April-May 2012

SAWMA MATTERS Electronic newsletter of the Southern African Wildlife Management Association

In this issue:

General SAWMA announcements:

SAWMA Symposium 2012

Membership

SA Journal of Wildlife Research

OPPORTUNITIES AND BURSARIES

UPCOMING EVENTS: PEGG 2012 THE ECONOMY OF ECOLOGY SYMPOSIUM INDIGENOUS PLANT USE CONFERENCE DIAMOND ROUTE CONFERENCE CAMERA-TRAPPING WORKSHOP GIRAFFE INDABA II INTERESTING READING TIGERFISH PROVE TO BE GOOD GEOLOGISTS INDIAN OCEAN TUNA COMMISSION (OTC) MOVES TO PROTECT ALBATROSSES NEWS SNIPPETS BOOKS REINTRODUCTION BIOLOGY: INTEGRATING SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT LIFE IS GOOD

SAWMA Symposium 16-19 September 2012

Klein Kariba ATKV Conference Resort, Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province

Responsible Biodiversity Research and Wildlife Management Sub themes:`

• Adaptive management • Science/management interface • Intensive wildlife management and implications for biodiversity • Habitat/species preservation as a key factor in maintaining important biodiversity

variables • Indicators of changes in biodiversity • The influence of scale on biodiversity conservation and management • A special session on "Small Carnivore Conservation" will also be included

Submissions of papers/posters have started – please submit yours without delay!

Deadlines for submissions 31 May 2012: Titles of posters and abstracts should be submitted electronically to Elma Marais: elma@mweb.co.za. A short abstract for accepted papers and posters (about 300 - 350 words) should be submitted as soon as possible after 31 May, but not later than 30 June 2012.

Registration information Contact the SAWMA Secretariat: elma@mweb.co.za; Tel: +27-21-5541297 or visit the website: http://www.sawma.co.za/sym2012.html

Sponsorship opportunities This year we decided to provide opportunities for individuals, companies and organisations to sponsor certain items of the conference. Each option will provide promotional benefits to the sponsor. Items open for sponsorship are the following:

• Gala Dinner: (Sole option: R50 000.00 for the full event) OR Shared option: (R 3 000.00 per table of 10 people)

• Programme Book: R15 000.00 • Delegate Bags: R50 – R100 per bag (R7 500 – R15 000 for 150 delegates)

• Items for the conference bag: (Caps/hats/clothing items/electronics etc.) – value depending on what is offered.

• Book prizes Contact the secretariat for more information: Elma Marais (elma@mweb.co.za)

Scientific Committee: Pieter Nel (Chair), Harriet Davies-Mostert, Kelly Marnewick, Michael Somers and Sam Ferreira

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New Members: We are pleased to see our membership numbers have grown with 9 new members during the past month. A warm welcome to all! Dr Michelle Henley of “Save the Elephants” in Hoedspruit. She has a PhD in Ecology. Mr Jonathen McHugh of St Francis Bay. He has an honours degree in Wildlife Management. Dr Yolanda Pretorius from Pretoria. She has a PhD Ecology. Mr Wimpie Pretorius - Currently studying N.Dip Nature Conservation through UNISA. Dr Alan David Wheeler from Cape Nature in Outshoorn, PhD Conservation Biology. Mr Willem Boonzaaier from Pretoria - specialising in Protected Area and Ecotourism Planning. Dr Helet Lambrechts - lecturer and researcher at Dept of Animal Sciences at Stellenbosch University. She has a PhD in Animal Science. Dr Rob Little was previously a SAWMA member and council member and has reinstated his membership. He is based at Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. Ms Zimasa Gibisela - Planning Technician, Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency.

South African Journal of Wildlife Research:

Volume 42/1 The first issue of volume 42/1 is in production and is expected to be published in June.

Call for manuscript submissions: We invite you to submit your manuscripts to The Editor-in-Chief: Prof Mike Perrin, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. E-mail: Perrin@ukzn.ac.za The journal welcomes submissions of manuscripts that contribute to scientific knowledge that is generally of interest to researchers, professionals and other practitioners involved with wildlife in Africa. and publishes original scientific papers, short communications, book reviews as well as reviews on science-based research. Note the guidelines to authors on the website: http://www.sawma.co.za/images/AUTHORSGUIDE.pdf. Page fees: R200/page for members; R300/page for non-members.

