Hi again
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for the Cleft Stick, the Game Ranger magazine and to be posted on the web site. These are 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.
GRAA 2008 AGM.
Here is an early warning to put the dates for the 2008 AGM in your diaries! It is to be held at Hlalanathi in the KZN Northern Drakensberg during the period 17 – 21 February 2008.
Hlalanathi can accommodate 65 people in very well appointed self-catering chalets and 100 plus, in their campsite/caravan park. They have offered us a 20% discount on their low season rate. This works out at:
Chalet 2 bedder R. 156.00 pp
Anti-poaching patrols help wildlife
This echoes the recent debate in National Geographic and in many journals (see "Parks as shiboleths") where concern was expressed that conservationists are "going back to barriers" because the ideal of integrating rural development and conservation has not worked very well. It also highlights one thing that is always worrying: can PAs really contribute enough to surrounding communities to the extent that illegal activities decline significantly and are frowned on? This assumes a long-established culture of obeying laws, high social cohesion and law enforcement capacity that just doesn't exist in Africa. This is why Rom Thomson's model of a community allowing the hunting of one black rhino a year in return for protecting the species was overly simplistic because it assumed that greed, corruption and lawlessness are not major problems. This could only work in a closed system with effective management.
Anti-poaching patrols help wildlife more than local economic development
By Robin Meadows, April-June 2007 (Vol. 8, No. 2)
R. Hilborn et al. 2006. Effective enforcement in a conservation area. Science 314:1266.
What's the most cost-effective way to protect wildlife in African national parks? Working to develop local economies and providing alternatives to poaching, or simply increasing law enforcement? The latter may be enough, according to new research in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Anti-poaching patrols there have spurred a recent resurgence of animals.
This work is reported in Science by Ray Hilborn of the University of Washington in Seattle and seven co-authors. The researchers teased out the relative impacts of enforcement and encouragement in the Serengeti by analysing 50 years of park records, including the number of poachers arrested and the number of anti-poaching patrols. They also accounted for population trends of African buffalo, elephants, and black rhinoceroses in the Serengeti as well as for the timing of park funding for community development projects.
The analysis showed that poaching varied with the level of enforcement, spiking after budget losses curtailed anti-poaching patrols in the late 1970s and then dropping again when patrols were reinstated in the late 1980s. In comparison, poaching has hardly been affected by the park's annual US$100,000 contribution toward community development: these contributions didn't begin until the year 2000, which means that the drop in poaching preceded them by more than a decade. "The decline in poaching can be attributed primarily to the increase in anti-poaching effort," says Hilborn.
This conclusion is further supported by wildlife trends in the Serengeti. The buffalo population began falling rapidly when patrols were curtailed, dropping from about 90,000 in the late 1970s to about 20,000 in the early 1990s. The population began growing again in the mid-1990s after patrols were reinstated but well before the park began making community contributions. Population trends are similar for both elephants and rhinoceroses in the park. Hilborn and his colleagues are now extending their analysis to see whether anti-poaching patrols have also benefited other animals in the Serengeti, including giraffes, zebras, and lions.
"This sounds so simple but it has been controversial," says Tom Hobbs of Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Critics have taken the park to task for spending US$2 million a year on anti-poaching patrols, saying the funds could be used more effectively. But this work suggests it is money well spent. "Serengeti has chosen to spend its money largely on anti-poaching and that worked," says Hilborn. "The long term solution to wild meat harvesting is eliminating poverty, but you are not going to do that with US$ 2 Million a year."
GRAA hunting package
Mr. Johan Minnie of Newcastle won the fantastic hunting package worth R19,000.00 which includes: one trophy nyala, one bushbuck, one impala, one blesbuck and one warthog plus free accommodation for 4 persons for 4 nights in a beautiful bush camp with excellent bird watching.
We have collected in excess of R45,000.00 with this fundraiser and your contributions will go towards assisting game rangers throughout Africa with training, equipment and support
George Zaloumis would like to express his thanks to all those who helped and to those who contributed.
GRAA Fly fishing challenge
Herewith the information on the fly fishing challenge, please help by telling all your fishing friends and anyone else that may be interested in supporting this fun event. The poster and entry form is available either from me or from the contact details below. Please give thought to where you could put the invite poster up, at places like fishing tackle shops etc.
