Conservation Watch Unravelling the threads of snaring in Kruger park The air is crisp, carrying with it the promise of discovery — a perfect morning for twitchers and game-spotters. Dry leaves crunch underfoot. Then, from a distance, whistles blow and walkie-talkies screech: snare alert! Every 50 metres or so, there’s another one. By the end of the day, 65 snares will have been found and […] Written by rovingreporters November 7, 2024November 8, 2024
Conservation Watch Breaking barriers in conservation: A two-part series on inspiring change Part 1. Unveiling the “teach naked” concept: Energising youth for environmental change To engage the next generation in environmental action, educators are adopting innovative methods that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. In this first instalment, we explore the “teach naked” concept advocated by animal behaviourist Aliza le Roux. This experiential learning approach encourages educators to step […] Written by rovingreporters August 27, 2024August 27, 2024
Conservation Watch Unveiling the “teach naked” concept: Energising youth for environmental change To inspire young people to truly connect with nature, environmental educators should move beyond traditional classroom methods and embrace the “teach naked” approach. Photo: Pxhere.com By Fred Kockott and Fortunate Mathonsi Want youngsters to embrace nature and all its wonders? Then ditch traditional classroom habits, venture into wild spaces — even if that’s just stepping […] Written by rovingreporters August 14, 2024August 27, 2024
Conservation Watch Journalism Projects From panic to partnerships: New thinking on people and poaching We must choose our words more carefully if we are to get to grips with the illegal wildlife trade and contribute meaningfully to much-needed debates. By Roving Reporters Criminologist and wildlife economy fundi, Dr Annette Hübschle calls it one of her “biggest a-ha moments”. Sitting in a circle of about 10 people in a community […] Written by rovingreporters June 20, 2024July 9, 2024
Conservation Watch Rich or poor, why rhino poaching is everyone’s problem Wildlife crime is a microcosm of a great ill, writes Nyameko Bottoman. What does the killing of a rhino for its horn in the Kruger National Park have to do with me, sitting as I am in squalor in one of the myriad squatter camps that exist in Cape Town and throughout the country? The […] Written by rovingreporters April 19, 2024April 19, 2024
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
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 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
Biodiversity Conservation Watch Strelitzia seed pickers clash with conservancy residents Tough times on KwaZulu-Natal South Coast have seen people turn to an unusual, wild harvest to make ends meet. Written by Savannah Burns December 8, 2021December 12, 2021
Biodiversity Conservation Watch Looking for a Spider-Man sequel? The real thing is spinning a Hollyweb blockbuster in our backyards It’s not only the man in the red-and-blue suit who has super-powers – the real thing is pretty special too, especially their webs. Fatima Khan spins a tale First published in the Daily Maverick The next installment in the Spider-Man franchise will be showing at a cinema near you from 17 December. Expect the usual […] Written by RR December 3, 2021December 15, 2021