NEW PASSWORD FOR 2012 The password for access to the journal has changed on 2 May. Paid up members can contact the secretariat to obtain the new password. All journal issues older than 24 months have open access.

SAWMA Membership fees 2012 Invoices for membership fees have been emailed to SAWMA members during the first week of May. We value all our members, but urge those with outstanding payments from previous years to pay their fees without delay. Should you decide not to continue with your membership or did not receive an invoice for 2012, please inform the secretariat.

Local individual members: R360-00 Fulltime Student members (Local): R180-00 Fulltime Student members (Foreign): R360-00 Pensioners: R288.00 Foreign individual members: USD 98-00 Local Institutional Subscribers: R680-00 Foreign Institutional Subscribers: USD 205-00

Our bank details: Standard Bank, Tyger Manor Branch 050410, Cheque account number: 270805575. Please use your surname as reference and email proof of payment to elma@mweb.co.za.Feel free to contact Elma Marais (elma@mweb.co.za) for any membership enquiries. Tel: +27-21-5541297 ; Fax: 0866729882 http://www.sawma.co.za/

MEMBER UPDATES: Dr Leith Meyer: Previously from Wits University has moved to Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Paraclinical Sciences Section: Pharmacology & Toxicology Dr Gus Mills: After 6 years in the Kalahari, him and his wife has moved to Oxford, UK where he will be attached to the University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. Dr Peter Goodman: Has recently retired from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and is now working as private consultant.

Join the SAWMA discussion group on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4142475 142 members joined already

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OPPORTUNITIES AND BURSARIES (ONLY THE LATEST – SEE REGULAR EMAILS FROM SAWMA)

Senior Information Officer - Department: Science and Research, Endangered

Wildlife Trust. Qualification: Minimum of Masters in biology or a related field, MCDBA certification or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in SQL a prerequisite. At least 3 years proven experience working with Geographic Information Systems such as ArcGIS, QuantumGIS and other platforms (candidates will be requested to provide details of analyses and other outputs). Closing date: 21 May 2012. For more information or To apply please e-mail your CV and application to the Human Resources Manager Alison Jänicke alisonj@ewt.org.za or mail: Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11, Modderfontein, 1645 or fax to + 086 636 5823

Notification of intent to employ Wildlife Field Rangers and Supervisors to manage baboons in and around

Cape Town

We are looking for approximately 30 graduates with at least three year degrees in the biological sciences or diplomas in nature conservation to help manage baboons in Cape Town. Persons with extensive experience and a track record for working in the bush will also be considered. The primary objective of the work will be to prevent baboons from moving beyond the boundaries of the Table Mountain National Park and into the surrounding urban areas of Cape Town. The work will require an extensive amount of radio tracking to determine where the baboons are and where they are going. Baboons seen to be heading towards town will be met and challenged with various tools including paintball guns. A good knowledge of baboon behaviour and animal territoriality will be an advantage. Applicants will need to be able to deal with the public, be good at field work, and able to assist in data collection for research. Salary is negotiable and will depend on qualifications and experience. Permanent and temporary (at least 3 months) posts will be available and applicants will be required to start on 1 July 2012. This is a provisional notification because the contract for baboon management is under tender and the award will only be made towards the end of May 2012. Please send CV’s with contactable references to Dr Philip Richardson at philip.awf@icon.co.za or Fax 086-241 6085 or call 082-337 2213.

