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...]
3 suspected rhino poachers arrested
Police in Limpopo have arrested three suspected rhino poachers believed to have been on their way to shoot and dehorn rhinos in Phalaborwa. The trio was arrested on Sunday in Hoedspruit after police received information about suspected poachers with the aim to shoot and dehorn the animals at a private game farm. Police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the … [Read more...]
In the jaws of extinction
While the world's attention is on the threat to the rhino, a new study has found that the great white shark might be in even greater danger of becoming extinct than previously thought. The study by marine biologists from the Dyer Island Conservation Trust at Gansbaai in the southern Cape found that the total number of great white sharks in Gansbaai might be as much as 50% … [Read more...]
Ending illegal wildlife trade with British Royalty
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and the UK government hosted a conference on Tuesday to call for action at the highest level to end the trade in illegal wildlife – a trade that presents a grave threat not only to the natural world, but also to national and regional security. Charles told a conference at St James' Palace in London that action must be taken against the … [Read more...]
Barcoding project aims to protect endangered species
Google, famous for their internet search engine, has made a US$3 million Global Impact Award to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for a project on endangered species. South Africa is one of six countries selected as partners in the project. The others are Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil and a Southeast Asian country to be selected soon. The Barcode of Wildlife … [Read more...]
Helicopter crash kills 5 soldiers in Kruger National Park
A helicopter crash in South Africa's Kruger National Park has killed five members of the military who were patrolling in an anti-rhino poaching operation. The helicopter's patrol was routine and an investigation into the cause of the crash is now under way. A military statement identified the aircraft as an Agusta A109 light utility helicopter. Rhino poaching is rampant … [Read more...]
A contribution to rhino anti-poaching considerations
The Sophia Foundation supports and promotes a reverence and love for all living beings and the natural environment. The impulse to write this paper comes out of a deep concern for the rhino that are being killed for their horn. We ask why it is that despite all the money and efforts being spent on anti-poaching the rhino death toll is escalating at a rate that threatens the … [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...]
Rhino poaching rise threatens to undo years of conservation
World Wild Fund for Nature SA (WWF-SA) CEO Morné du Plessis said on Friday the conservation organisation was concerned that the escalation in rhino poaching — from 13 in 2007 to 668 in 2012 — "threatens to undo years of successful conservation effort." Poachers seeking rhino horn to sell in East Asia, where it fetches an estimated $60,000/kg, have already killed at least … [Read more...]
Second Madikwe rhino killed
The carcass of the second rhino killed in 2013 was found in the Madikwe Game Reserve on Monday evening, according to the North West environmental affairs department. “Rangers in the park heard shots and there was a cross-fire at about 7.45pm,” spokeswoman Dumisa Seshabela said. “The horn was not removed. It is suspected that the poachers were disturbed.” More information … [Read more...]
Former army general joins war against rhino poaching
In an ongoing fight against rhino poaching, South African National Parks (SANParks) has acquired the services of a retired army Major General to oversee the overall anti-poaching operations in Kruger National Park, the area hardest hit by poaching. Dr David Mabunda, SANParks Chief Executive Officer, said that the introduction of sixty-year-old Major General (retired) Johan … [Read more...]
Clamping down on rhino terror; army might be next
North West Premier Thandi Modise is confident that police are closing the net around the syndicate responsible for rhino poaching and are getting closer to the kingpins. This follows the arrest of 8 suspects in connection with poaching of eight rhinos in Klipkopspruit farm last month. "Though the network of the syndicate of cruelty and brutality against the rhino as a symbol … [Read more...]
Senior Officer suspended over rhino deaths
A senior conservation manager with more than 20 years experience has been suspended by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife following investigations into the “Black September” rhino massacre at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in Zululand. With the investigation still ongoing, Ezemvelo’s executive director of operations Bheki Khoza confirmed the “precautionary suspension” on Friday of the senior … [Read more...]
