Since 2012 the annual Rhino Conservation Awards have served to recognise the remarkable individuals and organisations that protect Africa’s rhino population. Nominations have now opened for the Rhino Conservation Awards 2015. Nominations are invited from all African rhino range states, in categories including; Best Field Ranger, Best Conservation Practitioner, Best Political … [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...]
New deal to help Mozambique combat wildlife crime
A historic deal between the Government of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano Foundation and Peace Parks Foundation will strengthen Mozambique’s efforts to combat wildlife crime by supporting the development of dedicated anti-poaching operations in and around Limpopo National Park - an integral component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Conservation Area. The project … [Read more...]
736 down this year – the unforgettable cry of a wounded rhino
“They say that the cry of a wounded rhino never leaves you… It is the sound you hear when a rhino wakes with half its face and struggles to its feet, dazed and confused, into a fate it will never understand.” This is an extract from Courage in the Loss of Hope By Lauren Daisy Flynn referring to a poaching incident in Kariega Game Reserve near where I live in Mpuma Coloni. … [Read more...]
Hours to save the elephants
Poachers recently shot one of the world’s largest elephants, Satao, then hacked his 100 pound tusks out of his face with a machete. At the current rate of killing, elephants may be extinct in 15 years. This week, if we act now, we have an amazing chance to crack down on the illegal trade that fuels the slaughter. Each day, 50 regal elephants are butchered just to make dinky … [Read more...]
Minister Molewa welcomes grant to combat rhino poaching
South Africa’s Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Minister Edna Molewa has lauded the R232.2 million grant made to the Peace Parks Foundation by the Dutch and Swedish Postcode Lotteries. The Dutch Postcode Lottery donated R217 million of the total donation, with R15.2 million being contributed by the Swedish Postcode Lottery, towards the fight against rhino … [Read more...]
Raising millions with reusable bags
Woolworths customers have helped raise close to R5 million to date by purchasing the cause related reusable bags sold in Woolworths stores. This includes over R2.2 million for rhinos, R2.1 million for other endangered species, almost R400 000 for marine life, and R200 000 for breast cancer awareness. Woolworths launched their first cause related bag in September 2010 - the … [Read more...]
At least 635 rhinos down this year
To date, a staggering 635 Rhinos have been reported as poached in South Africa in 2013, with the real numbers possibly being higher. Rhino poaching is considered by some to be a low risk - high reward activity with an increasingly affluent market for rhino horn in the east, and this is responsible for driving the numbers of Rhinos poached ever higher. To date, a staggering … [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...]
Art for our rhinos’ sake
A picture says more than a thousand words. Personally I feel that eco art should play a much stronger role in getting our urgent environmental message across than currently happens in our country. Our future demands that – our hearts need to be stirred by all means possible. Why are our musicians not taking up the cause, the artist illustrating our problems, the poets not … [Read more...]
A contribution to rhino anti-poaching considerations
Despite all the money and efforts being spent on anti-poaching, the rhino death toll is escalating at a rate that threatens the survival of the species. What was the tipping point leading to the increased demand for rhino horn and how can this trend be reversed? The latest rhino poaching statistics for South Africa released by the South African Government Department of … [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...]
