sanbilatest news & developments
The aardvark — long considered relatively secure — has been moved from least concern to near threatened, reflecting growing pressures on its habitat. (Anamilia)

Aardvarks, bats and mole-rats among mammal species sliding towards regional extinction

New data shows habitat loss and degradation are pushing mammals closer to extinction — with endemic species facing the greatest risk

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Freshwater fish, sharks, rays, endemic plants and iconic mammals are among the country’s fastest-declining species, as invasive species, reduced freshwater flows and pollution intensify. (Wikimedia Commons)

Illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and climate stress driving rapid biodiversity decline in SA

Freshwater fish, sharks, rays, endemic plants and iconic mammals are among the country’s fastest-declining species, as invasive species, reduced freshwater flows and pollution intensify

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
Researchers studied blue waxbills — small songbirds that were most affected in South Africa’s first documented heat-related mortality event involving wild birds, which occurred in late 2020. (Wikimedia Commons)

Heat and humidity is a lethal mix for SA’s small birds

Scientists have warned that humidity, not just temperature, could determine which species survive in an era of escalating heatwaves

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
Flood of information: The University of the Witwatersrand’s Global Change Institute and the South African National Biodiversity Institute have developed climate change fact sheets for local governments. Photo: EMS KZN

SA municipalities get high-resolution data to tackle climate hazards

Wits and Sanbi have launched fact sheets, helping local governments plan for a climate-stressed SA

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read