african lion database an exciting new project …€¦ · lion conservation on a crowded continent...

Issue 13: The Good News EditionJune - July 2019

HELPINGTO SAVE THE WORLD’S MOST TRAFFICKED MAMMAL

RIVERINE RABBITS POP UPIN NEW LOCATION

AFRICAN LION DATABASEAN EXCITING NEW PROJECT

ENDANGEREDWILDLIFE TRUSTProtecting forever, together.

A word from the CEO

Noticeboard• Events

Features• Riverine Rabbits pop up in new location

• Helping to save the world’s most trafficked mammal!

• The little province that could

• The triumphant tale of two cats who survived their own

curiosity

• Inaugural African linear infrastructure and ecology

conference a resounding success

• Big busts and successes in the courts

• This was a plastic bottle

• Online information hub provides original wildlife content

in all 11 official languages

• Proactive approaches to combatting hunting with dogs

Showcasing our supporters: Protecting the last free-roaming

Wild Dogs in South Africa

Tails from the field• Integrated Farm Planning and Management training course ...

held in Loxton

• Keeping tabs on our National Bird

• Notes on being a Field Assistant at the EWT

Green heroes• Safeguarding the future

Walking the talk• Beating air pollution

Science snippets• The EWT begins an exciting project on African Lions

Showcasing our supporters: A fashionable cause

Wildlife fact file• Grey Crowned Crane

• Cheetah

• Table Mountain Ghost Frog

Meet the pack• Jimmy Muheebwa

• Vincent van der Merwe

Showcasing our supporters: Golfing for a good cause

Ways to give: Every swipe counts!

Pups’ place

In closing: Mwitu’s missive

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1 Conservation Matters | Issue 13: The Good News Edition

A WORD FROMTHE CEOIt would appear that the survival of most populations of wild animals and plants is more at risk now than ever before. This may be perfectly understandable on the one hand, considering the rapid escalation in human population sizes, and consumption, in recent decades. On the other hand, it is puzzling, as we are living in a time of great enlightenment characterised by a solid understanding of the role of nature in human survival and a heightened awareness of the rapid loss of all things wild and free globally. Never before has communication and the spread of information been faster, or more widely shared and it would be difficult to contemplate that there are still people who don’t know about the perilous state of our natural world.

So why this state of confusion? Many reasons are offered and people would argue that it is due to the failure of the conservation sector to make nature, and wild animals, economically valuable to the majority of people in the world, for whom a rhino is worth more dead than alive, or an elephant is nothing more than a crop trampling nuisance. Others state that it is the failure of conservation organisations to engage effectively with governments and policy makers, the ultimate custodians of natural assets through their legislative powers, to ensure that nature is front and centre of a regulatory framework that will safeguard our futures. The common thread in these hypotheses is the role of the conservation sector to make the right arguments and choose the right words that will make the powerful and the influential sit up and do the right thing for the planet and 7+ billion people who reside on it.

But in reality, what WILL it take? Wars and famines? We have those already. Struggles for natural resources are not new and competition for dwindling water supplies, food security and arable land will only increase. We call them ideological wars but most battles (from boardrooms and parliaments to frontlines and combat zones) are fought to gain control over natural resources. Rangers have become soldiers, shooting to kill the enemy who would shoot and kill the last rhino or tigers. Soldiers have become poachers, funding their war efforts through the trafficking of elephant ivory and bushmeat. Perhaps it will take natural disasters that displace millions of people for the world to reverse our climate threatening conduct? We have those too. Year after year with the numbers of displaced people at global highs and the spread of diseases like Ebola and Measles on the rise. Maybe it will take the extinction of species like the Yangtze Dolphin or the Northern White Rhino?

I’ll suggest that what it WON’T take is the conservation sector finding more compelling and persuasive arguments when governments and society as a whole doesn’t’ seem to grasp, let alone care about the wellbeing of other species and wild places that are not simply waiting to be developed or farmed for our insatiable consumption. And it is not likely that more education campaigns are likely to persuade people, both urban and rural, to act to save what remains of Africa’s wildlife.

We’ve just come out of a national election in South Africa and not one political party stood out for their commitment and capacity to

2Conservation Matters | Issue 13: The Good News Edition

addressing the ecological crisis in this country. Given that the tourism sector – the only really sustainable and growing job market in the country - is largely dependent on wildlife, and nature based activities, it is astounding that more attention was not paid to ensuring that our environment is central to achieving the gains promised at rallies and in speeches. Our global reputation as a thriving hotbed for wildlife smuggling and lion bone production threatens our tourism sector and Big Game hunters spend their dollars in our neighbouring countries whilst we defend canned lion hunting. As another example, we have an electricity crisis in this country, not an Eskom crisis. Electricity could be supplied to households at least, with locally made photovoltaics, thereby reducing demand from an under-efficient national grid, and stimulating local manufacturing and enterprises. Nature has the solutions, and our sunny climate is in fact a way of solving the ‘crisis’. Instead, we continue to pursue activities which will ultimately destroy these options. Given that millions of South Africans rely on rain fed agriculture, medicinal plants and natural materials to sustain themselves, why are we willing to trade all that in for more mines and less wetlands, more coal fired power stations and filthy rivers? To corral and mass produce wild animals in cages and call that a thriving ‘wildlife economy’? How do we invert society’s general lack of interest in ensuring that our environment is afforded the greatest protection possible and how do we alter our appetite for rampant natural resource consumption for short-term economic gain at the risk of every other ecological process?

As with most revolutions, it probably needs to start with brave local people and visionary leaders. As the world moved from the industrial to the information revolution, now is time for an ecological revolution. This one should not be centred around creating wealth and poverty extremes; amassing waste and fuelling a single use, quick fix lifestyle; assigning values to the things that will kill us and destroying that will save us. Rather this revolution should see all people, everywhere, recognising how we have become our worst enemies and battling the enemy within as a starting point. The soldiers of our future are ourselves, but so are the enemies. We all need to consider not just what we buy, eat or drive, and which bin our paper goes into; but who we vote for, how we invest our money; who we idolise and for what reasons, who gets our ear and the values we assign to stuff, stuff and more stuff. Iceland just elected a 41-year-old environmental activist to be their next Prime Minister and Sasol shareholders recently voted to compel the bank to adopt and publicly disclose a policy on lending to coal-fired power projects and coal mining operations. In August 2017, Kenya introduced one of the world’s toughest bans on plastic bags mandating four years in prison or a fine of $40,000 for even using one. Tanzania has just joined more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single-use plastic bags, including China, France, Kenya, Rwanda and Italy. And Canada, one of the largest shark fin importers outside of Asia, has just banned the import and export of shark fins.

We need these to not be isolated incidents but trends for the world to follow. The EWT is fighting this fight but we cannot do it alone. You need us but we need you more.

Go to www.ewt.org.za and Protect Forever Together with us.

A WORD FROMTHE CEO(continued)


Endangered Wildlife Trust:

Physical Address:

Building K2, Ardeer Road, Pinelands Office Park,Modderfontein, 1609

Postal Address:

Private Bag X 11,Modderfontein, 1645Gauteng, South Africa

[T] +27 11 372 3600 [F] +27 11 608 4682[E] [email protected]

11 July: World Population Day10 August: World Lion Day12 August: World Elephant Day

Lion Conservation on a crowded continentCraig Packer (CCJ Woodmead talk)

Perhaps no species has attained a higher status in the human imagination than the lion.Lions adorn the crests of countries where the species has never lived; lions appear as logos of sport teams, insurance companies, food products, children’s toys, investment firms, and on and on. Yet our relationship with real live lions has always been loaded – as ambassadors of entertainment, both high and low, as mortal threats to personal safety, as rites of passage to heroic manhood. They are big, they are dangerous, and they are the source of endless fascination, not only for their conspicuous manes but for their appealing family structure and their extraordinary physical strength.

Craig Packer has had the unique privilege of living with lions for over 40 years. He has learned what turns lion into man-eaters, and what it will take to conserve them into the next century. His presentation tracks the history of wildlife conservation in Africa and how the basic assumption that “wildlife must pay its way” has failed. But there are good reasons to remain optimistic for the future. He will describe how lions are thriving in some of the most unlikely places and what we can all do to ensure that lions will still roam free a hundred years from now.

