Conservation Watch Shades of grey: why poaching is so complicated and hard to beat Wildlife crime has many threads. It’s entangled in the very fabric of our society and we must get to grips with its subtleties if we hope to unpick it. Maxcine Kater reports This story was first published on Daily Maverick Remember lockdown when you couldn’t get alcohol and cigarettes; when you felt trapped in your home? Perhaps it didn’t leave you […] Written by rovingreporters December 18, 2023March 26, 2024
Ocean Watch Heavy Metal Stars To monitor platinum concentration in water, scientists are turning to novel technology that mimics the way mussels work. Katie Biggar reports. The Hex River, which owes its name to the Afrikaans word for “witch”, is a pretty little stream when it starts life high in the Magaliesberg bushveld – an area of rugged beauty. But by the time it has […] Written by Katie Biggar December 16, 2023March 26, 2024
Journalism Projects Khetha 2024 Story Project launches journalism fund to tackle wildlife crime Wildlife crime often remains underreported, and when it does grab headlines, the coverage varies widely from sensational to lackluster. In South Africa, the public discourse primarily centers around poached rhinos, pangolins, and snared wildlife. The issue of poaching is embedded in a complex system marked by pressing socio-economic challenges, including inequality, historical grievances, unemployment, and […] Written by rovingreporters November 18, 2023January 29, 2024
Conservation Watch Why we must safeguard our forest muthi Africa’s indigenous forests are a fabulous treasure trove – a cornucopia of foodstuffs, seed varieties and medicines, a bulwark against climate change and environmental degradation. It’s a shame then that so few of the continent’s people are getting a fair share of this natural bounty. Written by rovingreporters October 14, 2023October 14, 2023
Conservation Watch ‘Zombie’ mice terrorise albatrosses as boffins mull bringing dodos back from the dead A deeper, grassroots approach to conservation – and solid science – could stave off looming extinctions. Fred Kockott reports on some of the lessons (and offbeat tales) from the 12th annual Oppenheimer Research Conference Written by rovingreporters October 14, 2023March 26, 2024
Conservation Watch Environmental scientists must network to ward off environmental crises. Environmental scientists should step out of their silos if they want their research to make an impact, says Duncan MacFadyen, head of Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation. Written by rovingreporters October 13, 2023October 14, 2023
Conservation Watch Why our provincial parks are floundering. And what can be done A former SANParks conservation boss sounds the alarm on provincial game reserves. Matthew Hattingh reports Written by rovingreporters October 8, 2023October 13, 2023
Conservation Watch Tipping Points Tree-boosters’ rap drowns out pastoral symphony Why a ‘fetish’ for forests might imperil conservation efforts. By Fred Kockott and Savannah Burns First published by Daily Maverick The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Well, that’s how the old adage goes. But what if we’ve got it wrong? What if planting trees […] Written by Savannah Burns September 8, 2023March 26, 2024
Conservation Watch Tipping Points Come up to the lab, and see what’s on the slab Worried about population growth and the pressures of feeding a hungry planet? Don’t have a cow, cultivate one rather. Meanwhile, venison might help us buck the trend. Written by rovingreporters August 3, 2023September 8, 2023
Conservation Watch How to beat eco-paralysis: Lessons from young leaders It’s easy to be laid low by all that ails our planet. But the cure lies in taking incremental steps, celebrating small wins and building on them. Savannah Burns and Skyla Thornton report Written by RR July 10, 2023December 21, 2023