Home  |
|---|
| Cleftstick 1 of 2010 |
| Cleftstick 2 of 2010 |
| Cleftstick 3 of 2010 |
| 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Cleftsticks |
Cleft Stick No. 4 of 2010
Sunday, 21st February 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
News of Louis Olivier
Kudos’ for one of ours!
Program for GRAA 40th AGM
Some snippets from the Zululand Wildlife Forum
Kenya rounds up zebras for starving lions
Turtle egg collection
African Bird of prey Sanctuary Newsletter
Herewith a couple of links from a forum on global warming
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
-
Field Coordinator: Leopard Ecology & Conservation Botswana
POSITION(s) Wanted
-
In the Memel (FS)/Newcastle (KZN) area
Tailpiece
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 magazines 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. Remember this is the address we will send your Game Ranger Magazine to.
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@telkomsa.net
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” as the message heading.
Please feel free to write to express your views on the content or the subject of any of the articles in this magazine – to the address above.
News of Louis Olivier
Louis suffered from a light heart attack earlier today (15th Feb ) and has been evacuated to Nelspruit Medi Clinic after being stabilised in Phalaborwa. Dr Mabunda authorised the use of the FOSKOR plane from Phalaborwa. Trix also went with the aircraft and will be staying with Peter Davies who are staying in Nelspruit not too far from the hospital.
Please do not try to contact Trix. The telephone traffic is quite hectic and places more pressure on her. I will maintain contact and try to provide feedback from time to time.
Unnecessary to say/ask: Louis is always there for other people and it is now our turn to help him.
Please pray/hope/hold your thumbs for the Olivier family.
Please see e-mail below from Don. “Louis is in good spirit but also tired.”
I am catching e-mails and SMS’s on this side to assist Trix. The traffic is HIGH (calls, visits, SMS’s) and the two of them are unable to handle it alone.
I will only send out SMS’s to those without e-mail and will try to update you whenever there is a change via e-mail.
Rather send e-mails to their e-mail addresses and copy me as well. I will store them in case their mail boxes are filled up to capacity. Also note that his cellular is switched off and that he cannot receive calls via this facility.
Your support is greatly appreciated by the family! This is what camaraderie and Rangership is all about.
Good news is that Louis will be discharged today sometime (18th Feb).
This will be the last update unless there are some drastic changes. However, I would like to ask that you please respect their privacy until they decide when to “emerge”. They have been going through a very rough roller coaster these past couple of months and what they now need most is some rest and stable waters.
Trix already expressed their deepest appreciation for all your messages and deeds of support. They will communicate with all of you and more in due course.
Thanks,
Arrie Schreiber
Kudos’ for one of ours!
Young Conservationist Award runner-up notification
Krissie Clark, a South African, has been recognized as runner up in the prestigious IUCN Young Conservationist Award. Her current work amongst communities in the corridor region between the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and the Niassa Reserve in Mozambique was a significant part of the motivation for the award. Previously she has made significant contributions to conservation work in KwaZulu Natal parks.
Attached are various documents and photos that you are welcome to use if you are keen to put together a story around this good news outcome for wildlife conservation in an area that has the potential to be amongst Africa's greatest wildlife regions but which suffers from the same problems of severe poaching and corruption common to so many significant African wildlife areas in recent times but against which odds Krissie's work has gone on undaunted! Here is a young person deserving of the congratulations of all who hold the future of biodiversity and wild areas dear!
John Davison (Registered Wildlife Guide)
www.wildlife-experiences.co.za
See the bit of news received today below – regarding the results of the IUCN Young Conservationist of the Year Award! (Krissie is a member of the GRAA)
WELL DONE on this! From a field of over 50 nominations to be second in a global competition such as this is exceptional. I was informed that the final decision was delayed by a week or so because the panel of judges were split in their decision – which was a tied first – so this was very very close!
Below is a letter from the IRF President
From: IRFdeanne@aol.com [mailto:IRFdeanne@aol.com]
Sent: 11 February 2010 11:37 PM
To: krissie@pamsfoundation.com
Subject: Young Conservationist Award runner-up notification
Hello Krissie,
Attached is our official letter about the Young Conservationist Award. Your creative and successful ventures in Africa were well-noted by the rating panel which is reflected in you being selected as the runner-up to the recipient. I am so pleased you will be getting well-deserved attention. While I am sure it is disappointing not to be selected as the award recipient, please know it was a difficult decision and we are all impressed with your accomplishments. I hope to be working with you in IRF projects.
