Cycads Encephalartos cycadales

Cycads across the globe face several threats, including trade in wild collected plants, habitat destruction, traditional use, threats of alien vegetation and unviable populations. In South Africa the biggest threat facing cycads is the poaching of plants from wild populations to supply both the domestic and international cycad trade. There is an urgent need for authorities in South Africa to focus attention on cycads, to prevent further extinctions and allow for the recovery of over exploited wild cycad populations. Poor implementation of past and current legislation with limited/weak law enforcement, unsuccessful prosecutions and ineffective sentences is the major factor that has resulted in the cycad extinction crisis.

At present, of the Encephalartos species in South Africa, three are already extinct in the wild (EW) and 66% are classified in one of the threatened categories, 12 are Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered and 9 Vulnerable. Of the 67 known species of Encephalartos cycads endemic to the African continent, South Africa is home to 38 of them 29 of which are endemic to the country, making South Africa an important hotspot for cycad diversity.

Cycads are often referred to as "living fossils" and have changed little since the Carboniferous period 50-60 million years ago. Cycads are often confused with both palms and tree ferns because of a superficial resemblance , however they are actually totally unrelated("http://www.sospecies.org/sos_projects/plants/cycads/south_african_cycads/)

Click here to find out more about Cycads and to download a poster

Raised funds for/received donations of Christmas hampers for Field Scouts and A P U on duty over festive period - Thanks SPAR 2014

Elephants Start Contraception at South Africa’s Oldest Reserve

Bloomberg News -

By Paul Burkhardt October 13, 2014 

Elephants at a water hole in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The about 600 elephants in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi come from a population of 160 that were introduced between 1985 and 1991 when they were moved from the Kruger National Park, which was considered over populated with elephants, according to the park’s website. Photographer: Alexander Joe/AFP via Getty Images

Elephants at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa’s oldest game reserve, have begun receiving a contraceptive vaccine to control the pachyderm population.

The game reserve is the largest in the program, which now includes 20 parks, according to the statement by the Humane Society International, an animal conservation organization.

 

“The immunocontraceptive program allows elephant populations to be managed humanely, especially in small enclosed parks and private conservancies,” said the group, along with Ezemvelo, the conservation authority in KwaZulu-Natal, the province where the park is located. 

 

While elephants are endangered across much of Africa, in Southern Africa many parks are overpopulated, leading to damage to ecosystems as the animals, which can weigh six metric tons and stand 3.3 meters (10 feet) at the shoulder, tear down trees.

In the past, including in South Africa, they have been culled, leading to protests from animal rights organizations. Moving the animals from one area to another is usually considered too expensive to be viable as a conservation method. 

The about 600 elephants in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi come from a population of 160 that were introduced between 1985 and 1991 when they were moved from the Kruger National Park, which was considered over populated with elephants, according to the park’s website.

Slowing the growth of the elephant population is converse to the problem South Africa faces over a threatened rhino herd. 

At least 769 rhinos have been poached this year in the nation, with two-thirds of those being killed in the Kruger park, compared with a record 1,004 of the animals slaughtered in all of last year.

The vaccine, injected remotely into African elephant cows by dart gun, is a non-hormonal treatment, the groups said. “It is also reversible, allowing managers to fine-tune population growth.”

Africa has between 470,000 and 690,000 elephants, according to the WWF. Of those 300,000 live in southern Africa. 

To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Burkhardt in Johannesburg at pburkhardt@bloomberg.net 

Reference: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-10-13/elephants-start-contraception-at-south-africa-s-oldest-reserve

 

International Vulture Awareness Day - 6 September 2014

 

Vultures play an important role in nature as they keep the planet clean, reduce the spread of disease and are environmental indicators of the health of ecosystems.

To celebrate their important role, September 6th has been designated International Vulture Awareness Day by the Birds of Prey Working Group in South Africa and the Hawk Conservancy Trust in England.

 

Not only do organisation sand groups help , but you as the general public can help to by keeping an eye out for tagged vultures and sending your reports to the Honorary officers who will then send the info to the correct  monitoring group.

 

The tagging data assists us with learning about the birds movements, foraging and distribution ranges,  eating preference, protected vsnon-protected land use, roosting sites, breeding  etc etc.    

 

Send your information to - research@hilltophonoraryofficers.org.za
What to look out for: Tags fixed to wings. If ypou can take a clear photo so the number can be read as well as the location, GPS or alternatively accurate description, time And date

 

Photo below is an example of tag: