
A word from the CEO
South Africa is faced with massive challenges generally and despite some of those not emanating from the environmental sector, they do spill over.
South Africa is faced with massive challenges generally and despite some of those not emanating from the environmental sector, they do spill over.
It is generally understood that our knowledge of the status and trends in African Lion (Panthera leo) numbers is relatively poor, and the collective ability of governments and the wider conservation community to identify priorities or to assess the impacts of interventions, is limited.
It is generally understood that our knowledge of the status and trends in African Lion (Panthera leo) numbers is relatively poor, and the collective ability of governments and the wider conservation community to identify priorities or to assess the impacts of interventions, is limited.
The EWT and the Lapalala Wilderness School celebrated World Rhino Day earlier this year with Grade 10 learners from 23 high schools, community and NGOs, from the Waterberg region. To date, 104 Grade 10 learners have participated in debates on issues around rhino poaching.
Few people are unaware of the rhino poaching crisis which persists in South Africa. 7,900 rhinos have been poached in South Africa since 2008 for their horns. These horns are then smuggled out of South Africa to demand countries, primarily in Asia. In an effort to combat the illegal trade and smuggling of rhino horn, the EWT will be partnering with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries to enhance detection capabilities at ports of entry and exit through the use of highly trained canines. These canines will screen cargo and luggage for wildlife products like rhino horn.