Environmental

DaysHoedspruit Wild Dogs dinner

10 JULY

25 JULY

Please join the EWT for this fascinating talk at the Country Club Johannesburg – Woodmead. Talk: R120 ppDinner: R185 ppPlease contact Rebecca Mabuza for more information or to RSVP – [email protected]


Riverine Rabbits pop up in new locationCobus Theron, Manager, EWT Drylands Conservation [email protected]


The EWT’s Drylands Conservation Programme (DCP) team was thrilled to confirm the presence of a previously unrecorded population of Riverine Rabbits on the western side of the Baviaanskloof in May 2019. This population represents a completely new distribution of the species not identified before or anticipated by any previous population modelling. According to Bonnie Schumann, DCP Nama Karoo Coordinator, this is a historic find with the closest confirmed sightings of the southern population more than 250 km to the west.

In December 2018 ornithologist and well-known conservation scientist, Alan Lee from Blue Hills Escape Farm in the Western Cape discovered a dead Riverine Rabbit on a gravel road. Fortunately, he realised that the animal in front of him was not a hare or a Rock Rabbit but the Critically Endangered Riverine Rabbit.After making contact with Alan, Cobus Theron, DCP Manager, and Bonnie, visited the area and set out 38 camera traps with the aim of capturing live images of the rabbit. Camera traps are placed in clusters and in such a manner that individuals are not likely to be observed twice by more than one cluster. After 50 days in the field, the cameras were collected by the team and processed.

According to Cobus, “While we expected one or two clusters to capture images, we were astounded that eight of our 12 clusters had confirmed images of Riverine Rabbits on them!” This again demonstrates that this species is the true hide and seek champion of the Karoo, given that despite being present in the landscape, they were only discovered now.

“This find is unexpected and redefines our understanding of the distribution of the species. It demonstrates that their elusiveness is part of their survival strategy,” says Cobus.

The EWT has also managed to obtain a genetic sample from the dead rabbit found by Alan Lee. This will be analysed to provide insights into the relationship between the Baviaanskloof Riverine Rabbits and Riverine Rabbits from the northern and southern populations.

The find shows the importance of sightings by members of the public and the value of social media in connecting people. The EWT, along with CapeNature, will now incorporate the findings into their conservation strategy and engage landowners in the Baviaanskloof to ensure that the Riverine Rabbit receives the attention it deserves.

This work is made possible by RMB and ZGAP.


The pangolin is the world’s most trafficked mammal. As a result, this elusive little fellow is now threatened with extinction across its home range. Pangolin numbers are now so low that every animal counts and we cannot afford to lose even one more!

The EWT’s team in the Soutpansberg Mountains, led by Oldrich van Schalkwyk, received disturbing news one Saturday in May, that a pangolin was being offered for sale in a neighbouring village. Working with rangers from the H12Leshiba Game Reserve and the South African Police Service, a sting operation was immediately launched to rescue this trafficking victim so that it could be safely returned to its wild habitat.

The suspects had contacted the reserve to offer the pangolin to them for R80,000, but were exposed by a brave informant, who negotiated with the sellers while the team put the sting operation in place. At 15:00, the team was advised that the pangolin would be sold to someone in Johannesburg if the R80,000 was not forthcoming in the next hour, and they knew there was little time left to save this terrified animal.

Unfortunately, the suspects were tipped off, and fled the scene before an arrest was possible. However, the woman and children in the house lead the team to the room where the animal was being kept. Amongst the clutter, Oldrich found the distressed pangolin hiding under a cupboard. The priority was to get the stressed and extremely dehydrated male pangolin to safety, and EWT staff took him to the EWT’s

Belinda Glenn, EWT Marketing and Communications [email protected]

Helping to save the world’s most trafficked mammal!

Medike Nature Reserve, where he could forage, drink water, and de-stress. Normally, pangolins absorb water from their food, rather than through drinking, but this poor animal was so dehydrated that he drank deeply from the water hole, after enjoying a meal of ants.

The next morning, this brave little survivor was taken by the African Pangolin Working Group to the Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, where he is being treated and cared for at a secure offsite location for before being released back into the wild. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the vet found him to still be dehydrated, but in otherwise surprisingly good condition. It was extremely fortunate that we were able to rescue him after only a few days in captivity. Usually, these animals are only found after a much longer time in the trade, and often it is too late to save them.

A case has been opened against the suspects and the police are closing in, with an imminent arrest being on the cards. But the fight to save this brave pangolin is not over! In early June, Louis entered a slow release protocol and will now form part of an exciting reintroduction of the species to the Zululand area. Louis is joined by a pregnant female pangolin, who was also rescued from the illegal trade. Together, they offer hope for the future of the species in the area.

The first phase of the slow release process involves the pangolins being walked into the area of eventual release every evening. After a sufficient foraging session, they will go back into their sleeping box where they will sleep until the


Costs:Tracking device: R20,000Monitor pangolins in the field per day: R200 Pangolin rehabilitation costs: R30,000

To date, we have reached R49,230 of our R122,000 goal, and are extremely grateful to all those who have donated thus far.

Will you help us to reach our target?

Visit https://www.givengain.com/cc/you-can-save-the-worlds-most-trafficked-mammal/ or email [email protected] for more information on how to help save our precious pangolins.

next foraging session. This daily process usually continues for between three and five days, but it may take longer, depending on the individual animals and how they adapt and behave. The process is always closely guided by a staff member so that the pangolins’ behaviour can be monitored and correctly interpreted. Once the animals have settled and are displaying normal behaviour, they will be released.

Post-release monitoring will be done through both VHF and satellite telemetry units that have been fitted to these pangolins. For the first three weeks, Louis and his partner must be found twice a day and a visual observation recorded – type of habitat, burrow type, and behaviour. The monitor needs to observe the animals feeding and record the ant species. It is critical to weigh the animals in the field so that we can ascertain that they are indeed feeding properly. This is important because weight loss is the first indication that Louis or his partner may not be doing well, and we can then act before it is too late. Thereafter, they must be located twice a week for a further three months, then once per week for the remainder of the year. After that, they will hopefully have settled in an area and monitoring can continue as desired.

This release process, and the monitoring that accompanies it, is imperative if we want to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of these precious pangolins. There have been many instances where these traumatised animals have deteriorated post-release and had to be readmitted to hospital, or worse, have succumbed to their illnesses. Indeed, even with a slow release process, there is around a

20% chance of a relapse. This makes fitting tracking devices, and monitoring these animals regularly, absolutely essential. We need to make sure he is effectively monitored for at least three months, and preferably a year. These tracking data will also give us a better understanding of the behaviour of these elusive creatures, helping us to conserve not just Louis, but many more pangolins in the future.

With this in mind, we set up a crowdfunder on GivenGain, with the aim of covering his veterinary costs, buying a tracking device, monitoring him in the field for at least three months, and keeping him, and other pangolins, out of the illegal wildlife trade.

The distressed pangolin was found hiding under a cupboard and taken to Medike Nature Reserve to recuperate.


Emily Taylor, EWT Project Coordinator: Gauteng Biodiversity Stewardship and Education for Sustainable [email protected]

THE LITTLE PROVINCE THAT COULD

The exquisite Devon Grasslands, a portion of which will be proclaimed as the Devon Protected Environment(DPE) topromote mixed-use landscapes,

supporting sustainable agriculture and the wealth of biodiversity int the area


As the economic and industrial heart of South Africa, Gauteng has, in many ways, become conservation’s forgotten province, despite significant expanses of land with astounding biodiversity, and immense ecological and aesthetic value. Its grasslands, rivers and wetlands are also vital for the province’s sustainable supply of fresh air and water. If well managed, they make populated areas more resilient against pollution, flooding and droughts, and they contribute to citizens’ physical and mental wellbeing.

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) is committed to protecting the biodiversity and habitats remaining in the province, and, recognising that they cannot do the work alone, in August 2015, they partnered with the EWT to launch the Gauteng Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (GBSP). The GBSP is funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nedbank Green Trust. The GBSP target was to declare notices for 5,000 hectares of natural habitat as protected areas, under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No 57 of 2003 (NEM:PAA), using biodiversity stewardship as a mechanism to do so. This programme will extend South Africa’s protected areas’ footprint on privately- and community-owned land, without the government having to purchase or manage the land.

