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During many visits to nature and game reserves I have been extremely lucky to have seen a huge variety of flora and fauna. Reserves are also known as protected areas and that is exactly what they are. Many species rely on protection to ensure that they are not lost forever. ‘Facing extinction’ will always mean there is hope and a future to plan for. ‘Extinct’ means the cause has been lost. Within this section we will try and highlight some of the people, places, news and projects that are saving species.
Rhino Wars
At this moment in time you will find two species of rhinoceros in KwaZulu Natal. The large and somewhat placid Southern White, and, the nervous, secretive black. I have seen both and as recently as July 2011. After reading newspaper articles and keeping up with the news, it seems, my chances of seeing rhinos on my next visit could be slimmer.
Within South Africa there is a war being fought. A war to save the threatened white and critically endangered black rhinoceros from extinction. Within three generations one of these could be lost forever.
Hunting, Painted, Wild & Endangered
In Jan 2006 I had seen my first wild dog, followed three years later by another. Then in 2010 I was extremely lucky to encounter a large pack finishing off a fresh kill. Also in attendance on that kill, other than hyena, were members of the HIP wild dog monitoring team.
To learn more about the status of wild dogs in KwaZulu Natal, EKZN Wildlife arranged for me to meet two of their monitoring team.
Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife Crime Working Group
In 2002 EKZN Wildlife, The South African Police Service & the KZN Prosecuting Service got together and formed the KZNWCWG. The working group interacts with many organisations and the general public, its ultimate aim, to ‘police’ crimes against wildlife.
On land, Illegal logging, removing indigenous plant species and poaching are just some of the crimes that are dealt with. There is also the capture and trade in animals, reptiles and bird species.
Over fishing and the trapping of certain marine life is also dealt with by the KZNWCWG. Sharks that are hunted for their fins and shell fish illegally caught and sold to restaurants are all too regular occurrences.
Pick up a KZNWCWG leaflet from tourist information offices & reserves for all contact details. For additional information please visit www.stoprhinopoaching.com
Monitoring projects
When visiting reserves always check at reception to see if any monitoring projects are taking place. Visitor photographs and details of sightings are highly valued in many areas.
Monitors contact details for Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Black Rhinos: Jed Bird 072-337-5895 or birdj@kznwildlife.com
Wild Dogs: Zama Zwane 079-216-5784 or hipwilddogs@gmail.com
Elephants: Heleen Druce 083-265-7504 or hipelephants@gmail.com
Leopards & Cheetahs: Cathy Hue 082-079-2757 or cathy@wildifeact.com