Issue 6 - The Industry and Infrastructure Edition November - December2017 - The Endangered Wildlife Trust
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Issue 6 – The Industry and
Infrastructure Edition
November – December2017
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 1
Conserving nature is now as easy as snapping your fingers… or your phone!
EWT Supporters can now donate to the EWT quickly and safely, using SnapScan. All you need to do is:
1. Download the SnapScan application on your smartphone
2. Register with your details – this should take no more than a few minutes
3. Scan our EWT barcode to make your donation in the amount of your choice (be sure to choose
donation rather than e-shop from the dropdown menu) – you’ll be asked to enter your PIN so you know
the transaction is secure
It’s as easy as one-two-three! Once you’ve made your donation via SnapScan, you’ll get an SMS confirming the
transaction, and the EWT will be notified via SMS too. Supporting Conservation in Action couldn’t be simpler.
Physical Address: Building K2, Ardeer Road, Pinelands Office Park,
Modderfontein 1609, Gauteng, South Africa, Postal Address: Private Bag X 11, Modderfontein 1645, Gauteng, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 372 3600 Fax: +27 (0) 11 608 4682 NPO
1 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition
In a week characterised by a tornado in the western suburbs of If one doesn’t have that $123 billon, what does one do? Build taller
Gauteng, severe and mass flooding on the south coast and central buildings and stronger weirs? In order to avoid damage and mitigate
parts of Durban, sink holes, hail storms and yes, still drought in the risk, and to build resilience to increasingly severe natural disasters,
Western Cape, you may think that climate change is at the top of my natural infrastructure solutions are starting to become considered and
mind. But it isn’t. What strikes me most about the havoc that these implemented. Natural infrastructure refers to the use of planned and
events, and others such as Harvey in the USA have caused, was the managed natural or semi-natural systems, which provide benefits or
role that infrastructure played in it all. Let me explain. It is not the wind which may even replace a functionality that is traditionally provided
or the rain that killed or maimed anyone. It was the flying debris, the by grey infrastructures. These natural or ‘green’ infrastructures can
caving in rooves, the shattering glass, the car crashes on the roads include forests, estuaries, coastal landscapes and wetlands and
due to slippery conditions, faulty lights, poor visibility or the rising solutions may comprise coastal ecosystems like mangroves and coral
water from blocked storm water drains. It was the collapsing walls, the reefs for protection from storms; watershed restoration for water
washed away shacks in low-lying areas and the grounded rescue staff quality regulation; afforestation for carbon sequestration; habitat
who could not access roads or byways, that directly caused the deaths restoration or conservation for pollination; and phyto-remediation to
and injuries of these events. Modern infrastructure is vital to support rehabilitate contaminated soil and water (Business Line).
the economies and way of life that humanity has come to depend
on. Long gone are the days in which we made make-shift shelters out In the aftermath of the 2004 Asian Tsunami in which 230,000 people
of palm fronds and scrambled for the hills along with our feathered lost their lives, research was undertaken to understand the role
and furry friends, when tsunamis and stormy waters threatened our of natural intact mangroves in possibly reducing the impact of the
coastal hides. The very roads, railways, office blocks, warehouses, event. The Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Asia
fences, walls, sheds, parkades, and bridges that give life to much of
the modern world that humans have created, can also be responsible and the Pacific produced a report in 2007 in which they stated that
for taking it away when nature decides to demonstrate who is in fact “though coastal forests are only partially effective against flooding,
more powerful. particularly when caused by successive, non-breaking waves of long-
period tsunami, they greatly reduce impact forces and flow depths and
Modern infrastructure is not just a potential killer in times of extreme velocities, which in turn limits the extent of flooding. Nevertheless,
weather events, but for many species of birds, mammals, reptiles almost complete protection from impact damage of 6 – 7 meter waves
and amphibians – infrastructure like roads, fences and power lines can be achieved. It is even possible that a large, well-designed coastal
kills them every – come rain or shine. For too long, the impacts of an
forest could substantially mitigate the damage of a tsunami up to 8, or
artificial built environment have been overlooked, underreported and
poorly addressed despite the significant impacts on all forms of life that even 10 meters”. This work added to the growing body of knowledge
may suffer. Yes, it is true that in many instances, the extremity of the that indicates that it is denuded landscapes, over populated residential
weather events has increased, but this is not likely to remain the odd areas, poorly constructed and badly planned infrastructure as well
‘freak’ incident given future climate warnings. Modern infrastructure as lack of ongoing maintenance that is directly responsible for the
design must take into account a changing world, and a demanding significant losses of life and sky-high dollar estimates for reparations in
Mother Nature who simply won’t be ignored as we humans continue the event of natural disasters and weather events.
to re-engineer Her world without taking Her needs into account.
In this edition of Conservation Matters, we focus on built infrastructure
In the USA, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ produces a Report
and its direct impact on wildlife and our environment through roadkill,
Card every four years (infrastructurereportcard.org), describing the
power lines, buildings and industrial development. We also focus
condition and performance of American infrastructure in the form of a
on the solutions, and what the EWT is doing to create sustainable,
school report card and assigning grades based on the physical condition
effective adaptations that support the existence of wildlife in an
and investments required for improvement. To give just one example
increasingly modern, unnatural world. The context for our developing,
of what the 2017 report states, America has 614,387 bridges, almost
industrialised world will always be the natural world in which we live,
4% of which are 50 years or older and 9% of which were considered to
and we cannot ignore or attempt to override the power and force
be structurally deficient in 2016. More to the point, on average there
of Mother Nature. Only when we adapt our approaches towards
were 188 million trips made by human beings across a structurally
infrastructure build to accommodate, and integrate natural systems,
deficient bridge each day. South Africa does not produce any report
will we see the impact of extreme events less devastating for both
like this and in a country that is decorated with poor construction
human and wild life.
projects – rushed to address the targets of the Reconstruction and
Development Programme and National Development Plan, one As the annual December holidays in South Africa approach, I wish you
shudders at the thought how many millions of people are at risk of all a safe, happy, rested and peaceful time with your loved ones.
failing bridges, roads, dams, ports and so on. American bridges scored
a C- in 2017. The estimated cost of bridge rehabilitation in the USA sits Until next year
at around $123 billion.
