Back

Cleft Stick 2 of 2006
IN THIS ISSUE
IFAW elephant press release
STATEMENT BY THE GAME RANGERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ELEPHANTS
a birding long-weekend
Donation of Used Body Armor
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
Tailpiece

Hi again,
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for both the Cleft Stick and to be posted on the web site. It is your magazine and website, so ensure it gets the news that you would like to see in it. Please let me have any changes to your physical address, phone no. or e-mail address to keep the database up to date.
Thanks to all of you who have made the effort. Please will any of you who know of members who do not get this “electric” Cleft~Stick, & have access to e-mail, pass their address along to me.

Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534 Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562 E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za.

If you do not wish to receive this e-mail newsletter please send a blank e-mail to me at the above address with the word “unsubscribe C~S ” as the message heading.

IFAW elephant press release

Contact: Christina Pretorius (IFAW) - SA Tel: (+27) 21 424 2086; Mobile: +27 82 330 2558; Email: cpretorius@ifaw.org

Note IFAW's new publication The Debate on Elephant Culling in South Africa - an Overview will be available in pdf format on www.ifaw.org or please telephone should you require a printed copy.

Time to Rethink Elephant Culling (Cape Town, South Africa - 23 November 2005) To conserve or to cull?
In a nutshell that is the question facing the South African Government in coming weeks as decision time regarding the future of the Kruger National Park (KNP) elephant population draws closer.

On Monday when they make presentations to the Department of Environment & Tourism (DEAT) headed by Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, a number of local and international animal welfare groups and scientists will present their views on why culling as a management tool to curtail the KNP's elephant population is not an option.

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare - www.ifaw.org) and others will be weighing in against South African National Parks (SANParks), the custodians of KNP, which is calling for culling as a method of elephant population control and proposes to kill literally thousands of elephant to reduce numbers.

"IFAW believes that culling is cruel, unethical and a scientifically unsound practice that does not consider the welfare implications to elephant society as a whole," says Jason Bell-Leask, IFAW's Southern African Director.

"It is too soon to be thinking of a cull and our opinion - and that of many eminent elephant biologists and other animal welfare groups - is that SANParks simply doesn't have the science to support its demands to kill elephants," he said.

SANParks claims that culling KNP's elephants is necessary because the population is negatively impacting on biodiversity in the park - currently the KNP's elephant population numbers about 12,500. Elephant culling in KNP was suspended in 1995, mostly because of international and local pressure.
Other concerns behind the urgency of SANParks call for a cull are raised in the IFAW document
The Debate on Elephant Culling in South Africa -an Overview which will become available later this week.

IFAW and others believe there are alternative elephant management options open to SANParks, which have not been appropriately explored.
"These include the creation of "megaparks" - or cross-boundary/border parks - which will allow a greater migration of elephant groups between parks and countries in Southern Africa, as well as the use of immuno-contraception in certain areas of the park," says Bell-Leask.

"So far, SANParks has not looked carefully enough at these options and is ignoring a groundswell of demands from opinion leaders that far more research into the KNP's elephant population is required before an informed decision on a cull can be made."

Bell-Leask warned that a decision to cull elephants would bring a barrage of international and local protest that could badly damage opinions of South Africa's commitment to wildlife management.

"KNP attracts 1,3 million tourists a year - South Africa's reputation as a custodian of wildlife can only suffer if the shooting starts again.

"It's not too late for SANParks to review their opinions and to take heed of the advice of many authoritative voices that say that only a decision made on sound science and ecology should drive their decision making.

"We will be urging the Minister to accept that alternative viewpoints exist and that further research must be done before the triggers are pulled," he said. "Otherwise a decision to cull will be a political one and not one based on sound ecological principles."

* The full report and pdfs of IFAW's report The Debate on Elephant Culling in South Africa - an Overview may be downloaded from www.ifaw.org

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Founded in 1969, IFAW is an international animal welfare and conservation organization that works to protect wild and domestic animals and to broker solutions that benefit both animals and people. With offices in 15 countries around the world, IFAW works to protect whales, elephants, great apes, big cats, dogs and cats, seals, and other animals. To learn how to help IFAW protect animals, please visit www.ifaw.org.
Ends

Christina Pretorius, Communications Manager
IFAW Southern Africa, +27 21 424 2086, +27 82 330 2558.

STATEMENT OF THE GAME RANGERS’ ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA
WITH REGARD TO THE MANAGEMENT OF ELEPHANTS

This statement serves to express the official standpoint of the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) on issues pertaining to the management of elephants.

