Endangered Wildlife Trust

The World Bird Foundation of America has a project called the Wilderness Project to explore major rivers in Africa including the Congo, Zambezi, Luangwa, Kafue River. I was recently privileged to join one of their team exploring the Kafue River from its source to the confluence with the Zambezi River.

On Monday, 3 June, 2024, five young lions were spotted roaming Villa Luso in Phalaborwa. The  same lions were later spotted by the Phalaborwa horse patrols along the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, south of the Phalaborwa gate. Later in the they moved onto the Hans Merensky Golf Course before returning to the greater Kruger area.

Jessel is the EWT’s Financial Accountant. Here is a little bit about Jessel’s journey to a career in conservation. Job title:  Financial Accountant Location Midrand Where did you grow up? Port Shepstone What are your hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time? Tasting the world, one dish at a time and getting lost in another Netflix series. Any pets? Not yet Favourite animal and why? Leopard, as the saying goes “Leopard spots are a reminder that beaty lies in uniqueness”- Unknown Favourite food?

Al is the protected areas co-ordinator for Waterberg and Wolkberg. Here is a little bit about Emile’s journey to a career in conservation. Job title    I am the protected areas co-ordinator for Waterberg and Wolkberg. Location    I am located in Mokopane, Limpopo province. Where did you grow up? I was born and grew up in Mokopane, Limpopo province. What are your hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time?

Catherine is the Biodiversity Disclosure Project Manager with the EWT’s National Business and Biodiversity Network. Here is a little bit about Catherine’s journey to a career in conservation. Job title: NBBN Biodiversity Disclosure Project Manager. What do you do in your day-day work?

Note: Chelonians includes all tortoise, turtle, and terrapin species. For the purposes of this article, we will use the term “tortoises”. South Africa is one of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world and is home to no less than two of the world’s most well-known botanical biodiversity hotspots, the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes. However, few people are aware that South Africa also holds the title as the tortoise capital of the world.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust ended its 50th anniversary with a gala event on 18 April 2024. The earth-friendly event, with solar power and repurposed, natural and recyclable décor was held as a bush banquet under African stars at our Conservation Campus in Midrand, Gauteng. On arrival, guests were able to take a walk through the one-of-a-kind gardens that depict the ecosystems that the EWT works in.

Greater financial support and collaboration between all stakeholders is needed to save the world’s endangered species from extinction.

The families not only use considerably less firewood, but the food is also being prepared faster. For example, one of the beneficiaries has reported that she has reduced her cooking time for beans from three hours to one. With the time saved, the women are now able to spend more time working in their gardens growing food for their families, and even for sale. This has boosted their household income and reduced the demand for wood.

In December 2023, I fetched an injured White-backed Vulture from Kimberley Veterinary Clinic. The bird was found somewhere in town and had a broken leg. The bird was in an excellent condition and was eating well. Its leg was pinned by Dr Burger. From the start this vulture was very feisty so we decided to call her “Kwaaitjie” (bad girl). Once home we put her in a deep crate as the orders from the vet were to keep her still.