CONSERVATION NEWS
august 2026
Hunters Saving Honeybees
The BEE KIND project, a Centurion Branch-led initiative, exemplifies practical biodiversity conservation through dedicated honeybee protection. This vital work underpins critical ecosystem functions, including pollination, which is essential for wild seed production, veld regeneration, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. By supporting bee populations, we contribute to the health and sustainability of our natural landscapes.
How You Can Make a Difference:
- Report and rescue swarms.
- Offer land for relocated hives.
- Practise bee-friendly land management.
- Sponsor or donate.
Contact: vanwyngaardt@gmail.com
Financial Reference:
Tinyarhi Trust
Absa Bank
Account: 4093220340
Branch: Tshwane Noord
Reference: BEE KIND
Conservation Action: Help Us Protect SA’s Endangered Giants
The Lappet-faced Vulture, South Africa’s largest vulture, faces a critical population decline, with approximately 160 breeding pairs remaining. SA Hunters, in collaboration with the Kameeldoring Branch, is actively involved in mapping the territory and breeding areas of this magnificent species. Your participation is vital to this conservation effort.
REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS
- GPS location
- Date
- Number of birds
- Activity
- Additional information
Log your sightings via the SA Hunters App.
The public can email: conservation@sahunt.co.za
Contacts:
Falie Vorster – faliev@gmail.com
Lizanne Nel – lizanne@sahunt.co.za
Donation Reference:
Tinyarhi Trust
Absa Bank
Account: 4093220340
Branch: Tshwane Noord
Reference: VULTURES
Policy and Practice: Practical Solutions for Damage-causing Animals
SA Hunters has submitted crucial input to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on the draft Guidelines for the Management of Damage-causing Animals. These guidelines are intended to provide direction for national alignment rather than establishing obligatory Norms and Standards. Our submission focuses on ensuring realistic, safe, and ecologically sound implementation.
- Address capacity bottlenecks and allow alternative verification / accredited capacity.
- Protect natural landscapes and recognise damage to indigenous veld and trees.
- Remove dangerous field mandates for live aggressive predators.
- Include invasive feral species such as feral pigs, feral cats and wild pigeons.
Game Meat Systems: Building Climate-resilient Wildlife Value Chains
SA Hunters recently participated in a virtual dialogue hosted by ASSAf, AWEI, Stellenbosch University, and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, focusing on ‘Building Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Game Meat Systems: Policy and Practical Pathways’. SA Hunters’ Conservation Manager Lizanne Nel joined the panel to discuss the strategic theme. She contributed to discussions on extensive wildlife systems, combining game and regenerative cattle, sustainable wildlife harvesting (including hunting and culling), habitat restoration, biodiversity, and food security. Key challenges included regulatory complexity, compliance costs, and the need for realistic, practical field-slaughtering standards.
- Ecological and Productive Landscapes:
Focusing on how diverse landscapes can support both ecological health and productive wildlife systems. - Overcoming Policy Barriers:
Addressing regulatory hurdles and compliance costs that impact the game meat value chain. - The Path Forward:
Exploring practical pathways for inclusive and climate-resilient game meat systems.
Environmental Stewardship: Reducing Wildlife Poisoning and Lead Risks
SA Hunters actively contributes to national efforts by participating in the National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group and the Lead Task Team. Our work champions practical, balanced approaches, including developing a National Lead Task Team information website, conducting research using field data (such as X-rays of harvested game), and engaging with manufacturers and government on affordable lead-free alternatives. We also provide updated guidance on vulture feeding sites and promote awareness on environmentally sensible predation control and responsible pesticide use. Responsible hunting remains a cornerstone of effective wildlife conservation.
Policy Watch: Sustainable Wildlife Economy Standard
The Sustainable Wildlife Economy Standard (SWES) is a voluntary certification scheme designed to harmonise commercial wildlife enterprises, biodiversity conservation, and rural development. It sets benchmarks for land custodianship, wildlife tourism, game meat, and citizen/international hunting. SA Hunters’ consultation position emphasises that indicators and activities must be practical, easy, and cost-effective to measure. Crucially, certification must be supported by tangible market incentives to encourage broad adoption.
Building Regional Leadership
In July, SA Hunters participated in the SADC Wildlife-based Economy Champions Training Programme in Sandton. Developed by the Southern African Wildlife College, African Leadership University, and African Wildlife Economy Institute, the programme fostered cross-SADC collaboration. Conservation Manager Lizanne Nel was invited to present on responsible resource use, addressing misconceptions around consumptive and non-consumptive use, full-cost accounting, biodiversity safeguards, and the foundational role of responsible hunting in the regional wildlife economy.
Best Practice and Inclusive Growth
SA Hunters recently attended the SABHSSA Best Practice Workshop, an important platform for information exchange. The workshop focused on operational standards, inclusive growth, celebrating hunting as a shared heritage, sustainable wildlife harvesting, sound biological and business practices, fostering rural growth, and maintaining ecological balance. These discussions are vital for advancing the long-term health of our wildlife resources.