Page 14 | Endangered Wildlife Trust

The resilience of a Wattled Crane chick

By:Jacquie van der Westhuizen – Field Officer | African Crane Conservation Proramme – Drakensberg

Above: The Crane family just after the chick had flown across the wetland, all big and grown up and the wetland looking beautiful and green.

Have you ever wondered what happens to a tiny, approximately three-week-old Wattled Crane chick in the event of a fire destroying the very wetland that it lives in?

This is a question that the EWT / International Crane Foundation team have been pondering for some time.

Wattled cranes are winter breeders, breeding from April to October, which also happens to coincide with fire season.

On 7 July, a runaway fire destroyed huge portions of timber plantations and wetlands on Mount Gilboa in the Karkloof, KZN Midlands. According to farmers who were fighting the fires, the fire swept through the wetlands at an alarming speed due to them being drier than usual. The devastation was huge – lives were lost, grazing was lost, animals were burnt and had to be euthanised and hundreds of hectares of forest completely destroyed. Every single wetland on Mount Gilboa was completely burnt, except for a small area of reeds about a metre wide around each pond in the wetland where Wattled Cranes were nesting.

I went up to check on the cranes a week after the fire and was totally shocked at what I saw.

At the first nest site I checked, the adults had been sitting on eggs due to hatch on about 26 June, but with the wetland being burnt, I honestly did not think a chick could have survived the fire. I found the adults foraging in the burnt wetland close to their nest site. I just sat a watched hoping to see a chick, but sadly nothing. Ever the optimist, I sat and started videoing the pair, hoping to see something on the video that I couldn’t see through my binoculars and to my utter joy, I saw this tiny little grey blob running from the one adult to the other. I’ve never watched a video so many times to get confirmation that it really was a little chick, dirty from the soot and blending in with the burnt grasses.

There have been a few theories tossed around as to how it survived the fire. One is that the adults walked it out the fire, but according to the farmers, the fire went through the wetlands too fast and they would never have got it out in time. It was definitely too small to fly out. Another theory is that the parents took it into the water, left it there hidden near the edge of the pond, maybe under some grass, while they flew to safety and returned once the fire had gone. I am going with the last theory as it is the only one that makes sense to me. We have nicknamed the crane chick Snorkel!

On the 21 September, a huge cold front hit the KZN region and we experienced heavy rain and the worst snow storms in many years. It also snowed up on Mount Gilboa – the snow was up to half a metre deep in places and freezing. Not being able to get up there myself, I was absolutely delighted to get a beautiful photo of our special crane family walking in a snow-covered pasture from a farmer friend that lives on Mount Gilboa.

This little chick had survived a devastating fire and now one of the worst snow storms in years. Can you imagine my delight when I saw it a few weeks ago, almost the same size as its parents, clumsily flapping its wings and then taking flight across the wetlands.

The knowledge that this Wattled Crane chick had survived a fire and a snow storm and had now fledged is absolutely amasing and truly heartwarming!

Above left: Burnt wetlands a week after the fire with bakkie in the foreground.

Above right: two week old chick so one can see how big the chick was when the fire came through.

Above: Wattled Crane family in the snow

Cheetah repopulation initiative in the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve

By: Mark Bishop – publisher and editor of Kruger2Canyon News

In a significant conservation effort, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), a leading conservation NGO with over 50 years of experience in southern Africa, in collaboration with the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve (GMNR), is spearheading a project aimed at revitalising the cheetah population in the GMNR. This initiative is part of the broader Carnivore Range Expansion Project, which focuses on species conservation across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The EWT’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project Coordinator and Coordinator of Cheetah Advisory Group, Olivia Sievert says the success of the EWT’s work involves collaboration with various reserves—both private and governmental—throughout South Africa. These partnerships extend to Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.

“Cheetahs are facing a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, conflict with humans, and competition with other predators,” said Olivia. “Relocation efforts are crucial to maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species’ viability.”

Discussions began with the Makalali team two years ago, following a dramatic decline in the local cheetah population due to an overabundance of lions in the area, which had led to significant predation on cheetahs and a population crash around 2018.

A project like this one, involves carefully selected cheetahs being relocated to reserves where they can thrive and contribute to genetic diversity. There is an immense amount of ecological, habitat, predator and animal population data considered for any cheetah relocation – it’s not a matter of ‘we don’t have them, let’s put them in’.