The Last Rhinos Read this book by Lawrence Anthony, coauthored by Graham Spence. The book is an in-depth look at his time in the Congo trying to save the white rhinoceros. In an interview published on http://www.izilwane.org/qa-with-lawrence-anthony-author-of-the-elephant-whisperer.html he said: “The ‘Lord’s Resistance Army’ was encamped in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which at the time was the last refuge of the northern white rhino, “Essentially, I went and found them in the jungle to try and persuade them not kill the game guards or the last few rhinos. I ended up living with leaders in their secret jungle camps. My discussions and attempts to persuade the LRA to save the rhino expanded into child soldiers, peace talks and other matters.” He has also written two acclaimed bestselling books entitled "Babylon's Ark", about his experiences trying to save zoo animals in Iraq, and "The Elephant Whisperer", the story of his singular relationship with a herd of wild elephants. He founded the conservation and environmental organization, the Earth Organization, and owns a game reserve in South Africa named Thula Thula. Sadly Lawrence Anthony, passed away from a heart attack in March this year.

UPCOMING EVENTS PEGG 2012: 30 June – 1 July 2012 at Black Mountain Hotel, Thaba ‘Nchu You are invited to attend the annual symposium of the Primate Ecology and Genetics Group, hosted by the Department of Genetics and the Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, UFS, at the Black Mountain Hotel in theEa stern Free State Province. This is the 10th anniversary of PEGG, and we hope to attract a large number of papers, discussing current trends in African primatology and reflecting on 10 years of progress. PEGG enquiries: groblerjp@ufs.ac.za / trudy@uwm.edu; 051- 401 9111; info@ufs.ac.za

Absa hosts the third Annual Wildlife Conference in Port Elizabeth this year on 31 May.The conference theme is "The economy of Ecology" and the programme strives toward empowering the private sector to invest in sustainable wildlife management. Topics are presented with the private sector perspective in mind and are pertinent to game ranching and eco-tourism product owners alike. Students, managers, administrators and consultants will equally benefit from the unique ‘economy of ecology’ perspective.Delegate registration is R350pp and includes a light breakfast, refreshments, lunch and post-conference delegate manual. DATE: Thursday 31 May 2012 TIME: 08h00 to 15h00 VENUE: The Plantation, Port Elizabeth 2012 CONFERENCE TOPICS Kindly visit the conerence website at www.absa-wildlifeconference.co.za to browse the 2012 topics and speaker profiles:

Investing in change: an insight to game farm vs agri sustainability and financial returns Biodiversity: practical approach to the role of wetlands in wildlife management

Knowledge Sharing: management and consulting services encompassing land aquisition, game reserve development and wildlife management

National Policy: current overview of policy and development plans Financial Solutions: advanced financial solutions targeted at the wildlife and agri sectors Panel Discussion and debate: RHINO PROTECTION, exploring the impacts of militirisation, legalisation and

conservation policy

All leading experts in their respective fields, the panel of national presenters on this year’s programme includes Dr Flippie Cloete, Dr Johan Joubert, Dr Mike Knight, Ernst Janovsky, Japie Buckle and Andrew Muir.

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Indigenous Plant Use Conference – 2-5 July 2012 Venue: The University of Venda is the host for the 2012 IPUF conference, sponsoring the use of the SENATE Chambers Hall and amenities. Dates: Monday 2 to Thursday 5 July 2012 Theme: Indigenous Plant Use ~ "Commercialization" - with aspects such as sustainability; conservation from a forest perspective; new methods and applications; registration of products and marketing of products (to get it on the shelves). Field Trip: Visit the BIG TREE; a stop at the Art and Craft workshop along the road and a guided tour with cultural significance at the Brackenridgea Nature Reserve. And there is a botanical garden in Thohoyandou too!

indication of titles ~ 5 April 2012 registration forms ~ 1 June 2012 (cut off date for early payment) abstracts ~ 1 June 2012 (cut off date)

Contact: Emmy (IPUF2012 secretary) - ipuf@uj.ac.za (all queries welcome) Tel: +27 (0)21 809 3375 Mobile: +27 (0)83 440 7649

Diamond Route Conference: 30/31 O October

The annual Diamond Route Conference which covers in-depth research projects on the Diamond Route Properties will be held on the 30/31 October 2012 on the De Beers Campus in Johannesburg. More details on the Diamond Route website: www.diamondroute.com For more informaion contact Duncan.Macfadyen@eoson.co.za To read more about the research projects at the various De Beers Reserves, visit http://www.diamondroute.co.za/research_projects.htm.

