The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has released its 2017/2018 integrated report which, for the first time, is supplemented by additional digital content about the organisation’s work. CEO Yolan Friedmann has penned an insightful opener, addressing the issues surrounding illegal wildlife trade.

South Africa is the most popular hunting destination on the continent. The wealth of species on offer, the wide range of hunting experiences, overall affordability and fantastic infrastructure all contribute to a world-class African hunting destination.

The classic idea of camouflage is a unique, cryptic colour-pattern combination of an organism that enables it to blend into its environment to escape detection.

Steeped in myths and legends regarding magical powers, hermaphroditism and black magic, and more recently cast as villains by Disney, the hyena family undoubtedly suffers from a bad reputation.

Today’s poaching crisis that faces species such as elephants, lions and rhinos has spurred renewed debate in the country over the effetiveness of wildlife farming (also known as captive breeding or ranching) as a strategy through which to reduce pressures on wild populations while continuing to satisfy consumer demand with legal, sustainably farmed alternatives.

Lions, cheetahs, rhinos and zebras were among 33 wild species which became farm animals as of May this year when the South African Parliament approved a brief amendment to the Animal Improvement Act (AIA) which governs livestock breeding.

There is no escaping the fact the mechanisms driving CITES are categorically failing the species that the treaty was enacted to protect. 

Botswana has granted permission for 287 elephants to be hunted as it gears up for its first trophy elephant hunting season since the ban was controversially lifted two years ago.

As the world celebrates the Year of the Tiger, a new report by animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, highlights how the South African government has allowed the breeding of tigers for commercial trade in body parts and derivatives and calls for an end to this inhumane industry.