Rare wild cattle herded in Cambodia by helicopter
PHNOM PENH - A helicopter successfully herded 16 critically endangered banteng onto a truck in Cambodia for the first time, conservationists said, marking a "significant achievement" in a country with high rates of deforestation.
Banteng are a type of wild cattle native to Southeast Asia and listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of threatened species.
Their natural habitat is forests and grasslands, but only a few thousand remain in the wild and they are mostly threatened by hunting, logging and industry.
Cambodia has lost around 33 percent of its tree cover since 2000, according to Global Forest Watch, as the government allows firms to clear vast tracts of land -- including in protected zones.
Conservation groups Rising Phoenix and Siem Pang said that 16 banteng found in the wild were herded over three days last week through a "mass-capture funnel trap" onto a truck before being relocated to a wildlife sanctuary.
For the first time, a helicopter was used to guide them through the funnel.
The operation took place in Siem Pang in northeastern Cambodia.
The conservation groups said that the method "opens the way for further such operations to relocate Banteng trapped in isolated forest patches elsewhere in the country".
They added that the banteng will be monitored and protected at the Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
25-05-2025
- eNCA
Rare wild cattle herded in Cambodia by helicopter
PHNOM PENH - A helicopter successfully herded 16 critically endangered banteng onto a truck in Cambodia for the first time, conservationists said, marking a "significant achievement" in a country with high rates of deforestation. Banteng are a type of wild cattle native to Southeast Asia and listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of threatened species. Their natural habitat is forests and grasslands, but only a few thousand remain in the wild and they are mostly threatened by hunting, logging and industry. Cambodia has lost around 33 percent of its tree cover since 2000, according to Global Forest Watch, as the government allows firms to clear vast tracts of land -- including in protected zones. Conservation groups Rising Phoenix and Siem Pang said that 16 banteng found in the wild were herded over three days last week through a "mass-capture funnel trap" onto a truck before being relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. For the first time, a helicopter was used to guide them through the funnel. The operation took place in Siem Pang in northeastern Cambodia. The conservation groups said that the method "opens the way for further such operations to relocate Banteng trapped in isolated forest patches elsewhere in the country". They added that the banteng will be monitored and protected at the Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- The Citizen
The fight to save the penguins
SANParks manages three of the last remaining colonies of penguins in South Africa. African Penguins walk on the beach at the Boulders penguin colony, which is a popular tourist destination, in Simon's Town, near in Cape Town, on November 1, 2024. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has changed the African Penguin from Endangered to Critically Endangered. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) Managing the last remaining colonies of penguins in the country, the SA National Parks (SANParks) has committed to wage a concerted effort to stabilise and increase the species population. In marking World Penguin Day on Friday, SANParks said it wanted to grow and preserve the iconic seabird for future generations, steering it away from being on the brink of extinction. The special day is celebrated annually on 25 April to highlight the unique characteristics and conservation challenges faced by the penguin species globally. SANParks manages three of the last remaining colonies of penguins in South Africa. Two of these, consisting of about 3 000 breeding pairs, are found in the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area, at the St Croix and Bird Islands. According to SANParks head of communications JP Louw, the biodiversity management plan (BMP) for African penguins has ensured 'a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders, including conservation NGOS (non-governmental organisations) and government agencies like the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE)'. Louw said the Spheniscus demersus was among African penguins, native to the southern and southwestern coasts of the continent 'currently standing out due to the significant conservation efforts currently underway to protect it'. No-fishing zones 'In a landmark development last month, the DFFE, South African conservationists and fishing industry groups, agreed to establish no-fishing zones around six major African penguin breeding colonies. 'SANParks, as a lead colony manager, plays a crucial role in managing penguin populations at key breeding sites. 'The BMP includes habitat restoration, installation and monitoring of artificial nest structures and managing predation in the colonies. 'Joint initiatives also focus on penguin monitoring, including tracking population dynamics, assessing breeding success, and rehabilitating injured or sick birds.,' said Louw. He said efforts were 'further supported by public awareness campaigns, promoting sustainable practices among local communities and tourists'. No mining in national parks Meanwhile, Louw said SANParks has 'taken note of reports related to Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Limited, requesting to explore the possibility of de-proclamation of a portion of land that is part of the West Coast National Park'. 'SANParks cannot allow any mining activities within a declared national park, as this is prohibited under section 48(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003. 'We have communicated this official position to Kropz and other relevant stakeholders,' he said.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- IOL News
National Zoological Garden welcomes new blacktip reef sharks and vibrant marine fish
The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria is now the new home of three blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and 220 colourful marine fish. The new editions are part of the garden's ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences. 'The arrival of these animals not only adds to the beauty and diversity of our exhibits but also helps us tell a bigger story about ocean ecosystems and the threats they face,' said NZG animal collections director, Tracy Rehse. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. Image: National Zoological Garden Rehse said the NZG recently completed renovating their marine displays, including fixing leaking and broken glass fronts, renovating filtration systems and replacing the pumps. 'During the renovation period, our acquisitions of new fish were put on hold. Now that the repairs are complete, our tanks have been revived through the additional fish received,' Rehse said. The marine animals arrived on March 27 at OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya following a 10-hour flight and were transported to the NZG. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks and 220 marine fish species to its collection. The marine animals arrived on March 27. Image: National Zoological Garden 'They were unpacked the same evening, and the majority were put directly into the display tanks,' Rehse said. She said that because the NZG is not a coastal aquarium, they manufacture seawater that is conducive to making the fish thrive. This consists of up to 14 different chemicals to get the composition correct. 'We have held marine fish for many years, so no major adjustments needed to be made,' Rehse said about the potential for modifications to house the new marine animals. Rehse added that the new additions have fully settled, thriving, feeding well, interacting with their surroundings, and capturing the curiosity and admiration of visitors. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. The sharks are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Image: National Zoological Garden Blacktip reef sharks Each shark travelled in a 1 000-litre plastic tank fitted with secure lids and connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation while travelling. Upon arrival, they were carefully introduced to their new environment, gradually adjusting water temperature, salinity, and pH to ensure a smooth and stress-free acclimation process. These sharks are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List because in the wild, they face growing threats from habitat destruction and overfishing. With the species listed as vulnerable, Rehse said the plan is not to breed, but to use the sharks as 'ambassadors to create awareness of the threats to these species and our coastlines, and to inspire our visitors by showcasing the amazing diversity found under our oceans'. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. The sharks are known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and speed. Image: National Zoological Garden The blacktip reef shark is a fast and agile species native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and remarkable swimming speed, these sharks are effective daytime hunters that often move in small groups, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. They typically live 10 to 12 years in the wild, but in well-maintained aquariums, they can live for over 20 years and grow to be 1.5 to 2 metres long. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden Marine fish Along with the sharks were 220 marine fish, including striking species such as powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Each fish was individually transported in oxygen-rich marine water and carefully acclimated to their new habitat using controlled floating methods before joining the existing aquarium population. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden Rehse said the fish are found in tropical Indian Ocean waters. They thrive on the reefs, generally in shallow waters, and eat a variety of algae and invertebrates. Unlike the sharks, none of the new fish are considered threatened. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden
