4 Wildlife and Environment Awareness Days to Mark on the Calendar
Throughout the year we take time to create awareness about the various critically endangered species that once roamed our planet in abundance. These are the animals that now face extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, misguided belief systems, population increase and natural causes. There are specific dates of the year designed to celebrate individual species. The more awareness we create, both online and offline, the more educated the masses become towards making a shift in their mindset and their actions. There are 4 wildlife and environment awareness days that resonate with us, which we’ve listed below. There are a number of ways of helping to conserve the planet and its natural wild inhabitants. Legitimate organisations have been set-up to help conserve wildlife. You can help by making a financial donation or offering up your time for volunteer purposes. There are even options to create your own event, and ample opportunity to start online petitions. Social media campaigns also have a key role to play in ensuring global consciousness. The below dates are 4 wildlife and environment awareness days to mark on your calendar. World Lion Day Lions have a regal nature and certainly exude a sense of power. They portray all that is powerful, brave and strong. The males are our kings and our females the fearless warriors. They are the kings of the jungle and the guardians of the universe and are one of the world’s most iconic species. The lion is part of our heritage, and Global Lion Day is a reason to celebrate the presence of the lion worldwide. Lions happen to be one of the big five animals in Africa, and they’re commonly spotted throughout reserves and concessions. Despite being spotted on a regular basis, their numbers are on the decline, and it’s estimated that fewer than 20, 000 lions remain free in the wild. Date: 10 August Information: World Lion Day How to Help: Organise a fundraising event, show your support for lions on Facebook and Twitter, or donate to dedicated organisations. For more information on ways and means of helping, click here. World Pangolin Day The pangolin (scaly anteater) is one of the most critically endangered species in the world. This prehistoric looking creature is immensely shy and is rarely seen. Their body is covered in scales made from keratin, which gives the impression of being covered in protective armour. When under threat, the pangolin tends to curl up into a defensive ball position. The pangolin’s main threat is humans. There is a demand from China for scales which are used in all sorts of mythical medicine, and pangolin flesh is also considered a delicacy...
Cape Town Hotels Helping to Save Water During Severe City Drought
Our offices are located in Cape Town, huddled up against the mountains in the quirky suburb of Tokai, only a few minutes from Muizenberg’s Surfer’s Corner on False Bay, and the well travelled and much loved by locals and tourists alike – Kalk Bay route. We have all been striving to save water in our individual homes for the last year, during the Cape’s most devastating drought in decades. Our beautiful, seaside metropolis, which has been voted time and time again as one of the world’s top destinations is in a water crisis, and Day Zero is only 3 months away. Day Zero has become the term for the day the city actually runs out of water. Most city dwellers have come together and united in this time of uncertainty, and information is circulating with advice on how to run a water-saving household. The current limitations are urging residents to use no more than 50 litres per household per day (starting 1 February), and many people have implemented innovative water-saving techniques to their daily chores and necessities. It is a time of necessity now, as Day Zero comes hurtling towards us. Being in the tourism industry and having relationships with hospitality groups, hotels, and services, we are concerned about how our partners in tourism are dealing with the tight restrictions and managing to cater for Cape Town’s constant influx of visitors who are not likely to know the urgency to save water while on holiday. We’ve contacted a few of our popular Cape Town hotels to find out how they are managing this crisis and providing a comfortable and relaxing experience for our valued guests. Here are 7 luxury hotels in Cape Town helping to save water during Cape Town’s severe drought: The Vineyard Hotel Bath plugs have been removed from the bathtubs to discourage taking baths with an appealing note to guests explaining why the measures have been taken. The showers have been kitted out with stopwatches to help guests time their showers and keep them to the advised 2-minute limit. Hotel plumbing has been replaced with grey water. Borehole water is being used for the swimming pool and gardens. Spier Hotel Innovative and economical wastewater treatment plant, which treats water from the hotels, restaurants, winery and food packaging facilities, and uses the treated water for irrigation throughout the property. A pool-water-harvesting system is in the works, and until it is ready the property’s 7 pools remain closed. Consistently working on their innovative sustainability model which covers all areas of environmental conservation. Investing in water-from-air machines to generate potable water and reduce the drinkable water from purifying machines. The Westin Cape...
