Taking care of the planet we live on goes beyond just individual perspectives. Earth’s abundant wildlife is dwindling year on year. It has become the mandate of organisations such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust to identify human-induced threats and the affected species in order to halt or reverse species decline. It’s the goal of this organisation to increase awareness and mainstream environmental considerations into the daily lives of people and decision makers.
Endangered Wildlife Trust does this through a number of conservation programmes, specifically dedicated to particular wildlife. This includes African Cranes, Bird of Prey, Carnivores, etc. Additional programmes include Conservation Science, Dryland and Biodiversity and Business.
Carnivore Conservation Programme:
This promotes research on carnivores with special emphasis on ways of improving their conservation status. Wild Dogs and Cheetahs are the core focus areas.
Rhino Project:
10 years ago, 25 rhinos were poached in South Africa. By 2011 this figure had escalated to 448. In 2015, stats indicate that 49 rhinos have been poached and 17 arrests have been made. Rhino poaching is a serious threat to our wildlife as it is estimated to be the third largest illegal industry worldwide after drugs and human-trafficking. Poaching is considered a “low-risk-high-reward” activity. EWT focuses on elevating the risk associated with poaching rather than reducing the reward.
Drylands:
This programme was established in 2003 as a response to conservation efforts required. Central to the programme was the conservation of Riverine Rabbits- one of Southern Africa’s most threatened mammals. The mission is to maintain ecosystem conditions in the Karoo that can support a stable population of Riverine Rabbits along seasonal river courses while simultaneously ensuring socio-economic benefits to landowners and communities.
How to Support:
You can simply make a donation online through the Givengain webpage: www.givengain.com
- Individual Support
- Corporate Membership
- Leave a Legacy
- Events
You can call Endangered Wildlife Trust here: 011 372 3600.