As of 2023, with only two cheetahs remaining on the reserve, a new plan had to be developed. Antony Collett, the Warden of GMNR was already in discussion with EWT concerning relocation of cheetah onto the reserve. With only two resident individuals there was little chance that the population would bounce back. GMNR took the decision, in consultation with EWT, to initiate a program to bolster the dwindling cheetah numbers by relocating individuals from larger reserves that had experience with lion interactions.

Four cheetah – a female, her two sub-adult daughters and a male – were identified and successfully relocated from Tswalu Nature Reserve to GMNR. While the male cub tragically fell victim to a leopard, the remaining females have adapted well to their new environment and are now ready to be sired.

To strengthen the population, a coalition of four male cheetahs, led by Stompie (so called because of his short tail), was identified and moved from Inkomazi Game Reserve near Barberton, and recently released onto the GMNR. Stompie joined the coalition of three males – he is unrelated, and formerly a lone male – and they have all been together for the lasty five months. The relocation process involved a meticulous planning and execution phase, with the cheetahs being carefully transported and acclimated to their new surroundings. The hope is that the coalition will successfully integrate into the GMNR ecosystem and contribute to the growth of the cheetah population.

“We are committed to protecting the endangered species that call our reserve home,” stated Antony. “The introduction of these cheetahs is a strategic step towards restoring the balance of the ecosystem and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our wildlife.”

Cheetah cubs typically stay with their mothers for 13 to 16 months, forming strong sibling bonds until they are ready to establish their own territories. This relocation strategy ensures that the males remain a cohesive unit, promoting social stability and survival in their new home.

Collett emphasises the responsibility of reserves as custodians of endangered species, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices. He noted that in the past the lion population was higher in the GMNR, but that between 22 – 25 lion is considered as the ultimate goal and as a sustainable lion population for the reserve. This change, part of a collaborative effort with the Lion Management Forum, also aims to maintain and contribute to ecological balance and enhance the reserve’s biodiversity.

In addition to managing lion populations, GMNR is implementing a five-year burning protocol and bush clearance program to create more suitable habitats for cheetahs and other plains animals. The long-term vision is to maintain a healthy, sustainable population of big cats, but also to ensure the survival of the cheetahs by opening up more areas, thereby creating more favourable cheetah micro-habitats.

GMNR is presently home to five females (one of which is currently in a large ‘lion-free’ zone’ and which has just given birth to cubs) and the newly introduced coalition of males to add to the one currently on the reserve, which is the father of the newly born cubs. The hope is that the introduced coalition of cheetahs will successfully breed and contribute to broader conservation efforts by helping repopulate other reserves. This marks an ambitious first step toward establishing a self-sustaining cheetah population on the Makalali.

The relocation process involves a short acclimatisation period in a boma, allowing the cheetahs to adapt to their new surroundings before full release. The EWT’s approach ensures that the cheetahs are well-equipped to thrive in their new home.

As the reserve continues to expand – soon to add 6 000 hectares (30 000 hectares in total) including two river systems – the potential for multiple cheetah coalitions becomes increasingly viable. The reserve aims to create a self-regulating population, a rarity in conservation efforts.

Collett is adamant that “as a nature reserve, we need to be protective of the land and the animals in the area.” He emphasised the importance of sustainable wildlife management and habitat preservation in supporting the cheetah population.

The successful introduction of these cheetah will be measured in several phases: their ability to adapt post-release, establish comfortable territories, breed with the existing females, and ultimately, ensure the survival of their cubs. Achieving these milestones would not only signify a triumph for the EWT and the GMNR, but also mark a pivotal moment in the conservation of this iconic species in South Africa.

“We are committed to protecting South Africa’s endangered species and ensuring their long-term survival,” said Olivia Sievert. “The cheetah relocation project is a significant step towards that goal.”

EWT TORTOISE CONSERVATION CANINES – NOSY FOR NATURE

By: Esther Matthew – Specialist Officer | Drylands Conservation Programme

Chelonians includes all tortoise, turtle, and terrapin species. For the purposes of this article, we will use the term “tortoises”.

