Conservation - Out and About

Conservation

RHINO POACHING – THE NEW NORMAL?

The near-extinction of rhinos is at risk of being normalised. While this year, it seems that rhino population decline has paused, Jason Gilchrist, a lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences at the Edinburgh Napier University asks if this is really acceptable. First published: September 22, 2025 in The Conversation A century ago, half a million rhinos roamed Africa and Asia. Today, just

O&A Team September 24, 2025 No Comments

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SHIFTING THE ODDS IN FAVOUR OF RHINO CONSERVATION

In comparison to the 2023 figures, KwaZulu-Natal has seen a significant reduction in rhino poaching, with a notable decrease observed in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Through Ezemvelo’s Rhino Guardianship Strategy and the mass dehorning operation, rhino poaching has seen a sharp drop of 80% in Hluhluwe – iMfolozi Park (HiP). In recognition of World Rhino Day (22 September 2025), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

O&A Team September 22, 2025 No Comments

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INDIA’S VISION FOR ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

During the recent Elephant Indaba, O&A was inspired by the dedication of the Indian government to elephant conservation – and the advice shared with South Africa’s environmental agencies Despite the fact that the distinctive Indian elephant is an important religious symbol, the world’s most populated country still has its fair share of often tragic elephant human conflicts. Yet, this is

O&A Team September 1, 2025 No Comments

Frank the sheep made international headlines as the companion to an orphaned baby white rhino

Conservation

SHAMWARI: A FRANK VIEW OF CONSERVATION

Rehabilitating sick and injured wild animals requires innovative methods together with the knowledge and expertise accumulated by Shamwari’s wildlife veterinarian team over the past 33 years. Of all the animals on the 250km2 sprawling Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the most famous isn’t one of the big five, but a humble sheep called Frank. Frank the sheep made international headlines as

O&A Team August 20, 2025 No Comments

Conservation

IF THE RIVER COULD SPEAK: DISCOVERING CHOBE

O&A headed to Kasane in Botswana. From enjoying sundowners on the mighty Chobe River to a face off between lions and buffalo at sunset, this was an unforgettable experience. Kasane – a small but bustling town at the far northeastern corner of Botswana close to Africa’s ‘Four Corners’ (the meeting of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) – is a little

O&A Team August 15, 2025 No Comments

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ELEPHANT INDABA HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT

Potentially destructive human elephant conflict emerged at this week’s Elephant Indaba Human elephant conflict took centre stage at this week’s Elephant Indaba that was held at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Although the theme of this Indaba was “people and elephants thriving together” discussions between key stakeholders – including

O&A Team August 12, 2025 No Comments

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CONSERVATION’S LAST LINE OF DEFENCE

O&A celebrates South Africa’s anti-poaching rangers on World Rangers’ Day Although their approach is quiet and careful from downwind the white rhino senses something and lifts her head while, unconcerned, her calf continues grazing. Still, they manage to get closer and stop well within range. The rhino looks up again. This is the moment they’ve been waiting for – it’s

O&A Team July 29, 2025 No Comments

Conservation

HUNTING DOWN SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BREEDING INDUSTRY

Lion cub petting, farming and voluntourism as well as the sale of lion skeletons has created a massive lion breeding industry in South Africa which is now home to the world’s largest captive lion population. O&A spoke to conservation writer Richard Pierce and other experts about progress make towards ending this WORDS: SHIRLEY LE GUERN IMAGES: JACQUI PEARCE Sustainable or

O&A Team June 9, 2025 No Comments

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