An open competition in support of the Game Rangers Association of Africa
Contact for more information, entry and an accommodation list:
Marius Fuls: 083-305 3104 / marius.fuls@gmail.com
Johann Botha: 013-282 6110 / (f) 086-608 7106 / estbotha@mweb.co.za
The competition will be held on Saturday, 8 September 2007, at the waters of the Waterval Boven Trout Association, in Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga. Registration starts at 06:00, and fishing from 07:00.
Thin Green Line Premiere on July 31
Simultaneous Worldwide Premiere, Up to 50 countries and 500 locations in one night – for one planet!
Host your own Thin Green Line Premiere on July 31
Register now!
It’s simple - just register your interest online at www.thingreenline.info for a promotional pack and to hold your own private premiere, or organise a public one. There could be one person, or hundreds – it’s up to you!
Worldwide Premiere! July 31, 2007
Organise a screening – be part of conservation history!
What is The Thin Green Line?
‘The Thin Green Line’ is a documentary and conservation project started by a Park Ranger that takes a unique look into the committed and passionate fight to protect our planet. You’ll see the fight through the eyes of the men and women who make up the Thin Green Line – Professional Park Rangers.
What are we trying to achieve?
This is a not for profit project. 100% of the profits raised through the world premieres, documentary sales and sponsorships will be returned to support rangers, including the International Ranger Dependency Fund, which supports the families of Rangers who are killed in the line of duty.
For more information go to www.thingreenline.info or contact Sean Willmore, email:
sean@thingreenline.info
Black Rhino Range Expansion Project update
DREAM CALF
It was literally a dream come true for the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project when the first calf conceived on a project site was born this week. On Sunday night, ranger Thomas Khumalo dreamed that a black rhino calf was born on a certain section of Munyawana Game Reserve. He had checked the area only a day before, so without the dream would probably not have been there for another month. But he decided to look again, and sure enough, there was a one-day old calf. The calf has been named iPhupho meaning Dream.
Munyawana Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal was the first site to receive black rhino from the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, a partnership between WWF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife which aims to increase numbers and growth rate of the critically endangered species. A founder population of 15 black rhino was released there in October 2004.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said a relieved and delighted Dr Jacques Flamand, WWF’s head of the project. “We have had three calves already, but this is the first one that we know was conceived on a project site. The others were born to mothers who were already pregnant when they were translocated. We think that conceptions may have been few because of drought conditions in Zululand after their release.”
The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project works with landholders in KwaZulu-Natal to increase the range of the black rhino, thus reducing pressure on existing reserves and providing new areas on which the animals can breed. Large areas of land – ideally with a carrying capacity of 50 or more black rhino – are sought. This generally requires a number of neighbouring landholders to remove their internal fences, a courageous but ecologically rational decision. In the first three years of the Project, three sites received black rhino – Munyawana Game Reserve, Zululand Rhino Reserve and Pongola Game Reserve. More than 10% of the province’s black rhino are now housed on these sites.
“We’ve been extremely successful in finding alternatives to game reserves for black rhino and we commend the participating landowners for their courage and commitment,” says Dr Flamand. “So far we have released on privately owned land. We are now working towards our first release on community-held land.”
Black rhino were until the mid 20th century the most numerous rhino species in the world. Then a devastating wave of poaching throughout Africa wiped out more than 95% of them. By 1992 there were only around 2500 left in the wild. Since then, numbers have been inching back up as a result of intensive protection efforts in private and state sectors. There are now an estimated 3600 black rhino. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is guardian of one of the most significant black rhino populations in the world. Through their involvement in the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, they are continuing their record of world-class rhino conservation. Then known as the Natal Parks Board, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife were responsible for bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. There are now more than 12 000 white rhino in the wild.
A black rhino calf at birth is about the size of a large warthog. Black rhino mothers are fiercely protective of their calves and will charge anything they perceive as a threat.
For more information contact: Pam Sherriffs, Communications manager: WWF/ Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, 083 943 1754
GRAA Statement on fishing in Tsitsikamma M P A
The Game Rangers Association of Africa supports the WWF call for lucid thinking regarding the future of Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area
The Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) supports the call by the WWF Sanlam Marine Programme for rational, transparent and science-based decision making regarding the future of Africa’s oldest Marine Protected Area (MPA), Tsitsikamma. This is in response to recent announcements in the press that the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) intended opening parts of the MPA to recreational fishing.
The rational logic of such a decision is questioned from an ecological, fisheries management as well as a socio-economic perspective. The organizations also question the inclusiveness of the process undertaken to arrive at what appears to be a parochial and political decision to appease highly vociferous local stakeholders. Finally, the DEAT’s resolve to implement international commitments made by the South African government and its people at the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) is questioned.