Yolan
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 2
A powerful partnership • A total of 3,360 structures were insulated with Raptor Protectors
in the Free State and Eastern Cape Operating Units.
• The jumper wires were insulated on 1,119 structures in the Free
Kishaylin Chetty, Senior Environmental Advisor, Eskom Biodiversity State and Eastern Cape Operating Units.
Center of Excellence
• A total of 788 T-structures (all three conductors above the cross-
ChettyKC@eskom.co.za
arm on 22kV wood poles) were replaced with bird friendly de-
signs (design where the outer two conductors are suspended
Eskom is responsible for generating sufficient electricity supply to below the cross arm) in Eskom’s Eastern Cape, Free State, North-
meet the increasing power demands of South Africa. Interactions West and Northern Cape Operating Units.
between the resulting infrastructure and wildlife often lead to negative
• Eskom’s Limpopo Operating unit converted approximately 800
impacts to ecosystems and/or specific species. This in turn creates
existing poles from either staggered vertical design or T-Structure
operational, financial and reputational risks or challenges for Eskom.
design, to the bird friendly design.
The challenge for Eskom is to find the balance between the interests of
industry, the residential electrification programme, and the effective • A total of 1, 054 steel structures on 382km of 66kV and 132kV
use and conservation of resources. In view of the complexity, scope power lines were fitted with bird guards to prevent phase-to-
earth mortalities in ‘vulture sensitive’ areas in the Northern Cape
and persistence of the problem of interactions between wildlife
Operating Unit.
and Eskom infrastructure, Eskom and the Endangered Wildlife
Trust (EWT) formalised their long-standing relationship by entering • A total of 969 spans were fitted with bird flight diverters on 22kV-
into a partnership in 1996. The Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership 132kV networks in the Eastern Cape, Free State and North West
was established to address the potential problems in a systematic Operating Units.
manner from a national perspective, and to establish an integrated
management system to minimise these negative interactions.
The Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership has expanded to ensure
continuity of Eskom’s electricity supply, integration of biodiversity
into the business, and improvement of environmental compliance,
whilst reducing cost and environmental risk. The Eskom/EWT Strategic
Partnership provides strategic and operational guidance that enables
Eskom to effectively understand, identify and deliver plans to minimise
the impact of Eskom’s activities on ecosystems and where possible,
enhance biodiversity through responsible management practices.
Based on this, the objectives of the partnership are:
1. Assist with the mainstreaming of biodiversity into the Eskom
business, through specialist advice on latest trends, biodiversity
management practices, biodiversity networking and through in-
put into the Eskom Biodiversity Strategy.
2. Maintain, implement and regularly review the existing national
central incident register for all wildlife interactions.
3. Investigate reported wildlife interactions with Eskom infrastruc-
ture (including those on Eskom-owned properties).
4. Support with research on, and the design of, mitigation measures
to reduce negative wildlife interactions with all electrical infra-
structure, including renewable energy and impacts related to
business risks.
5. Raise awareness through effective communication amongst Es-
kom employees and the general public on the issue of wildlife
interactions.
6. Provide support through investigation and monitoring of Eskom
renewable energy projects.
The Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership continues to be of benefit to,
and valued by, both partners. Since its inception, the partnership has
built this specialised field worldwide, and remains a highly respected
and esteemed collaboration internationally, achieving its objectives
through a range of activities. The interventions and outcomes are
varied in nature and can only truly be appreciated when quantified.
Since March 2016:
• A total of 1,427 poles were mitigated as part of the bird un-friend-
ly wood pole replacement programme in Eskom’s Free State and
Eastern Cape Operating Units.
• Gaps were cut in the earth wire of 7,472 structures to prevent
phase-to-earth electrocutions in the Free State and Eastern Cape
Operating Units.
3 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition
The Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership is a great model for how industries and NGOs
can work together for the benefit of the environment. As the Eskom/EWT Strategic
Partnership has developed, so has the ability of Eskom changed from simply talking
about biodiversity towards mainstreaming biodiversity activities into the core Eskom
business as illustrated above. This has effectively enabled Eskom to be compliant to
relevant biodiversity legislation, ensure continuity of electricity supply to customers,
reduce overall business expenditure related to reduced line trips and hardware
damage, improve Eskom’s global corporate image, and enhance the livelihoods of
local communities within South Africa.
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 4
Endangered dolphins’ port Humpback Dolphins, whether it’s the large, slow cargo vessels or
the small, speedy ski-boats. Impacts are direct and indirect, such as
of call noise pollution, ship strikes (vessels and dolphins collide), fuel spillage
and the transport of marine and estuarine alien invasive species.
Every time any of these boats enter or leave the port (which happens
Dr. Shanan Atkins, Conserve Dolphins Project Executant countless times each day) they travel right through the middle of the
shananatkins@gmail.com dolphins’ core feeding area.
I am so lucky! It is my job to find and follow dolphins, to study their Noise is an important issue for Humpback Dolphins and a fascinating
behaviour to help figure out how best to conserve them. Richards Bay subject when considering the dolphins’ feeding behaviour. Analyses of
is a hotspot for Endangered Humpback Dolphins (Sousa plumbea) – stomach contents revealed that Humpback Dolphins’ most important
there is a relatively high density of dolphins overlapping with a high prey species are sounding-producing fish, like Grunters and Croakers
density of manmade threats – so it’s an important place to focus our (known locally as Kob). Given the low water visibility, passive listening
attention. for fish may be an important way for these dolphins to find a meal.
