The Dias Branch, one of our newest branches, has big plans for conservation in the Boknes and Cannon Rocks area along the Eastern Cape coast. During a visit from conservation manager, Lizanne Nel, discussions were held about potential conservation initiatives while visiting areas for possible projects. Options being considered include raising awareness and combating the declared invasive plant, Lantana. Legislation compels landowners to remove Lantana because of its toxicity to humans and animals. Members of the Dias branch are already focusing on logging sightings of the rare black oystercatcher, which occurs along the coast, in the Sightings App. Owl boxes for barn owls and spotted eagle owls have been set up, and members also help rescue marine life that washes up on the shore.
The Springbok Branch hosted more than a hundred women for a pleasant morning tea in support of owl conservation as part of Projek Grootoog. The guest speaker was the well-known actress Lizz Meiring, while Lionel Smit shared more about Projek Grootoog.
The Mopani Branch, in addition to removing snares as part of the Snare Busters programme, also hosted a conservation evening with Dr. Bart Gazendam of Wildscapes Veterinary Services as the guest speaker. He gave an informative presentation on the rationale and process of dehorning rhinos to protect the animals from poachers.
The Centurion Branch invited the well-known Johan Marais from the African Snakebite Institute as a guest speaker to talk about snakes and snakebites. At the Kwagga Branch’s conservation evening, conservation manager, Lizanne Nel, spoke about the essential role responsible hunters can play in conservation.
Cheetah survey: A big thank you to all our members who are participating in the national cheetah survey with the Cheetah Trust, Ashia, and Stellenbosch University. So far, the data shows that jackals, caracals, and leopards are the three species responsible for most of the conflict situations between landowners and predators. Cheetah ranks sixth on the list after brown and spotted hyenas. Wildlife makes up 93% of the cheetahs’ preferred diet.
