Endangered Wildlife Trust Archives | Page 4 of 54

Wattled Crane downlisted regionally

Wattled Crane downlisted regionally from Critically Endangered to Endangered

Wattled Crane downlisted regionally

Concerted and targeted conservation efforts by the Endangered Wildlife Trust/International Crane Foundation partnership, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW), other NGOs and farmers and landowners across the Drakensberg, have delivered another success—the downlisting of the Wattled Crane from Critically Endangered to Endangered.

The regional downlisting is a remarkable conservation success and will be published in the latest edition of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species at the end of May 2025. Wattled Cranes (Bugeranus carunculatus) were listed as regionally Critically Endangered in 2015 with only 267 individuals recorded in the KwaZulu-Natal aerial survey of that year. This aerial survey has been conducted for 32 years in partnership with Eskom and EKZNW as KwaZulu-Natal is the stronghold for the species in South Africa.

A regional downlisting means that in South Africa, the Wattled Crane is no longer declining, but the population remains small and vulnerable to threats with an estimate population of only 304 being counted in 2024. Despite this positive trend in KwaZulu-Natal, the global population (including, but not limited to South Africa) remains on the decline and urgent conservation attention is required to safeguard populations outside of KwaZulu-Natal.

The latest downlisting follows the reclassification of Cape Vulture from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2021, also due to the success of targeted conservation efforts by a large number of organisations, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust and partners.

The EWT began research and conservation action to Africa’s crane species in 1994. Efforts to-date have included monitoring, research to better understand their movement and ecological needs, power line investigations and mitigation in partnership with Eskom, supporting farmers and landowners to protect their breeding sites, conservation of key areas through the promotion of sustainable management practices, extensive education with landowners and rural communities, as well as understanding the crane trade and inclusion of key crane areas into the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme.

More recently, with improved technologies such as transmitters that can be placed on the Wattled Cranes, we are deepening our understanding of the nonbreeding species that do not hold territories, to understand their movement patterns and how they use the landscape differently to breeding birds. In addition, we are using drone mapping to enhancing our grasp of the hydrogeomorphology characterisations of wetlands used by Wattled Cranes. This information will be vital to the rehabilitation of wetlands to expand the habitat utilised by these unique birds, which will enable the species to expand outside its current range.

Our work in Mpumalanga will also reveal critical information on the potential connectivity between populations in the different provinces. Work will continue with farmers to maintain the conservation of the species in its core range and thus protect the landscape through Biodiversity Stewardship Schemes. This will be supported by long-term funding through carbon trading in the grasslands where they live.

The EWT would like to thank its funders and donors, especially the Dohmen Family Fund, Rand Merchant Bank and Eskom that have been significant contributors over the last 30 years.

“The downlisting reflects the effort that has been placed on the species over the last 30 years, and highlights the importance of collaborating when protecting a species, and their grasslands and wetlands habitats that we all depend on, said Dr Damian Walters, the South African Regional Manager for the African Crane Conservation Programme.

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Conserving the African Penguin

Conserving the African Penguin is critical for South Africa’s economy and reputation: Report

By Lauren Waller (Regional Planning Coordinator, ewt) and Eleanor Momberg (Communications manager, ewt)

The loss of the African Penguin would be a very large reputational risk to South Africa, the moral custodian of the species.

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) only occurs in Namibia and South Africa.

“Just as South Africa’s foreign policies and economic decisions contribute to its reputation, its position on environmental stewardship and the measures it implements to protect global assets, for which it is perceived as a guardian, will shape its international brand,” state the authors of the Assessment of the Value of African Penguins published by the Endangered Wildlife Trust towards the end of 2024.

The study was commissioned by the EWT in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The African penguin is the only penguin species that breeds on the African continent and is endemic to the southern African coast. The species has declined from an estimated 0.5-1 million breeding pairs in the early 1900s to the approximately 42 500 counted in 1991, and 8324 in 2023. The remaining birds are mostly found in seven colonies in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.

Several factors have contributed to their population decline. Initially, a key reason was habitat destruction through Guano harvesting and egg collection. However, over the last few decades, a shortage of small pelagic fish species, the penguins’ main food source, seems to have been the main contributing factor. Increased vessel traffic and the resulting noise pollution has also contributed to the decline.

This study aimed to provide an assessment of the value of the African penguin in South Africa to inform decision-makers at all levels of government, conservation organisations and other stakeholders involved in decision making around African penguins.

While determining whether the economic value of penguin conservation is useful to inform policy decisions, it was acknowledged that it represents only one way to think about conservation. Besides economic arguments for threatened species conservation, arguments for species protection can also be made for moral reasons, or be linked to South Africa’s international commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity to halt all species extinctions.

Based on the estimation of tourism value, existence value, property benefits, educational and media-related benefits, the total value of the penguin colonies of South Africa was estimated to be between R1,946 million and R4,545 million in 2023.

Tourism value

Tourists visiting penguin colonies generate revenues for the park authorities and for a range of tourism-related business, all of which generates knock-on effects in the economy.

Tourists visiting the Boulders penguin colony in Cape Town generated around R95 million in entrance fees for SANParks in November 2023. Based on visitor surveys, the total expenditure in South Africa related to the Boulders penguin colony was estimated to be in the range of R535.6 – 2273 million in 2023 based on median and average visitor expenditure, respectively. Based on spatial data, and fairly conservative assumptions, it was estimated that Boulders accounted for approximately R505 million of tourism expenditure, and that the remaining penguin colonies in South Africa generated some R108.3 million in tourism expenditure.

The total tourism value of all penguin colonies was thus estimated to be in the range of R613 – 2702 million in 2023.

Existence value

The report found during its survey of Capetonians that people benefit from knowing that African penguins exist and that they are willing to pay for their conservation. From the survey, it was determined that the aggregate willingness to pay for penguin conservation in Cape Town was in the order of R551 – R731 million per year. Even though this attenuates with distance, it is assumed that South African residents outside of Cape Town would also be willing to pay for penguin conservation. If extrapolated to the rest of the country, it is estimated that South Africans would be willing to contribute up to R1,101 million to know that penguins continue to exist, that they have an option of visiting them in future, and protecting them for future generations.

Among the other benefits in penguins in areas such as Simonstown and Betty’s Bay, where penguins live in close proximity to built-up areas, include education and environmental stewardship. The study found that publications on penguins generated subsidies of at least R1.9 million in 2023. Penguins also star in advertisements for Cape Town and films and documentaries, such as Penguin Town,, and have not only entertained but also raised awareness about penguin conservation issues. The direct media related value of the penguin colonies was estimated to be almost R2.9 million per year.

The report states that successfully conserving the African penguins is not a one agency issue, but requires big systemic changes. Ultimately, improved management and policy is going to be the answer: an ecosystem approach to fisheries is needed and Ocean health needs to be better managed.

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Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve

Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve: A New Chapter for Conservation

By Catherine Vise – SOUTPANSBERG PROTECTED AREA PROGRAMME Manager, eNDangered wildlife trust

The recent declaration of South Africa’s newest Nature Reserve, the Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve (WSNR), in Limpopo province marks a milestone for the conservation of threatened and endemic species and contributes to South Africa’s international commitment to grow its conservation estate.

Seven years in the making, the WSNR was finally declared in January 2025, including eight landowners, 14 properties of 11 607 hectares in extent. The Soutpansberg boasts the highest plant diversity at the family level in South Africa. Because of its high plant diversity and endemism, coupled with the fact that it hosts at least 16 endemic reptile species and its high variety of other species, such as spiders and butterflies, the conservation of this area is among the most significant conservation steps in recent years.

This brand-new reserve encompasses a Centre of Endemism, a recognised Key Biodiversity Area, a Strategic Groundwater Source Area, and an expansive Critical Biodiversity Area in the Limpopo Conservation Plan.

The Soutpansberg Mountains are home to an impressive 593 tree species, five different biomes (wetland, forest, savanna, grassland, thicket) and even have fynbos elements. They also house multiple sacred sites, rock art and other archaeological sites, and are important for cultural heritage, with many communities celebrating their vibrant traditions in the region to this day.

Also known as the forgotten mountain, the Soutpansberg contains numerous microclimates, ranging from tropical in the east to semi-arid in the northwest, contributing extensively to its varied and unique biodiversity. But it is an area that faces numerous threats ranging from agriculture and urbanisation to other threats such as unsustainable harvesting of species, snaring, poaching and the lack of fire management on the western end of the mountain.

Amid these challenges, several landowners started working on their own initiative to develop a nature reserve. In 2018, the EWT came on board by purchasing the Medike Reserve with the aim of creating a larger conservation area, and becoming the driver of a project that would ultimately result in the declaration of the Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve. In partnership with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Ndlovu de Villiers Attorneys, Conservation Outcomes and ZZ2, the EWT published an Intent to Declare a Nature Reserve in the National Gazette in December 2021.