Noise is highly likely to affect the dolphins’ ability to detect and localise
The thing about studying dolphin behaviour at Richards Bay their prey. Noise also interferes with the dolphins’ own social signals
is that it is unusually difficult because the water is particularly and disrupts their behaviour.
brown. Underwater, it’s impossible to see much beyond your own
outstretched hand. But, as they are air-breathing mammals, they Boat traffic in South Africa is set to rise as ports and maritime
do have to come up to breathe so we rely on what we see at the infrastructure are viewed as key engines for economic growth. In fact,
surface to figure out what they’re doing underwater, out of sight. government has an aggressive plan for speeding up development,
When they are travelling, their surfacing patterns are regular in time known as Operation Phakisa, and phase one focuses on unlocking
and in space and generally the whole group surfaces in a consistent the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans. There are benefits
direction. Feeding dolphins’ surfacing patterns are irregular in time to growing volumes of cargo handling, shipping and support
and direction, their dives are often fast and steep and occasionally infrastructure, but conservationists will need to improve our grasp of
they leap out of the water; sometimes fish are seen at the surface the situation just as quickly to mitigate the environmental costs.
or in a dolphin’s mouth. Socialising dolphins also surface erratically,
often with obvious interactions between individuals and/or frequent
energetic displays, including leaps, somersaults, lob-tailing and
spy-hopping. Resting dolphins surface slowly and calmly;
dives are long but cover only a short distance and
often they go round in a circle.
We need to understand how they use the
Richards Bay coastline and which areas
are important for which activities. One
of our most important findings was
how critical the harbour mouth is
to dolphins as a feeding area. In
fact, the harbour mouth can be
considered a core feeding area, not
just for Humpback Dolphins that
are resident at Richards Bay; it’s
probably key habitat for the KwaZulu-
Natal population in general. We think
it could be a good spot because the
two long concrete breakwaters jut out
into the ocean, disrupting currents and
restricting the flow of water in and out of
the harbour. Such disruptions create eddies
and vortices which are particularly good foraging
sites for dolphins. However, this was probably a
good feeding site even before the breakwaters were
constructed because close by there is a persistent upwelling
of cold water that is particularly nutrient-rich.
The dolphins’ travel paths and feeding behaviour suggest that
feeding success inside the harbour is high too, which is really good The EWT began this process by publishing a technical paper titled
news, considering that the harbour is an industrialised estuary. In The potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on marineanimals
fact, estuarine ecologists are confident that the harbour still has a (which can be downloaded at www.ewt.org.za/sciencepubications).
good representation of natural habitat that is used by estuarine and Recently, we deployed a hydrophone (an underwater microphone) in
estuarine-dependent marine species, including the fish that comprise the Richards Bay harbour entrance to study the Humpback Dolphins’
Humpback Dolphin prey. acoustic behaviour. Fast-tracking investigation of mitigation strategies
is imperative.
Care will need to be taken to maintain this industrialised system as
a functioning ecosystem as there are many threats like boat traffic, In closing, there is good news. A positive impact of the harbour
dredging, poaching and pollution. Boat traffic is known to disturb infrastructure is the opportunity for people to get a little ‘offshore’.
5 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition
At the end of the northern breakwater, you
will find a dolphin viewing platform that
was built by the EWT thanks to support
from the Richards Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
and Portnet (now Transnet National Ports
Authority). This is probably the best place
in the whole of South Africa to see the
Endangered Humpback Dolphin, but you
have to be patient, observant … and lucky!
Many thanks to the project’s donors and
supporters: Kelly Legge Dolphin Fund,
Richards Bay Minerals, Elizabeth Wakeman
Henderson Charitable Foundation, National
Research Foundation, Iziko South African
Museum, Society for Dolphin Conservation
(Germany), and the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks
Board.
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 6
Will you brake for in the wider population. You can take part as many times as you like
during the month. A passenger should record the sightings and the
wildlife? survey’s perfect for those summer holiday getaways! Why not get the
whole family involved recording South African wildlife?
Wendy Collinson, Wildlife and Roads Project Executant How to send your sightings to us
WendyC@ewt.org.za Roadkill data can be emailed to: roads@ewt.org.za or submitted via
EWT’s Road Watch app. Visit the iTunes or Play store to download.
South Africa currently has a serious problem with regards to road- Further details can be found on the EWT website: www.ewt.org.za
related fatalities, and this epidemic is relevant to wildlife too.
Insurance claims suggest that approximately R82.5 million is paid each When reporting roadkill, the following information should be provided:
year against collisions with wild animals, though the costs to wildlife
of these collisions are never calculated. So what are the consequences • Location of roadkill (GPS coordinates);
for animals? The EWT is tackling this question and working to find
• Identification of species (as best as possible);
solutions to the problems associated with wildlife and transport
infrastructure • Date and time it was seen; and,
• Notes on the habitat type at the particular section of the route
Studying the complex relationships between roadways and the where the roadkill was located (e.g. riverine, grassland, rocky,
wetland, etc.) would also be useful.
natural systems they bisect, is the focus of road ecology of which the
Wildlife and Roads Project (WRP) has been at the forefront in South
Africa since 2011. The WRP has raised public awareness of its projects Good identification photos (particularly if the carcass is very squashed)
through media campaigns and engagement with South African road require a little bit of attention. Only stop and take a photo if it is safe to
management agencies. An increase in public awareness of roadkill has do so, then try and record the following:
led to an increase in the reporting of roadkill incidences contributing
to the development of a national database of roadkill occurrences. To • BIRDS: Tail and wing feathers; beak and feet (if the whole bird is
date there are over 16,000 roadkill data points for the country – an no longer there); and eye
increase of almost 7,000 since last year. This has enabled us to identify • REPTILES: Scales; head shape; foot shape (if applicable)
priority species and habitats most at risk from roads and initiate • AMPHIBIANS: foot shape(webbed); presence of warts;
research projects to investigate possible solutions. One of our main colouration around head and eye
projects is the ‘Roads in Parks’ project, which evolved as a result of • MAMMALS: fur/hair colour; body size; teeth type (carnivore or
public concern and reporting of wildlife killed on roads in protected herbivore)
areas. We have launched a driver awareness campaign in Pilanesberg
and Kruger National Parks, aimed at changing driver behaviour. Your support will help us to protect our wildlife. Please don’t ever put
your own lives at risk in an attempt to provide information; always
As you take your year-end break, why not join our Brake for Wildlife consider your safety and please do not use your phone while driving.
survey? Will you help make a difference on our country’s roads?