Originally the team engaged landowners across the province, and mapped potential sites falling in priority conservation areas. For the process to work successfully, and sustainably, it is essential that the landowner commits to the process a hundred percent. This means that some sites which have high conservation value were not prioritised for this phase of the programme, because the owners were not interested. Fortunately, we found some hidden gems in other identified areas of the province, with passionate and interested landowners. They were tentative about the programme

at first, but later accepted it after realising that, instead of jeopardising their livelihoods, biodiversity stewardship can, and does, contribute to improved veld management. This in turn leads to higher agricultural yields. There are also additional benefits for those landowners interested in venturing into game farming and ecotourism. Two such areas, Midvaal and Devon, became focal points for the programme going forward. This has helped the Programme to achieve all its identified requirements for declaration of protected areas in the province. In Midvaal, we were originally working on a number of properties owned by one landowner, totalling 2,300 hectares, until the owner of a neighbouring property expressed interest in joining and this led to the expansion of the potential protected area to 2,700 ha. The other priority site, the proposed Devon Protected Environment, consists of properties owned by seven different landowners, totalling 7,979 ha.

After more than two and a half years of assessments and negotiations, our Midvaal landowners signed declaration agreements in August and September 2018, committing themselves to managing their properties for conservation into perpetuity. All of the properties combined will be known as the Klipkraal Protected Area (KPA), and will be managed as one site. The KPA adjoins the Vaal Dam Nature Reserve, and thus contributes to protected area expansion and the conservation of our vital but gravely threatened grasslands. The Devon Protected Environment (DPE) Landowners Association (DPELA) was initiated and came into being on 24 April 2018, and the chairman of the DPELA signed the declaration agreement on 18 October 2018.

The signing of the legal stewardship agreements by the landowners of the two proposed protected areas, Klipkraal Protected Area (KPA) and Devon Protected Environment (DPE), cemented the relationships between the GDARD and

One of the members of the newly established Devon Landowners”Association (DLA), on site with GDARD officials


www.ewtshop.co.za


the landowners.

The GDARD stewardship unit regularly engages with the landowners via WhatsApp groups and site visits. Where possible, the team also provides, or facilitates, extension services such as information days with specialist veld management consultants. They also connect the landowners with the GDARD Environmental Empowerment Services, who implement the removal of alien and invasive vegetation and provide fire management services through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

On 4 March 2019, the MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile, published the ‘Intent to Declare’ notices for both the Devon Protected Environment and the Klipkraal Protected Area in the Gauteng Government Gazette. This was a momentous day for the Gauteng Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (GBSP), achieving our project target twice over. The ‘Intent to Declare’ was also published in two national newspapers, The Star and The Sowetan. The public had 60 days from the day the notice was published in the gazette to lodge comments and queries. Thereafter, any comments received were presented to the MEC for consideration before the sites are declared.

Despite significant challenges, such as the urgent need for economic development, the provision of housing and infrastructure for a growing province, and the imperative of creating job opportunities, the programme not only met, but more than doubled it! The GBSP also won the Mail and Guardian’s “Greening the Future” award under the “Community Conservation and Resilience” category in 2017.

The team attributes its success to the strong partnership between the GDARD and the EWT. The secret of their success was through ensuring that their engagement with landowners was transparent and respectful, that the unit maintained a constant presence in the landscape, and that they followed through on each and every promise and commitment made. The team has also collaborated extensively with other governmental departments and NGOs, opening doors for exciting future projects in the stewardship space in Gauteng.

Biodiversity stewardship is an approach to securing land in priority biodiversity areas by entering into voluntary formal agreements between conservation authorities and private and communal landowners, to establish protected areas.

These agreements promote and facilitate responsible and sustainable land use management, and ensure that natural systems (e.g. wetlands, rivers, and natural veld), biodiversity, and ecosystem services (e.g. water provision, filtration and flood attenuation), are maintained and enhanced for present and future generations. Ultimately, the BDS landowners become custodians of the biodiversity and natural resources on their land. The process and legal contracts are based on the requirements as set out in the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No 57 of 2003 (NEM: PAA).

The GBSP team and GDARD’s Environmental Empowerment Services(EES) met with both landowners at Klipraal to discuss how the department can assist them with services such as the removal and control of alien and invasive vegetation, to ensure that the veld is managed

in a way that increases both biodiversity and grazing value


case for the Free State, because most of the land surface of the Free State was snapped up for crop farming, particularly for the growing of the famous Free State mealie (maize). When the first columns of Voortrekkers arrived in the Free State, they brought with them horses and heavy firepower. This spelt the end of Cheetah populations, or the ‘vlakte luiperd’, as it was known to the Voortrekkers. By the early 19th century, the last wild Cheetahs had disappeared from the Free State.

In 2014, the Endangered Wildlife Trust initiated communications with Laohu Valley Private Game Reserve, a 22,000 hectare property near Philipolis, Free State. Laohu Valley wanted to bring wild Cheetahs back. In June 2013, two subadult brothers, obtained from the Eastern Cape, were reintroduced onto Laohu Valley, bringing back wild Cheetahs to the Free State after they were wiped out approximately 100

The EWT launched the Cheetah Metapopulation Project in June 2011. By this time, Cheetahs had already been reintroduced into reserves located in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces. The only province that was yet to reintroduce wild Cheetahs was the Free State. This is rather odd because the Free State, with its vast rolling grasslands, constitutes some of the best Cheetah habitat in the country. Mangaung (the Free State’s primary municipality) actually means ‘place of the Cheetah’ in Sesotho. Historically, the Free State would have been teeming with Cheetahs pursuing mainly Blesbok moving around in massive herds across the area. However, the grasslands of the Free State constitute exceptionally productive agricultural land, largely incompatible with Cheetah conservation. Most provinces in South Africa have large and well-known reserves, for example, the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal, Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, and Kgalagadi in the Northern Cape. This is not the

The triumphant tale of two cats who survived their own curiosityVincent van der Merwe, Cheetah Metapopulation Project Coordinator, EWT Carnivore Conservation [email protected]


years prior. These two males did exceptionally well and, in May 2016, a female Cheetah was brought in from Limpopo to join them. Just nine months later, the first cubs were born on Laohu Valley. It was a special moment to see the reintroduced population do so well, but just seven months after the cubs were born, they started to get inquisitive. Weak points were found in the 70 kilometres of electric fencing surrounding the 22,000 hectare property. On one occasion, both cubs escaped and couldn’t seem to make their way back into Laohu Valley. This prompted their mother to move through the reserve fencing, in an attempt to reunite with her cubs. Reserve management responded swiftly, and the adult female was darted and brought back into Laohu Valley. The cubs however, were small, exceptionally skittish and could not be darted in the long grass. An attempt was made to lure them into the reserve, by placing their mother in a small, hastily erected enclosure on the fence line where they escaped. These attempts failed and, after two weeks, further attempts at retrieving the cubs were abandoned. It was assumed that they had starved to death, as these cubs were only seven months old, still 11 months away from reaching independence. The fence line was repaired and the adult female was released back into the greater 22,000 hectare property.

Just four months later, the adult female gave birth to a second litter of cubs. Reserve management, as well as the metapopulation coordinator, Vincent van der Merwe, breathed a sigh of relief, as the trauma of losing the first litter slowly subsided. In late 2018, a local Free State farmer contacted the metapopulation co-ordinator, claiming that two Cheetah cubs were decimating his Kudu population on a property neighbouring Laohu Valley. Vincent explained to him that all the Laohu Valley Cheetah were accounted for and that there was no way that the two young cubs from the first litter would have survived without their mother to hunt for them. Vincent says: “In my naivety, I explained that Cheetahs only start to become capable hunters at approximately 18 months of age, and that two seven month old cubs would have no chance of survival. The disgruntled farmer told me that I had no idea what I was talking about and that he was certain that there were two young Cheetahs on his property, catching all of his Kudu calves.”

And he was right! In early April 2019 Vincent got a phone call from a property called Tiger Canyons, saying that they had just captured two young adult Cheetahs in their 5,000 hectare Tiger rewilding camp. The fact that these two young Cheetahs dodged the eight Tigers in the 5,000 hectare rewilding camp is another triumph altogether. Their story is one of survival, a truly remarkable feat. An appropriate equivalent would be a seven year old human surviving to adulthood after being dumped in the middle of the Kruger National Park with no outside assistance.

On 25 April 2019, the EWT applied for permits to relocate the two females from the 5,000 hectare Tiger rewilding camp in the Free State to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, where their truly remarkable story will hopefully continue. On that same day, the humbled EWT metapopulation co-ordinator called the Free State farmer whose Kudu population had been decimated, and apologised profusely for underestimating the species that he works on!

The Cheetah Metapopulation Project’s work is made possible by PwC.