South Africa is one of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world and is home to no less than two of the world’s most well-known botanical “biodiversity hotspots”, the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes. However, few people are aware that South Africa also holds the title as the tortoise capital of the world. South Africa is home to no less than 13 tortoise species, most of which are endemic to the country.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), in partnership with the Turtle Conservancy (TC) launched tortoise conservation research projects over the last two years to locate viable populations and implement conservation action for three of South Africa’s most Endangered tortoises in the dryland areas of South Africa, including the Karoo, which is home to nine of the 13 tortoise species found in South Africa.

There are five species of dwarf tortoise globally, four of which occur in the South African Karoo and one in Namibia. As their name implies, dwarf tortoises rank amongst the smallest of the tortoise species. South Africa also has one Critically Endangered tortoise species, called the Geometric Tortoise. Unfortunately, over the last 20 years researchers have started to notice an alarming decline in population numbers for all of three of the country’s Endangered tortoise species. This significant impact can be attributed to factors like habitat loss, poaching, and crow predation that has been specifically being observed.

Certainly, the human teams have struggled to find a single viable population of both the Karoo and the Speckled Dwarf Tortoise over the last two years of extensive surveys. More than 20 surveys have yielded depressingly few live animals, and in most cases only shell fragments are to be found. All these species are elusive and well camouflaged, making it difficult for even the well-trained eye to spot. As such, it has been vital for us to look at other survey methods, such as using scent detection dogs.

The EWT’s Drylands Conservation Programme, therefore, started training scent detection dogs to assist with tortoise fieldwork projects. Two Border collies, Delta and Dash, have been assisting our team in the field to help locate tortoises with a little guidance from their handler Esther Matthew. Delta has been contributing to this research for the last two years, while Dash only recently started helping after passing his certification. The dogs have helped increase the number of finds, with Delta almost setting a record of six tortoises found in 50 minutes for one of the species. The detection dogs make our search efforts a lot more efficient as we are able to move faster and find hidden tortoises we would likely have missed. Their assistance in the field contributes to data collection for species distribution mapping and monitoring the survival of species in the wild. We can’t wait to see how their “nose work” will continue to benefit the conservation of these unique tortoise species.

The EWT tortoise conservation work is supported by Turtle Conservancy, Dwarf Tortoise Conservation, Rainforest Trust and the IUCN NL. A special word of thanks to Ford Wildlife Foundation for the vehicles that safely gets our staff and working dogs to the remote locations across the Western- and Northern Cape, where we conduct our vital tortoise surveys.

Please note, that landowner permission and valid permits from relevant conservation authorities in each province are always required for the use of conservation detection dogs. Additionally, all tortoises are protected species and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as well as provincial legislation such as the CapeNature Conservation Ordinance of 1974 and National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004. As such, it is illegal to collect any tortoise species in South Africa, and they may not be kept as pets without a permit. However, please report sightings of these rare species to us at ewt@ewt.org.za.

Targeting Hotspots: Protecting Lesser Flamingos from Power Line Collisions

Science Snippets:

Targeting Hotspots: Protecting Lesser Flamingos from Power Line Collisions

By: Erin Adams and Lizanne Roxburgh

With an increase in human population comes a rising demand for electricity. However, this also brings the heightened risk of wildlife colliding with the structures that distribute that electricity across the landscape. Birds such as the Lesser Flamingo, which is Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, frequently collide with power lines, often resulting in fatalities. Solutions like flashing markers on power lines can help reduce the risk, especially for birds that fly at night, like flamingos. However, these methods are costly, meaning they can’t be applied across the entire range of the Lesser Flamingo’s distribution. The best approach, therefore, is to determine where these markers would be most effective in reducing bird collisions with power lines. In a recent publication co-authored by EWT scientists*, the risk of power line collisions was modelled to address this exact need.

Three main inputs were used to create these models for Lesser Flamingos: 1) a habitat suitability index, 2) species exposure, and 3) threat exposure. The habitat suitability index included food availability, water quality, and water availability. Food availability, for instance, can be estimated based on the extent of green colouration in waterbodies, indicating the presence of the flamingos’ preferred food-cyanobacteria and diatoms. Species exposure accounted for the height at which Lesser Flamingos are likely to fly and the abundance of flamingos at a given site. Higher concentrations of flamingos increase the risk of power line collisions, especially when flamingos fly at lower altitudes. The final part of the model focused on threat exposure, including the height of the power line cables and their proximity to waterbodies where flamingos gather.