December sees the start of Brake for Wildlife, our nationwide survey
of roadkill sightings on South African roads. We’re inviting you to add This work is made possible by Bridgestone SA, Ford Wildlife Foundation,
your sightings to help us find out crucial information about the status North West Parks Tourism Board, Pilanesberg National Park, SANParks,
of our wildlife. Copenhagen Zoo, Mikros Traffic Monitoring, N3 Toll Concession (RF)
Proprietary Limited, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concession, TRAC N4
How does the survey work?
We want to know about your route and what you see along the way.
This information will be compared year to year, alerting us to changes
7 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition
Ford Wildlife Foundation keeps
conservation on the road
Belinda Glenn, Marketing and Communications Manager
BelindaG@ewt.org.za
At a recent function in the EWT-managed Modderfontein Reserve, the Ford Wildlife
Foundation (FWF) handed over a new Ford Ranger to the EWT’s Wildlife and Roads Project, which aims to reduce the impacts of roads
on wildlife, particularly roadkill rates in South Africa’s protected areas. The handover forms part of Ford Motor Company of Southern
Africa’s (FMCSA) commitment to the conservation and preservation of the environment in sub-Saharan Africa.
Work conducted by the EWT suggests that roadkill rates in South Africa’s protected areas are substantially higher than in protected
areas in other parts of the world, and with tourism expected to grow significantly by 2020, the road networks in protected areas will
be placed under increasing pressure to meet the associated demands. Striking a balance between the need for an efficient transport
network to support tourism in protected areas and the need to conserve wildlife is therefore a challenge.
The Wildlife and Roads Project team will benefit enormously from the use of the Ford Ranger since they are active on all roads in the
country – from protected areas to regional and national highways – and the enormous amount of traveling that they do has often
been problematic in the past due to the lack of a project vehicle. Being a part of FWF will allow them more freedom to expand their
projects, with a reliable vehicle.
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 8
Keeping toads off the
roads in Noordhoek, Cape
Town: When residents take
matters into their own
hands
Alison Faraday, ToadNUTS Coordinator
alison@leopardstone.co.za
The Western Leopard Toad (Schlerophrys pantherina) is found on the
south coast in the Western Cape, South Africa. Historically found in
sand fynbos areas and breeding in low-lying fresh water ponds, much
of the species’ habitat has been converted into gardens, homes and Toad NUTS has been training volunteers to rescue and record all toads
the roads that go along with these. Thankfully, the toads have adapted found on roads during the migration period, and the results from the
well to living in gardens, but vehicle-related deaths are one of the main first five breeding migrations of 2008-2012 showed a high level of
threats facing these toads. Most known breeding sites are situated roadkill* (Table 1):
on private land, and only a few are on public land. This means that * Roadkill percentage is calculated as the number of toad
the fate of this Endangered species (listed by the IUCN in 2004, 2010 observations which were dead. It is not an indication of population
and again in 2016) lies largely in the hands of residents and private size.
landowners. To secure a future for the toads, it is essential that the
public be empowered to conserve this beautiful animal. TABLE 1: Number of alive and dead toads on roads in Noordhoek
from 2008 to 2012 (before barrier)
Number of toad
observations ALIVE DEAD TOTAL % DEAD
On road
On road
On road
On road
Year
2008 166 62 228 27%
2009 140 33 173 19%
2010 325 80 405 20%
2011 298 73 371 20%
2012 362 111 473 24%
Average percentage dead 22%
Due to the particularly high number of toads being killed on one stretch
of the very busy Noordhoek Main Road, Toad NUTS pioneered a drift
net and pitfall trap system part way through the 2013 breeding season,
which was funded by the EWT.
The decrease in roadkill was immediate on this stretch of road during
Since 2007, Alison Faraday and Suzie J’kul have been working to save 2013 (Table 2). This indicates that the roadkill percentage dropped to
the Western Leopard Toad from local extinction by educating the 0% on this stretch of road once the barrier had been erected.
public and involving residents in conservation initiatives. In 2008, the
volunteer group Toad NUTS (Noordhoek’s Unpaid Toad Savers) was TABLE 2: Number of alive and dead toads on roads in Noordhoek in
formed with approximately 20 passionate residents. Their mission is 2013 (introduction of barrier)
to reduce the number of toads killed on local roads during the winter NOORDHOEK BARRIER
migration that takes place between mid-July and mid-September each
year. Number of Toads Alive Dead Total % Dead
Total before Barrier 51 19 70 27%
During this period, hundreds of Western Leopard Toads make their way
Total after Barrier 88 0 88 0%
from local gardens to breeding ponds on the other side of many roads,
making the toads’ migration extremely hazardous. TOTAL BEFORE & AFTER 139 19 158 12%
9 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionThe barrier’s reduction of roadkill impacted on the overall percentage of dead toads found on the roads for Noordhoek, dropping this from 23.5%
in 2012 to 17.6% in 2013 (Table 3).
TABLE 3: Number of alive and dead toads on roads in Noordhoek from 2013 to 2017 (including barrier)
Number of toad observations ALIVE DEAD TOTAL % DEAD
Year On road/barrier On road On road/barrier On road
2013 incl behind barrier 605 129 734 18%
2014 incl behind barrier 419 101 520 19%
2015 incl behind barriers 473 79 552 14%
2016 incl behind barriers 584 92 676 14%
2017 incl behind barriers 657 75 732 10%
It would seem from the steady reduction in roadkill over the last five addition, the number of toads found on the road during the migration
years that the barrier and bucket system on Noordhoek Main Road season may not be related to the total number of toads in the
(and from 2015 on Silvermine Road) has been effective. However, the overall population.