Laohu Valley female

Laohu Valley males

Laohu Valley female


Inaugural African linear infrastructure and ecology conference a resounding successWendy Collinson-Jonker, Manager, EWT Wildlife and Transport [email protected]

The inaugural African Conference for Linear Infrastructure and Ecology (ACLIE) 2019 was held in March in the iconic Kruger National Park, and co-hosted by the EWT and Eskom.

Centred around linear infrastructure, namely roads and rail, energy, power lines, canals, pipelines, and fences, and their impacts on the environment, ACLIE was the first of its kind, not only for Africa, but also in the framework of combining transportation and energy at one forum outlining multiple, common threats to the environment.

ACLIE sought to move away from the current international conference framework, which usually focuses on each form of linear infrastructure in isolation (for example, roads only), and introduced a less siloed approach that combined all forms of transportation and energy, since these necessary modes usually co-exist and have multiple negative impacts on biodiversity.

With over 100 delegates from 21 different countries, presentations ranged from global perspectives to individual country case studies, covering current scientific research, policy, legislation and best practice, and all with the potential to enhance both the project development process and the ecological sustainability of all linear infrastructure modes.

A common thread across many presentations was the threat posed by current and future development across Africa. Over the next decade, major developmental projects have been planned for Africa, which will see ‘development corridors’, comprising networks of power lines, roads, railways, pipelines, and ports being constructed to facilitate the movement of commodities. There are over 30 development corridors taking shape across Africa, spanning over 53,000 km in length, and potentially affecting protected areas with

high conservation values and multiple threatened species. It is therefore timely that ACLIE was held, in order to better prepare ecologists and sustainability experts for this explosive development. The conference attracted many key players, including the World Bank and USAid (PowerAfrica), and was an excellent opportunity to facilitate discussions and influence decision-makers around future developments on the continent.

Case studies of how to prevent Martial Eagles being electrocuted on power lines, or Samango Monkeys being killed on roads in South Africa, to examples from North America on the design of bridges specially constructed over roads to assist wildlife in crossing, and prevent collisions on roads, were just some of the practical illustrations of the significance of this work.

Keynote speakers included Yolan Friedmann, the EWT’s CEO, Deidre Herbst, the Environmental Manager from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, and George Ledec, the lead ecologist with the World Bank.

Feedback from the conference delegates supports the need for ACLIE to become a regular event on the global calendar – only through bringing together experts from around the world, will we truly address this very real threat to biodiversity.

Presentations from the conference can be accessed at: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/321729/694063/

ACLIE 2019 was organised with the assistance of africaMASSIVE, and was supported by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, Road Ecology Center – UC Davies, TRAC N4, EcoKare International, SANPARKS, Balmoral Engineering, Painted Wolf Wines, and Arcus Foundation.


What the conference delegates had to say:

I was very happy to attend what I found to be a very enlightening and inspiring conference focusing on a clear issue addressed from many angles and many case studies from a global and local perspective. It was also very solution oriented. Being in the Kruger was a major privilege for me… a world class conference. Mwape Sichilongo, EWT/ICCF

Thank you once again for organising one of the best conferences I have ever attended. Mamoud Abubakar Bello, Ethiopia

Thanks for an unforgettable conference. I enjoyed every minute! I hope this was the starting point for many Road Ecology conferences in Africa. Anders Sjolund, Swedish Transport Ministry

I feel like we definitely built a great base for global collaboration around understanding the impacts of linear infrastructure on ecosystems.Fraser Shilling, ICOET Organizer, USA

It has been useful to our work in North Africa, where the future development across all countries is also happening now threatening species and spaces. Jose Rafael Garrido, Spain

I look forward to engaging more in-country and across the continent so we can develop and provide the much needed leadership and expertise in managing the impact of large scale infrastructure on biodiversity. Lucy Waruingi, Executive Director, African Conservation Centre, Kenya

I enjoyed the conference. As an engineer it did give me a different perspective to my normal day job. Carla Davis, Traffic Engineer, Trans African Concessions (Pty) Limited

It is the first international meeting around linear / road / power line ecology in Africa. This is something to celebrate! Hans Bekker, retired civil engineer, Holland

The EWT’s Wildlife and Transport Programme team at ACLIE.

From left to right, Thabo Hlatshwayo, Siboniso Thela, Wendy Collinson-Jonker, Brilliant Mashao and Innocent Buthelezi


Managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the Kruger National Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. People’s interaction with the lowveld environment over many centuries – from Bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites – is very evident in the park. These treasures represent the cultures, people and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park, and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets. What better way to enjoy the park, than to spend a day in the bush on the back of an open-air game viewing vehicle, as a part of the ACLIE conference. Delegates were invited to participate in a number of field trips that provided an opportunity for the EWT’s Wildlife and Transport and Wildlife and Energy programmes to showcase some of their projects, as well as provide fantastic game-viewing opportunities.

The trips were scheduled for the middle of the week, to enable the delegates to take a break from the conference presentations. The ACLIE team laid on a number of trips, with support from SANParks. Delegates met at 5am, and after the traditional coffee and rusks, were hustled onto their game viewing vehicles.

• The Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership has been instrumental in mitigating power lines in the Kruger National Park. This field trip went ‘behind the scenes’ to see the pioneering work that has been done to ensure the safety of Kruger’s wildlife - a section of the park that is normally inaccessible to general tourists.

• Roadkill has been recognised as a threat to biodiversity in South Africa’s protected areas, and the EWT is working with SANParks to seek effective solutions to address this,

through monitoring and changing driver behaviour. We have been testing various mitigation measures, and this activity went ‘behind the scenes’ with the research team. Innocent Buthelezi and Brilliant Mashao, EWT field officers, explained their research projects to the delegates, with examples of their field work, through the use of wildlife-warning signage, in action.

• Delegates were also treated to an incredibly unique opportunity to join SANParks staff and go ‘behind the scenes’ to see how one of South Africa’s most iconic parks functions. An interesting element of the trip introduced delegates to the park’s protection services and how they operate within the park and the means in which they counteract the heavy threat from poaching.

• Following on from the conference, Oscar Mohale and Innocent Buthelezi, two field workers with the EWT, took a team of eight Kenyan delegates on a three-day field trip to showcase, in depth, the work that they are undertaking with Trans African Concessions (TRAC) on the N4 Toll Route. Delegates accompanied the TRAC route patrol teams and were shown how they gather road mortality data on the highway. These data form part of a larger road mortality database that will enable the EWT to identify roadkill hotspots, and ultimately implement measures to reduce roadkill. Delegates also visited Balule Game Reserve, where a new project is being designed around reducing the impacts of rail mortalities, as well as a further site visit to view work undertaken through the Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership. It is intended that this field trip will form the start of a partnership with our Kenyan counterparts to develop similar models for data collection in Kenya.

GETTING OUT INTO THE FIELD

Innocent Buthelezi - EWT Wildlife and Transport Programme Field OfficerRoadkill - a threat to biodiversity


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Delegates attending the ACLIE conference

Delegates enjoying a game drive


BIG BUSTS AND SUCCESSES IN THE COURTSAshleigh Dore, Manager, EWT Wildlife in Trade [email protected]

It is well established that wildlife crimes and trafficking are having a devastating impact on South Africa, where we have lost just under 7,000 rhinos to poachers since 2012. There is a perception that wildlife crimes are low-risk and high-reward offences, but recent big busts and successes in the courts challenge this perception. Four significant seizures of wildlife contraband have taken place in recent months: three internationally and one in South Africa. The international seizures have removed just under 26 tonnes of pangolin scales and 82.5 kg of rhino horn from the illegal markets in Asia. A recent bust in South Africa removed another 167 rhino horns from being smuggled out of South Africa.

In addition to these seizures there have also been important successes in the courts. In Tanzania, Yang Fenglan, a Chinese national dubbed the “Queen of Ivory,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison for smuggling the tusks of more than 350 African Elephants over several years out of Tanzania. She was arrested in 2015, along with two Tanzanian men, and charged with trafficking 860 ivory pieces. In February, the three were convicted of organising a criminal syndicate and sentenced to 15 years each. The court also ordered them to pay a fine double the market value of the ivory they were accused of smuggling, or face an additional two years in prison for failing to do so. In South Africa, Jabulani, Forget and Sibusiso Ndlovu were all convicted for over 50 counts of rhino poaching. The effective sentence handed down by the Grahamstown High Court was 25 years’ imprisonment for each of the accused.

We applaud the efforts of all enforcement agencies, prosecutors and court officials involved in these successes – WELL DONE!