The risk of Lesser Flamingos colliding with power lines is based on the height of the power line and the flight height of the flamingo. There is no collision risk above 50 m due to the maximum height of power line cables (figure from Pretorius et al. 2023).

The scientists found that habitat suitability and flight height were the best predictors of where Lesser Flamingos are at most risk of colliding with power lines. Flamingos were only at risk of collision with power lines when flying lower than 50 meters (see Figure) and within 3 kilometers from the water’s edge. High-risk power line sections were identified within 3 kilometer buffers around waterbodies, prioritised by habitat suitability for Lesser Flamingos. This approach has significantly reduced the number of power line spans identified for proactive marking with flashing markers. As a result, marking power lines can be done cost-effectively while maximising protection for Lesser Flamingos. This modelling approach can also be adapted for other bird species at risk of colliding with power lines.

*Pretorius, M. D., Galloway-Griesel, T. L., Leeuwner, L., Michael, M. D., Durgapersad, K., & Chetty, K. (2023). Defining Collision Risk: Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Power Line Collision Sensitivity and Exposure for Proactive Mitigation. Birds, 4(4), 315-329. https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040027

On the Greens for Wildlife: alexforbes & EWT Golf Day

By Tammy Baker. Donor relations officer for The EWT.

The highveld weather was at its very best on the 17th of October at the Dainfern Golf Estate, as our fourballs lined up for their shotgun start.

The day just got better from there as we were treated to a beautiful aerial display by an African Harrier Hawk and some spirited, competitive golf under the glorious Joburg sun.

After a few good hours out on the course (which ran a bit long for some new to the game) and a some sundowners on the deck, we kicked off our prize-giving with a heartfelt address from Avishal Seeth of Alexforbes. Avi thanked everyone for attending and reminded us of the importance of conserving our precious wildlife and the landscapes that we depend on, for the next generation and many more to come.

The crowd was filled with well-known regulars and many new faces. Our skilled auctioneer and friend, Michael Scholz, aka the 40-year-old rookie, was in top form during the auction, helping us exceed our fundraising target.

A big thank you to Colette Van Dyk and the team at Alexforbes for sponsoring the day and bringing in your own fourballs. Thank you to our loyal supporters and all our new ones. Special thanks to aha Hotels and Lodges, our long-term cherished donors, as well as new partners, Dream Resorts and Hotels, for sponsoring some incredible prizes. Thank you to Painted Wolf Wines for joining us, and to ReWorx, our new supporter. Thanks to everyone who made this day such a success, including Indaba Hotel, Trappers Traders, Grill House Sandton, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Greenfinch lodge, Renaissance spa Sandton, Kloofzicht Lodge and spa, Glenburn lodge and spa and African Hills Safari Lodge.

Cricket and Canine Heroes: Jocks of the Bushveld

By Tammy Baker. Donor relations officer for The EWT.

On Saturday, 5th of October, 22 dedicated “Jocks”, passionate about both cricket and conservation, took to the pitch at CCJ Auckland Park to raise funds for wildlife preservation. The Skukuza Snakes won the toss and chose to bat first in their 30-over match. Strong partnerships lead them to a competitive score of 275.

During the innings break, friends and families of the Jocks of the Bushveld were treated to an exciting conservation canine demonstration by the incredible scent detection dog, Remi. This canine superstar showed off his remarkable skills, detecting substances like ammunition, pangolin scales, lion bones, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and even succulents! Remi’s handler, Fudhail, captivated the audience with updates on the critical work he and his scent and tracking dogs, Kisha and Remi, are doing in the Pilansberg to safeguard our precious wildlife.

After a well-deserved lunch and a few refreshing beers, it was time for the second innings. Maria’s Pundas took to the field, hoping to chase down the Snakes’ score. However, the Snakes’ bowlers delivered key wickets, stifling the Pundas’ efforts to build the necessary partnerships. Despite their best efforts, the Pundas fell short by 35 runs, finishing with a total of 240 runs.

With the cricket match concluded, it was time for the highly anticipated Jocks race-a gruelling lap around the field, where the weary cricketers competed in four groups: the Wild Dogs, Wildebeests, Buffaloes, and the Hippos. The cricketers gave it their all, and the crowd cheered on both winners and those who just fell short.