number of toads found behind the barriers has been declining each
year, particularly on the Noordhoek Main Road section (Table 4). Knowing how many animals make up a breeding population of Western
Leopard Toads is of fundamental importance to almost every conservation
decision going forward. No studies have been conducted to date to
TABLE 4: Total number of toads found behind barriers in Noordhoek determine current population numbers of these toads. Although
from 2013 to 2017 volunteer patrols have recorded observations of toads on roads since
NOORDHOEK BARRIERS 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008, these numbers do not indicate the total numbers of toads
(i.e. toads may be counted twice or more as they go to and from the
Noordhoek Main Rd 158 143 84 31 32 ponds). A robust population estimate is therefore urgently needed to
Silvermine Rd N/A N/A 22 58 15 obtain baseline data on population size. The next step is therefore to
Total 158 143 106 89 47 initiate a study using photo recognition of individuals to estimate
population sizes, and determine survival rates of offspring and trends
in the population over time. We hope to see survival rates increas-
Going forward Toad NUTS needs to consider the following factors:
ing as a result of volunteer efforts. Based on mortality numbers from
road counts, we can conduct comparative studies to estimate what
• What could be causing the numbers of toads caught at the barrier proportion of mortality is attributable to road deaths, and whether
to drop? Are the barriers themselves creating a problem for the this contributes a significant proportion of the estimated mortality, or
migrating toads? Or, are these just natural year-to-year fluctuations whether it could come from other unknown causes.
in the number of toads migrating to these ponds? Or, is this influenced
by other external factors? Development of concise conservation action for the Western Leopard
Toad, in collaboration with researchers, the City of Cape Town, the
• What is the total number of toads making up the population in
volunteer groups, members of the public and the EWT is crucial for
Noordhoek? Although the numbers of toads seem to be increasing
ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic species.
from 2008 to 2017, this could be due to better toad movement
predictions (i.e. weather-related) and better trained patrollers. In
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 10Going above and beyond In the interim, the two juvenile Blue Cranes were examined by the vet,
who said that the wings were badly broken and not much could be
Ronelle Visagie, Wildlife and Energy Programme Field Officer done to help them from a medical perspective. If these juveniles had
RonelleV@ewt.org.za been returned to their parents, the parents would also be negatively
affected as they would continue to take care of their chicks and refuse
In August, I was driving between Richmond and Middelburg in the to take flight. With this in mind, the decision was made to take the
Eastern Cape, and spotted a juvenile Blue Crane with a broken wing in injured birds to my rehabilitation centre in De Aar, where they have
a camp next to the road. I realised that a mid-flight collision with the now settled in to a life of luxury, and are well fed and safe from
telephone line between the road and the two dams in the area could predators. The adults are also now free to fly again, and the risk of the
be the only reason why the crane had been injured. telephone line has been eliminated.
I returned the next day and found that there were two juveniles with
broken wings. Of course, I had to take action, and caught the birds,
stabilised their wings, and drove them to a nearby vet. The two juveniles
were believed to be the chicks of the adult pair that was found walking
with them, and were older than one year as they were calling like adult
Blue Cranes. Their feathers were also in a very poor state from walking
through the shrubs and bushes. One of the juveniles was very lean,
and it was apparent that the bird had been suffering with the injury
for some time.
Telkom was approached regarding the incident and confirmed that the
line was no longer in use. Unfortunately, they didn`t have the resources
to remove the line but they agreed that I could do so myself. Ten days
later, I returned with my husband, two volunteers and a chainsaw!
More than a kilometre of line was taken down adjacent to the two
dams where an estimated 200 Blue Cranes were roosting.
11 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionHelping Eskom to work gives information surrounding the population trends of the species, a
description of the bird and its collision and electrocution risks.
BirdSmart Our training project, Wildlife & Power Line Interaction Training, forms
a significant aspect of our work that aims to raise environmental
Amos Letsoalo, Wildlife and Energy Programme, Senior Field Officer awareness amongst Eskom staff and introduce the participants to
AmosL@ewt.org.za the various interactions between Eskom infrastructures and wildlife.
This training has equipped a large portion of Eskom field staff with the
The BirdSmart campaign was designed by the Wildlife and Energy conservation knowledge required to identify and report incidents to
Programme and Eskom to increase awareness surrounding specific the EWT.
bird species that are most at risk of collisions and electrocutions on
electrical infrastructure, and how to effectively mitigate against these Over the last year, 86 training sessions were completed, attended by
threats. The nine Eskom Operating Units, situated in each of the a total of 1,455
country’s nine provinces, have each been allocated five priority species. Eskom employees
Priority species were selected based on historic incidents, distribution and 18 Eskom
range as well as their conservation status. Next, informative posters contractors.
were created for each of these species. For example, the Martial Eagle
poster, a top priority species for the Northern Cape Operating Unit,
Why did the monkey cross forest fragment to another: this can then result in their deaths. Bibi
and her team have 18 recorded mortalities to date, with two occasions
the road? where infants were orphaned and had to be taken to a rehabilitation
centre.
Wendy Collinson, Wildlife and Roads Project Executant In April 2015, with the support of the EWT and Lajuma Research Centre,
WendyC@ewt.org.za Bibi began a project to prevent Samango Monkey road fatalities, and
designed and installed experimental canopy bridges on private roads
Would you cross a busy road, knowing that you might not make it suited specifically for the monkeys. From experimental bridge designs,
safely across? Unlikely. So why does the Samango Monkey do it? The they learned that Samango Monkeys prefer using rigid pole bridges
EWT and Lajuma Research Centre are working together to establish rather than flexible rope bridges. They also found that Samangos were
the answer to this question, and to provide a solution to the problem most likely to use the bridges when they had a partially closed forest
of Samango Monkey roadkill. canopy above.
