Latest news with #EWT
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Wildlife biotech researcher leaves cutting-edge legacy
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is saddened by the sudden passing of a former colleague and a leader in the use of assisted reproductive technology for wildlife conservation, Dr Paul Bartels. Bartels was born on February 22 in 1956, and passed away on July 9. Bartels' research work was considered of strategic importance, resulting in the Wildlife Biological Research Centre moving from the EWT to the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria under the National Research Foundation. It later became the National Wildlife Biobank under the South African National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. Based at the National Zoological Gardens campus in Pretoria, SANBI Biobank is an international institution with samples from over 40 countries. He initiated the Save Magaliesberg Species Project in partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA, and volunteers and students of the Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Nature Conservation. Eleanor Momberg, spokesperson for the Trust, said that Bartels was a pioneer in this cutting-edge field, that merges science and conservation by aiming to futureproof the genetic composition of captive and wild gene pools when wildlife populations may not be able to do this naturally. 'His vision led to the establishment of the first wildlife biobank in Africa. The Wildlife Biological Resource Centre was established in 1996 as a working group within the trust. The centre was dedicated to the collection, processing, banking, use, and distribution of wildlife biomaterials for biodiversity conservation and biotechnology development.' Starting from humble beginnings as a small research project based out of the Tompi Seleka Agricultural College in the former Lebowa (Limpopo), where he worked as a wildlife veterinarian and lecturer in animal health, the project quickly grew. The project provided a learning platform for students from across the globe and spearheaded the development of biotech to safely and effectively collect, store and potentially reuse the reproductive materials of wildlife species such as lions, buffalo, eland, bontebok, blesbok, elephant and rhino. In 1998, the centre made global history with the birth of the world's first artificially inseminated wildlife baby, an eland female called Graca, after South Africa's then first lady. Graca was conceived via artificial insemination using the sperm that had been collected post-mortem from an eland bull that had died four hours before semen collection. The semen was then frozen and used over a year later to inseminate an eland cow at the Johannesburg Zoo. Graca made history by showing the world that the genetics from wild species can still play a role in maintaining genetic diversity, even after the donor animal has died before collection. He also used his 25 years' experience in wildlife tissue banking to found a company to produce meat in a laboratory that would contribute to food security. As an avid entrepreneur, he founded WildBio Co, which uses cutting-edge scientific research and innovation to produce cell lines for wildlife conservation, food security and novel product development; and later CryoWild, a non-profit organisation. WildBio developed the world's largest African species biobank for accelerating the development of the biomedical, food tech and biotech industries. He was recently appointed as a research fellow at Stellenbosch University's Department of Animal Science, where he led cutting-edge work in cellular agriculture biobanking, as well as serving as a lecturer in wildlife management at the Tshwane University of Technology. 'Paul worked for the EWT for more than a decade, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this visionary leader in biotech and wildlife conservation. 'We are, however, eternally grateful for the legacy he leaves in the form of cutting-edge science, dozens of empowered and highly trained scientists, an African wildlife biobank and leading science. 'All of this can be used to save wildlife, support ethically and sustainably food security and secure the genetic diversity and future of dozens of threatened African wildlife species,' closed Momberg. ALSO READ: WATCH: Raw sewage continues to pollute Moreleta Spruit, no action from metro Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Blue crane numbers plummet as status shifts to vulnerable
South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, has officially been uplisted to 'vulnerable' in the newly published Regional Red Data Book, following a concerning population decline over the past 15 years. The Witness reports that blue cranes are territorial, monogamous nesters that return to the same area each year. According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife animal scientist Brent Coversdale, they lay two eggs and raise both chicks, which are later introduced into non-breeding flocks until they find partners and territory of their own. The Overberg region, in the Western Cape, which once had the country's highest blue crane density, has seen the sharpest drop. According to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the area has lost up to 44% of its blue crane population. Co-ordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR) show that the Overberg has seen an alarming 44% decline in blue crane numbers between 2011 and 2025 'These figures are especially concerning given that this region once had a thriving blue crane population. Prior to the decline, CAR accounts indicated that blue crane