Camera-Trapping Workshop: 14 – 16 September 2012

Camera traps are increasingly being used by wildlife managers and researchers. This practical workshop provides and ideal opportunity to work with many makes and models and learn firsthand, about their pros and cons. The workshop will take place on a game farm in the Waterberg from 14-16 September (immediately before the SAWMA symposium) For more information on this or other camera-trapping workshops contact Jeremy Bolton on Landline: (021) 876 2035 Cell: 0824595469 Email: jgbolton@telkomsa.com Also visit: www.trailcamadventures.blogspot.com

Giraffe Indaba II: Save Our Species! Is there a future for giraffe in Africa?

Venue: Masai Lodge, Nairobi, Kenya (bordering Nairobi National Park) Dates: Sunday 25 August–Friday 30 August 2013

For further information visit the GCF website: www.giraffeconservation.org or contact indaba@giraffeconservation.org

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INTERESTING READING Tigerfish prove to be good geologists (Released by: Engela Duvenage, Media: Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University)

Tigerfish are helping scientists to find out more about the geological history of Africa – and in the process, scientists are discovering what might turn out to be new species of this much sought-after and ferocious game fish. It seems that the number of tigerfish species has been underestimated. By analysing the genetic variation between various populations of living tigerfish (genus Hydrocynus), a group of South African scientists have shown how the evolutionary history and development of different species overlap with those of landforms such as rivers and wetlands in East and Central Africa. Through their further analyses of DNA samples the researchers now believe they have discovered five previously unknown tigerfish species, although proving this still needs to be finalised. So given that the current taxonomy of Hydrocynus recognises only five species, the outcome of this study effectively may double the known number of tigerfish species.

This phylogeographic study takes into account the historic processes that have shaped the whereabouts of tigerfish across Africa. The study was completed by Ms Sarah Goodier (University of Cape Town), Dr Colleen O’Ryan (University of Cape Town), Dr Woody Cotterill (Stellenbosch University) and Prof Maarten de Wit (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, known as NMMU), who are all researchers of the Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON). The research was done in partnership with Prof Paul Skelton of the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). Their findings were published recently in the PLoS One scientific journal in the article “Cryptic diversity of African Tigerfish (Genus Hydrocynus) reveals palaeogeographic signatures of linked Neogene geotectonic events”. This article presents the first results of an on-going geoecodynamics study on tigerfish. Geoecodynamics is a new geobiological approach which combines concepts, theory and methods from the earth and life sciences. This is a new way of integrating geomorphology, structural geology, genomics and paleoecology. The term geoecodynamics was coined by the Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON), which was formerly based at UCT but now has associates at among others NMMU and SU. “We are using the DNA of species such as tigerfish to help us decipher the intricate details of Africa’s geotectonics and to understand landscape evolution,” Dr Cotterill explains the basics behind geoecodynamics. “The integration of evolutionary theory with geoecodynamics bridges the earth and life sciences, and helps to consolidate earth system science.” “The ability to decode the shared history of species and landforms helps us to read the archives linking earth surface dynamics with the solid earth,” says Dr Cotterill. “Despite their charisma and ecological dominance in Africa’s lakes and rivers, we actually know little about the diversity and evolution of these predatory fishes,” says lead author Ms Goodier. “This study takes us a small step forward in understanding both tigerfish and their links to Africa’s changing landscape”. The study covered 23 principal rivers within 15 geographically isolated drainage basins in East and Central Africa. These rivers are separated by two principal rifts which form a vast arc from Cameroon, across equatorial Africa to the East African Rift System, and all the way south of the Zambezi into Mozambique. Tigerfish prefer oxygen-rich deep waters and need more than just shallow connections between major river channels to disperse between neighbouring drainage systems.

Dr Woody Cotteril showing a tiger fish head

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The molecular data reveal how tigerfish have been evolving since at least 11 million years ago. Several lineages (sequences of populations through generations) of species first appeared in very spesific episodes between 1.5 and 4 million years ago. “Besides the spatial resolution revealing where each episode was localized in Africa, the geological dates available for these African wetlands and rift zones reveal a remarkably tight agreement with the molecular dates obtained from tigerfish DNA” explains Dr Cotterill. “Changes in the earth’s surface, in forming a waterfall or a rift valley, have had lasting impacts on where tigerfish are found in Africa, in the evolution of various species of this prized gamefish, and on their ability to disperse into new rivers or not.” On the new lineages that have been discovered, but still need taxonomical classification, Ms Goodier said: “Clearly the diversity of tigerfish, especially across the Congo basin, has been largely underestimated and we need to assess just how much, to enable us to understand better as well as to conserve these keystone predators.

