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JULY SEPTEMBER
Indaba to Tackle Habitation of "Valuable Forest". (30 September, 1998)
The fate of Dukuduku, regarded as South Africa's most valuable natural forest, could be decided when a high-profile "indaba" is held on its outskirts on Friday.
Rogue Leopard Hospitalises Six Villagers. (30 September, 1998)
A seemingly deranged rogue leopard attacked and injured six Northern Province villagers in two separate incidents near Hazyview.
Poaching Engenders Tuskless Elephants in Uganda. (30 September, 1998)
Through a process of selection forced by poachers who prey on elephants with large tusks, elephants in western Uganda are being born without tusks or with smaller or lighter ones.
More Elephants on Way for Training. (30 September, 1998)
At least twenty more captured baby elephants could soon be heading for Riccardo Ghiaza's plot near Hartbeespoort Dam - amid a worldwide outcry about allegedly cruel conditions under which the animals are being kept.
Suspended Parks Chief Refuses to Talk about Business Dealings. (29 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs suspended Parks chief, Alan Gray, refused to
answer written questions about his business dealings with government or government contractors and instead threatened to sue reporters.
Bid to Help Save African Hawk Eagle Chicks. (28 September, 1998)
A rescue mission has been launched to save African hawk eagle chicks in the Kruger National Park (KNP) from certain death at the claws of their siblings.
Bovine Tuberculosis in the Kruger National Park. (28 September, 1998)
South African National Parks was completely taken by surprise by the sensationalised report on bovine tuberculosis in the Kruger National Park that appeared in a Sunday newspaper.
Secluded Village Offers Tourists a Peek at Preserved Culture. (28 September, 1998)
Visit the secluded Swazi village of Luphisi near Nelspruit to see traditional sangomas at work.
Children to Introduce Tourists to MpumalangaÆs Attractions. (28 September, 1998)
The Mpumalanga Tourism Authority (MTA) plans to train
school children as mini ambassadors, or Mpumis, who will introduce tourists to various attractions in the province and hopefully draw tourism investment.
International Fraud Alert Issued as Result of Mpumalanga Promissory Notes. (27 September, 1998)
American banks and fiscal authorities put out an
international fraud alert last week warning against "shady" investment scams...
Cape Peninsula Park Gets another 700 ha. (25 September, 1998)
The Cape Peninsula National Park has come a step closer to becoming a reality, with the government handing over 700ha of conservation land to the South African National Parks for inclusion in the future park.
Enjoy a Full Week of Bird-watching. (25 September, 1998)
A full week of birding, instead of one day, is something to be celebrated by true enthusiasts.
Indaba to Be Held over Dukuduku. (25 September, 1998)
Next week could be make-or-break time for Dukuduku, when a decisive, high profile "indaba" is held on the outskirts of South Africa's most valuable natural forest.
Environmental MEC Apologies for Conspiracy Charges. (24 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs visibly embarrassed environmental affairs MEC,
Fish Mahlalela, unconditionally retracted allegations of dishonesty and conspiracy against five prominent Mpumalanga Parks Board (MPB) directors.
Mpumalanga Parks Chief Reinstated and Immediately Suspended. (24 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs provincial executive council back-tracked on
its decision to force the provinceÆs parks chief, Alan Gray, to resign and reinstated him as chief executive of the
Mpumalanga Parks Board.
Northern Province Targets Ecotourism for Regional Economic Kick-start. (24 September, 1998)
Ecotourism is the only industry with realistic potential to
unlock massive job creation in the impoverished rural hinterlands of the Northern Province.
Animal Body Rescues 100 Head of Game from Unhealthy Conditions. (24 September, 1998)
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League in Bronkhorstspruit rescued more than 100 head of game when buyers left the animals to fend for themselves after an auction.
Mpumalanga Refuses to Grill Politicians on Shady Deals. (23 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs provincial executive council refused to grill
the provinceÆs finance MEC, Jacques Modipane, or other top politicians about their links with ousted parks chief, Alan Gray.