Rocking for Rhinos Festival : Get Your Tickets
The CITES (CoP17) wildlife convention took place in Sandton, South Africa and is currently drawing to a close. The convention is a massive global event where numerous countries gather to discuss the plight of wildlife. It is an international treaty and agreement about trade in wildlife and plants – its’ major aim to prevent the extinction of species. One of the issues at the forefront of the rhino poaching issue was Swaziland’s move to legalise the trade of rhino horn; which was rejected. With this massive conference happening on our shores, we thought it fitting to chat about the Rocking for Rhinos festival happening on the outskirts of the Kruger’s safari capital, Hoedspruit. This two day festival promises a line-up of bands, entertainment, food stalls and a whole lot more. And guess what? 100% of your proceeds go towards helping to save rhinos. Even if you can’t make the festival and still want to donate, then please buy a ticket as your donation towards saving rhinos. Your money goes towards a number of organisations involved in helping rhinos. The beneficiaries include: Rhino Task Team ( NPO Number 164-507) Bongi’s Quest children’s book Black Mambas APU – since 2014 Rocking for Rhinos have donated over R100, 000 towards the unit. Social upliftment on behalf of Transfrontier Africa The Bushbabies Environmental Education Awareness Program Rhino conservation and research in the Balule Nature Reserve and the Rhino Revolution Rhino Orphanage and Hospital. Lauren Saad, from Ezulwini Game Lodges, is a director of Rocking for Rhinos and she says, “Rocking for Rhinos is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO number 137-976) working towards not only the abolishment of rhino poaching, but also the protection and management of the remaining rhino population. We are audited and all our beneficiaries, Protrack Rhino Task Team, Black Mamba Anti-poaching unit and Bongi’s Quest, can be contacted to validate our legitimacy from our start in 2012.” Follow Rocking for Rhinos on Facebook to find out more about these organisations Click here to book tickets for the event...
Cycling iMfolozi to Save African Wild Dogs
When it comes to exercising, there is no better motivation than to do it for a good cause. When the exercise is heart-thumping, pedal-beating mountain biking and the cause is conserving African wild dogs, there is just no better reason to jump in the saddle! The Wild Series iMfolozi Mountain Bike Challenge offers the ride of a lifetime to adrenalin junkies, nature lovers, and mountain bikers all in the name of saving Africa’s second-most endangered large carnivore. The prestigious Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and it is a known safe haven to the largest population of white rhino on the continent. Contributing to this conservation area’s value as a wild, African sanctuary, is its protected population of some of the last remaining painted wolves. This historical game reserve in the heart of Zululand is driven towards conserving wild dogs and spreading awareness about their endangerment. The iMfolozi Mountain Bike Challenge is taking place this weekend 23 July for another consecutive year, and it is proving to be one of South Africa’s most popular outdoor events! Keen adventurers and challenge-seeking mountain bikers take to the savannahs of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi, push through gruellingly soft riverbeds, and plunge into the water crossings with heart-felt determination. Mud splatter decorates the cyclists’ burning calves, and energetic smiles spread across their faces as they embark on one of the most privileged rides of their lives: a 55km cycle tour through one of South Africa’s most esteemed natural areas. What’s more, is that entry fees for the event contribute directly to the conservation of African wild dogs – a population that has plummeted to below 5000 individuals. In the world. If you’re travelling to Kwazulu Natal’s celebrated iMfolozi to show your support for wild dog conservation, you may as well know what safari options lie ahead… The 96 000 hectare reserve is home to incredible fauna and flora, and some of the activities on offer may appeal to the non-riders of the group: quad biking, horse riding, game drives, and boat cruises. Bird-watching is world-renowned, and views are spectacular. Look at Hluhluwe River Lodge or Thula Thula Safari Lodge for memorable safari accommodation for the family, or opt for something closer to the iconic iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where Cape Vidal, Lake St. Lucia, and Sodwana Bay lie, waiting to be discovered. The Wild Series iMfolozi Mountain Bike Challenge is just one of the ways in which the public can contribute to conserving one of the most endangered predators in Africa, while bringing fun-loving people together for the outdoor event of a lifetime. It just happens to be in one of...
Namibia: The Guardians
Namibia; a country wide conservation success story. The World Wild Life Fund and the Namibian Government have been working together to create conservation initiatives in Namibia. Wildlife protection has even been written into the Namibian Constitution and laws. Wildlife is not contained in Namibia, the animals roam freely in most parts of the country. This includes predators like lions. Small local communities have always seen these predators as pests who creep in at night and take their livestock away for food. By working and educating local communities on the need to protect and conserve these predators, most of these local communities have embraced these conservation practises. Communities have understood that wildlife brings tourism which brings in tourism dollars. Communities are working together with conservation officers to increase numbers of endangered animals and to educate communities on how to protect livestock and crops. The WWF has compiled this info page to show exactly what they are doing in Namibia, and here is a video on how mindsets have been shifted amongst locals....