Event organiser Byron Lotter of the Maria’s Pundas addressed the teams after the game, thanking them all for their support and highlighting the importance of supporting a cause such as the EWT. “We all love the bush and take our families there as often as we can. That’s why we support conservation and the EWT – so that our children’s children can enjoy Africa and all of her precious resources for generations to come”, said Byron.

Thank you to all the Jocks and their families for their participation, and special thanks to Byron, Lawrie, and your family for your generosity and your deep love and for Africa and its wildlife. Conservation thanks you.

Environmental Education and Butterflies – Start them Young

By Renier Basson (Senior Field Officer), Drylands Conservation Programme

When you first think of threatened or endangered species, you might immediately picture Rhinos, African Wild Dogs, Pangolins, or even some other charismatic bird, reptile, or amphibian. However, did you know that many insect species in South Africa are also threatened? Most of these insects are found in in the Western Cape, particularly in the Fynbos biome. Among these, butterfly and beetles receive far more attention than any other insect group. All 23 Cape stag beetle species (family Lucanidae, genus Colophon) are currently threatened, primarily due to climate change, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching – yes, even insects are poached!

Regarding butterflies, the most threatened species belong to the families Lycaenidae (coppers, opals and skollies) and Hesperiidae (skippers and rangers). These butterflies are all relatively small and inconspicuous, with tiny, isolated populations scattered throughout the landscape. Some threatened butterflies inhabit areas smaller than 100 square meters! Habitat destruction, mainly caused by alien invasive vegetation and landscape transformation, poses a significant threat to these species in the Western Cape.

To help conserve these butterflies, the Drylands Conservation Programme, in collaboration with Bionerds, has launched projects funded by Disney and Table Mountain Fund. These initiatives aim to protect six butterfly species in the Lycaeinidae family: the Moorreesburg Opal (Chrysoritis thysbe schloszae), Dickson’s Copper (Chrysoritis dicksoni), Bearded Skolly (Thestor barbatus), Dickson’s Skolly (Thestor dicksoni warren), Kaplan’s Skolly (Thestor kaplani), and Strutt’s Skolly (Thestor strutti). All of these are listed as Critically Endangered, and their populations are rapidly declining. Protecting our threatened butterflies requires safeguarding their habitats, which includes habitat protection activities such as clearing alien invasive vegetation. While physically protecting habitats is crucial, educating the public is equally important!

One key component of the project is environmental education aimed at schools near the six butterfly populations. Bionerds has created a colourful, interactive booklet titled “Threatened Butterflies of the Western Cape” for learners from grades 4 to 7. On September 19, Field Officer Renier Basson visited W.F. Loots Primary in Wolseley to present on the ecological importance of butterflies and the threats they face. The Strutt’s Skolly, found in the area, was a focal point of the presentation. Renier began by explaining, “What is a butterfly?” covering topics from taxonomic classification and morphology to metamorphosis, pollination, and threats. The 51 learners from grades 5 and 6 were engaged and inquisitive, asking numerous questions.

After the presentation, Renier handed out the booklets , and the students eagerly participated by reading important sections aloud. They also answered questions from the first few pages, which sparked curiousity and encouraged them to share their newfound insights. Questions included broad topics like “What do adult butterflies eat?” and “Where do butterflies lay their eggs?” To further engage the students, Renier showcased pinned and framed insects. With five display boxes filled with insects, the learners were divided into groups to maximise their time exploring each box. They had to identify butterflies in the boxes, which proved challenging as some moths closely resemble butterflies. The students were also encouraged to ask questions about the insects they observed. The excitement on their faces as they received new boxes was priceless!

Incorporating environmental education for children into all conservation programmes is essential. Children are curious, enthusiastic, and passionate about nature, making them open to listening about the natural world. Start them young!

A special thanks to our partner Bionerds. This project is made possible through Disney Conservation Fund and the Table Mountain Fund.

