conservationlatest news & developments
A new study co-authored by a University of Pretoria conservation scientist argues that widely cited claims of catastrophic global wildlife decline may overstate biodiversity loss in Africa

University of Pretoria study challenges ‘70% wildlife decline’ narrative

A new study co-authored by a University of Pretoria conservation scientist argues that widely cited claims of catastrophic global wildlife decline may overstate biodiversity loss in Africa

San Master Tracker Xui finds signs of the ghost elephants in a stretch of wetlands. (Credit: Ariel Leon Isacovitch)

‘Ghost Elephants’ explores nature, myth and memory

A haunting journey into Angola’s wild highlands, ‘Ghost Elephants’ follows Steve Boyes and KhoiSan master trackers as they search for a mythical elephant

African countries often lack fine-scale biodiversity data for policy and planning, while global models frequently mischaracterise regional patterns.

Sub-Sahara’s severe nature losses

Most of the continent’s wildlife survives outside of protected areas

Tiny stowaways — disease-carrying ticks — can be hidden beneath the armoured scales of pangolins, the world’s most illegally trafficked mammals.

Hidden hitchhikers: Ticks on trafficked pangolins pose health threats

Scientists warn that ticks carried by trafficked pangolins may spread pathogens across continents, affecting people and animals

Net worth: The writer argues that we must recognise the real economy has ecological ingredients, such as the sea, which are fast running out. Photo: Tim Sherman-Chase

Redesigning the scorecard: Why economic accounting must include nature

If we continue to ignore the social and environmental costs of our (ab)use of the environment, we will be mispricing the future

Rescue: Vantara, an animal rehabilitation initiative in India successfully released 41 Spix’s macaws into the wild in Brazil. Photo: Supplied

Ease the burden through collaborative conservation with other countries

A partnership with the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in India is one such opportunity

Food for thought: Chef Simon Lehutso in the kitchen at Lapalala Wilderness School. Photos: Supplied

Chef is cooking with purpose, rooted in conservation

Simon Lehutso is using his love of nature and food to nourish and educate youths at a wilderness school in Limpopo, where he grew up

People must be reconnected to their natural heritage for conservation to create jobs.

South Africa’s natural wealth should benefit everyone

Communities must be reconnected with their natural heritage for conservation to create jobs and a brighter future for the next generation

South Africa needs people with the skills to deal with climate change. Photo: Eric Vidal/Reuters

STEM careers are crucial to combat climate change

South Africa has a shortage of people with the necessary skills to tackle global warming and its damaging effects

Horns of a dilemma: A scenes from The Last Ranger, starring Avumile Qongqo, which explores the relationship between human communities and the conservation of rhinos.

The Last Ranger: They are my family, says actress

Oscar-shortlisted South African film is a cinematic call to action against rhino poaching

Cape Honey Bee Julie Anne Workman: https://animalia.bio/cape-honey-bee

Cape honey bees the guardians of South Africa’s food security

Honey bees are invaluable to the environment and the economy, and their protection is essential

Lift off: SANParks new strategy, Vision 2040, aims to redress economic inequalities through conservation. (Photo by Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The future of SANParks: From fortress conservation to inclusivity

Its new strategy, Vision 2040, aims to redress economic inequalities through conservation

The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment awarded a four-year bursary to two learners, one of whom is Kgaugelo Marema, who is in grade 12 at Mapanolla Secondary School in Mokopane.

Lapalala Wilderness School’s rhino initiative works to empower the next generation of conservationists

Two learners receive four-year bursaries plus two years of work after they graduate based on presentations they prepared

Diversity: Scarves in various sizes and in colours of the veld are Ardmore Studio’s latest collection.

Diary: Ardmore Studio’s Armoured Warriors, Nominations open for Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, Javett-UP presents We, The Purple this September

Your essential dose of art and culture

Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of the company, is managing the development of the 1,300 hectares, of which 80% will be retained for conservation. Photo supplied

R15 billion ‘Little Ballito’ development on KwaZulu-Natal South Coast ramps up

The new lifestyle precinct will include an hotel, upmarket mall, fuel station and school, with 80% of the area retained for conservation

Protection critical: Green Point Biodiversity Park in Cape Town. South Africa is one of the world’s 17 mega-diverse countries. Photo: Chris Hitchcock/Gallo Images

The good, the bad and the baffling of South Africa’s draft biodiversity bill

There is a weakened mechanism for public consultation in the draft legislation

Penguin ranger Yandisa Cwecwe.

Yandisa Cwecwe: What it’s like to be a penguin ranger

World Ranger Day is a day of recognition and remembrance for the planet’s rangers safeguarding biodiversity

National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) forest rangers look on at deforestation and illegal gold mining pits inside the Kambui forest reserve outside Kenema on June 14, 2024. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)

Sierra Leone rangers fight uphill battle against deforestation

With just 62 wardens to cover some 14,000 hectares, it’s an arduous game of cat and mouse

Catchment: The White uMfolozi River flows through the Babanango Game Reserve. Photos: Angus Burns/WWF

Ambitious project to rewild a piece of paradise in KwaZulu-Natal

A conservation project has brought together biodiversity, habitat protection, cultural heritage and community conservation

Encounters with Palestine and the environment

These subjects take centre stage at a festival showcasing nearly 50 documentaries