According to Bibi Linden, the Project Coordinator of the Samango The research team is entering the final phase of the bridge testing
Monkey Roadkill Mitigation Project, there have been regular road component of the project. A systematic camera trap survey on the
fatalities of Samango Monkeys on a particular stretch of road along ‘monkey bridges’ showed that other species will utilise the bridges too.
the eastern Soutpansberg in northern Limpopo Province. This special These cameras picked up the other four South African primate species
monkey is listed as Vulnerable in South Africa, and is considered a rare (baboon, Vervet Monkeys, Lesser and Greater Bushbabies) as well as
species as it inhabits South Africa’s smallest and most fragmented Rock Hyrax, Gambian Giant Rat and a Dwarf Gecko, all using the bridge
biome, indigenous high canopy forest. As an arboreal (tree-dwelling) to cross through the tree canopies. They also recorded three raptor
species, the monkeys rely on tree canopies to move about their home species utilising the canopy bridges as perches, which is of interest
range. Roads will often bisect their ranges, with their vital habitat – as the raptors could prevent small mammal and reptile species from
the tree canopy – being removed over roads to allow easy and safe using the bridges.
passage for vehicles. This is often to the detriment of the monkey’s
habitat, fragmenting it, resulting in the monkeys having no choice but With the camera trap survey completed and almost a year’s worth of
to come down from the trees and cross the roads to move from one behavioural data of Samango Monkeys crossing the bridges, Bibi and
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 12her team are now analysing the data and preparing it for scientific
publication, with a further aim to create Primate Canopy Overpass
Guidelines for conservation and management use.
The next phase of the project will focus on more awareness work in
rural areas where the actual road fatalities are occurring, including the
design and printing of brochures and posters and their distribution.
For the prototype bridge to be built on Lajuma, Bibi is still seeking an
enthusiastic engineering student or graduate who would like to put
their skills to use for conservation.
The Samango Monkey Roadkill Mitigation Project is a first for South
Africa, and the use of bridges over roads is a cost-effective method of
preventing arboreal species from becoming roadkill.
The EWT is continuing its work to help prevent roadkill of all species by
gathering data from across the country. We are calling on members of
the public to assist us through being our watchdogs on the roads. If you
find an animal on the road, dead or alive, please send us a photograph,
the location (preferably GPS coordinates) and road name, to roads@
ewt.org.za. If you find an injured animal, it can still be saved by taking
it to your local veterinarian.
Together, we can make a difference on our country’s roads – will you
help?
The EWT’s Wildlife and Roads Project is supported by Bridgestone SA,
N3 Toll Concession, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concession and TRAC
N4.
Colobus monkey bridge over Diani road near Ukuinda Kenya South Coast | @Coastweek
13 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionNocturnal movements of influence the decision to fly at night. So, we are still not sure what
prompts flamingos to undertake these long distance movements
Lesser Flamingos between waterbodies, but are hopeful that further analysis of the
environmental conditions at the time that they set off will help us to
solve the mystery.
Matt Pretorius, Wildlife and Energy Programme Senior Field Officer
MatthewP@ewt.org.za An even more significant result of the project has been the recording
of some interesting dispersal movements. Astonishingly, we recorded
In 2016, the EWT’s Wildlife and Energy Programme, in collaboration non-stop flights of close to 1,000 km on two separate occasions.
with Eskom Research, Testing and Development, started a new The first was of Lesser Flamingo no. 2, which flew to the island of
project focused on tracking the movements of Lesser Flamingos Madagascar, crossing the Mozambican Channel. The second, more
(Phoeniconaias minor) in South Africa. The project was initiated in recent event, was recorded by Flamingo no. 12, which flew north
response to recurring collision mortalities with power lines previously from Kamfer’s Dam near Kimberley to Sua Pan in the Makgadikgadi
marked with conventional bird flappers. We wanted to find out (Botswana) in one night!
whether the flamingos are unable to see these devices due to the fact
that they fly at night. To test this theory, twelve Lesser Flamingos were We are accumulating a significant amount of GPS fixes, however
fitted with GPS-GSM satellite transmitters in order to investigate their flightpaths between different waterbodies are relatively few and we
spatial ecology and, in particular, the prevalence of nocturnal activity. need to record many more in order to be able to identify the most
appropriate sections of power lines within their range that require
Initial results revealed a significant difference between nocturnal specific mitigation using a nocturnal bird flight diverter. Such a diverter
vs diurnal flight frequency and average distance travelled (Figure 1). already exists in the form of the ‘OWL’ device; a solar-powered diverter
This adds support to previously held sentiments that these birds fly equipped with flashing LED lights that improve the visibility of a power
predominantly at night, and explains the reoccurrence of collision line to birds flying at night. Our Lesser Flamingo tracking project will
mortalities where power lines have previously been marked with thus inform future pro-active power line marking with these OWL
conventional bird flappers. Looking at nocturnal flights only, there was devices.
no difference in the frequency of flights in periods of different moon
phase, meaning the amount of available ambient light should not
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 14Making a difference in a teacher at the local primary school, and now as an Advanced Mind
Moves Instructor. Training of educators forms a key component of the
local communities project, and all 13 pre-school to Grade 7 teachers from the local school
participated. Additional community members, including the local
clinic and EWT staff, also received training. Following the launch of the
Bonnie Schumann, Drylands Conservation Programme Senior Field Clever Rabbit Project, Nicolette arranged a meeting with parents of the
Officer, and Esther Matthew, Drylands Conservation Programme Grade 1 and 2 learners. The meeting involved an introduction to the
Field Officer Mind Moves project and provided the parents with an opportunity to
BonnieS@ewt.org.za and EstherM@ewt.org.za consent to their child’s participation. The parents were also trained on
how to do a few basic Mind Moves exercises with their children before
The EWT’s Dryland Conservation Programme (DCP) has undertaken sending them to school. Following this event, Nicolette assessed 90
two very exciting new initiatives that will provide support to the Grade 1 and 2 learners to identify learners with disabilities at the
communities where much of our work with the Critically Endangered school, using the aptitude test for school beginners from the Human
Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) take place. Sciences Research Council for this initial assessment. The aim of this
project is to see if the Mind Moves exercises can improve the learning
The first of these sees the team working with the Mind Moves Institute abilities of children with a range of learning disabilities.