EWT Exploring Peru

Esther Matthew, the EWT’s Senior Specialist Conservation Officer, became a National Geographic Society Explorer in 2018 for her work with a scent detection dog to help conserve the Critically Endangered Riverine Rabbit. A few months ago, Esther was selected as one of three explorers to serve as a hub coordinator for the Southern Africa Hub. The hub includes all explorers form South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

As part of her new role, she received the incredible opportunity to attend a hub coordinator training workshop and Explorer Festival in Lima, Peru! Esther expressed her excitement, saying, “It was an amazing opportunity and experience I will never forget!”. This marked her first visit to South America and her attendance at an international Nat Geo Explorer Festival. The festival showcased the remarkable National Geographic explorer project in the Amazon, along with many other fascinating topics. Esther represented EWT and the Southern Africa hub at the event, where she met many explorers from around the world. She returned with more knowledge about coordinating groups and established many valuable networking contacts.
The EWT is proud to have three National Geographic Explorers on our staff. Alongside Esther, the other two explorers are Kulani Nyakane, Field Officer of our Carnivore Conservation Programme and Dr Gareth Tate, Programme Manager of the EWT’s Birds of Prey Programme.

Comprehensive Lion Survey Brings Hope for Conservation

In a significant conservation effort, a dedicated lion survey team, in collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks) and funded by the Lion Recovery Fund, set out to assess the lion population in Xanatseni South region of the Kruger National Park (KNP). This initiative not only aimed to count these majestic animals but will also contribute to their long-term conservation. Led by Lowveld Project Manager Marnus Roodbol, alongside co-lead PhD student Alison Govaerts and EWT intern Lesego Mthethwa, the team’s diverse expertise and passion for wildlife conservation provided a strong foundation for the project’s success.

Over the course of 90 days, the team rotated between three camps: one located outside Phalaborwa Gate, Letaba Rest Camp, and Tsendze Rustic Camp. Their goal was to search for, count, and identify the lions within this vital ecosystem. This strategic approach allowed them to cover a vast area and gain a comprehensive understanding of the lion population dynamics.

Methodology: Spatial Capture-Recapture

The survey employed the Spatial Capture-Recapture method, a robust approach for estimating lion density, abundance, sex ratios, and spatial distribution in KNP’s northern central region. The survey involved extensive fieldwork, where team members employed tracking techniques and observational skills to locate, count, and identify individual lions. This technique combined counts of individually identified lions with thorough search efforts. By utilising both traditional tracking methods and modern technology, the team aimed to gather accurate data to inform future conservation strategies.

To locate lions, team members drove along established transect roads, actively searching the landscape while utilising their knowledge of the area, field skills, and tips from tourists and field guides. Each search encounter was meticulously recorded using a customized Cyber Tracker application that captured GPS points and logged lion numbers and sex ratios upon sighting.

Detailed Documentation

When lions were spotted, the team documented the sighting with specifics including date, time, GPS location, number of lions present, and demographic information. They took individual ID photos, focusing on the unique whisker patterns on the lions’ cheeks (these patterns serve as distinct identifiers, akin to human fingerprints). It was vital to capture clear images of both sides of a lion’s face, as each side has unique features. Additionally, other characteristics such as the nose, ears, and teeth were noted.

The team compiled the photographs into a comprehensive catalogue, which served multiple purposes: it allowed for comparisons with previous sightings, tracked the health and dynamics of the lion population, and provided insights into each lion’s movements and interactions within the park. By reviewing the catalogue, the team could determine whether a sighting represented a new individual (capture) or a previously catalogued lion (recapture). This approach helped prevent double counting and enhanced the accuracy of population estimates.

Importance of the Survey

Understanding lion populations is crucial for their conservation. With lions facing various threats, accurate population data is essential for developing effective management plans. The information gathered during this survey will contribute to ongoing efforts to protect these iconic animals and their habitats.

Lions are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to threats such as human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change. These factors complicate population recovery efforts. Regular surveys like this one are vital for obtaining up-to-date and robust estimates of lion populations, which are crucial for effective management and conservation strategies. Understanding the current population dynamics helps determine what actions are necessary to protect these magnificent predators, ensuring their survival in Kruger National Park.

Conclusion

The lion survey in Xanatseni represents a critical effort in the on-going mission to conserve one of Africa’s most iconic species. By utilising innovative tracking methods and a collaborative approach, the team contributes invaluable data to lion conservation efforts. With the commitment of dedicated individuals and organisations, there is hope for the future of lions in the wild. As we strive to maintain healthy lion populations and continue to advocate for wildlife conservation, initiatives like this remind us of the importance of collaboration and the need for sustained efforts to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

Safeguarding Medicinal Plants for Future Generations

Pepper-bark trees thriving in traditional healers’ home gardens

Approximately 40% of the pharmaceuticals that are used in conventional medicine today are derived from plants, many of which were identified through traditional medicines that have been used by people across cultures and civilisations for millennia. Well-known examples of medicines sourced from nature include aspirin (Willow bark), quinine (Quinine tree), artemisinin (Sweet Wormwood), digoxin and digitoxin (Foxgloves), and codeine (Poppy), as well as atropine (Deadly Nightshade), among many others.

Traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of healthcare modalities that people have depended on for centuries. The World Health Organization describes traditional medicine as “the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness”.

In South Africa, over 2,062 plant species are used in traditional medicine, with approximately 770 species recorded in markets across the country. Numerous wild plant populations are under severe pressure due to the high levels of harvesting combined with the loss or degradation of habitat. Two species are already extinct in the wild, and 80 species could become extinct in the short to medium term, while 100 are of conservation concern.

Since 2019, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has been collaborating with landowners, traditional healers, traders, and harvesters in Limpopo Province to safeguard the Pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) and restore its habitat in the wild. The Pepper-bark is an evergreen tree in high demand for traditional medicine. As its name suggests, the bark and leaves of the tree taste like pepper or peri-peri. It occurs in a variety of habitats across Swaziland, north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Despite its wide range, the Pepper-bark tree is under severe pressure due to harvesting and the transformation and degradation of habitat through agriculture and other human activities.

To improve our understanding of the conservation status of the Pepper-bark tree, we conducted a survey of the wild populations as well as a seed viability assessment and germination trial. Although Pepper-bark trees coppice easily, seedling recruitment in some areas is severely curtailed through seed predation and low seed viability. The species’ ability to coppice allows local populations to survive, but limited sexual reproduction restricts genetic diversity, which can reduce resilience over time. In Limpopo, germination levels of seeds sourced from healthy trees in the project area were relatively high (70%) compared with those in other areas, and seed predation levels were lower, which bodes well for the survival of the populations at this stage. Continued monitoring is important to build on this baseline data and assess the species’ resilience under different conditions, including drought and potential climate change impacts.

The EWT’s team of rangers has also worked tirelessly to restore Pepper-bark tree habitat by clearing of over 60 hectares of land of alien and encroaching plants, resulting in seedlings observed on several of these sites for the first time in years!

While protecting plant populations in the wild is critical, it is equally important to ensure that people who rely on traditional medicine for their healthcare can source the plants that they need. Prior to the 1990s, numerous (unsuccessful) attempts were made to curb traditional medicine and combat its trade through law enforcement. Since then, conservationists have partnered with traditional healers and, more recently, traders and harvesters in markets to reduce pressures on wild populations while striving to ensure that people have access to the plants they need for traditional medicine. Over this period, conservation organisations, with the support of the private sector, have donated more than 80,000 Pepper-bark trees to traditional healers and communities, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. Similar initiatives are being implemented in Swaziland and other southern African countries.

The EWT is now working with traditional healers, traders, harvesters, and other growers to substantially expand the diversity and volumes of species for cultivation. We are also supporting communities in improving the management of wild medicinal plant populations and reducing illegal harvesting in their areas through better governance and controls that support the customary and traditional systems they are already implementing. Ongoing monitoring of wild populations is critical, along with forging strong partnerships with traditional healers, communities, and traders to protect this vital biocultural resource base for both current users and future generations.

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This work is funded through the Fondation Franklinia, Munich Re, and the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.

We would also like to acknowledge the SANParks – Kruger National Park Pepper-bark Conservation Programme for a donation of 2,000 Pepper-bark trees to the project. The SANParks – Kruger National Park Pepper-bark Conservation Programme has received support from SAPPI, the ARC, SANBI, SAEON, and the SANParks honorary rangers over the years.

Transport for this and other People in Conservation initiatives is made possible through the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

References

https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/traditional-medicine
Williams V.L., Victor J.E., and Crouch N. 2013. Red Listed medicinal plants of South Africa: Status, trends, and assessment. South African Journal of Botany 86: 23—35.

Parasitised Pepper-bark Tree fruit (left) and healthy fruit (right). Photo K. van den Bosch

Pepper-bark Tree deliveries in Limpopo

Pepper-bark tree thriving in traditional healers’ gardens 2