The EWT’s Wildlife in Trade Programme is active in building capacity to prevent and detect wildlife crimes like poaching and smuggling. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Ashleigh Dore, Wildlife in Trade Programme Manager, at [email protected]


We see disposable shopping bags everywhere – at the shops, blowing down the streets, and, sadly, in the ocean. Many marine mammals die each year from consuming these plastic bags. As part of our ongoing #poweringchange campaign, which the EWT is running in conjunction with our strategic partner Eskom, we delivered over 100 Living Eco reusable shopping bags to Eskom’s head office to create awareness and spark change. These bags are made from recycled plastic bottles thereby closing the loop on recycling and plastic. This is ahead of Eskom’s environmental week in June, where all the #poweringchange products, which include reusable bamboo straws and reusable coffee cups, as well as these bags, will be on display.

By choosing biodegradable or reusable items instead of single-use plastics we can reduce our impact on the environment. Small, often seen as negligible, acts when performed in unison can have large impacts.

THIS WAS A PLASTIC BOTTLEMegan Murison, Programme Officer, EWT Wildlife and Energy [email protected]


Since SouthAfrica.co.za launched in 2018 it has become an invaluable resource of original and educational content about our country’s natural resources and heritage. The online platform showcases our rich diversity in the form of detailed factual accounts of South Africa’s fascinating cultures, history and people, along with specific sections dedicated to illustrating our diverse natural landscape and wildlife. When Hans Gerrizen, the CEO and Founder of SouthAfrica.co.za, set up the website his vision was to create a free to use educational resource that could be made available to every South African who has access to a mobile phone. To accomplish this, the website was developed using a specialised mobile optimised platform which enables quick loading times and low data usage. SouthAfrica.co.za is populated with beautiful original photographs and rich content that is being updated on a weekly basis in partnership with some of the country’s top academics, writers, journalists and photographers. In order to remain true to the ethos of universal accessibility, all of the website’s content is translated into all of South Africa’s 11 official languages, from Afrikaans to isiZulu. Through the user friendly platform, website visitors are guided through an elegant network of comprehensive articles found within eight broad categories: ‘Our People,’ ‘Our Nation,’ Natural Heritage,’ ‘Products of Origin,’ ‘Events,’ ‘Places,’ ‘Art’ and ‘Culture’. Under the ‘Natural Heritage’ section there are three sub-categories of educational topics relating to ‘Our Environment,’ which focuses primarily on the effects of climate change on the country’s landscape; ‘South African World Heritage Sites,’ which details the country’s natural and man-made wonders; and ‘South African Nature Guide,’ which is an invaluable resource for nature and wildlife enthusiasts everywhere. Upon entering the ‘South African Nature Guide’ section, website visitors can find out anything and everything on

marine life, mammals, reptiles, birds, flowers, grass varieties and trees, written and illustrated by experts in their field. The bird section alone has over 35 educational sections, from the African Black Oystercatcher to the White-breasted Cormorant, in a variety of local languages. Each dedicated section outlines everything you need to know about each species of birds, including its scientific name, appearance, diet, breeding tactics, behaviour and where they are specifically found in and around South Africa. For budding or experienced birding enthusiasts, SouthAfrica.co.za is a resource that can’t be overlooked. The intuitive layout of the website makes it an ideal resource for school children of any age and even university students who are working on projects about South Africa. By making the content available in every South African’s home language, we can cultivate a mutual understanding of our collective natural and cultural heritage and educate our nation. We can make our young people proud of what we have built and encourage them to become part of Madiba’s legacy. We can inspire them to become our future leaders, stewards of our environment, advocates for human rights and ambassadors of our heritage.

Our young people are the future custodians of the nation and it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the tools they need to educate themselves. The platform makes it easier for all young people, whether from Cape Town or Musina, to increase their knowledge of our collective heritage. For more information and to see the treasure trove of invaluable free to use resources available on the website, visit www.southafrica.co.za or contact us on +27 21 481 2880 [email protected]. South Africa Pty (LTD) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Destination Marketing company and Tour Operator, Siyabona Africa.

ONLINE INFORMATION HUB PROVIDES ORIGINAL WILDLIFE CONTENT IN ALL 11 OFFICIAL LANGUAGESTerri [email protected]


Hunting with dogs in South Africa has transformed from a traditional form of hunting for food to an illegal gambling activity. Hunting with dogs today sees hunters and their greyhounds or other “long-bodied” dogs being transported by taxis, to poach whatever wildlife the dogs can catch.

Onlookers and the poachers themselves will then place bets, ranging from what animal will be caught first, to what dog will be first to bring down an animal, to the length of time it takes to hunt it, as well as which species of animal will be caught. The illegal gambling is well-organised, with poachers betting thousands of rands. Each person would place an amount on a specific dog or in the kitty and the winner takes all. There have been cases of organised hunts in KwaZulu-Natal where up to 60 or more dogs, with hunters, were involved in a single hunt.

In tackling this form of poaching, the EWT uses a proactive approach, combining law enforcement and community engagement. We encourage communities to play an active role in finding solutions to addressing wildlife crimes. We also noted that people who are involved in illegal dog hunting are quite competitive, paying upwards of R30,000 for a puppy of a good breed in order to gain a competitive advantage against others. Therefore alternative competitive sports, and recreation activities where there is a prize involved, stand a good chance of being embraced by poachers.

Responsible fishing and MTB cycling are typical examples, and we are piloting a project encouraging mountain biking to steer people, particularly children, away from illegal hunting with dogs. With support from organisations like Agri-Care, NCT Forestry, SA CAN, the KZN Hunters Association, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, to name a few, the EWT continues to engage different stakeholders with the sole intention of finding a lasting solution to the scourge of poaching, which affects many species of plants and animals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Samson Phakathi, Senior Field Officer, EWT People in Conservation [email protected]

Proactive approaches to combatting illegal wildlife hunting with dogs

Samson PhakathiFishing club

Cycling club


The Waterberg is the last remaining area in South Africa that still has free-roaming Wild Dogs, and the EWT’s Waterberg Wild Dogs Conservation Project is driven and designed to protect the Waterberg Wild Dogs, landowners in the area, and the local game and environment. The EWT recently hosted an event at the Woodmead Country Club devoted to the conservation of these special animals, with the intention of raising awareness and funds for these dogs.

Derek van der Merwe, EWT Carnivore Conservation Programme: Limpopo Regional Coordinator, gave a wonderful presentation, highlighting some of the trials and tribulations that he has been through to protect these Waterberg Wild Dogs. He also explained how the project negotiates safe passage with local landowners to ensure that the Wild Dogs can remain free-roaming, as well as promoting local ecotourism in the area.

The evening was well-attended with nearly 100 guests present, and close to R240,000 raised.

The star of the show was the artist Alice van Jaarsveld, who donated paintings, sketches and limited edition prints of the Waterberg Wild Dogs which were sold and auctioned on the evening. Her contribution can only be described as a labour of love for the conservation of these incredible animals.

SHOWCASING OUR SUPPORTERS

Protecting the last free-roamingWild Dogs in South Africa

Special thanks must go to all who attended, as well as Alexander Babich, Antony Wannell, Dirk Ackermann and Susan Pretorius for supporting the evening and making it such a success.

Thanks also to Tintswalo Lapalala for donating a two nights’ stay for two people at their luxury lodge in the Waterberg, and Arne Pluddermann for donating a scenic flight over the Waterberg.

Left to right - Alexander Babich, Derek van der Merwe, Tammy Baker, and Alice van Jaarsveld

Alice van Jaarsveld

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Integrated Farm Planning & Management training course held in Loxton

The EWT’s Drylands Conservation Programme launched its first Integrated Farm Planning and Management training course in February. Thirteen emerging farmers and four Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) extension officers attended the course, which focuses on promoting sustainable land management of the Karoo landscape.

Lectures were carried out by lecturers from the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, EWT staff, and an independent agricultural expert. The extension officers attending the course also contributed valuable knowledge on financial management, taking the lead on the last day of lectures. A detailed handbook is also being produced by the EWT. The participants had the unique opportunity to edit the handbook during this pilot course, to enable us to create a tailor-made product for future courses. The extensive arid Karoo rangeland is utilised primarily for livestock farming and the landscape is still mostly

Bonnie Schumann, Nama Karoo Coordinator, EWT Drylands Conservation [email protected]

intact. It boasts a great range of biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Riverine Rabbit. By managing the land sustainably, not only does agriculture prosper, but so does biodiversity and the life supporting ecosystems on which we depend.

