising the challenges faced by law enforcement officials, WILDOCEANS (a programme of the WILDTRUST) through their ‘Shark & Ray Protection Project’ (underwritten by the Shark Attack Campaign), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and TRAFFIC have put together a series of training sessions that will assist customs and law enforcement … [Read more...]
Peninsula toads get the inside track
The long wait is over and two toad tunnels are finally being installed along Peninsula Road in Zeekoevlei to allow the endangered Western Leopard Toad (Sclerophrys pantherina) to pass under and avoid being hit by cars. Currently the area is a dangerous one for these toads who cross the road on their way to the wetlands during the breeding season. The project will also allow … [Read more...]
Massive frog massacre averted thanks to eco saviours
One Sunday morning earlier this month, Bolander received an urgent call from Somerset West resident Elma Pollard (previous environmental correspondent for Bolander, and editor of the Green Times), saying that there was a massive frog migration underway from Paardevlei dam, over the R44 to the Sanctuary dam. "The cars are driving over the frogs, it’s a massive slaughter, and … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds part 1: Veldkool
Want to learn more about the medicinal and nutritional value of the common weeds in your garden? Today Tracy Armbruster - our weed enthusiast – kicks off her series for all of us to learn together: W.E.E.D’s (Wild, Enriching, Edible, Delight’s) are simply amazing! What I love most about them is their pioneering spirit. Their “survival of the fittest” attitude. They have … [Read more...]
Protest against Namibian seal clubbings
'The quota this year has been set for 85 000 baby seals that are still nursing from their mothers' teats. These are beaten to death with pick handles so that their fur pelts may be sold for US $7.00 A further 6 000 adult bull seals will be shot at point blank range so that their penises can be used to make an ineffective aphrodisiac,' said Pat Dickens, co-ordinator of Sea … [Read more...]
Quest to save the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has long been committed to saving the endangered Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) from extinction. On the 21st of May (2011), this ecological haven in the Cederberg once again joined forces with CapeNature to co-host the annual Clanwilliam Cedar Tree event in Heuningvlei in the Cederberg … [Read more...]
Rhino war in bloody swing
Last week three more rhinos died in the Kruger National Park. The demand for illegal rhino horn this time also claimed the life of a calf. Gunshots were heard and rangers went to investigate. Tragically, it was too late: The poachers were already sawing the horns off one of the rhinos. An exchange of gunfire followed, and the two poachers were killed. According to Eyewitness … [Read more...]
Truth about endangered giant sable revealed
It was hoped that the presence of the Zambian antelope would be a lifeline for the survival of the giant sable, described as critically endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species. It was feared that the giant sable had completely died out in the wild because of the effects of the Angolan civil war. Then two small populations of these majestic antelope with their … [Read more...]
Too late for biodiversity?
I don't like to spread bad news - I prefer to inspire people. But some things need to be said, else we are simply keeping our heads in the sand. The hard truth can also be liberating - and it seems we need liberation from our own ways. Something everyone needs to know is what impact humans have had on our planet's biodiversity over the past 40 years. What happened to other … [Read more...]
SA is world leader in plant species survey
In one of the continent's largest collaborative conservation projects to date, South Africa has become the first of the world's mega-diverse countries to fully assess the status of its entire flora - a staggering 20 456 species. The assessment was published in a book entitled the Red List of South African Plants, which was launched at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town on Earth Day by … [Read more...]
