Conservation News
february 2024
Participate in survey on baboons and monkeys
SA Hunters calls on members to participate in a survey on the distribution of baboons and vervet monkeys. SANBI is undertaking the survey on behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to determine if exports of these animals pose a risk to the species.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is conducting a survey on the distribution of baboons and vervet monkeys on behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. This survey is highly important.
CITES has identified both species for a non-detriment finding (NDF). An NDF is a science-based risk assessment to determine whether exports will have an adverse impact on the species’ survival in the wild. This includes the export of hunting trophies.
The process that South Africa uses to conduct an NDF involves a questionnaire of 26 questions, nine of which focus on the biology, distribution, status, population trends, and major potential threats facing the species. The remaining questions focus on the management and incentives for conservation and protection measures.
It is important for landowners or wildlife managers to participate in this survey to ensure that the assessment is based on sufficient information. In most provinces, baboons and vervet monkeys have been declared as problem animals. Inadequate information from the survey could result in changes in the rules regarding the management and utilisation of the species. It takes approximately 7 minutes to complete the questionnaire, and it is done anonymously.
We request members to please complete this questionnaire.
Pangolins in the spotlight
Pangolins are exceptional animals whose survival in nature is under serious threat due to illegal trade and habitat loss. It is also listed on the IUCN’s Red List of Seriously Threatened Species.
Thanks to the dedication of individuals such as Francois Meyer, a member of SA Hunters (Hardekool Branch), in collaboration with conservation authorities, there is hope that Temmink’s pangolin can survive and thrive. Find out how you can help to protect the pangolin here.
Otter Rescued in North West Town
On 31 January 2024, the local General De La Rey branch of SA Hunters assisted with an otter that needed to be rescued after entering a residential property on the outskirts of the North West town of Lichtenburg. Unfortunately for the otter, it was trapped in the yard and had even entered the home, causing havoc. It snapped at the homeowner’s Yorkshire Terrier that was merely defending its turf! A local veterinarian was called in and provincial nature conservation was alerted immediately. The otter was most probably attracted to the brightly coloured fish in the khoi pond which would have been an easy take-away meal. Continue reading here.
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