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By Prof Brian Child Most rural people in forests and drylands have insecure land rights, especially in Africa. The perpetuation of so-called communal land is a tragedy, holding people in neo-feudal conditions, where the land is owned ‘on their behalf’ by the state, and they are the ‘subjects’ of traditional
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With Professional Hunter, Pete Fick There's nothing quite like the shimmer of Lake Kariba at dawn. The water stretches out like glass, reflecting the orange-pink sky, with silhouettes of fish eagles perched on dead trees jutting from the water. It is magical... or at least it used to
VOLUME 51
What does a topic like non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have to do with anti-poaching? If we don't address the root cause of poaching, solving the problem becomes difficult, and sustainable community development and conservation strategies are closely linked. NTFPs provide alternative livelihoods for communities that might otherwise turn
VOLUME 51
Between 2011 and 2018, the Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique experienced one of Africa's most devastating elephant poaching crises. This protected area, spanning approximately 42,000 square kilometers, witnessed a catastrophic decline in its elephant population. Scale of the Crisis * The elephant population plummeted from approximately 12,000
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By Duane Jacobsz Technology has become a significant weapon in Africa's battle against wildlife poaching. Advanced tools such as drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, AI-powered camera traps that can distinguish between animals and humans, and GPS tracking collars on animals that help anticipate poaching risks are cool
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Wildlife censuses are systematic surveys that count and monitor animal populations in specific areas. They provide crucial data for conservation efforts, habitat management, and policy decisions. Key Methods: * Direct observation: Visual counts from ground, air, or water * Capture-mark-recapture: Tagging animals to estimate population size * Camera trapping: Using remote cameras to
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The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association has integrated vulture conservation into their wildlife management approach, recognizing these birds as essential "clean-up crews" in the ecosystem. Their commitment to responsible hunting practices benefits these threatened raptors through several targeted initiatives. The Association runs anti-poisoning campaigns addressing deliberate and
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The seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 to offer a roadmap for addressing pressing environmental challenges by 2030. But what does that have to do with anti-poaching efforts in Africa? The Wildlife Economy is a “thing”, as unpalatable as it may be to animal rights
VOLUME 49
By Prof Brian Child State agencies have played a central and often remarkable role in the conservation of wild resources in many countries (including forests, wildlife, drylands, and fisheries). However, conservation requirements, the role of the state, and the capacity of state agencies are changing rapidly. The fulcrum of governance
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South Africa has an extraordinary diversity of succulent plants, around 40% of the world's total, with incredible endemism rates. The Succulent Karoo, spanning from the Western Cape into Namibia, represents one of only two arid biodiversity hotspots worldwide. This semi-desert receives minimal winter rainfall (50-200mm annually) but hosts
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Charcoal's Role in African Energy Charcoal production and trade employs millions of people across Africa. It is the primary cooking fuel in many African cities, with demand rising due to population growth and rural-to-urban migration. In rural Sub-Saharan Africa, where 80% of residential energy is used for cooking,
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A gin trap is a mechanical device with a simple yet brutal design. In Mozambique, rural blacksmiths use rudimentary materials and tools to make gin traps from old car springs. The typical components include: 1. Metal Jaws: Usually made of steel or iron, these semi-circular components form the gripping mechanism.