Nature Conservation Service Gets New Telephone Numbers. (23 September, 1998)
All telephone numbers of the KZN Nature Conservation Service (KZN NCS) head office in Pietermaritzburg will change on 28 September 1998.
Marine Living Resources Act. (23 September, 1998)
The new Marine Living Resources Act consolidating the national Sea Fisheries Act and provincial nature conservation ordinances relating to marine resource use has been introduced with immediate effect.
West Coast National Park Public Roads Deproclaimed. (23 September, 1998)
After a protracted period of negotiation and public consultation, the public roads within the West Coast National Park, near Langebaan, have finally been deproclaimed.
Kenya's Wildlife Chief Quits. (23 September, 1998)
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) faces new challenges following the surprise resignation of its current director, Dr David Western.
Kenya Wildlife Official on Murder Charge. (23 September, 1998)
After years of investigations, a failed trial and allegations of an official cover-up, a senior official in the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) finally appears in a Nairobi court next week charged with the murder of British tourist Julie Ward.
Parks Board Chief and Directors Get the Boot. (23 September, 1998)
The Mpumalanga government has ordered its Parks Board chief Alan Gray, who allegedly issued six illegal promissory notes worth R1,3-billion in return for offshore loans, to resign in the interests of good governance.
Search is on for Killers of Eagle Breeding Pair. (23 September, 1998)
A widespread search has been launched for those responsible for poisoning a breeding pair of tawny eagles outside De Aar in the Karoo this month.
Opposition Parties Call for Finance MECÆs Head. (22 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs new African National Congress (ANC) appointed
legislature speaker, William Lubisi, refused to allow opposition parties to debate an urgent motion calling for the immediate resignation of the provinceÆs finance MEC, Jacques Modipane.
Parks Board Directors Threaten to Sue MEC for Libel. (22 September, 1998)
Four board directors on MpumalangaÆs Parks Board (MPB) are
threatening the provinceÆs environmental affairs MEC, Fish Mahlalela, with a multi-million rand libel suit.
Mpumalanga Parks Chief Ordered to Resign. (22 September, 1998)
The architect of MpumalangaÆs six illegal promissory notes
worth R1,3-billion, parks chief Alan Gray, has been ordered to resign from his post in the interests of good governance.
Baboons Face Slow, Painful Death. (21 September, 1998)
Hundreds of baboons are dying a slow and painful death as timber companies in Zimbabwe try to eliminate them from plantations in the Eastern Highlands.
Mpumalanga Finally Set to Decide on Fate of Parks Chief. (21 September, 1998)
The fate of MpumalangaÆs parks chief, Alan Gray, will finally be announced at a special press conference at Bongani Lodge.
Dash to Death. (19 August, 1998)
The recent killing of a German cameraman by an enraged elephant cow in KwaZulu-Natal's Phinda Game Reserve has underlined a vital rule of the wild for visitors to Africa.
Death of Tshokwane.
(18 September, 1998)
About a week ago the elephant bull, Tshokwane, died from wounds
sustained during a fight with another elephant in the Kruger National Park.
Western Cape to Join Annual International Cleanup Effort.
(18 September, 1998)
Residents of the Western Cape are for the first time, in conjunction with volunteers from around the world, preparing for the world's largest annual beach clean-up.
Following the Trail of Reach for the Wild. (18 September, 1998)
The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, in conjunction with various other institutions, recently launched the Reach for the Wild Trail - a special nature trail that will enable all members of society, especially the disabled, to experience the magnificence of nature first hand.
Phosa Blasts Provincial Spokesman for "Wild Rumours". (16 September, 1998)
Mpumalanga Premier Mathew Phosa categorically denied reports from environmental affairs department officials that the provincial cabinet convened to discuss the possible suspension of embattled parks chief, Alan Gray.