Firstly, from an ecological and fisheries management perspective: The Tsitsikamma National Park is South Africa’s oldest and largest marine protected area which is a priceless national asset that has enjoyed total protection since 1964. It is the marine equivalent of the Kruger National Park and a major tourist draw card. The park provides a breeding reserve for reef fish that reseed adjacent line fishing areas. This service is made all that more important due to the absolute failure of traditional management of linefish in adjacent areas. These fish are already in a state of crisis from over-fishing, with most stocks estimated at below 5% of their pre-exploited biomass. So much so that the previous Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Vali Moosa) declared the line fishery in a state of emergency (Government Gazette, 29 December 2000 No. 21949, Notice 4727 of 2000). For many of these linefish species, the only places in which they survive in sustainable numbers are in our MPAs. The Tsitsikamma MPA lies in the heart of the distributional range of many of the most embattled species (a group of species known as the spariids), thus serving a nationally important role. These facts make it very difficult to understand the DEAT decision. In fact, it is common knowledge that DEAT has acted against the advice of its own fisheries scientists in arriving at the decision it has.
Secondly, from a socio-economic perspective: WWF recently commissioned a report to better understand the socio-economic value of these MPAs and the economic implications of changes in protection. This study estimated that the total economic value of the MPAs in the garden route at R421 million. Most importantly, however, the study estimated that opening of parts of Tsitsikamma will result in an overall nett economic loss of R31 million. Based on interviews in the park, it is estimated that relaxation of protection will result in a 16% decrease in visitation, or a direct economic loss of R4,7 million per annum. Conversely the value of fish extracted from these previously closed areas was only likely to yield a once off value of R4 million, before fish stocks are degraded to levels comparable to those outside the park. These benefits would also be short lived, and it is estimated that the natural capital built up in these areas would be fished down in approximately 33 fishing days.
Furthermore, the value of the Tsitsikamma MPA in terms of reseeding adjacent areas and thereby supporting surrounding commercial line fisheries, was estimated at some R33 million. Opening up parts of the MPA will greatly derogate from this reseeding function. What is even more puzzling is that the DEAT appears to intend opening up parts of the Tsitsikamma to a small group of recreational fishers. By definition ‘‘recreational fishing’’ means, any fishing done for leisure or sport (Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998). Therefore the DEAT intends allowing people fishing “for leisure” to derogate from a critically important fisheries management tool, that is supporting the livelihoods of ‘bona fide’ fishermen and their families to the tune of R33 million.
The South African government has publicly committed itself to increasing the marine areas under protection of MPAs to 20% of our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2012. Although some 19% of our coastline is in MPAs, currently less than 1% of our EEZ enjoys such protection. Opening up parts of our oldest and most valuable MPA is therefore in stark contrast to this commitment. It is also particularly disappointing that we appear to now be moving backwards on what was always an ambitious yet achievable goal.
It is also believed that due process has not been followed to date in arriving at what appears to be a predetermined outcome. Tsitsikamma MPA is South Africa’s oldest and most valuable MPA, is a national biodiversity asset, and serves a nationally important fisheries management role. As such it is entirely inappropriate that decisions regarding its future are made exclusively between government officials and highly vociferous local stakeholders. The national importance of this asset calls that such a matter be subject to national debate and input. The question therefore being asked of DEAT is, what have they done to achieve meaningful public participation of all role players in this matter?
The reason why people want to fish, hunt, chop wood, collect medicinal plants and other natural resources for consumptive purposes within a protected area is because they have depleted the resource outside of the area. In the view of the GRAA, conservation organisations should be educating and training populations outside of protected areas how to manage their resources correctly and sustainably before allowing consumptive utilization within. The fact that it may be easier to adjust legislation to accommodate demands than to make a concerted effort to apply education, awareness and law enforcement is possibly indicative of the weakening powers and will of official environmental and conservation organizations.
Ends
Enquiries: Wayne Lotter
Chairman: Game Rangers Association of Africa
waynelotter@iafrica.com, Mobile: 0794987086, www.gameranger.org
More problems with aliens and encroachers?
Cows and cats consuming the world's fish, Johannesburg, South Africa, 15 May 2007
"Domestic house cats are apparently eating more fish than all the world's seals combined and some 50 to 60 marine fish are caught to raise one farm-raised salmon."