Background on tigerfish

• Tigerfish, with their razor-sharp teeth, are known as the super-predators of Africa’s tropical wetlands • The genus name Hydrocynus means “waterdog” and highlights its notoriety for being one of the fiercest of

predatory fishes. • The most well-known species is the goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath), reputed to reach 50kg in weight.

They hold in the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika, while the southernmost species, Hydrocynus vittatus, is a popular gamefish commonly found in the Okavango Delta, the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers.

• Tigerfish are keystone, open-water predators that prey on fishes up to approximately 40% of their own body length.

• Tigerfish are restricted to relatively warm, fast-flowing and/or open, oxygen-rich rivers and lakes, and are rarely found in headwater marshes and streams along watersheds. They favour deep, flowing channels and avoid more anoxic and shallow backwaters and lagoons. Because they are not able to tolerate a wide range of ecophysiological conditions, they are unable to cross shallow watersheds or persist in dried-up areas when main rivers dry up.

For more information contact Dr Woody Cotterill, researcher based at Stellenbosch University and affiliated with Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON); fcotterill@gmail.com; 083 432 3556

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Tracking Animals for Conservation Information obtained from http://www.savetheelephants.org/research.html and http://www.savetheelephants.org/tracking.html)

Since 1995 Save the Elephants has been at the forefront of developing live tracking technology to monitor and interpret elephant movements. Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton and his collaborators have deployed over 80 Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on elephants in Africa. With GPS collars, researchers receive live information on elephants' location and movements. Animals can be continuously monitored in places where intensive study is impossible, gathering frequent data and generating detailed maps of elephant movements. Save the Elephant support vital research on elephant behaviour and ecology and by using GPS radio tracking in Africa. Elephant movement is tracked 24 hours a day. By GSM (mobile phone) technology Collared elephants send text messages every three hours with details of their location, air temperature and humidity. “Our research is important on two levels, pure and applied. From the perspective of pure science, we are beginning to understand why the world's largest land mammal does the things it does. The true size of elephant ranges and migrations are becoming apparent, as is the sensitivity with which elephants use their environment. Close studies of individuals are shedding light on mating strategies, communication channels and conciousness. Group studies are uncovering on the animal kingdom's most complex social structures (aside from our own). Applied research is a vital component of our strategy in saving the elephants. By building accurate maps of the elephant's landscape, vital parts of their range are defined together with the corridors that link them. This reduces conflict with humans whilst allowing elephants continued access to the areas important to them.” If you wish to have your contact details on the general Save the Elephant’s database, please email info@savetheelephants.org. Also contact Michele Henley for regular tracking reports at michelephant@savetheelephants.org

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Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (OTC) moves to protect albatrosses

(Released by Birdlife International, 26 April 2012) The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) agreed to measures that, if appropriately implemented by tuna longline fishing vessels, will result in significant reductions in albatross mortality.

