conservation champion Archives - Page 2 of 6

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.