NCS Man Receives Silver Award. (16 September, 1998)
KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service's Conservator (Investigations) Mr Nico Snyman, recently received the Game Rangers Association of Africa Award for Excellence.
Future of the Endangered African Wild Dogs Looking Brighter after Big litter.
(16 September, 1998)
The number of African wild dogs - a critically endangered species - in Zululand's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park has doubled with the recent birth of a litter of twelve puppies.
Births, Births, Births!. (15 September, 1998)
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria are boasting ten new-born Nubian ibex lambs.
City Man on Poaching Charges.
(15 September, 1998)
A Pretoria man has been arrested on poaching charges following a year-long investigation by South African National Parks' counter-poaching and investigation section.
Elderly Man Dies of a Heart Attack in Kruger National Park. (15 September, 1998)
A 78-year-old Pietermaritzsburg man died of a heart attack while visiting the Kruger National Park at the weekend.
D-Day Looms for Parks Chief and Finance MEC. (15 September, 1998)
Mpumalanga premier Mathew Phosa has scheduled a special
provincial cabinet meeting at his Nelspruit home to
deliberate an urgent recommendation for the suspension of the provinceÆs parks chief, Alan Gray.
Experts Gather To Reconstruct Reserve Tragedy. (15 September, 1998)
Top management of the Phinda Resource Reserve gathered at Phinda in southern Maputaland yesterday as an intensive investigation got under way into the killing of a German television cameraman by an elephant.
The Johannesburg Zoo is on the Move! (15 September, 1998)
The Johannesburg Zoo will soon be bringing conservation to the community via the Zoo's brand new Zoo-to-You van.
Heritage Day Visitors to Kruger canÆt Exceed Quota. (14 September, 1998)
Tourists planning to spend a day in the Kruger National Park during the long weekend of National Heritage Day must make reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Parks Board not only Body Involved in Dodgy Loan Schemes. (14 September, 1998)
The illegal Mpumalanga Parks Board (MPB) offshore loan scheme currently being investigated by the Heath special investigative unit is not the only such scheme in Mpumalanga. The small impoverished township of Ekangala, near Bronkhorstspruit, also secretly issued a promissory note in an attempt to raise a loan.
Elephant Kills German Cameraman. (14 September, 1998) A German cameraman who was on site at Phinda Nature Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, filming for a documentary, was charged and killed by an elephant.
Twenty Warthogs on the Loose following Burglary. (11 September, 1998)
Twenty warthogs are roaming the Gauteng countryside after thieves who broke into a private Krugersdorp reserve let them escape.
Finance MEC had Advance Warning of Mpumalanga Loan Scandal. (10 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs finance MEC, Jacques Modipane, was aware of
the provinceÆs Parks Board attempts to get an illegal
offshore loan but failed to report the matter to the Reserve Bank or any other institutions until two weeks ago.
Public Input Invited into Environmental Legislation. (10 September, 1998)
The public has been invited to comment on and participate in various policy processes regarding the environment.
Heath Asked to Broaden Investigation. (10 September, 1998)
Mpumalanga premier, Mathews Phosa, asked Judge Willem HeathÆs special investigative unit to broaden its investigation into the issuing of promissory notes in the province.
Parks Board Has History of Fraud û Finance MEC. (9 September, 1998)
MpumalangaÆs Parks Board (MPB) has previously forged the
signature of its own chairman and could therefore easily forge the
signatures of politicians to pretend it had approval for its illegal
R340-million offshore loan deal, said provincial finance MEC, Jacques Modipane recently.
Ostrich Mauls Hiker in the Cape. (September, 1998)
A hiker sustained multiple injuries when he was attacked by an ostrich on a Saldanha Bay guest farm on the Cape West coast on the weekend.
BIRDNET Spreads its Wings in Aid of Feathered Folk. (8 September, 1998)
BIRDNET, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue network for garden birds, is to be launched on 9 September 1998 in Johannesburg.