The Indian Ocean is home to globally important populations of eight albatross species, including the Critically Endangered Amsterdam Albatross. Each year hundreds of thousands of seabirds are killed unintentionally during the course of longline fishing. This is the primary reason behind the fact that 17 of the world’s 22 species of albatrosses are threatened with extinction. Tuna longliners usually deploy several thousand hooks, attached by branchlines to a main line that can be >100 km long. Seabirds, especially albatrosses, are vulnerable to becoming hooked when they take the bait, and are drowned as the line sinks to setting depth (known as ‘bycatch’). Although an understanding of the scale and nature of this threat has been known for a long time, the development of measures to reduce bycatch has been slow. BirdLife International and researchers in Australia, the USA and UK have been particularly active in devising and testing technologies and fishing practices to reduce bycatch. In November last year, the tuna commission for the Atlantic (ICCAT) agreed to a strong set of measures (that are based on scientific evidence) that fishing vessels must deploy when working in areas where albatrosses occur. BirdLife has worked hard since then to pave the way for the IOTC to harmonise its seabird conservation measure with that of ICCAT. From now on, all longline vessels will be required to use two seabird bycatch mitigation measures from a choice of bird streamer (tori lines) which scare birds away from the hooks, adding weights to the hooks to make them sink more quickly, or setting hooks at night when most birds are less active. Concerns of fishermen centre around the addition of weights to lines, which ensures that they sink out of the reach of seabirds rapidly. Large sharks or fish can place such strain on lines when being hauled onboard that the line snaps. When this occurs, lead weights attached to the line can fly back towards the hauling station and pose a significant safety threat. BirdLife has developed a new type of lead sinker that slides off the line when it snaps, thereby eliminating the safety risk. After long deliberations, stretching across five days of the Commission meeting, agreement was finally reached for the new measure. Dr Ross Wanless, Seabird Division manager at BirdLife South Africa, represented BirdLife International at the meeting. “The fact that none of the nations challenged the effectiveness of the measures proposed, and that none insisted that measures which do not have scientific support be included in the proposed measure, represents massive progress in itself. The willingness by all to find a way forward was encouraging.” said Dr Wanless. The delegation from Japan offered US$20,000 to support training workshops for fishing skippers to ensure safe and appropriate use of line weighting measures. BirdLife International and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation will work with Japan and other nations to secure additional funding and provide the training.

For further information, please contact: Dr Cleo Small, cleo.small@rspb.org.uk, +44 1767 693586

African elephants increase herpetofauna biodiversity. A study in African Journal of Ecology has found that there are more species of amphibians and reptiles in habitats which have been extensively damaged by African elephants (Loxodonta Africana) than there are in habitats without elephants. Read the news articles on the BBC and Mongabay.com.

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Reintroduction Biology: Integrating Science and Management Editors: John G. Ewen, Doug P. Armstrong , Kevin A. Parker, Philip J. Seddon

Available from: http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1444361562,descCd-description.html

Chapters: 1. Animal Translocations: What Are They and Why Do We Do Them? Philip J. Seddon, W. Maartin Strauss and John Innes 2. A Tale of Two Islands: The Rescue and Recovery of Endemic Birds in New Zealand and Mauritius. Carl G. Jones and Don V. Merton 3. Selecting Suitable Habitats for Reintroductions: Variation, Change and the Role of Species Distribution Modelling. Patrick E. Osborne and Philip J. Seddon 4. The Theory and Practice of Catching, Holding, Moving and Releasing Animals. Kevin A. Parker, Molly J. Dickens, Rohan H. Clarke and Tim G. Lovegrove 5. Dispersal and Habitat Selection: Behavioural and Spatial Constraints for Animal Translocations. Pascaline Le Gouar, Jean-Baptiste Mihoub and Francois Sarrazin 6. Modelling Reintroduced Populations: The State of the Art and Future Directions. Doug P. Armstrong and Michelle H. Reynolds 7. Monitoring for Reintroductions. James D. Nichols and Doug P. Armstrong 8. Adaptive Management of Reintroduction. Michael A. McCarthy, Doug P. Armstrong and Michael C. Runge

9. Empirical Consideration of Parasites and Health in Reintroduction. John G. Ewen, Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse, Maurice R. Alley, Claudia Carraro, Anthony W. Sainsbury, Kirsty Swinnerton and Rosie Woodroffe 10. Methods of Disease Risk Analysis for Reintroduction Programmes. Anthony W. Sainsbury, Doug P. Armstrong and John G. Ewen 11. The Genetics of Reintroductions: Inbreeding and Genetic Drift. Lukas F. Keller, Iris Biebach, Steven R. Ewing and Paquita E.A. Hoeck 12. Genetic Consequences of Reintroductions and Insights from Population History. Jim J. Groombridge, Claire Raisin, Rachel Bristol and David S. Richardson 13. Managing Genetic Issues in Reintroduction Biology. Ian G. Jamieson and Robert C. Lacy 14. Summary. Philip J. Seddon, Doug P. Armstrong, Kevin A. Parker and John G. Ewen.