South Africa must act to stop its marine resources disappearing in a world where the biggest consumers of fish products are cows and pet cats, warned environmentalists on Monday.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) said South Africa's "excellent" environmental laws should be enforced and warned that plans to develop mariculture and open up one of the country's oldest marine protected areas (MPAs) could have serious implications.
"The government of South Africa, faced with tremendous pressure to deliver on poverty reduction, economic development and equity in coastal areas as well as to address the ever-dwindling marine life in our waters and meet international commitments, has already entered dangerous waters," said EWT director Nick King.
He warned that marine resources are under pressure around the world, saying environmentalist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society "states that the largest marine predator on Earth is now the cow, with over half the fish catch serving as fish-meal feed for domestic livestock".
"Domestic house cats are apparently eating more fish than all the world's seals combined and some 50 to 60 marine fish are caught to raise one farm-raised salmon."
King said South Africa "seems not to have noticed our marine resources disappearing".
He said the country's first large-scale, fin-fish marine aquaculture ventures -- the I&J Hatchery -- was launched in April and, while the government is promoting aquaculture as a way of meeting the increasing demand for fresh seafood and even help rebuild wild stocks, it is not a quick-fix solution.
"Technological 'solutions' to existing environmental disasters are seldom sustainable solutions and invariably contribute to the problem."
King said a mariculture industry should be based on sound social, ecological and economic criteria and monitored properly.
He warned against plans to open the Tsitsikamma MPA, saying scientists have identified it as "an extremely important nursery area that sustains the entire line-fish industry of the southern Cape".
"Given that only two of approximately 150 line-fish species in South Africa are considered still exploitable -- the rest falling into the categories of collapsed, threatened or overexploited -- any protected area contributing to the regeneration of fish stocks should be assigned extra protection, not less." – Sapa
MARINE RESOURCE GOVERNANCE: IS SOUTH AFRICA SINKING?
EWT Media Statement, 14 May 2007
The world’s oceans are rapidly descending into a new era. Over-exploitation, destructive fishing practices, pollution, and impacts from other human activities are depleting our seas of their life. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the demand for fish within the last 50 years has risen at twice the rate of human population growth. Global fish stocks are in a rapid decline with scientists warning of population collapses of all major remaining commercial species within 40 years if we continue our current consumption patterns, let alone increase them. A recent scientific study shows that almost 90% of all large marine fish species are now gone, forcing nations to catch progressively smaller species, fishing down food-webs to meet seafood demand and ridiculously, feeding farmed fish and domestic livestock with fishmeal. Based on the foolish concept that the sea’s bounty is infinite, over three-quarters of the world’s fish stocks are now fully or over exploited. Environmental activists illustrate the current situation with some sobering analogies. Paul Watson of Sea Shepherd, states that the largest marine predator on earth is now the cow, with over half the fish catch serving as fish meal feed for domestic livestock. Domestic house cats are apparently eating more fish than all the world’s seals combined and some fifty to sixty marine fish are caught to raise one farm-raised salmon. While some might negate this view as exaggeration, trends in international fisheries governance suggest that decision-makers are at last taking the alarming status quo very seriously, yet South Africa seems not to have noticed our marine resources disappearing.
Curbing Destructive fishing methods
Nations around the world are finally beginning to wake up to the fact that urgent and meaningful action is needed and are looking at innovative ways to ensure the protection of the ocean’s resources.
Addressing the move towards fishing in deeper waters due to the scarcity of stocks in over-fished shallower areas, a UN General Assembly resolution was passed in December 2006, to reduce highseas bottom-trawling. The resolution called on States and Regional Fisheries Management
Organizations to prohibit any bottom-fishing on the high seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction) within 1-2 years unless they can demonstrate, through impact assessments, that bottom-fishing in a particular area will not cause “significant adverse impacts” to vulnerable marine ecosystems. In a major step forward in the protection of high seas, more than 20 nations agreed earlier this month to discourage unregulated and destructive bottom-trawling in the South Pacific, in order to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems such as seamounts and deep-water corals. The agreement will take effect on September 30, 2007 and is intended to halt any further expansion of bottom-fishing on the high seas of the South Pacific until 2010. After this time a vessel can fish in a new area only after the country concludes a scientifically accepted impact assessment, and establishes regulations to ensure no “significant adverse impacts” to vulnerable marine ecosystems. International cooperation is also drawing critical attention to the impacts of economic incentives for over-exploitation of stocks by highlighting the linkages between the profitability of fisheries such as deep sea bottom-trawling and subsidisation received from some governments.