With best wishes,
Deanne
Ms. Deanne L. Adams
President
International Ranger Federation
1348 Glen Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577 USA
telephone: +1-510-633-1282
mobile: +1-415-613-2480
email: IRFdeanne@aol.com
Skype: deanne.l.adams
http://www.int-ranger.net/
Program for GRAA 40th AGM , Berg en Dal Camp, Kruger National Park
1-3 March 2010
Theme:
40th GRAA AGM Celebration.
Monday 1 March 2010
Arrival and Registration: (12:00 – 16:30)
Registration will take place at the Berg-en-dal Reception area from 12:00 -16:30. Keys for your accommodation can be collected at the registration desk. Check in time for all accommodation is from 12:00 onwards.
Evening Dinner at the Berg en Dal Boma (19:00)
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Morning Session/ Seminar (08h30 – 12h30):
“40 Years of the GRAA”
1. Introduction and Welcome
2. Guest Speaker 40th Year Celebration- Dr Ian Player
“Some Personal Perspectives”
3. The Founding years – John Forrest
4. The Middle years – Arrie Schreiber
5. The Future – Andre Botha
Afternoon Session: (14h00 onwards)
Annual General Meeting
Evening Dinner at the Berg en Dal Boma (19:00)
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Morning Session: (06h30- 11h30)
Field Trip
“Modern day Challenges faced by KNP Rangers”.
A Field trip will be undertaken to the Matjulwana valley and the Western Border of the KNP. This will include presentations on local challenges and responses by rangers in the KNP.
This will be done with the use of Game Viewing Vehicles and Self Drive.
Afternoon Session
Continuation of AGM (if necessary), Regional Meetings and AC Meeting -14h00 onwards
Awards and Evening Dinner at Berg en Dal Boma (19:00)
Notes:
Meals
All dinners are included in the registration fee. Breakfast and lunch is for your own account.
Gate Entry
Free entry will be arranged at the Malelane gate. A complete delegate and accompanying persons list will be sent to the gate the day before the meeting. The official group reservation number is R1824957. All delegates that made there own reservations arrangements must please bring the official reservation form with them.
Gate Closing Times
The Malelane gate and the Berg-en-dal camp gate close at 18:00. The Berg-en-dal camp gate is 12kms from the Malelane entrance gate. When planning your trip to Kruger please keep the gate times in mind as well as any possible road works along your route.
Field Trip
Don English has managed to arrange three Game drive vehicles for the field trip. However, this is not sufficient transport for this large group. If you are able to assist by making your vehicle available for the field trip, please inform Jackey Deacon.
Some snippets from the Zululand Wildlife Forum Illegal resorts in iSimangaliso park demolished - 16 Feb 2010 - Witness & SAPA
ZWF Comment: The iSimangaliso Wetland Authority is to be congratulated on upholding and implementing the decisions of the court, despite protests from the guilty parties. This incident highlights some of the very serious tensions that exist between many of the Tribal Communities in their opposition to protected Conservation areas. In Maputaland a major crisis has reached fever point at the Ndumo Game Reserve where 11 kms of the eastern boundary fence has been violated and removed by the local Mbangweni Tribal Community. After two years of political wrangling this illegal act is still ignored by the KZN enforcing authorities, including the SA Police Services. The KZN Premier is long overdue in displaying firm adherence to the Conservation Statutes that were supposedly to protect the reserve from such criminal acts of vandalism.
__________ ISIMANGALISO Wetland Park officials yesterday demolished three resorts declared illegal by the high court in Durban late last year.
“Three unauthorised commercial developments were today [Monday] dismantled by an independent contractor in the presence of the sheriff of the high court,” iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis said.
The three resorts were built in the Coastal Forest Reserve in Kosi Bay, which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. Police officers accompanied the sheriff to ensure the court orders were correctly executed. Speaking after his property was demolished, George Francois said he was “devastated and angry”. “They destroyed my structure today. I am totally devastated. I have lost more than R500 000, which I raised by selling my only house.”