KwaZulu-Natal TLC's Serious about the Environment. (8 September, 1998)
A CoastCARE Coastal Management Course under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has been launched to address current day-to-day problems being experienced by the local authorities in KwaZulu-Natal in managing their coastline.
Hope for Buffalo in New Breeding Project. (7 September, 1998)
Bovine tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal's valuable buffalo herds in
world-renowned Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park is causing concern. But a new project to establish TB-free herds on private land gives some hope.
KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Awards. (7 September, 1998)
The KwaZulu-Natal Minister of Traditional and Environmental Affairs and of Safety and Security Nkosi N J Ngubane recently recognised the nature conservation efforts of communities, organisations and individuals at the annual KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Awards ceremony.
Three Arrested in Massive Abalone Bust. (7 September, 1998)
Three men were arrested in a dawn raid on a Burgershall farm near Hazyview recently after special investigators allegedly caught them preparing over 330kg of abalone for export to Hong Kong.
Man Appears for Keeping Protected Parrots. (7 September, 1998)
A man appeared in the White River magistrate's court recently after he was allegedly found in possession of twenty-one protected parrots.
Heath May
Issue Summons to Get Illegal Promissory Notes from US Company.
(7 September, 1998)
The Heath special investigative unit warned that it would issue legal
summons demanding the immediate surrender of three illegal promissory
notes worth R340-million that are currently being held by a financial
broker in New York City.
Parks Board Could Face Massive Lawsuit. (6 September, 1998)
Mpumalanga's Parks Board could face a multi-million rand damages case
even if it succeeds in reversing or cancelling an illegal R340-million
offshore loan deal that has endangered the province's game parks.
Air Force Plane Kills Cheetah while Landing. (5 September, 1998)
A cheetah released at Air Force Base Louis Trichardt in Northern Province three years ago, was killed by landing aircraft this week, the SA Airforce said recently.
Birds of a Feather, but Room for Only One. (4 September, 1998)
The age-old story of Cane and Abel was played out in the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort when the eldest black eagle chick killed his its newborn sibling by pushing it out of its nest last month.
Eighteen Tourism Firms Eye Wild Coast. (3 September, 1998)
Eighteen of South Africa's top tourism and leisure corporations have qualified to submit proposals for planning, financing, constructing and upgrading of tourism and agricultural facilities along the Wild Coast.
Kudos for Agfa Wildlife Winner. (3 September, 1998)
Kim Wolhuter, grandson of the Kruger National Park's first game ranger, Harry Wolhuter, snapped the prestigious Agfa Wildlife Photographer of the Year award from under the noses of South Africa's leading wildlife photographers.
Two Rare Barbary Lions Return to Africa to Retire Peacefully. (3 September, 1998)
Two barbary lions, on whose shoulders the future of the species rests in Africa, arrived in Johannesburg from Bologna in Italy recently.
Spotlight falls on role of trees. (2 September, 1998)
Less than 20% of the world's original forests will be left intact in a few decades, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has warned.
Planet Earth is a World of Water. (1 September, 1998)
The Earth and its oceans must be protected for our future, writes Water Affairs and Forestry Minister, Prof Kader Asmal.
I Warned that Parks Deal Could Mean Jail - Phosa. (1 September, 1998)
Mpumalanga Premier Mathews Phosa said recently he had warned Mpumalanga Parks Board Chief Executive Alan Gray "he would go to jail" if he went ahead with the R340-million loan scheme with investment broker Fenetic Investments.
Environmental Degradation Threatens SA Tourist Industry. (1 September, 1998)
Since South Africa's transition to democracy, tourism has made a "fantastic" contribution to the economy, but environmental deterioration and pollution are in danger of impending it.
Spring Babies for National Zoological Gardens. (1 September, 1998)
Spring has sprung, the grass is green... and we have new babies you've never seen!
