Conservation News
October/November 2024
African Wildlife Consultative Forum discusses opportunities and challenges of hunting
The African Wildlife Consultative Forum hosted a discussion among scientists, governments, hunting associations, and African communities to discuss hunting- and conservation related opportunities and challenges in Africa. Lizanne Nel, conservation manager of SA Hunters, showed how responsible hunting of lions and leopards supports conservation efforts. She also demonstrated the significant positive impact this entire industry has on rural economies across Africa. The forum supported suggestions towards improving society’s views and acceptance of hunting.
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Order of the Buffalo Gold awarded to Eugene Troskie
SA Hunters’ Order of the Buffalo: Gold was awarded to Eugene Troskie who makes a significant contribution to the positive conservation image of SA Hunters and the impact hunters have on conservation. He initiated the Snare Busters project, through which members of the Mopani branch and PNHF jointly rescue injured animals weekly and remove snares in the area. Eugene and his team have already removed 7,000 snares, discovered numerous poachers’ camps, and destroyed illegal fish traps and nets. The international magazine, Patrol, publishes articles, videos, and photos of Snare Busters’ activities.
Branch evaluation focus areas: Mpungini Branch receives conservation award
The Mpungini Branch made a significant contribution to the Sightings App in 2024 earning them the conservation trophy. Recording their sightings is especially valuable in conserving rare and elusive species. Their sightings of Egyptian geese, in particular, made a meaningful contribution to hunting proclamations that could assist farmers in managing the impact of this species on their crops.
Johan Marais, recipient of the Order of the Buffalo: Gold
Johan Marais, a well-known reptile expert from South Africa and author of numerous books on snakes, received SA Hunters’ prestigious award, the Order of the Buffalo: Gold, on November 2, 2024, for his work in reptile conservation and his dedication to raising awareness about the importance of reptiles in nature. Johan began his career in 1979 at the Fitzsimons Snake Park in Durban. He is renowned for his wildlife photography, focusing on reptiles.
Over the past 45 years, he has shared his knowledge with enthusiasts worldwide through books, articles in mainstream print media, and radio and television programmes. Johan has also presented his research and experience with reptiles at numerous international symposiums and conferences. He also gives snake-handling demonstrations at events such as HuntEx, NAMPO, and the Getaway Show. Johan focuses on changing people’s misconceptions about snakes to prevent them from being killed unnecessarily.
National survey on sable and roan antelope
Members in the wildlife sector are invited to participate in a survey on wild sable and roan antelope to determine the status of these species for inclusion in the Red Data List for mammals.
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Biodiversity Economy Growth: North-West Province
In October, the North West province spoke to key roleplayers in the wildlife sector to identify activities that would stimulate the biodiversity economy. SA Hunters also participated and shared its views on the benefits of hunting for rural communities, and particularly focused on the positive contribution of local South African hunters.
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