News Snippets

Partnership Aims to Curb Demand for Rhino Horn Through Multimedia Campaign Educating Rhino Horn

Consumers in China NAIROBI, KENYA—The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and WildAid have entered into a strategic partnership whereby the two conservation organizations will jointly develop and conduct a multimedia public awareness campaign in China, one of the countries with the largest demand for rhino horn, to educate people on how the horn is procured illegally by killing rhinos. The partnership and campaign are aimed at dismantling the black market demand for rhino horns, which has led to an alarming rise in rhino poaching in Africa in the past few years. http://www.awf.org/content/headline/detail/4589

Genetic Markers for Tracking Species: Barcodes Using barcodes, zoologists and botanists want to identify animal and plant species fast. At the supermarket checkout, hardly anybody enters prices manually anymore. Using scanners that can read the barcodes is much faster. Biologists now want to use a similar procedure for identifying domestic animal and plant species more efficiently.Read more http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094557.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fnature+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Plants+%26+Animals+News+--+Nature%29

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Please note that any view or opinion expressed in this newsletter may not necessarily be that of SAWMA or the SAWMA management. Thanks to the members who forwarded items for this circular. Please continue to do so by sending anything relevant you would like to share with other SAWMA members to the following email address: elma@mweb.co.za Warm regards until next time, Elma Marais (Newsletter Editor - SAWMA)

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Twice as many emperor penguins as thought in Antarctica, first-ever penguin

count from space shows A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on the population of this iconic bird, which breeds in remote areas that are very difficult to study because they often are inaccessible with temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit. Read the full article at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413145303.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fnature+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Plants+%26+Animals+News+--+Nature%29

Limitations Imposed On Trophy Rhino Horns In April, the water and environmental affairs department has announced that professional hunters will only be allowed to hunt and export a single rhino horn for trophy purposes once a year. According to spokesperson Albi Modise, the department aims to reduce the abuse of hunting permits, which possibly fuels the illegal trade in rhino horns. "The management of hunting of rhinoceros has been strengthened," he said. http://allafrica.com/stories/201204170818.html

Country Considering Rhino Horn Trade South Africa is considering whether to approach the international community with a proposal to trade in rhino horn, Environment Minister Edna Molewa told MPs on 2 May. According to reports, South Africa is sitting on an estimated 20-ton stockpile of rhino horn; some of it in private hands, some stored by conservation authorities. The price of the horn, should the Cites moratorium on trade be lifted, has been estimated at more than R500,000 a kilogram. http://allafrica.com/stories/201205031011.html

Biodiversity Loss Seen As Harmful As Pollution When species in an ecosystem die off, the productivity of the system declines, and the damage done ranks with the harm caused by climate change, pollution or other major forms of environmental stress, according to new research.This work, made public May 2, is the first comprehensive examination of biodiversity loss as it compares to other forms of environmental decline. http://allafrica.com/stories/201205070740.html

Giant dinosaurs could have warmed the planet with their flatulence British scientists have calculated the methane output of sauropods, including the species known as Brontosaurus.By scaling up the digestive wind of cows, they estimate that the population of dinosaurs - as a whole - produced 520 million tonnes of gas annually.They suggest the gas could have been a key factor in the warm climate 150 million years ago. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17953792

In a series of essays, Jeremy Leon Hance, environmental reporter with mongabay.com, explores the challenge of mass extinction and the different ways conservationists, with limited support and funds, are rising to meet it. The essays focus on a wide-variety of topics including efforts to save long-ignored endangered species, such as an ancient venomous rodent; recent research vindicating long-reviled predators, like wolves and lions, as key to an ecosystem's harmony; the rise of the camera trap, a humble new tool that's photographing rarely seen species; and a new theory on how humans view, and even forget, wilderness. This thought-provoking book raises the question: as the biodiversity crisis spreads from the rainforest canopy to the deepest ocean, how will the world's cleverest species act? http://www.mongabay.com/book-life-is-good-jeremy-hance.html