Farmers who attend the courses are encouraged to initiate and promote sustainable land management projects on their farms. The local women’s co-operative, the Laslappies, were tasked to cater for the course. Although needlework is their speciality, they proved more than adept at catering for a big group, receiving the thumbs up from the participants. This initiative forms part of the EWT’s Karoo Forever project

and is funded by the Global Environment Facility through the

Department of Environmental Affairs and the United Nations

Development Programme.

Field trips included show and tell by the farmers themselves.

TAILS FROM THE FIELD


Altogether 17 participants completed the course.

Combating alien plant infestations also received attention.

DALRRD Extension officers building model gabions.

Preventions as well as treating soil erosion were hot topics.

The Laslappies team that kept everyone well fed.

Integrated Farm Planning and Management training course held in Loxton



The EWT’s African Crane Conservation Programme is very excited to be involved with the Max Planck 1,000 Crane Tracking Project. This project aims to track 1,000 cranes of different species all over the world to better understand movements and migration.

Twenty-five of these trackers were allocated to the Karoo and Western Cape Blue Cranes, and in the last week of February an EWT and International Crane Foundation (ICF) team set out to fit Blue Crane chicks with these ring mounted satellite trackers and colour rings. We fitted seven cranes in the Swartland, Western Cape and seven in the Overberg, Western Cape. Six of these birds were siblings.

There were many breeding birds in the Western Cape, but it was tricky to find birds that were the right size i.e. not too small but also not too big that they fly away! In the Karoo we fitted 11 crane chicks, four of which were siblings. The Karoo was a much more challenging landscape in which to find cranes, especially since it was very dry at the beginning of the breeding season and few cranes were breeding. We benefited greatly from working with Maryke Stern from the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment. She assisted in finding breeding pairs by engaging her large network of landowners. Thanks to this help and assistance from the many landowners, managers, and farm workers, we managed to locate all 11 Karoo chicks within a week.

Each crane is fitted with three colour rings on one leg so that we can individually recognise each bird from a distance. The satellite tracker is a small black box mounted onto two black rings which are fitted around the leg. These are GPS-GSM trackers which allow us to remotely follow their movements.

Christie Craig, Blue Crane PhD Candidate & Western Cape Field Officer, EWT African Crane

Conservation [email protected]

For the first time we will be able to get detailed data on how immature cranes move. Up until now we have relied on ringing records, which give only a small glimpse into how cranes move. These data will be analysed as part of Christie Craig’s PhD project, in association with the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. The project will improve our understanding of crane movements and habitat use. One important application will be to understand how flight patterns put cranes at risk for colliding with power lines and wind turbines. These insights will allow us to better advise developers on best practices. It is estimated that 90% of the Blue Crane population is situated in the Karoo and Western Cape and their conservation is vital for the greater population. This project was testimony to true collaboration. The team consisted of Christie Craig, Bradley Gibbons, Ronelle Visagie and Tanya Smith of the EWT and Anne Lacy of the ICF. We are immensely grateful for help from the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment, as well as the amazing hospitability we received at so many farms. We are also very grateful to the Leiden Conservation Fund for supporting this research.

If you spot one of these ringed cranes we would love to hear about it! Your sightings help us verify the location from the trackers and also give us additional data while cranes are out of signal.

Please report sightings to Christie Craig ([email protected] or 066 289 5988), with colour ring combination and coordinates of location if possible.

KEEPING TABS ON OURNATIONAL BIRD

Map breeding sites where Blue Crane chicks were fitted with rings and a satellite tracker

Tanya Smith and Anne Lacey about to release a Blue Crane chick near Nieu-Bethesda

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Christie Craig, Tanya Smith, Anne Lacey and Bradley Gibbons fit trackers on siblings


Jonathan Plaistowe recently worked with the EWT on a short-term contract, and shared his experience with us.

“I had the great opportunity to work as Josh Weeber’s (EWT Threatened Amphibian Programme Junior Field Officer) field assistant on the Table Mountain Ghost Frog Project from February until the end of March 2019. The project field work involves investigating the perennial rivers of Table Mountain towards better understanding the ecology of the Critically Endangered Table Mountain Ghost Frog. These last two months were not only interesting but also physically demanding, evidenced by countless scratches and scars. I regret none of it!

On each of the nine streams there were several sites and subsites, and we visited most rivers three times – meaning spending many hours on the mountain each day. Josh first characterised the stream geomorphology and then noted the presence or absence of any Table Mountain Ghost Frog tadpoles and any other fauna such the Cape River Frog. While he did this, I measured water quality variables with a multiparameter probe, as well as the stream depth and flow with a flow meter. By the end, we were incredibly efficient in performing our tasks and managed to assess a stream effectively in a couple of hours.

Working on the mountain every day has given me a broader scientific and biological experience than I thought it would. Having not known much about herpetology before this job, it was the perfect opportunity to “right a wrong.” Now I can identify the Table Mountain Ghost Frog and Cape River Frog tadpoles with almost 100% certainty (for example, the former have flatter heads and they are hidden underneath the cobbles and pebbles of streams). I also learnt about the mountain’s lizards, and I am replacing my phobia of snakes with new interest! Repeatedly walking through the streams and on the trails every day allowed me plenty of time to observe and learn not just about our herpetological friends but about the unique ecosystems on the mountain. I learnt to identify multiple plants found in the fynbos and trees such as the hardy Cape Holly. During the project, Josh adjusted the methodology to more efficiently and effectively characterise the streams. Through listening to Josh’s reasoning and working on the rivers as well, I learnt more about the stream ecology as well as about how to structure and reassess a research project.

Overall, the work substantially improved my herpetological and ecological knowledge but also my approach to research projects. It was amazing to be on the mountain and do some important conservation work. It was the perfect first official job I have had and I hope to do more great work like it again!”

NOTES ON BEING A FIELD ASSISTANT AT THE EWTJonathan Plaistowe, Field Assistant, EWT Threatened Amphibian [email protected]


Jonathan Plaistowe


In an exciting collaboration between Trappers and Balega Socks, the EWT has already received a R20,000 donation towards their tireless efforts to protect our natural heritage.

A custom-designed mohair Blister Resist sock is currently available exclusively through Trappers, with a portion of all sales benefiting the EWT. First quarter sales resulted in this sizable donation, with more to come as these popular socks march out the door.

As a global brand, Balega has a particular interest in aligning with community upliftment, environmental conservation and creating lasting change across various sectors of society. This partnership with one of their leading retailers is just one powerful way that the humble sock is able to leave a lasting legacy.

The Balega Blister Resist sock with its unique natural mohair scale structure is renowned for its protection against sheer friction blisters. It also boasts temperature control and the DrynamiX® moisture management system.

BALEGA and TRAPPERS put a sock in it

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Letlhogonolo Mothoa is an educator at Refithile Primary School, where the EWT implements our Guardians of the Future project. Her passion for teaching and the environment make her a real ambassador for the work we do in building a connection between young people and nature.

She tells us that her name means Lucky in Tswana, but her life has been full of challenges. She is a mother of one who loves chess and cricket, and is still furthering her studies. She would love to travel to all the continents, except Antarctica!

WHAT’S THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?My daughter is the best gift ever!

WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?I grew up wanting to be social worker or a clinical psychologist – basically my passion is helping people, and I think I am doing that as a teacher as well.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I get inspired from many angles, people, situations and so forth. People who have achieved a lot in their lives despite obstacles that hindered them are the best!

WHAT’S ONE THING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE OTHER PEOPLE TO KNOW?That I am a shy “IN”trovert, despite being an “OUT”going teacher!

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?Young people should learn about the environment so that they can assist in conserving it, spreading the word and innovating new ways of conservation. For example, accessible solar powered cars or cellphones etc., what most people can use and that’s not damaging for our environment.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN YOUR WORK?Having teachers who have the mentality of “I don’t care what happens to these kids, so long as I get paid at month end.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT?The highlight is making an impact on these kids. For instance, I started teaching last year’s grade 3s in 2014, and they were sad to exit the school, some still call and say they miss me. Parents who show appreciation. Experienced teachers who say they learn something from me... actually, I could write a chapter on the highlights of my occupation, calling, career, not sure how to phrase it!