numbers had increased by 261% between 1994 and 2010,' says the EWT. While the cause of the decline remains unclear, breeding success has halved since the last major study. Breeding pairs now raise an average of just 0.55 fledglings, far below what is needed to sustain the population. Young birds are especially vulnerable, with many at risk of becoming entangled in fences before they can fly. Conservation groups have been working with landowners to raise awareness and encourage practices that better support crane survival. The blue crane's previous population growth in the Western Cape and Karoo had allowed resources to be shifted to more at-risk species. However, the recent downturn has prompted renewed concern. KZN's Drakensberg region, meanwhile, supports all three of South Africa's crane species – the blue crane, wattled crane and grey crowned crane – and is seeing population increases due to decades of conservation work. Coversdale says widespread habitat loss, persecution through poisoning and shooting, and landscape fragmentation contributed to KZN's earlier crane declines. 'The KZN population now only represents a small proportion of the national population. While the majority of these threats have decreased, poor land management, disturbance, rural sprawl and further fragmentation of grasslands within core breeding areas, and collisions with energy infrastructure continue to pose the biggest risk,' he says. Coversdale acknowledged the work of private landowners, but says more is needed. 'There is still considerable work to be done if we are to ensure that the species returns to its former glory in the Eastern Grasslands.' Ezemvelo, the EWT and the International Crane Foundation Partnership have partnered to advise landowners on grassland stewardship, mitigate energy infrastructure with bird flappers, and protect key habitats through the KZN Stewardship Programme. 'It must be borne in mind that KZN is a global hotspot for cranes and thus considerable work has been undertaken in the province over the past 30 years.' 'Work on the wattled crane, which has resulted in its red list assessment changing from critically endangered to endangered, has benefited the blue crane. 'It is hoped that this can be replicated in the rest of its range,' Coversdale says. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
27-06-2025
- Science
- The South African
South Africa's national bird moves a step closer to extinction
South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, has been officially downgraded to 'vulnerable' on the newly published Regional Red Data Book of Birds – a wake-up call for conservationists, farmers, and bird lovers nationwide. This iconic species, once a symbol of national pride and rural harmony, is now at risk of spiralling toward extinction unless immediate action is taken. Data from the Coordinated Avian Roadcounts (CAR) reveals that Blue Crane numbers in the Overberg – home to the largest remaining population – have declined by 44% since 2011. This comes after a period of significant growth (a 261% increase from 1994-2010), led by collaborative conservation work between farmers, CapeNature, the Overberg Crane Group, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust/International Crane Foundation (EWT/ICF). When funding and focus diminished in the mid-2010s, so too did that upward momentum – paving the way for new, unchecked threats. A combination of human disturbance, barbed wire injuries, poisoning, and climate change now pose a serious risk to Blue Crane survival: Low breeding success : Only 0.55 fledglings per pair , far below replacement levels : Only , far below replacement levels Nest failures caused by extreme weather and human presence caused by extreme weather and human presence Powerline collisions remain a leading cause of adult mortality remain a leading cause of adult mortality Agricultural shifts, including expanded canola crops and minimum tillage, may be reducing access to quality nesting sites Michelle Bouwer , an MSc student studying crane nesting patterns, notes that rising temperatures and droughts – predicted to worsen with climate change – are exacerbating the crisis. While the new 'vulnerable' status is alarming, conservationists are hopeful that it ushers in renewed support and urgency: Greater funding opportunities for conservation programmes for conservation programmes Policy incentives for biodiversity-friendly agriculture for biodiversity-friendly agriculture Stronger collaboration with local farmers, many of whom are already taking proactive steps 'There is still hope,' says Dr Christie Craig of the EWT/ICF. 'But only if we act quickly and decisively.' Support and donate to organisations like EWT , BirdLife South Africa , and CapeNature , , and Volunteer for citizen science projects like CAR like CAR Encourage policies that promote biodiversity in farming Spread awareness about the Blue Crane's plight South Africa's national bird may be vulnerable, but it is not beyond saving. #SaveTheBlueCrane #ConservationMatters #BirdLifeSA #BlueCraneCrisis Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
24-06-2025
- Science
- News24
SA's national bird now listed as vulnerable