The declaration of the Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve in Limpopo in January contributes towards South Africa’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s initiative to have 30% of land and 30% of ocean conserved by 2030.

Management

The Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve Association (WSNRA) is the reserve’s management authority. It is a voluntary association for landowners committed to managing their properties as a nature reserve, as part of a collective. Each landowner is a member of the WSNRA and manages their property/ies within the approved WSNR Framework Management Plan, with activities including the management of invasive alien plants, local community engagement projects, environmental education and women’s health workshops in local villages. The EWT and WSNRA are undertaking initiatives that include combating bush encroachment, fire management, invasive species management and the development of eco-tourism initiatives, including the Old Salt Trail, which offers hiking enthusiasts one of the best ways to explore the newly declared nature reserve, and showcases why the Soutpansberg is so special.

The EWT’s alien invasive species removal project has created 20 job opportunities for members of the local community over the years, who have also been trained in health and safety skills and chainsaw operation. Rangers, who have also been trained as field guides, assist with snare removals, anti-poaching patrols and maintenance at the Medike reserve, while hospitality staff and general workers are employed on other properties. As the nature reserve becomes more popular, more employment opportunities will be created.

In working with local communities, the EWT is assisting with the conservation education of young people at primary school level, developing learning materials for schools, and is working with local farmers on agricultural projects that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Landowners have also become involved in the Sport for Nature initiative in the area, providing equipment where needed.

Through the nature reserve, the aim is to uplift and involve the community as much as possible, to support the conservation and management of the protected area with inclusion of everybody. This project is just as important for local communities as it is for conservation.

The future

Work is underway in collaboration with LEDET to expand the reserve by 20,000 ha this year, as part of the EWT’s aim to create a protected area in the Soutpansberg Mountains of 50,000 ha by 2030.

The Western Soutpansberg Nature Reserve fits into a critical corridor that links the Soutpansberg Mountains to the Mapungubwe National Park and the Kruger National Park. This corridor connects high biodiversity areas that, through a declared corridor, can maintain the rich and endemic biodiversity integrity of the region. This longer-term vision fits in with the SANParks Vision 2040 for the Vhembe and Limpopo Valley landscape, creating a lot of room for this area to become a Biodiversity Economy node in South Africa.

Biodiversity and Business Action Plan

A South African business perspective – The EWT’s Biodiversity and Business Action Plan

By Catherine Kühn – Biodiversity Disclosure Project Manager, Endangered wildlife trust

The Biodiversity and Business Action Plan (BBAP) is a cross-sectoral 65-page document which culminates the 2 years of work with Business for Nature.

It is a guidance tool and a feedback resource for South African businesses which captures insights directly from companies to reflect their progress in biodiversity mainstreaming while also supporting them on their journey.

The BBAP offers sector mapping, a roadmap for biodiversity mainstreaming, and key indicators for integrating Target 15 into business practices.

Biodiversity loss is no longer a separate or secondary issue to climate change. It’s a very real and prevalent environmental concern and a business reality. The biodiversity crisis is an urgent and interconnected issue that threatens the stability of natural systems. It is waking up economies, industries, and businesses. As planetary boundaries continue to be pushed beyond safe limits, the consequences are becoming increasingly harder to reverse. If we don’t act collectively and decisively now, we risk tipping the scales beyond recovery.

As the world moves towards sustainability, South African companies are beginning to recognise that integrating biodiversity into decision-making is not just about compliance – it’s about long-term resilience. Many businesses are already on this journey with some making steady progress; a few are emerging as leaders, while others demonstrate interest but remain uncertain about where to begin. And then there are those yet to wake up to this urgency. But the message is clear: biodiversity action is not optional—it’s a business imperative.

Our Business Advisory Group (BAG) engagements confirm that businesses need support in biodiversity integration. The Biodiversity and Business Action Plan (BBAP), developed by the EWT’s Biodiversity and Business Unit (BBU), serves as a guidance tool and feedback resource, capturing insights directly from companies to reflect their progress and support their journey.

Key findings

There is strong business awareness of biodiversity’s importance—77% of our Business Advisory Group participants see it as extremely important to South Africa’s economy while 100% of respondents acknowledge biodiversity loss as a risk to their company, highlighting the urgent need for action.

While most companies recognise biodiversity’s importance, 64% are still in the early stages of the journey towards biodiversity action.

