Survivor of a brutal poaching
from Kariega Reserve 2012
Bringer of hope and life, becoming a mom
with daughter Thembi, Kariega Reserve, 2015
Defying the odds, birthing a second calf
with son, Colin, April 2017
Is there anyone who embodies what it means to be a mom more than the infamous Thandi? Happy Mother’s Day!
In a 2015 study of admitted poachers in the largest park in Tanzania, 4 out of 5 admitted to poaching for food or income. But not all of them poached due to extreme poverty (in need of food and shelter) . For many it was a means of supplemental income. In fact only 8% used poaching as their only source of income. by Conservation and Society
Out of 171 poachers, 60 had some form of employment.
The poachers with other means of income were using poaching as a means to advance their families out of day to day living.
“While our poachers and their households had adequate food and shelter, most lacked abilities to send children to school, or advance themselves in any meaningful way,” said Eli Knapp, lead author of the study.
This changes the popular assumption that people only poach out of absolute need.
For more on the study by Conservation and Society, see: Probing Rural Poachers in Africa: why do they poach?
Ruaha National Park, largest park in Tanzania, photo: Lonely Planet
Watch this short Discovery clip of black rhinos at night. It’s amazing the things nature has to teach us, and all we still don’t know about our ancient pachyderms.
Check out these amazing photos of a black rhino brawl. A younger male confronted the older bull. Both endured battle wounds, but walked away in one piece, with the youngster eventually submitting to the more seasoned veteran.
Photos: Richard de Lange/Africa Geographic
Northern Whites by Tony Karumba
Sudan, photo: James Mwenda
Rangers go out on patrol for days at a time, in the wet, the heat, the cold to battle the unknown. But before they head out, they gather in the lecture/mess tent; to learn, to prepare, to eat, to share fellowship.
This is the scenario for our friends at NKWE, a wildlife security group training and employing rangers for nature reserves around Limpopo, and assisting SAPS in poaching investigations.
Recently their headquarters tent was torn in half by a storm, leaving them without a dry, shaded area for their gathering, a crucial part of their daily operation.
In addition to being the headquarters for their rangers, they also utilize the tent to assist the local community preparing food during community events; an important part of building relationships and trust with the locals.
NKWE provided dinner for the local community after a funeral.
NKWE prides itself on high standards of training, with a 12 month program in place in order for rangers to reach competency. The costs for such a lengthy and in-depth training is immense, with costs of R100,000 per recruit.
Recruits during a lecture.
For this reason, they need our help.
The tent is $971 to replace. Your donations would be immensely helpful. Please go to PayPal on our page and donate what you can.
There are certain times our voices matter immensely. This is one. Please take a few minutes to send an email to: mboshoff@environment.gov.za
Comments MUST be subitted by MARCH 10th!
Edna Molewa, South Africa DEA, has announced her intentions of allowing legal trade of rhino horn. As days go by, more dirty details arise, exposing the corruption at the heart of this political fiasco. There seemingly will be NO restriction on the amount of horn able to be traded!
Latest dirty laundry of horn trade: Bombshell hidden in draft rhino regulations
“The concern of the international community is that while rhino horn prices have dropped by 50% in the last few years in Vietnam due to massive public education efforts, this will confuse the message, greatly expand the consumer base and facilitate laundering, making poaching even worse. Exactly what happened when ivory trade was re-opened in China.” -Peter Knights, WildAid
If you’re reading this, please take a couple of minutes to send an email! (Keep them simple, factual and please no profanity or too much emotion.)
For details: Drafted regulations on proposed horn trade
With the recent tragedy at Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage, the staff are doing their best to heal and pick up the pieces. There has been an outpouring of donations and support. Now we must be sure that justice is served. Please sign the following petition.
Justice for Thula Thula Rhino Calves
Even the outright horror of this recent attack hasn’t effected the South African governments intent to allow trade.
Although CITES is against it, evidence does not support it, and their so-called “legal” trade will only serve to fuel and mask the already illegal trade, Edna Molewa and the government are planning on going forward. Please sign this petition from the International Humane Society and voice your concern. This MUST not go forward!
Urge South Africa NOT to Trade in Rhino Horn
Lions are majestic
Elephants have a certain grace,
But I prefer the shorter pachyderms
with the stoic face.
Cheetahs are poetry in motion
Zebras-a fixture on the veldt,
But it’s the fur-lined “lily” ears
that make my heart melt.
Rhinos are gentle giants
self-assured & wrinkled with attitude,
there are none quite so impressive
both in crash or solitude.
From the tufted tail
to the tip of that impressive horn,
I pledge my loyalty
to Africa’s unicorn.
-Tisha Wardlow
photo: Francoise Malby Anthony
Thandi’s a mama (again)-watch the video
First glimpses of mama and baby from Ranger Daniel @ Kariega.
Read about Thandi’s Story and about her first baby, Thembi, It’s Official, Thandi’s a mum!
EIN/Charity 90-1018988
