Urgent - Prevent cruel poaching of rare wildlife

We have been pleased to recently obtain a drone (DJI mini 3 Pro) that has enabled us to improve the surveillance of our Nature Reserve.

This long-awaited support system is greatly appreciated and it has only been possible to acquire this drone due to the help of those that care and also from Project of the Month support. 

We are able to capture the whole fence line and observe any suspicious findings. We have a rapid response by our security and should it be necessary we are able to bring in further help.

One of our security night watchmen has moved on and he has been replaced by a very capable young man who has been enthusiastic and very reliable. A must for keeping our precious wild safe. 

Although Covid has passed by thankfully, there is still an aftermath with people in need. Recently we have encouraged support for underprivileged persons in our nearest village, Hluhluwe KZN and our most generous community have set up a soup kitchen to supply meals for the needy. As food insecurity leads to poaching this initiative should be expanded to other areas.

It is not only the wild that is affected, but critically rare trees are also sought for their medicinal benefits, the bark is removed from trees, or pieces of plants are taken. Limited use is sustainable but often unqualified persons collect (poach) for these products and because they are not aware of the damage that can be done, it has to be prevented. Qualified nyanga (herbalists) would remove small pieces of bark in a sustainable manner, but if unqualified persons serving a commercial market,  overdo the process, a debarking of the circumference of the area can occur and kill the tree. 

All species are at risk including tortoises, snakes, mammals and so much more, so our work to keep our Nature Reserve safe forms a foundation of commitment. 

We would like to thank each and every donor for your support as without you we would not be able to achieve all that we do, to keep our Nature Reserve and its biodiversity intact! 

With heartfelt thanks

Janet Cuthbertson. 

Our gratitude to all who support our most critical work to prevent poaching is truly sincere! Thank you.

Each time we are able to prevent an animal from being snared is to us and of course, to all the wild, a great victory, but it's even more than that: It is also one of the most humane things we could do with our time and passion for wild, as the suffering of an animal that has been snared, is too dreadful to contemplate. But thankfully with careful monitoring, guarding, and surveillance, their protection is possible. This is the reason why your support is so important!

Last week our Night Guard reported that someone had entered the property and moved along the fenceline, jumped over to the neighboring property, and that this intruder headed out through another property. Early the next morning our day guards patroled with this in mind, seeking out any signs of poaching, such as new human footprints, pathways marked, and the twine that is left behind should a snare be removed from where it was hung - and of course snares themselves, if left behind.

The horrible risk that was encountered was that a whole line of snares had been set, but most were removed by the poacher who was interrupted, except the few that were then found. The snares were confiscated and added to our pile of other snares retrieved during the past years. We were pleased!  Our wild was once again protected. 

During the April holiday (long weekend) the risk is again high. We have therefore employed another wildlife guard who will be assisting during some day patrols and alternating with helping during night patrols. This has been one of the most comforting steps we have taken this year as we are always critically aware of the risks that our wild experiences during holiday times.

As a slightly different benefit, we are pleased that the income the young conservationist will earn will be appreciated as his family will also benefit from the income he earns for his work. 

Thank you once again for helping us prevent suffering by keeping our Wild and all the biodiversity safe.