Our world has changed beyond belief - hundreds of thousands have died, shops are shuttered, and we can’t even hug our family and friends. The likely cause of this pandemic? The global wildlife trade. We know it’s driving the extinction of thousands of species, and is responsible for animal rights abuses - and now experts warn wildlife markets could be a “ticking time … [Read more...]
Ecological reflections on the coronavirus
The coronavirus health crisis is connected to the emergency of extinction, the disappearance of species and the climate emergency. All emergencies are rooted in a mechanistic, militaristic, anthropocentric world view of humans as separate from, and superior to other beings who we can own, manipulate and control. It is also rooted in an economic model based on the illusion … [Read more...]
WWF calls for a halt to illegal wildlife trade
The world is currently grappling with the worst public health emergency in recent memory. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases - those transmitted from animals to humans - and wildlife trade into sharp focus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 61% of all human … [Read more...]
EWT responds to China’s illegal wildlife trade ban
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) welcomes the announcement by the Chinese Communist Party to enforce the ban on illegal wildlife trade and increase regulation of wildlife markets. Evidence points to wildlife markets as a source of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which has resulted in human and economic costs. The EWT emphasises their position that these markets pose … [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...]
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...]
SA launches renewable energy initiative
South Africa and European Union nations earlier this week announced a massive renewable energy initiative, and this was launched in Durban on Wednesday. The South African Renewables Initiative (SARi) is in a bid to scale up and secure long-term funding to enable the growth of the renewable energy industry in South Africa. Green technology, skills and money are expected to … [Read more...]
Worldwide boycott of Namibia for culling
Several international groups have joined forces and are calling for a consumer boycott of all Namibian produce, sport and tourism, which includes de Beers diamonds, The Rugby World Cup, Heineken and Guinness. The boycott has the backing of a number of South African celebrities, including Miss South Africa. As of 2010, the Namibian seal cull became the largest slaughter of … [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...]
For the love of elephants
Please join us inwardly for a special prayer and meditation vigil for the elephants - the magnificent, gentle giants, guardians of the Earth - on 12/12, Sunday December 12, at 12 noon - 1 pm in your time zone (or for as long as you are able and at a time that works for you that day). Performing a sacred ceremony or chanting a mantra would also be appropriate. Whatever calls to … [Read more...]
Keeping a watchful eye on alien reptile numbers
There is a real threat in our country that alien reptiles, introduced by the pet trade, can get out of hand. Reptiles are becoming more and more popular as pets. This explains the increase in the number of alien reptiles establishing non-native populations around the world. Although there are relatively few incidences of this in South Africa, there is concern that the … [Read more...]