IF YOU WERE GRANTED THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?• For all children to have a proper education.• For my family, and myself, to be free from debt.• To get rid of crime, corruption, and all the bad stuff that our world is experiencing.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW TEACHER STARTING OUT IN THE FIELD?To the new teacher, be you. Don’t be scared of what others think of your methods, be proud of the career path you took and I always tell my learners to study smart, not hard, because I also do that. So have something they’ll remember you by. Be the teacher who runs, comes early to school, leaves last, all for the love of teaching and making a difference... (I could write another chapter about this!)

Safeguarding the future

GREENHEROES

LETLHOGONOLO MOTHOA


In this feature, we’ll be sharing tips on how we can all make a difference to the environment in our daily lives. We’d love you to share some of your tips too!

Please tell us how you make a difference by emailing your tips to [email protected], and we could feature them in a future issue of the magazine.

The theme for World Environment Day (5 June) this year was air pollution, and we’re sharing some tips on how to beat this.

• Methane from livestock farming is one of the major contributors to climate change and air pollution. Consider including more plant-based meals in your diet, or making the change to a completely plant-based lifestyle.

• Wherever possible, run your errands on foot, carpool or make use of public transport.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good shape – regular services will ensure that fewer gases and toxins are emitted.

• Avoid excessive idling of your car.

• Look for lower emission vehicles when buying a new car.

• Avoid burning leaves, rubbish, and other materials. Instead, mulch or compost leaves and garden waste. This will also improve the quality of the soil.

• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.

• Plant more plants – these act as filters and help to remove air pollution.

WALKING THE TALK


SCIENCE SNIPPETSThe Endangered Wildlife Trust regularly publishes the results of our conservation science research in scientific journals, so that our work can contribute to a growing body of knowledge on conservation science. Here we highlight our most recent scientific publications and other important conservation science-related news.


The EWT beginsan excitingproject on African Lions

Samantha Page-Nicholson, EWT Conservation Science Unit Lion Database [email protected]

In October 2018, the EWT’s Conservation Science Unit embarked on an exciting project on behalf of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, which is financially supported by the Lion Recovery Fund and the National Geographic Society. The project is to create a first-of-its-kind database for lion population and distribution data.

In recent decades, there has been growing concern over the fate of one of Africa’s most iconic species – the lion (Panthera leo). Some regions in Africa have observed declines of almost 43% in three lion generations, while some areas have seen local population extinctions all together. For example, there were an estimated 30 lions in Gile Reserve in Mozambique in 2005 but today, it is sadly believed that lions no longer roam there. While some countries have seen declining populations, others have seen increases.

This is particularly so in South Africa where the “Guidelines for Conservation of Lions in Africa ” estimated an increasing population with currently 3,012 lions in the country . However, concrete data and information on what the global lion population is uncertain.

Knowledge of the status and trends in lion populations is generally quite poor and numbers that exist are considered estimates. Few lion populations have reliable figures of population size, trends in these, or demographic profiles. Further, data which have been collected tend to be siloed in various research and government institutions which has very little conservation value. A single database which consolidates population and distribution data for the species will provide better conservation decision-making for the species. Therefore, a range-wide African Lion Database (ALD) will provide a solution to many of the current shortcomings which limit effective conservation decisions.

This database is important for lion conservation as it will:

1) provide the most up-to-date and reliable population figures on a country, regional and continent level; 2) create the most up-to-date and reliable distribution maps;3) build partnerships with lion conservation organisations, lion researchers, and the relevant government institutions;4) be used to assist the continuous assessment of the status of lion populations and inform national and international institutions about the status of lions;5) assist with identifying knowledge gaps;6) help to improve the monitoring of lions, and conservation planning and resourcing for the species; and7) identify regions or areas which require urgent resources to safeguard lion populations.

We are now in the important process of collecting crucial population and distribution data for lions across Africa. This project is important for lion conservation because the more we know about a species, the better we are able to protect them through effective and targeted conservation action.

To find out more about the African Lion Database please email [email protected]


A FASHIONABLECAUSEBird & Knoll is the meeting of a fashion mind and a creative eye. Established in 2014 by Natalie Knoll and Macayla Chapman, the brand’s signature oversized luxury scarves use the softest cashmere, silks and cottons as the canvas to showcase their personal artistic narratives captured via their camera lens and transposed onto their signature luxe blends. Season after season, the duo captures the hedonism and escapism of travel through their beautifully wearable and thoroughly versatile pieces. Each limited edition collection exhibits a kaleidoscope of colour and local flavour, which plays to a universal desire for adventure and wanderlust.

Their latest creative collaboration sees them joining forces with nature to ignite the conservation warrior within you and celebrate five vulnerable wildlife species. Photographed by conservation activist Deon de Villiers, the Wild collection is a visually inspiring call to action highlighting the beauty and fragility of wildlife and their habitats. Enjoy your purchase knowing that Bird & Knoll donates $30 from each scarf to the EWT, through Rainforest Trust and their Conservation Circle programme. As a patron of the programme, Bird & Knoll’s donation is then matched by the trust and their ‘Saves’ challenge.

Wild by Bird & Knoll x Deon de Villiers is available exclusively online at www.birdandknoll.com


Luxury scarves with cashmere, silks and cottons as the canvas


WILDLIFE FACT FILE

GREY CROWNED CRANE Balearica regulorum

Conservation status – Endangered

This absolutely exquisite bird, recognised by its golden ‘crown’ of feathers, is the national bird of Uganda. Grey Crowned Cranes grow to a little over 100cm tall, and feed on the tips of grasses, seeds, insects and other invertebrates, small vertebrates, groundnuts, soybeans, maize and millet. Threats such as habitat loss and the illegal removal of birds and eggs from the wild have driven very rapid declines in populations of this species over the last three generations. Happily, Grey Crowned Crane numbers in South Africa, where almost half of the world’s population occurs, have increased by over 40% in the past 15 years – the only increasing population of Grey Crowned Cranes in Africa. These increases are attributable in part to the EWT’s long-term work to reduce crane conflict with farmers and make power lines safe. The EWT’s African Crane Conservation Programme, in partnership with the International Crane Foundation, works throughout southern and East Africa to address the threats to these birds and drive further growth in their populations.


CHEETAHAcinonyx jubatus

Conservation status - Vulnerable

The Cheetah is the inspiration behind the EWT’s logo and, indeed, the founding of the organisation. Renowned as the fastest land animal in the world, a Cheetah can reach 112km/hr in just three seconds! Its body has evolved for speed, with long legs, an elongated spine, adapted claws to grip the ground and a long tail for balance. Although Cheetahs no longer occur in over 90% of their former distribution range across Africa, South Africa is the only country that has seen considerable growth in wild Cheetah numbers. Our national population has increased from an estimated 400 individuals in 1965 to almost 1,200 in 2016. This increase is largely due to the tireless efforts of the EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Programme, which supports parks and reserves across the country to establish new Cheetah populations and coordinates movements of Cheetahs between these areas to ensure that there is genetic diversity. These efforts have increased the space inhabited by Cheetahs dramatically. Even with this positive growth, however, these charismatic big cats face multiple threats such as conflict-related killing, removal for captive trade, habitat fragmentation and snaring.


WILDLIFE FACT FILE


TABLE MOUNTAIN GHOST FROG Heleophryne rosei

Conservation status – Critically Endangered

The Table Mountain Ghost Frog epitomises the isolation of the mountain, restricted to just six perennial streams on the mountain, and disconnected from its immediate relatives by the densely populated coastal plain around Cape Town. The species has also vanished from two other streams on the mountain in the last 30 years, streams that have experienced severe human impacts in the form of alien plants and extensive path development. The remaining six streams are facing similar threats. Despite these issues, very little is known about the Ghost Frog’s habitat requirements, life history or population size. Nor is there adequate long-term monitoring of the perennial streams in which the species has evolved. The EWT’s Threatened Amphibian Programme is working with the Table Mountain Fund, SANBI and Kirstenbosch Gardens to fill this knowledge gap and ensure the Ghost Frog’s survival.


WILDLIFE FACT FILE


We recently chatted to Jimmy Muheebwa, the Uganda Projects Coordinator with our African Crane Conservation Programme. Jimmy has a BSc in Botany and Zoology and an MSc in Environmental Management from Makerere University in Uganda. He won the 2010 Whitley Award for his exemplary work on crane and wetland conservation. Married to Joan, and father to three sons, Durston, Earnest and Arnold, he is also a small-scale farmer, growing bananas, coffee, a few dairy cows, and woodlots for timber and firewood.