Reducing economic incentives for over-fishing
In another positive move to further reduce over-exploitation and destructive fishing, the USA called for support at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to prohibit subsidies that promote over-fishing of increasingly fragile marine stocks. Global fishery subsidies totalling some US$34bn a year, support longer periods at sea and greater catch efforts and include low-cost fuels and loan guarantees for gear or vessels. This unprecedented action is the first time that environmental concerns have driven trade negotiations at the WTO – a clear indication that business as usual is now unacceptable. Given the popularity of Africa’s rich fishing grounds with industrial fishing fleets from the EU – which together with Japan, accounts for more than one fifth of global fishery subsidies, the implications of reduced subsidies on allowing fish-stocks recovery could be vast. In the meantime, however, the European Commission continues to negotiate for valuable fishing access agreements with as many African nations as possible.
Protecting sensitive areas
Ensuring that there are enough ‘safe’ areas for species and ecosystems to recover is a major global concern. The development of marine protected areas (MPAs) based on sound ecological, social and economic principles is critical for sustaining remaining coastal and marine biodiversity stocks.
Countries around the world are realising that greater protection is needed for sensitive marine and coastal areas to protect critical ecosystem functions and provide safe havens for essential life stages of commercial stocks. Many, including South Africa, have agreed to global targets for conserving biodiversity such as promoting integrated coastal and ocean management, adopting the ecosystem approach and designating 20% of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as marine protected areas by 2012. But are these agreements even worth the paper they are written on?
South Africa’s governance scorecard
While awareness of the issues and the need to take action is running high, addressing them at a national level appears rather more problematic. The government of South Africa, faced with tremendous pressure to both deliver on poverty reduction, economic development and equity in coastal areas as well as to address the ever-dwindling marine life in our waters and meet international commitments, has already entered dangerous waters. In particular, the Minister of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism has announced recently on two critical issues that will have serious implications on the biodiversity of our oceans and coasts: development of mariculture and the intention to open up one of South Africa’s oldest and largest marine protected areas (MPAs) for recreational fishing.
April saw the launch of South Africa’s first large-scale fin-fish marine aquaculture ventures - the I&J
Hatchery. The government has identified aquaculture as an emerging industry, which it believes will help to meet the increasing demand for fresh seafood, promote further economic development, and even to assist with rebuilding of wild stocks. While the development of an mariculture industry has the potential to supplement the availability of luxury seafood species, it can by no means be seen as a quick-fix solution to the critical governance issues driving the collapse of wild stocks. Technological ‘solutions’ to existing environmental disasters are seldom sustainable solutions and invariably contribute to the problem. Global experience in aquaculture has proven this area to be no exception. There are sufficient lessons and best-practices to warrant that development of a mariculture industry in South Africa is embarked upon with great care, ensuring that the principles and methods are based on sound social, ecological and economic criteria and are enforced by efficient and effective monitoring. In the meantime, greater attention is needed in implementing our existing environmental legislation to arrest marine degradation from pollution, coastal development and overexploitation of resources and to prevent the further loss and fragmentation of critical spawning and nursery habitats such as estuaries. The intention of the government therefore, to open parts of the Tsitsikamma MPA to exploitation, whether to recreational fishing, subsistence fishing or otherwise, should not be taken lightly. Scientific experts strongly advise against this move, warning that the Tsitsikamma MPA is an extremely important nursery area that sustains the entire line-fish industry of the southern Cape. Given that only 2 of approximately 150 line-fish species in South Africa are considered still exploitable – the rest falling into the categories of collapsed, threatened or overexploited – any protected area contributing to the regeneration of fish stocks should be assigned extra protection, not less. With the increasing emergence of even greater threats from climate variability and change, the Endangered Wildlife Trust urges that governance to mitigate current and future negative impacts on our valuable marine and coastal ecosystems and resources be based on principles of ecological integrity, social and economic equity, integrated management, rational scientific reasoning and informed and transparent decision-making. First and foremost, our excellent environmental legislation needs to be enforced across the board.
EZEMVELO KWAZULU-NATAL WILDLIFE, NEWS ITEM No: 2007 - 05 - 19
A very successful 2007 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Auction was held at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom north of Durban on 19 May 2007, realizing R9.04 million.
In what the auctioneers – Hedge Auctioneers – termed "brisk bidding", white rhinos sold at an average price of R172, 868, dassies went for an amazing average of R370 each with a maximum price of R450, while hippos fetched R28,800 with a maximum of R31 000.