On November 23 last year the high court ruled that, should the developers fail to demolish the properties before December 31, conservation authorities would tear them down, restore the damaged bush and recover the costs from them. Francois, whose resort was in the KwaDapha area in Kosi Bay, said he got permission to build from local traditional leaders. “When I got a permission to build the lodge, I sold my house … so that I would use the proceeds to build it. That money is gone now and I am homeless.” Francois, who was in hospital awaiting the delivery of his first daughter when interviewed, said he had been told his belongings were stolen when his property was demolished. He partnered with local residents to build the lodge because he wanted to uplift the community.
Chairman of the iSimangaliso Authority, Mavuso Msimang, said the resorts were demolished after the owners refused to make “a voluntary and dignified exit”. “If we did not do this we would be failing in our commitments and responsibilities to the people of South Africa, to future generations and to the world.”
With the resorts demolished, the heat is on the local traditional leader, inkosi Mabhudu Tembe, to resign from the iSimangaliso board. In a meeting held recently, angry residents asked Tembe to resign from the board.
--- Helicopter Poaching Alert in Parliament !!
ZWF Comment - This "new" tactic used by the professional poachers is a matter of great concern in Zululand, where there have been increased illegal flights over the iMfolozi Game Reserve by it is reported by an outfitter and a vet !!
Dear Tim , All reserves have a no fly zone below 2000ft . It is time owners and NPs notified atc that due to the UF Helicopters involved in poaching that these heles will be shot at . This will stop this issue. There are two known operators of hele s who are doing this one is an outfitter and one is a vet.
To this end the ACDP are to be congratulated in adding their voice of concern, hopefully the juggernaut that is the ANC SA Government may pause to listen !!
From issue 19/02/2010
below FYI is an edited copy of an email to one of the world's leading Media groups who have agreed to take up publicizing the conservation threats in our region. They are very worried about the spread of poisoning by poachers and most disturbed about the crisis in the non-resolved Ndumo/Mbangweni impasse - you'll be receiving both our Alerts and Campaigns over the next week. regards, TC.
Many thanks for your interest & advice - have already now just sent to your editors several of our recent Conservation Alerts. As you are aware from the media headline stories, the fate of Africa's wildlife and protected habitats are very much in the cross-hairs of an unrelenting, brutal assault by an un-sustainable population explosion. Every inch of worldwide condemnation is vital to expose the culprits, whether by poaching, land grabs, inept politicians or corruption - it's a heck of a stony road ahead, particularly even here in Zululand.
Currently there are two major stories emerging, the first the devastating expansion southwards from East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe & even into Zululand's pineapple farms), in the use of poison by the poachers.
The rapidly declining populations of Africa's lions are also now a major poisoning target by the ever expanding, land hungry, tribal communities with their eco-destroying cattle & goats, in some regions the situation is spiralling out of control !!
Then to our most pressing Zululand crisis, the very critical & radical political stand-off, where the fate of one of the regions prime eco-gems, the Ndumo Game Reserve, is threatened by the criminal removal of a key 11 kms section of boundary fence, allowing access to very belligerent tribal communities.
The ZWF- "Save Ndumo Crisis Campaign" - (Launch Date - 28/02/10)
This campaign will highlight the Kwa Zulu Natal'sGovernment's dismal failure & inability to resolve the Ndumo/Mbangweni Landclaim fiasco, over two years of prolonged, radicalized negotiations between the ruling ANC KZN Government and the main opposition, the Inkhata Freedom Party (IFP) & it's radical factions.
In the Google map above,(not included-ed) the 11 kms removed fenceline stretches from the Mozambique border, southwards to the corner boundary and then westwards to where it crosses the Pongola river, with the entire flood plain east of the Pongola River claimed by the illegal squatters. In the southern map below the extensive damage to the riverine forest, adjoining the reserve, is graphically revealed. Already people are settling inside the disputed floodplain, started subsistence ploughing, grazing, whilst poaching is escalating to dangerous levels as the Ezemvelo Wildlife conservation staff are under constant threat, putting their lives on the line.