The GRAA subscribes to:

In so doing, the GRAA recognizes that:

  1. It is every country’s sovereign right to manage its wildlife populations as it deems appropriate. The GRAA condemns in the strongest terms decision making which is in anyway compromised by the external influences of funding agencies, which in turn may threaten biodiversity in the said countries’ Protected Areas (Pas).
  2. Elephants pose particular management problems that can usually not be solved by means generally accepted as appropriate to other species.
  3. Overpopulations of elephants (particularly in fenced-in Pas) may pose significant threats to biodiversity.
  4. The options for managing elephants are limited, and that all have inherent logistical and ethical constraints. Decisions taken on the management of elephants will not be universally applicable – an option relevant to one PA may not be useful or applicable in another. The GRAA’s assessment of the various current management options and their limitations are as follows:
    1. Translocations: Translocations are considered to be the most ethically acceptable method as long as only intact families are moved. Bulls can be moved singly or in groups as they have no particular social allegiances to others. Considerable stresses and traumas will be experienced by translocated animals until they have settled, and possibly also for wider family members left behind. In this respect, translocations are similar to culls as elephants not selected will permanently lose family members. Opportunities for translocations are currently extremely limited as there is a very limited market for live elephants.
    2. Contraception: Non-hormonal contraception programs are also considered to be ethically acceptable, but there still are some concerns and limitations. Elephants have powerful social structures particularly with regard to families. Contraception will change these family structures and therefore also the fundamental fabric of elephant society in the long-term. The impacts that such changes will have are unknown. There are also some concerns for the long-term health of treated females as pathologies have been diagnosed in zoo kept females that were prevented from conceiving. Costs may prove prohibitive in large free ranging populations and may compromise funding for other important conservation projects. Contraception can not reduce a population in the short-term, as elephants are long lived animals. To await the decline of a contraceived population resulting from natural mortalities may require time spans which some management authorities can not currently afford. Local communities have shown little sympathy for an expensive contraception program which precludes the use of wild animals as a sustainable resource.
    3. Corridors and range expansion: The acquisition of land for range expansion and creation of corridors between elephant ranges has recently been proposed as a possible solution. While these are clearly desirable options not only for elephant management but for conservation in general, the potential is considered to be extremely limited. Apart from cost factors, elephants and humans favour similar habitats, and therefore land will not easily become available. These options may also result in an increased potential for human-elephant conflict. Land acquisition will be a protracted process which may require time spans which some management authorities can not currently afford, and can thus not offer solutions for current overpopulation problems.
    4. Culling (includes hunting): Animal rights sensitivities are in conflict with this option, but when weighed up against human-elephant conflicts and biodiversity losses, culling (if conducted in the most humane way possible) is considered by the GRAA to be an ethical and valid option for elephant management, particularly where the implementation of other options is not possible due to economic or logistical constraints. As with translocations, complete families should be culled. Bulls can be culled singly or in groups. Groups to be culled should be selected so as to minimize impacts on nearby groups.
    5. Laissez-faire: The option of doing nothing (laissez-faire) is in conflict with the management-for-biodiversity option. While it is every country’s sovereign right to manage its wildlife populations as it deems appropriate, the adoption of this option should be a considered, rational management decision which has taken full cognizance of the potential costs to biodiversity, and not result from policies imposed by, or negotiated with funding agencies with alternative agendas.

The GRAA fully supports current South African legislation which mandates PA management authorities to conserve indigenous biodiversity. GRAA accepts that each and all of the above options are valid for the management of elephants, but urges that full stakeholder participation and transparency are required in the decision making process. The GRAA will support final decisions taken by the PA management authority, provided that such decisions are in the interests of sound holistic ecosystem conservation.

Disclaimer: This statement was prepared by members of the Executive Committee of the GRAA and was circulated to its members for comment. While the majority of members support the contents of this statement, there are some who may not be in complete agreement, and the statement may thus not represent the opinions of all its members.

Birding long-weekend

Will all recipients of this, please let any birding enthusiasts they know, who may like to participate in this event, know about it.

The Game Rangers Association of Africa is offering novices and the more experienced birding enthusiasts a birding long-weekend at Ndumo Game Reserve from the 9 – 12 February 2006.

A visit to this well-renown birding destination on the South African and Mozambique border. The reserve is 10 117 ha. in extent and boosts of some 420 species of birds as well as an abundant of wildlife to be seen.