to support children with learning disabilities in Loxton. The Clever
Rabbit Project came about as a result of the regular environmental This project is funded by Rand Merchant Bank as part of their initiative
education programmes the DCP conducts at the local school in Loxton. to support communities with disabilities. For more information please
While conducting monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the visit https://www.mindmoves.co.za/
education on children’s knowledge, the EWT staff realised that there
was a problem with many of the childrens’ ability to comprehend and The second community project is known as the Blacksheep Project,
retain information exchanged at these events. In addition, there have and is part of a needs assessment process aimed at investigating
been numerous examples of children in Loxton killing wildlife in and opportunities for integrating conservation needs with those of
around town, including mountain tortoises and owls. Despite growing agriculture in the resettled farming landscape. The project name
up on farms, these children do not seem to know how to behave “Blacksheep” refers to standing out from the crowd and points
around wildlife or domestic pets. Consultation with experts pointed to to a creative and innovative solution. Following on from an initial
the fact that there is a fundamental problem with the children in terms immersion process, during which two sociology students spent
of compassion and understanding consequences of their decisions, and a week with emerging farmers in the Krom River area, the team
knowing right from wrong. This can be traced to learning disabilities, recently hosted a follow-up workshop in the area. The workshop
and childhood developmental problems. These are also rooted in was ably facilitated by Malinda Gardiner (Conservation South Africa)
the very difficult social circumstances the children grow up in, which who has vast experience in implementing biodiversity stewardship in
often include abusive situations and neglect. Mind Moves is one the the communal farming sector in the Kamieskroon area. Twenty-two
few forms of therapy that can address learning disabilities and the stakeholders attended the workshop, providing valuable insight into
decision-making capacity of children. Understanding right from wrong what they view as challenges, as well as exploring a range of possible
and the consequences of their actions are addressed during therapy solutions. Represented at the workshop were emerging farmers,
sessions. If children are going to be responsible custodians of wildlife farmworkers, conservationists, a sociologist, a commercial farmer and
and compassionate pet owners, this behaviour needs to be instilled at government officials.
a young age. As conservationists, we live and work in communities. We
believe that identifying needs and taking steps to address these where This project is supported by the First Rand Foundation as part of their
possible builds our support base and invests in the future. initiative to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges
in the agricultural landscape.
The Clever Rabbit Project is headed up by Nicolette van den Heever,
who has been part of the Loxton community for many years, first as
Blacksheep Project workshop participants.
15 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionThe tourism potential of South Africa has a network of national and provincial parks that
represent the wide variety of amazing animals and beautiful landscapes
frogs in South Africa in our country, including an incredible diversity of frog species and
frogging tourism may be the novel approach we need to generate
income while promoting amphibian conservation and expanding public
Zoëgné du Preez, MSc Student, North-West University knowledge about frogs and the threats that amphibians are facing. As
dupreezzoegne@gmail.com part of my student agreement with the EWT, I decided to embark on a
project to find out more.
Although they may be small, and often heard more than they are seen,
amphibians play a crucial role in ecosystems. Sadly, both environmental Since amphibians are generally not as popular as other species that
and human threats are causing unprecedented losses of these special tourists want to tick off their must-see lists, like large carnivores or
creatures around the world. Conservationists are trying many tactics birds, a novel approach is required. One of the main goals of the project
to stop these losses in their tracks, including some that are more novel is therefore to formulate training guides that will provide detailed
than others. descriptions of the frogs that can be found in the various parks, how
to find them, and how to identify them correctly. Tips will be provided
One of the possible ways in which the protection of amphibians can on how to search for frogs, such as nocturnal surveys, and the dos and
be enhanced is through the ecotourism industry. Worldwide there don’ts of “frogging” when visiting nature sites.
has been a tremendous growth in nature-based tourism over the
last decade. South Africa’s fauna and flora is rich and diverse, and This project aims to stimulate a new form of nature-based tourism that
has contributed to a continuous increase in tourists to South Africa. centres around some of the most Endangered, most colourful, most
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), elusive and most important wildlife species on the world! Anyone with
in 2016, South Africa hosted over 10 million foreign tourists, of which past frogging ecotourism experience who would like to share ideas, is
2.5 million were overseas visitors and 7.5 million were visitors from invited to contact me by emailing dupreezzoegne@gmail.com
other African countries. Statistics from 2015 demonstrate that over 1.3
million of the visitors that came to South Africa visited nature-based
destinations during their trip and 33% of the trips made by domestic
tourists (South African citizens) are to visit nature-based destinations.
Site guide students listening for frogs at a wetland in Adams Mission
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 16Protecting the dogs that protected from carnivores which in turn results in these carnivores
being protected from persecution. Keeping these dogs healthy is
keep our carnivores safe paramount and preventing diseases spread by ticks and fleas plays
an integral part in their health and wellbeing. We sponsor each of
MSD Animal Health is one of the world’s leading animal health the dogs in their first year of placement on a farm with Bravecto. This
companies. Our company is dedicated to the research, development, not only ensures that they are continuously protected against ticks
production and marketing of innovative, high quality animal health and fleas but it offers the farmer the convenience of only needing to
products and feed additives spanning across all animal species have them treated four times a year, as a single Bravecto chew will
groups. We are probably best known to the pet owner for our provide tick, flea and mange protection for 12 weeks. As Bravecto
product, Bravecto, the innovative tasty chew that protects dogs from works from the inside out it also doesn’t matter if the dogs cool off
ticks, fleas and mites for 12 weeks! with a swim in a dam or get caught in the rain, because they will still
be protected against ticks and fleas for the full 12 weeks.
We believe strongly in supporting extraordinary partnerships
between dogs, their owners and the environment, which is why we BRAVECTO Reg No G4083 (Act 36/1947) | Contains minimum 25 mg
jumped at the opportunity to partner with the EWT and its Livestock Fluralaner per kg body weight. For more information on Bravecto
Guardian Dog Project as one of our focus projects. We understand visit www.bravecto.co.za or find us on Facebook at Bravecto South
the critical role that these dogs play in ensuring that livestock is Africa.