As you can see, the challenges are horrific - one asks "What can or should be done ?? despite the looming possibility of failure we can't stand by and do nothing - so we must just keep up the awareness pressure via any & every media contact. This is of course the story that is Africa !!
We'd greatly appreciate any support,
Yours in conservation,
Regards,
Tim
- if anyone wants to receive the ZWF Information Bulletins please send an email to tim.condon@shaw.ca just saying "Subscribe" which is at no cost or should you not wish to receive these bulletins please just send a blank reply email.
Kenya rounds up zebras for starving lions
Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) -- Kenyan wildlife officials are ferrying thousands of zebras and wildebeest to a park in the country's south to feed starving lions and hyenas, and prevent a conflict with humans.
The animals will be hauled from four locations to restock Amboseli National Park's population, which lost 80 percent of its herbivores in a recent drought, said Kentice Tikolo, spokeswoman for the Kenya Wildlife Service.
"It was the worst drought in 26 years," Tikolo said. "The Amboseli ecosystem was severely affected. ... Lots of herbivores died, carnivores don't have anything to feed on, and have been attacking neighboring livestock."
The imbalance has sparked a row with villagers who lost animals in the drought and have threatened to kill lions and hyenas preying on remaining livestock.
Should the zebras be brought in to help the lions?
"There are only 2,000 lions left nationwide, and we are concerned because the numbers are dropping," the spokeswoman said.
"Maasais are getting angry and threatening to spear them -- the human versus wildlife conflict is getting out of hand -- and our carnivores are already greatly endangered."
About 4,000 zebras and 3,000 wildebeest will be transferred to Amboseli. The zebras will go first. The wildebeest will follow, after calving season, Tikolo said. Once at Amboseli, they're expected to breed and sustain the lions over the long term.
Shipping the animals from Soysambu Conservancy in the Rift Valley and three other nearby locations will cost about $ 1.4 million, according to Tikolo.
The animals are herded into a funnel-shape enclosure using helicopters and loaded into trucks to Amboseli. From there, they are released into the wild, she said.
Tourism is the second-largest source of foreign exchange in the east African nation. About 20 percent of the income comes from tourism, with Amboseli as the second -highest earner, Tikolo said
Lions are among the big five -- the list of top wildlife tourist attractions in the nation. Others are elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo.
Turtle egg collection
On the beaches of Costa Rica...so that you have an idea of the 'attack against nature'....!
There are pictures of scenes that look like total destruction an all the available eggs are being harvested.
I know that in Guatemala they have been doing "management" of egg extraction, and I believe they are doing this in Costa Rica as well. But the photos show very clearly that the "management" is just taking as much eggs as possible. I believe that the mistake that authorities commit is allowing people to take all the eggs during some time of the reproduction season. It is a bad idea because clearly turtles are invaded and not respected when laying the eggs.
I do not think that this picture happens all the season, but I do not support this anyway.
Best regards.
Juca
I had this response from Dr. George Hughes a world authority on sea turtles
Dear Don,
I am in Reunion Island at present at the Turtle Institute. The report is bull. The programme is a perfectly legal exercise carried out by the local community under the direction and full control of the Costa Rican conservation department. Olive Ridleys nest in Ostional in "arribadas" up to 200 000 females at a time, the whole exercise lasts over several days. Million of eggs are destroyed by nesting females and as part of their sustainable use programmes, the local community is permitted to collect on one of the early days. An excellent idea.
Cheers,
George
I am home again and had another look at your original letter. I noted that it had been sent to everyone but the kitchen stove.
It might be an idea to print my letter in one of the GRA Newsletters simply to ensure that there is a wider understanding that there is good sense and good community management alive and well in Costa Rica. It is grossly unfair to a country that has put, over at least 50 years, a great deal of effort into supporting sea turtle conservation.
That one ignorant, although well meaning, visitor can do global damage to a country managing their resources sensibly is simply wrong. As an Association we should be trying to stop that sort of thing rather than propagate it.
Cheers
George
African Bird of prey Sanctuary Newsletter I have been sent the first ABOPS newsletter should you wish send Natasha an email & I am sure she will add you to her list.
Yours in conservation,
Natasha Brown
African Bird of prey Sanctuary
natashab@africanraptor.co.za
031-7852981
www.africanraptor.co.za
Herewith a couple of links from a forum on global warming
I found the second one on youtube particularly enlightening!