The decision to hold the annual Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Auction at the Sibaya Casino and not in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (HIP) as usual, drew mixed reactions from buyers, with some praising the move and others stating that they preferred the atmosphere of the HIP venue.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Mr Khulani Mkhize commented that the organization was quite satisfied with the outcome, and noted that he was very pleased that the white rhinos sold on behalf of the Makhasa Community Conservation Reserve (CCR) brought in some R320 000 – which will be ploughed back into the CCR.
Buyers still rated the quality of the animals offered on sale as the best in South Africa. The Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Capture team will first deliver the white rhinos and nyala that are currently in the game capture pens in Imfolozi, before beginning catching and delivering the various animals sold on the catalogue auction.
AJG/ News Item No: 2007 - 05 – 19, Media: , For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
Biodiversity Stewardship National Stakeholder Workshop - Invitation
Dear Stakeholders and Role-players involved in Biodiversity Stewardship South Africa (BSSA)
Herewith receive the Official Invitation to the 2nd National Stakeholder Workshop for the Biodiversity Stewardship South Africa (BSSA) Program, 12 & 13 June 2007.
You are welcome to circulate this invitation to all your colleagues and other Stakeholders who might be interested in the Stewardship Program.
Please take note: For accommodation reservation you should contact Roy Mostert from Malonjeni Guest Farm
To RSVP for the Conference, you should make contact with myself.
I do hope to see you at our Workshop.
Kind Regards
Claret Walker, Coordinator:BiodiversityStewardshipSouthAfrica
BSSA c/o Endangered Wildlife Trust, Tel: +27 (11) 486 1102 ext 247, Fax: +27 (11) 486 1506
Mobile: 078 3060 183, claretw@ewt.org.za, www.ewt.org.za,
Member of IUCN, The World Conservation Union
POSITION(s) WANTED
- Building a database of Expertise in Conservation –
During my recent trip to Vietnam, I realised that there is a real need for conservation skills and expertise in the rest of Africa and Southeast Asian countries. Large conservation projects are being launched in these areas with the resultant demand for experts.
The work situation and employment preferences in SA resulted in a substantial pool of knowledge and expertise being available without employment opportunities. In addition to this, the current tender system for large donor-funded projects, is complex and mainly reserved for the "Big Guns" (like WWF, FFI FFR to name a few), leaving very little (none actually) room for individuals to enter this market.
The plan at this stage is very simple:
POSITIONs (WANTED)
Qualified Student
Good Afternoon
I'm a student at the University of the Free State, busy with my B.SC. Hons. in Wildlife Management. My current qualifications include Environmental Geography, Zoology, and Grassland Science. I am spreading my wings to start working in the practical side of my career! That is were I need You - I'm looking for a job in either Wildlife Management or as a Nature Conservation Scientists.
I see myself as a public relations specialist and educator as well with lots off experience in working with children and people. I have presented my own education schools in the outdoors, and as team leader travelled to many other African countries. In the line of Wildlife Research - I'm working for Professor G.N. Smit an expert in scientific research. As a Wildlife biologist, I'm willing to perform basic or applied research to obtain facts on such subjects as ecology, game range management, animal behaviour, disease, nutrition, population dynamics, land use changes, problem animals or pollution. Trying to provide guidance on nature conservation management, based on literature reviews and research monitoring programs. I can examine the relationship between the systems, assess the impact of management actions and evaluate the wildlife resources.
I can speak Afrikaans and I'm 23 years of age, if you would prefer it, I can send you a full copy of my CV.
Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon.
Kind Regards
Francois Deacon, (084 702 6202)- South Africa, deaconf.csi@ufs.co.za
Tailpiece-
Beer contains female hormones
Last month, National University of Lesotho scientists released the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer. Men should take a concerned look at their beer consumption. The theory is that beer contains female hormones (hops contain phytoestrogens) and that by drinking enough beer, men turn into women.
To test the theory, 100 men drank 8 pints of beer each within a 1hour period. It was then observed that 100% of the test subjects:
1) Argued over nothing.
2) Refused to apologize when obviously wrong.
3) Gained weight.
4) Talked excessively without making sense.
5) Became overly emotional.
6) Couldn't drive.
7) Failed to think rationally.
8) Had to sit down while urinating.
No further testing was considered necessary.
Please pass this along to all the men that you know to save them from this terrible fate.
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