WGHS
eco-angels
Amphibians are currently the most Threatened Class of vertebrate on Earth, with 32% of species Red Listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. In total, 43% of species globally are experiencing population declines. The EWT-ACP aims to address a growing need in South Africa for the involvement of the Non-Governmental sector in frog conservation and fundraising. This will be done by implementing specific conservation actions to address direct threats to amphibian species and protect critical amphibian habitat; supporting relevant research projects focussed on critical knowledge gaps in amphibian conservation; and by raising awareness regarding amphibians in a South African context. The programme is managed by Jeanne Tarrant - jeannet@ewt.org.za
Why should we care?
Although small and seldom seen, frogs are important in many ways:Amphibians are crucial in the food-chain through their role as both predator and prey; they consume vast numbers of insects (including pests and disease vectors such as mosquitoes) and provide food to a wide range of animals.As tadpoles they have an important function in keeping waterways clean by feeding on algae.They are good bioindicators due to their biphasic life cycles and sensitive skins; the fact that one third of all species are threatened should be an important warning to humans that our global environment is in jeopardy.Some species provide important human medicines from skin secretions.
How can you help?
Learn more! Get a frog field guide and become familiar with South African species and their calls.Build a frog pond in your garden.Use indigenous plants in your garden.Avoid the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides in your home and garden.Drive cautiously on wet nights to avoid squashing frogs as they move to and from breeding sites.
http://www.leapdayforfrogs.org.za/
Leopards
We attended a talk at the Westville Methodist Church on the state of the Leopard in KZN and the research that was being done to conserve them.
The talk was given by a Wildlife Officer from the Panthera, Leaders in Wild Cat Conservation. He spoke about the Leopard project they are running is the Munyawana Leopard Project in and beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
They have a two pronged approach where they are working to change policy as well as helping to solve the problems around leopards with communties - farming -
Our field staff also worked with neighboring farmers and communities to promote the use of alternative husbandry techniques that reduce the risk of livestock depredation and improve tolerance towards leopards.
Today, the Munyawana Leopard Project continues to ensure that the new regulations are sustainable in the long term; this is a shinning example of how sound science can impact conservation policies that benefit wildlife. We are also working to reduce human-leopard conflict more widely in KwaZulu-Natal, and to address a growing threat in the illegal trade of leopard skins. Panthera is also extending our conservation model to other regions in Africa by forging partnerships with governments, hunting operators, communities, private landowners, game farm associations and wildlife managers.
We were also informed of the use of fake fur - The Furs for Life Project that they have begun with the Shembe Baptist Church.