Farewell to Rosh, Desert Lion Legend
The issue of human-lion conflict is one of the biggest killers of lions in Africa today. It is a seemingly unending battle to establish an harmonious existence between us and them, and sadly, where Namibia’s unique desert lions live, this battle has resulted in the tragic death of one of the most significant male lions of the Skeleton Coast. Rosh, a name given to identify him, was collared by Dr Flip Stander and Desert Lion Conservation in 2010, and has since been monitored traversing through Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast. His GPS collar was attached in order to help Flip keep track of him, study his movements, obtain biometric data, and to assist in keeping him away from the Himba villages and coming into conflict with the people. Devastating news was reported by Lion Ranger Bertus Tjipombo recently, confirming fears that this beautiful 10-year-old desert-adapted male lion had been shot. Rosh belonged to an exceptional population of lions that has teetered on the brink of survival and due to the unfailing efforts of Desert Lion Conservation and its sponsors, has defied extinction and grown to a population of about 200 individuals. The male lions in this population are crucial to the genetic stability and growth of the prides of the Skeleton Coast and as it is, there are still too few males. The desert lions suffer a massive blow in an incident like this with the loss of such an iconic male. As reported by Bertus to TOSCO Chairman, Felix Vallat, Rosh was shot by Puros farmers in retaliation after the lion killed a cow. There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness surrounding the death of this lion, as it emphasises the distance we still need to go to overcome the issue of human-lion conflict. Hallo Felix, We had a terrible incident where we discovered that Rosh was shot to death. Rosh was born in September 2004 at Uniab river and then move to Hoanib river where he spent time with the lionesses of the Floodplain and Okongue prides. Mostly, Rosh covered the area around Gommatom river, Hoaruseb river, Oruhito, Giribes Plains, Kanamub and Okongue area. During his time in the Puros area, Rosh has killed in total about 6 cattle in the area. We, as Puros conservancy Lion Rangers, are unhappy about the death of Rosh. We heard that Rosh killed 1 cow and the farmer’s horse between Puros and Tomakas, which resulted in his death. The farmer found the lion eating the cow on the main road from Tomakas to Puros and this is how we found out. Then he proceeded...
Would you add 1% for Africa and the Big Cat Initiative?
Add just 1% to your safari cost for the Big Cat Initiative Help save Africa’s wildlife with the Big Cat Initiative Do you think the people who visit Africa and who utilise its resources for tourism should be responsible for paying toward its protection and conservation? With over 49 million tourists entering Africa in 2011 (and that number has increased every year since), it would certainly make the difference in dollars if they did. If there was one sure way to channel your donations toward a single entity with the power and authority to re-inject those funds into the upkeep and protection of the wildlife and environment, would you add your piece? We certainly would. Africa is invaluable to us, it is irreplaceable and it is dangerously perishable. The worldwide interest in this wild place, the Dark Continent, is undeniable. The home of the safari – a billion dollar industry that sees millions of tourists onto African soil each year – it is a continent that has captured the fascination of the world, but now, its original inhabitants are paying the price of exploitation. There is such beauty in Africa, and if we can utilise just 1% of each person’s travel expense to give back to the land, then the land would be millions of dollars richer, and it would be around for millions of years longer. It makes absolute sense to us that we should be the ones contributing. That is why, since June 2013, we have donated US$ 20 of our own profit for each booking made with us. Our chosen charity for this particular cause is the Big Cats Initiative, initiated by wildlife filmmakers and conservationists, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, and in association with National Geographic. This project works to protect Africa’s big cats from their top 3 killers: habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict. We pledge this idea to our guests and promise to give US$ 20 to the Big Cat Initiative every time they finalise a booking with us. We also ask them to match our donation, or raise it, if they believe in the cause as much as we do. Either way, we make sure that every time a guest books with Sun Safaris, we donate on behalf of that guest. Unfortunately we have most often donated alone, without the extra contribution from our guests, so we hope to encourage many more with the new notion of ‘1% for Africa’, pioneered by Colin Bell, conservationist and author of Africa’s Finest; and Great Plains Conservation, belonging to Dereck and Beverly Joubert. These safari heavyweights addressed a group at a conservation lab recently. What they proposed was the idea of this 1%. If...