The top three focus areas of companies’ biodiversity efforts are 1. biodiversity initiatives at local sites, 2. employee capacity building and training around biodiversity and 3. meeting biodiversity compliance and reporting obligations.

Companies are familiar with, amongst others, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the King IV report for Corporate Governance in South Africa and the JSE Sustainability

Disclosure Guidance, yet most lack a formal biodiversity strategy. A total of 60% said they did not have dedicated budgets for biodiversity, highlighting a gap between awareness and action.

Many companies rely on biodiversity consultants for environmental work, while some have in-house sustainability teams. A total of 85% of respondents said their company needs additional biodiversity training and capacity-building.

Discussions from the four BAG workshops in 2024 provided valuable insights into how businesses viewed their role in supporting biodiversity targets. The dominant Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) themes that emerged were ‘Implementation and Mainstreaming’, followed by ‘Reducing Threats’ and ‘Sustainable Use and Benefit Sharing’.

Notably, there is strong alignment with Target 15 (Business) and Target 19 (Finance), with recognition of Target 19 increasing significantly throughout the BAG process. This shift highlights the growing awareness of the need for financial mechanisms to support biodiversity integration, including investment in nature-positive solutions.

What does this mean?

Businesses recognise biodiversity’s importance and risks, yet most are still in early integration stages. Awareness is high, but action, reporting, and investment remain limited. There is a need to embed biodiversity into corporate decision-making, rather than viewing it as an additional expense and burden. With all the respondents recognising biodiversity loss as a risk means there is urgency to develop structured biodiversity strategies. Yet, with most companies still relying on consultants and lacking dedicated budgets for biodiversity, this remains a challenge.

The reliance on compliance-driven actions rather than proactive biodiversity decisiveness suggests that many businesses are reactive rather than strategic. The high demand for capacity-building (85%) further re-inforces that businesses need more guidance to navigate this. Without adequate skills, knowledge, and funding structures, biodiversity commitments risk remaining future aspirations.

The results also indicate a need for business-government cohesion, clearer policy direction, stronger incentives, and greater regulatory support to ensure businesses can effectively align with national biodiversity commitments.

The road ahead

While the BBAP is a milestone, real change will come from businesses taking ownership of their biodiversity strategies. Businesses must strengthen biodiversity knowledge and skills, supported by standardised reporting frameworks to meaningfully track progress. There is also a need for collaboration across sectors – including government and NGOs. Additionally, financial incentives and policy support are needed to encourage and incentivise biodiversity-positive practices.

From referring to the many frameworks and tools that exist to “framework chaos”, our BAG members have been pivotal in providing honest, constructive and catalytic feedback when it comes to their specific needs, challenges and vision for their business and for their sector.

Companies require clear roadmaps, sector-specific strategies, and the right tools to integrate biodiversity into operations. However, the lack of dedicated biodiversity roles, capacity and budgets indicates the urgency to make a stronger business case—one that highlights both the risks of inaction and the opportunities of nature-positive practices.

This process has also proven that businesses have a voice in shaping government policy, contributing to the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) and ensuring corporate commitments are reflected in national targets. This work is a call to action for businesses to take the lead—not just as participants but as pioneers of innovation and sustainability. The journey is challenging, but the opportunity to leave a legacy for generations to come makes it one worth taking.

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Lydenburg Learners Celebrate World Wetlands Day at De Berg Wetland

Eulalia Jordaan, an MPTA ecological technician, showed the learners the different kinds of plants found in the wetland

On 31 January, the Mpumalanga Wetland Forum chaired by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Bradley Gibbons hosted Grade 7 learners from Lydenburg Primary School as part of a World Wetlands Day celebration at the De Berg Wetland in Mpumalanga.

The De Berg Wetland is South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site and is therefore a wetland of international importance.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February to mark the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The theme this year was ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future’.

The event comprised talks by Bradley Gibbons about what wetlands are, how they function, and the importance of wetlands and the impact these water resources have on communities reliant on the water flowing from them. Marius Kruger of Northam Platinum provided an overview of the De Berg wetland and the species of concern found in this pristine area.

The learners accompanied officials from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the EWT and Northam Platinum to the heart of the wetland where they learnt about the difference between grassland, wetland and peat soils, and the various plant species found in the grasslands surrounding the wetland.

Bradley Gibbons, EWT senior field officer, explains the importance of wetlands to learners from Lydenberg primary school

Children feeling the different types of soil found in wetland environments