The visit to Ndumo will give an opportunity for birders to see some of the specials in the Northern Zululand area such as the African Broadbill, Pels Fishing Owl and African Finfoot. There is also every opportunity to see many of the raptors before they migrate back up the African continent.

Your Guides will be Malcolm Gemmell (a professional birder who runs his own guiding business, BUTTON BIRDING). Chris James (an attorney from Empangeni and very a knowledgeable conservationist). George Zaloumis (employed by KZNWildlife and who has worked in Ndumo for 3 years), as well as the Ndumo staff who will be on hand to assist in the identification of species of birds and wildlife.

The weekend is planned to afford excellent opportunities for everyone to observe birds on the walks to the Phongola river and vehicle tours to pans in the reserve during the weekend. There will also be opportunities to visit the bird hides and to travel around the reserve with one of the Guides.

Facilities
Accommodation has been block booked. There are 6 x two-bedded air conditioned huts with mosquito nets over each bed, and 6 camp-sites with plug points, (you must be fully self-contained). The hutted accommodation is limited and persons will be required to share hutted accommodation.
The communal ablutions are close to each of the huts and campsites.
There is a swimming bath for visitors to cool off in during the day or in the evenings after a successful day of birding and adventure.
There is a kitchen block with walk-in cooler and freezer rooms with experienced cooks. This will ensure that as much of the weekend can be devoted to birding.

Bookings should be made to:-
Drummond Densham
5 Davidson Street, Howick, 3290
Tel. 033-330 4039 (Evenings only) or 083-321 7959
Fax. 033-260-6118

Closing Date : - Full amount due by 26th January 2006

Costs
The long-weekend from Thursday midday to Sunday 10:00 AM will cost R 1500 / person in the hutted accommodation and R 1100 / person in the camp sites. The costs will include accommodation/camp-site, two vehicle tours, three walks and three evening meals. Payment:- by direct transfer to First National Bank, Estcourt, No. 220325, Account Name :- Game Rangers Association of Africa, Current Account No. 53980026795. Please put your name and Ndumo Birding W/End in the reference section. Please fax proof of your deposit to Mrs J Snow 086-634 9148. If you do not identify your deposit the GRAA will find it difficult to trace it.

Important
Clients are to pay their own entrance fee R35 ea plus a vehicle fee R35 and cater for their own breakfasts, lunches and drinks. The Game Rangers Association will provide the evening meals.
Ndumo is a Malaria area, and all visitors are advised to consult their doctors and take anti-malaria precautions.

Additional information will be sent out once you have booked.

Donation of Used Body Armor

Ms. Vanessa Rogier
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112

Dear Vanessa,

Donation of Used Body Armor, to Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.

As Africa Chairman of the Game Rangers Association of Africa, I express my deepest gratitude to you for your concern regarding the safety of rangers working in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I thank you for your very generous offer of donation of used body armor.

We are aware that the body armor which you intend to donate is obsolete, having exceeded the manufacturers 5 year warranty. We accept that the equipment will be devoid of any warranty and that no claim may be held against the Happy Hollow Corporation, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and/or any other donor, by those responsible for the use of obsolete equipment. We accept that this equipment will be a gift of caring, between one Ranger group and another, given in good faith with the hope that it may protect the lives of those who use it.

We thank you in advance for this donation. We thank you also for caring.

Sincerely

Timothy V. Snow
Africa Chairman, Game Rangers Association of Africa.

Copied to:
Mr David Zeller, President, International Ranger Federation;
GRAA Legal & Constitutional Portfolio manager
Mr Jobogo Mirindi, Regional Chairman GRAA, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr Don Yunnie, GRAA Administrator.

POSITION(s) AVAILABLE

There are two technical advisor positions (2 years ea) and one chief advisors position (3 years ) available in Ghana. These are in the tropical rain forest reserves.
There may also be some short term contracts as well.
Interested people should apply to Alex Forbes at alex-forbes@ltsi.co.uk

Tailpiece-
Thanks to Martin Englebrecht
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they failed to do in disciplining their unruly children

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panado, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a Student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

If you still remember him pass this on, if not join the majority and do nothing.

Matter of Fact
This is an electronic newsletter of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, nor of the Editor. This is intended to be an exchange of news snips, ideas and communication between members. Newsletter content may be copied and re-distributed without authorisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at dyunnie@xsinet.co.za

Top of Page