Conservation of wildlife is integral to a human’s synchronicity of existence with the planet. The human race has interrupted vital ecosystems, wantonly affecting the planet without taking responsibility. When a species of wildlife nears extinction it negatively affects the surrounding ecosystems as all species are interconnected. We’re the ones destroying our wildlife and it’s up to engage in conservation efforts where we can.
In South Africa, poaching is a major variable in the decline of species. Rhino are hunted for their horns, our gentle pachyderm (the elephant) is killed for their tusks and, in more recent times, lions are being bred and hunted for their bones.
When we stumble across good news concerning organisations’ conservation efforts we like to bring them to the forefront.
Below are the recent efforts regarding lion, leopard and elephant conservation in South Africa.
Leopard Conservation
According to the Cape Times, CapeNature has acquired five farms which will become a new reserve called the “Grand Canyon”. The farms span 12 800 hectares, allowing leopards to roam some 300 km from Aynsberg to Baviaans. All of the protected areas are now connected, which means leopard and other wildlife can roam unhindered throughout. The area within the “Grand Canyon” comprises interconnected protected areas which is crucial for the migration of plants and other species.
Elephant Conservation
A gentle elephant called Thandora spent 23 years of her life in captivity and has recently been re-introduced into the wild at Gondwana Game Reserve. After being released from captivity, there was much trepidation from Thandora who was used to Zoo life. Reluctant to come out of the boma for 2 months, she has just recently gained confidence and traversed a territory of 2 km. Her natural instincts appeared to have kicked into play and she’s been observed grazing and drinking. John Vogel, the wildlife manager of Gondwana, said that she will slowly be led into the valley to mix with elephant cows and their young. The team preparing her for life in the wild will ensure she is strong and capable enough to survive in the wild. All of Thandora’s actions and activities will be monitored and matched to a normal wild elephant’s activity budget.
Lions
We’ve just learned that three lions have been released into the wild for biodiversity reasons. A lone lioness was brought in from the Karoo National Park and two males from the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. The lions were released into the Mountain Zebra National Park outside Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Historically, free-roaming lions were present in the area but have not been in existence for over 130 years. According to park manager, Megan Taplin, the lions will occupy the niche of large predators in the ecosystem, which will keep the number of larger herbivores in check.
Prior to the introduction of lion into the park, SANParks introduced cheetah in 2007 and hyena in 2008. Lion were only introduced at a later stage so that other predators could establish their domain first.
Apart from being a positive impact for conservation and adding value to biodiversity, the above efforts will contribute immensely to tourism in South Africa.
* Leopards – TimeLive, AfricaGeographic, Cape Times.
* Lions – TourismUpdate
* Elephants – AfricaGeoagraphic – Wallace du Plessis, News24.
* Elephant photo: Photos SPCA/Gondwana