His current role sees coordinating the EWT/ICF partnership’s activities in Uganda.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS POSITION?I enjoy that I am a point of reference when matters of crane and wetland conservation come up. I researched the ecology of the Grey Crowned Cranes and now I get to practice what I researched. I am the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) specialist on cranes in Uganda, which is very exciting.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?I am passionate about conservation. The environment is far different from when I was a young child. I feel I must contribute some effort in reversing the degradation trend. I am also passionate about harmonious living with others and nature.

IF YOU HAD TO GET STUCK IN A LIFT WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?It would have to be my wife, Joan. In the absence of my deceased mom and dad, she is my confidant. She knows me in and out and cares a lot. We never tire of talking when I am at home, it is only sleep that cuts us off!

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED AND WHO DID IT COME FROM?The best piece of advice I have received came from Professor Dereck Pomeroy, my old lecturer at Makerere University. He looked for me and gave me responsibilities on looking for and studying birds and advised that I take a course in environmental management and research on Grey Crowned Cranes. I had wanted to become a teacher like my uncle.MEET

THE PACK

JIMMYMUHEEBWAUganda Projects Coordinator, African Crane Conservation Programme (EWT/ICF Partnership)

Jimmy Muheebwa


Vincent van der Merwe was raised on an avocado farm in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo. This triggered an interest in all things biological. After school, he pursued a BSc degree in Entomology at the University of Pretoria whilst serving with the South African Army. After a brief stint as a safari guide, he returned to university to complete a BSc (Hons) degree in the conservation genetics of the Flightless Fruit Chafer, an Endangered beetle. He then moved to Mozambique where he worked as a high school biology teacher and environmental consultant. Upon returning to South Africa, Vincent completed an MSc in Conservation Biology at the University of Cape Town. He applied for the position of Cheetah Metapopulation Coordinator shortly after completing this degree, and has been with the EWT for eight years now.

Vincent’s job is to capture and relocate Cheetahs between fenced reserves in southern Africa to ensure genetic and population health, and to identify additional safe space for Cheetah reintroductions. The populations that we manage are small, fenced and fragmented. There are no opportunities for natural gene flow across the transformed landscape, so we have to implement human mediated gene flow. Essentially, he coordinates Cheetah relocations between participating reserves when (1) there is a threat of inbreeding, (2) population stability is threatened due to the loss of key individuals, (3) there is overpopulation on a reserve and (4) when reintroduction opportunities arise.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS POSITION?Most conservation projects in Africa are desperately trying to hold the fort against further human destruction of the environment. I am incredibly fortunate to be managing a project that is making significant conservation gains. This is largely due to political changes in southern Africa and the high tourism value of the species that I work with. With the advent of democracy in South Africa, there was an exponential increase in the number of tourists visiting the country. These tourists wanted to see our charismatic large mammalian fauna. Ecotourism started to outcompete agriculture as a land use form in five areas of the country, namely Zululand, the Lowveld, the Waterberg, the Kalahari and portions of the southern Cape. This created opportunities for Cheetah reintroduction, and in the process more than 1.3 million hectares of safe space were created for Cheetah reintroduction. Since we initiated this project in June 2011, the metapopulation has grown from 217 Cheetah on 41 reserves to 367 Cheetahs on 57 reserves. In June 2017, the metapopuation was expanded beyond South African borders with the reintroduction of wild Cheetah into Liwonde National Park, Malawi. This reintroduction saw the return of wild Cheetah into Malawi, after a 20 year absence. I’m very excited about further prospects for Cheetah reintroductions across Africa, about the potential for further expansion of our work beyond South African borders.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?I am passionate about Africa and its wild spaces. My ambition in life it to work in these wild spaces and to contribute to their long-term conservation. I believe strongly in the importance of:• an active lifestyle;• travel and engaging with unfamiliar cultures;• staying abreast with the latest national and international developments;• reading and intellectual stimulation. After a day without reading, talk becomes flavourless.

IF YOU HAD TO GET STUCK IN A LIFT WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?I would treasure an opportunity to engage with the controversial Canadian clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson. I find him to be a deeply rational and inspirational person. He questions the notion that humans should pursue happiness in life, because this is an impossible goal. What humans require is purpose, the sense that we are contributing to a useful cause. My work at EWT has given me exactly that, a purpose in life. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED AND WHO DID IT COME FROM?The best advice that I ever received in life came from Jordan Peterson. He writes that in life you should:• Stand up straight with your shoulders straight. • Befriend people who want the best for you. • Set your own house in order before you criticise the world. • Pursue what is meaningful, not expedient. • Assume the person you are to talking to knows something that you don’t.

I have also learnt in life that you should never rely on others for an internet connection. Always have your own connection!

VINCENT VAN DER MERWEEastern Cape Regional Coordinator, EWT Carnivore Conservation Programme

Vincent van der Merwe


Getting into the swing of things

Wild for wildlife

GOLFING FOR A GOOD CAUSEOn Friday, 24 May 2019, the EWT once again hosted our annual charity golf day at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Course. Golf and conservation enthusiasts joined us for what turned out to be a beautiful autumn day on the course, in support of the EWT’s valuable work.

For the first time, the EWT also contributed to the development of the game, by inviting up and coming golfers from the SA Golf Development Board to participate. These players were drawn from Soweto and played outstandingly, with Indwe Risk happily funding their four-ball. They also walked away with a stunning prize of two nights’ full board accommodation at Thakadu River Camp, two game drives a day, and transport to/from the reserve in the all-new BMW X3, compliments of Gavin Devine, Oryx IT Solutions CEO.

The overall winners on the day were Gerhard van Wyk, Manie van Wyk, Martin de Kock and Tony Schlebush, who received various BMW-branded items compliments of BMW Bedfordview.

A massive thank you is extended to all our supporters who purchased four-balls, or sponsored holes or prizes. Thanks also to Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Course for hosting us, and to Warrior Ric for acting as MC on the evening. A special vote of thanks goes to Monroe and Goldwagen for running a raffle on their sponsored hole, which subsequently raised an additional R2,000. The event raised in excess of R250,000 for on-the-ground conservation work.

SPONSORSHIPSBMW Bedfordview

Canopy Tours

CIB

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Europcar

Goldwagen

Jurgens Bekker Attorneys

Kapama

KWE - Kintetsu World Express South Africa (Pty) Ltd

MasterDrive

Monroe

More Community Trust

More Luxury Lodges Group

Nicolson Russel

PerfectAire

Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

Sere-Med

Studio 90 Ceramics

Thakadu River Camp

The Banner Family

Warrior Ric



Lots of fun to be had at the Sere-med hole

Overall winners on the day, IQ Business, with EWT Vice Chairman of the Board, Antony Wannell

The development team receiving their prizes

Did you know that you can support the EWT through the MyPlanet programme? The MyPlanet fundraising programme was launched as an extension of MySchool to provide community-minded people like yourself the opportunity to support a worthy cause, such as the EWT, that is focused on the improvement and protection of the environment and animals. And it doesn’t cost you a cent!

So get your free MyPlanet card (no monthly fees, no costs to you!) and nominate the EWT as the beneficiary you wish to support. Then swipe your card at partner stores when you shop, and they will donate a percentage of your purchases on your behalf.

• If you don’t have a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card yet, simply apply for your free card now and select the EWT as your beneficiary. Once you start swiping your card, we’ll start receiving funds.

• If you already have a MySchool card, but would like to change your beneficiary or add a charity, simply call the Client Service Centre on 0860 100 445 or email [email protected] – there is no need to get a new card!

Find out more by visiting http://www.myschool.co.za/schools/myplanet

WAYS TO GIVE

EVERY SWIPE COUNTS!


PUP’S PLACE


IN CLOSING MWITU’S MISSIVEDear Readers

And so we come to the end of our final printed edition of Conservation Matters. This is certainly not goodbye, though, and we are very excited to be bringing you a more modern, sustainable reading experience on a beautifully crafted digital platform. If you have any ideas or suggestions on the kinds of content you’d like to read, please don’t hesitate to send them to me on [email protected] – your input is always invaluable. It has been an absolute pleasure curating the content for this magazine, and I look forward to the new exciting chapter in our journey together, as I continue to share the EWT’s news, and other topical conservation articles, with you. If you’re not already on our mailing list, and would like to be kept updated on the launch of the digital magazine, please drop me a mail ([email protected]) and we’ll add you to the list.

‘Til next timeMwitu


african lion database an exciting new project …€¦ · lion conservation on a crowded continent...

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