17 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionDr Andrew Taylor, supplied to a legal market is, therefore, an important consideration in
Wildlife in Trade Programme Wildlife Ranching Project Officer assessing the viability of trade but, to date, there have been no formal
andrewt@ewt.org.za estimates for this quantity. In an attempt to fill this gap in knowledge,
and in the interests of using a scientific approach to inform decisions
The Endangered Wildlife Trust regularly publishes the results of our regarding the feasibility of legalising trade, conservation biologists from
conservation science research in scientific journals, so that our work the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) have worked with colleagues from
can contribute to a growing body of knowledge on conservation other conservation organisations to publish an estimate of sustainable
science. Here we highlight our most recent scientific publications and rhino horn production in the journal Biological Conservation.
other important science-related news.
Taking into account uncertainty surrounding rhino population sizes,
Sustainable rhino horn production at the pointy mortality rates, horn growth rates and attitudes of private rhino owners
to legalising trade (amongst other things), we estimated that anything
end of the rhino horn trade debate between 5,319 and13,356 kg of rhino horn could be produced in South
Poaching for horn is an ongoing threat to global rhino populations, Africa over one year at current rhino population levels under various
with South Africa bearing the brunt of this criminal activity over the management scenarios. In comparison to the amount of horn that
last decade. The number of rhinos killed illegally across the country is thought to be leaving Africa and entering the black market every
has exceeded 1,000 animals each year for the last three years, and this year (~5,346 kg), the lowest estimate of horn production results in a
trend looks set to continue as 2017 draws to a close. shortfall of about 30 kg, while the upper estimate, which
includes a supply of horn from state and private
Anti-rhino poaching law enforcement has expanded massively stockpiles, results in a considerable surplus. The
during this poaching crisis, with associated increases in spending and amount of rhino horn leaving South Africa illegally
allocation of resources to security. While this has increased the risk of every year is not however, an indication of the
capture for poachers and prevented the total annihilation of our rhino potential size of the consumer market, which may
populations, it has not reduced the involvement of organised crime in in fact be considerably bigger if rhino horn was
the illegal trade of rhino horn. For that to happen, the financial rewards legally available. It is therefore not reasonable to
from selling horn illegally need to decrease substantially. Two different assume that the potential supply of rhino horn
approaches have been proposed to achieve this, namely demand can meet potential demand.
reduction (which would decrease the overall number of people who
wish to buy horn), and the creation of a legal market (which would We wish to emphasise that this estimate
theoretically attract buyers away from the illegal market, making it provides just one piece of a large body of
harder to sell poached horn). evidence that will be necessary to determine if
legal trade is viable; it is not sufficient on its own
While the idea of a legal trade in rhino horn is not to demonstrate viability. There are some critical
new, it is controversial for a variety of reasons. unknown factors in the market dynamics of rhino
One area of contention is the potential risk horn that confound our attempts to estimate the
that a legal trade would lead to an increase extent of potential continued demand for horn
in market size, which might exacerbate the under a future legal trading regime. For example,
poaching crisis if there is insufficient horn we do not know how much horn is being used
to meet the demand through legitimate for medicinal purposes versus how much is being
pathways. Knowing how much horn could be stockpiled, which could impact heavily on demand
patterns. We also do not know how consumer
demand will be affected by legalising rhino horn
purchase and making it socially acceptable, which
may once again affect the levels of demand and user
patterns. We do not understand the price elasticity
of demand for rhino horn which means that demand
for rhino horn may increase or decrease depending
on the prices, sources of rhino horn and legal regime.
Importantly, we do not know if users will want horn from
rhino that are farmed in captivity versus horn from wild
rhino. We are pleased to be able to contribute one piece of
scientifically sound information that may inform the debate
but it is also our opinion that more research is required to
assess the likely outcomes of legalising trade.
Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure Edition 18Your next stay in Sandton could support
the EWT
Signature Lux Hotels opened their first hotel in June 2017,
located in the heart of the Golden Mile, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Signature Lux Hotels are embracing an exciting, modern, creative,
eco-friendly and innovative room space, delivering high-quality
bedrooms with four-star finishes, and providing an exceptional
sleep experience while catering to the connected age. The
progressive hotel chain is targeting tech-savvy millennials and
business travellers who value the freedom to travel.
The Signature Lux Hotel experience offers guests exclusive services, including a fully integrated app, which offers more than just a
booking function. Your entire hotel visit is controlled at your fingertips. After your first stay, check in remotely from any location
and your cell phone doubles up as your room key. Signature Lux offer a 24-hour hassle free, self-service check-in kiosk, automated
housekeeping, internal Wi-Fi calling and built in “call-a-cab” service.
Their first property in Sandton is located 30 steps to Nelson Mandela Square, 300 steps to the Sandton Convention Centre and 230
steps to the Gautrain station. This sought after property will also be the most “Instagrammable” building in the city with wildlife murals
painted by Faith47.com.
Signature Lux has formed a partnership with the EWT and is donating R5 for each room night sold.
Constant Hoogstad –
Senior Manager:
Industry Partnerships
We caught up with Constant Hoogstad, who was recently promoted
to Senior Manager: Industry Partnerships after three years managing
the Wildlife and Energy Programme. Constant is a born and raised
Johannesburg man, and attended Rand Afrikaans University (RAU –
today the University of Johannesburg) where he completed a Bachelor
of Commerce in Law and represented RAU in both rugby and cricket.
Always having a love for the bush, he then completed FGASA and
associated training courses and pursued a career in guiding at Edeni
Lodge, Karongwe Private Game Reserve. He later moved into wildlife
research, where he conducted research on all the large carnivores and
ultimately became reserve manager. After managing some other game
reserves across South Africa, Constant ended up back in Johannesburg,
and joined the EWT in 2010. He is currently studying Strategic Business
Management through the University of Cape Town, and has been
married to Samantha, who is from the UK, since 2010. They have an
18-month-old son named Bastiaan.
Constant’s new role as Senior Manager: Industry Partnerships sees
him taking responsibility for directing, overseeing and providing
19 Conservation Matters - Issue 6: The Industry and Infrastructure EditionYou can also read