South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, now faces a high risk of extinction, as it was recently uplisted from near threatened to vulnerable in the latest regional red data book classification system. The Regional Red Data Book follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List framework – and covers South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. The IUCN has also listed the blue crane as vulnerable. The regional red data book's assessment reflects that the blue crane faces a high risk of extinction in the wild, in the medium term, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) noted in a statement. The EWT also pointed out that the species' decline in the Overberg, in the Western Cape, is of particular concern, as blue cranes occur in this region at higher densities than anywhere else in South Africa. The bird population in the Overberg has declined at an alarming rate of 44% in 14 years (between 2011-2025) according to data collected through a citizen science project, the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR). CAR is conducted twice a year, relying on volunteers to count birds along specific routes. The data that is collected helps inform conservation decisions, as well as the decision to up-list the blue crane to vulnerable, EWT said. The blue crane population is projected to decline by 'more than 30% over three generations', said EWT conservation scientist Dr Christie Craig. Recent research by Craig showed that breeding success in the Overberg region in the Western Cape has halved since 30 years ago. The causes of the decline in the Overberg in the last 14 years remain unclear. Another researcher, Michelle Bouwer, has found that disturbance and high temperatures are also impacting nesting negatively, the EWT said. 'It certainly looks like, if temperatures are going to continue getting higher, that could definitely be a concern, and higher temperatures could be what's causing blue cranes to breed less well than they used to,' said Craig. Barbed wires and loose fences are another concern. When chicks get stuck in loose fences, they often can't get out and die. Older blue cranes can also get stuck in fences while flying when they can't see at night, explained Craig. Blue cranes are also affected by unintended poisoning and collisions with power lines. As for the latter, the EWT pointed out that power line collisions have declined in the past 15 years. This is mainly due to collaborations between EWT and Eskom to have the power lines marked, so the birds can see them better. Blue cranes are often found in agricultural areas, and conservation efforts in the Overberg have been driven by actively engaging landowners to raise awareness about the birds' protection and ensure that farming and cranes coexist peacefully. Conservation efforts must continue to address these threats — power line collisions, protection of natural habitats, and reducing poisoning and fence entanglements. 'The uplisting of blue cranes has demonstrated that this species is dependent on ongoing conservation efforts, especially as they occur almost entirely outside of protected areas,' Craig said.
TimesLIVE
23-06-2025
- Science
- TimesLIVE
Blue cranes uplisted from threatened to vulnerable
South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, has officially been uplisted from near threatened to vulnerable in the newly published Regional Red Data Book 2025. The uplisting of the blue crane to vulnerable in South Africa means that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term, and this reflects growing concern about the species' future, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) said on Monday. The Karoo boasts the highest number of blue cranes in South Africa, and the species' decline is of particular concern in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, where blue cranes occur at high densities, the EWT said. Data from the long-running citizen science project, Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR), showed that the Overberg had seen a 44% decline in blue crane numbers between 2011 and 2025. The organisation said these figures were especially concerning, given that this region once had a thriving blue crane population. 'Before the decline, CAR counts indicated that blue crane numbers had increased by 261% between 1994 and 2010. In the Karoo, CAR figures showed that populations had declined before 2017. But this data is dated given CAR counts are no longer done in this region.' The reasons behind the dramatic decline in the Overberg over the past 14 years were unclear, but research has revealed some clues. 'Recent research by EWT conservation scientist, Dr Christie Craig, into the species' long-term viability revealed that breeding success in the Overberg has halved since the last published study 30 years ago.' On average, pairs now raised just 0.55 fledglings, far below what was needed to sustain the population. MSc student Michelle Bouwer found that the key drivers of nest failures in the Overberg were disturbance and high temperatures. 'This is concerning, given that climate change models predict significant drying and warming in the Western Cape. Fence entanglement also remains a threat to chicks that can't fly yet.' The EWT said the birds had also become the secondary or unintended victims of poisoning in the Overberg and Swartland regions, often from substances intended for other species such as geese or rodents. 'This further highlights the importance of conservation presence in the landscape to ensure that illegal poisonings don't go undetected, and to make certain that farmers have support to deal with crop damage problems.' Research showing that power line collisions in the Overberg had decreased in the past 15 years might be attributed to concerted efforts through the EWT/Eskom partnership to mark power lines. 'Nonetheless, collision with power lines remains the main threat to blue cranes, and ongoing mitigation is necessary, especially as new power lines are added to connect renewable energy to the grid. This is particularly a threat in the renewable energy development zones of the Overberg and Karoo.'