An open letter from Dr. Judith Curry on climate science
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2009/11/27/an-open-letter-from-dr-judith-curry-on-climate-science/
Have a look at this take on the Global Warming debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcsvaCPYgcI
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
Field Coordinator: Leopard Ecology & Conservation Botswana
Background: Leopard Ecology & Conservation was established in 2000 by Monika Schiess-Meier. The original aim was to study leopards in Khutse Game Reserve, Botswana with a view towards ensuring their long-term survival. It soon became apparent that leopards come into regular conflict with farmers, often resulting in the leopard being killed. Thus, research efforts expanded to include conflict mediation and community education. In 2005, as lions began to be killed by farmers at an increasing rate, the project added lions to their research efforts as well. In 2009, the project has launched a holistic education programme to teach farmers near Khutse Game Reserve how to sustainably use the resources in their area. Taking a broad view of the environmental problems and potential in the area is the only real way to ensure not only the long-term survival of leopards and lions, but to establish a balanced environment that will support a stable population of all wildlife and provide a stable living for the people who depend on this land. The research is guided under the umbrella of the University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Description of job: The person will be responsible for both camp management and project coordination. Camp management duties include: oversee camp staff; ensure maintenance of camp and vehicles; organise kitchen, tent, office and research supplies. Project coordination duties include: coordinate conservation and research activities; organise research permits; communicate with project leader and other stakeholders; monitor and evaluate ongoing projects and develop new projects; collect and analyse data, including database management and mining; search and study literature; write proposals, (annual) reports and publications; help with fundraising; attend meetings and conferences; give talks and presentations.
Profile of person:Advanced university degree in wildlife research and/or conservation. Experience in managing conservation and research projects in developing countries. Practical camp maintenance and field skills. Demonstrated ability to manage, train and communicate with people in a cross-cultural setting. Excellent English writing and speaking skills. Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with statistical and GIS software. Self-motivated and reliable. Experience in living and working in a remote location without much entertainment. A valid driver’s licence.
Conditions of employment: The person will be based at our tented camp near Khutse Game Reserve. On average, there are two students staying in the camp, with an additional ten camp and research staff living in the nearby village. The project leader, Monika Schiess-Meier, spends about five months per year in the camp. Free accommodation will be provided in a permanent tent (furnished and with private ablution). The camp includes a communal office tent, a communal kitchen tent and eleven other tents. There is satellite-based telephone and e-mail, sporadic cell phone reception, solar power and running water available in the camp. A vehicle will be provided for professional use. A competitive salary will be offered (paid out in Swiss Francs). Travelling costs at the start and end of the contract will be covered. The contract is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension. The contract starts on 1 August 2010.
How to apply: Please send a cover letter and a CV to the project leader, Monika Schiess-Meier, either electronically (monika.schiess@ieu.uzh.ch) or per mail (Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland). The closing date for applications is 1 April 2010. Applications from couples are also accepted, with the possibility of partner employment. For further information about Leopard Ecology & Conservation visit our website (www.leopard.ch).
POSITION(s) Wanted
I am a 38 yr old white male. I have been in the conservation field since 2001. I have a Diploma in Nature Conservation, and am currently the warden of a big 5 reserve in Phalaborwa, Limpopo. I am looking to move to the Memel (FS)/Newcastle (KZN) area, and would ideally like to find a position in conservation management or similar. Please contact Timothy on 083 693 8977.
Thank you very much.
Kind regards,
Timothy & Sandra Hedges
Grietjie Private Nature Reserve
Timothy Cell +27 (0)83 693 8977, (Work) +27 (0)7887 587 22, Sandra Cell +27 (0)78 5355 426
Email timothysandra@vodamail.co.za Fax +27 (0)86 5155 452
Tailpiece
An 80 year old man visits the Doctor:
My 28 year old wife is pregnant, your opinion Doctor?
Doctor: ”Let me tell you a story. A hunter in a hurry grabs an umbrella instead of the gun. He moves into the jungle, sees a lion, lifts the umbrella, pulls the handle and BANG... The lion drops dead!
Old man: That's impossible; someone else must have shot the lion.
Doctor: MY POINT EXACTLY!