Most Gauteng Rivers are "Grossly Polluted". (30 August, 1998)
Local councils have become some of the major polluters of water resources in the Gauteng area, as sewage systems collapse due to poor levels of maintenance and upgrading.
Wildlife Fans to Gain as Parks Staff Go Hi-tech. (31 August, 1998)
Game lovers and holiday-makers will benefit from South African National Parks' (SANP) new computerised reservation system.
Zoo Attack: Still No Charges. (28 August, 1998)
Six weeks after the Thaba ya Batho Zoo outside Pretoria made headlines when one of its tigers allegedly attacked a 10-year-old child, no charges of animal abuse have yet been laid against the owners.
Alien Plants Could Double Every Fifteen Years. (28 August, 1998)
More than 10-million hectares of South Africa's previous land has already been invaded by alien plant species and, if left unchecked, the affected area will double every fifteen years.
Spider the Size of Car Tyres? See for Yourself. (28 August, 1998)
Monsters "brought to life" were on display at the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontology Research at Wits University recently to entice the public to the James Kitching Gallery, where fossils millions of years old were on display.
Attempt to Breed Endangered Lions. (26 August, 1998)
Two barbary lions - a breed believed to be teetering on the verge of extinction in Africa - will arrive in Johannesburg from Italy next month in an effort to revive the species on the continent.
Arbor Day Celebrations at the Pretoria Zoo. (26 August, 1998)
The National Zoological Gardens in Preotoria will be hosting Arbor Day celebrations on Friday, 4 September 1998. The theme for these special celebrations is "Community care and the environment".
Help Design the Pretoria Zoo's Centenary Logo. (25 August, 1998)
The Pretoria Zoo turns 100 next year and is searching for a centenary logo. Do you have a flair for art or graphic design? If so, put pencil (or mouse) to paper and design a logo.
High Praise for EnviroKids Magazine. (25 August, 1998)
The Wildlife and Environment Society and its children's magazine, Envirokids, received high praise from the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Prof Kader Asmal, at the launch of the new tree stamps for Arbor Week recently.
Restocking Starts at Leeufontein. (25 August, 1998)
The first steps in changing the image of Gauteng from that of a concrete jungle to a place where wildlife and ecotourism flourishes have been taken.
Spring is in the Air at the Pretoria Zoo... (25 August, 1998)
The National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria is boasting eight pre-spring additions to its already vast animal family. These new arrivals are an addax calf, a scimitar-horned oryx and six farmyard piglets.
Wetlands International Seeks New Executive Director. (25 August, 1998)
Wetlands International (Africa, Europe, Middle East), a leading international non-profit organisation working for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, is seeking to appoint an executive director.
Killer Leopard was Desperately Hungry Outcast. (25 August, 1998)
The leopard that attacked and killed a 25-year-old Kruger National Park ranger, Charles Swart, was old and desperately hungry after apparently being forced out of its traditional hunting area by younger challengers.
Student Ranger Mauled by Leopard. (24 August, 1998)
A student ranger was mauled by a leopard in front of twelve
tourists in the Kruger National Park.
Kruger Unit Busts 17 000. (24 August, 1998)
A hit rate in excess of 17 000 bears testimony to the success of the South African Army's Kruger Park Unit (KPU), which was established primarily with the aim of stopping aliens crossing the Mozambican and Zimbabwean borders into South Africa.
Sea Fisheries Plans to Pay More Attention to Prevent Excessive Capacity in the Local Fishing Fleet. (21 August, 1998)
Dr Monde Mayekiso, Chief Director of Sea Fisheries, has announced his intention to more carefully scrutinize applications for the issuing of fishing licenses and permits in respect of vessels proposed to be added to the existing local fishing fleet.
Army Commandos Nab Cigarette Smugglers in Kruger National Park. (19 August, 1998)
Army commandos in the Kruger National Park believe they have cracked a cross-border cigarette smuggling syndicate after tracking
and arresting nine illegal Mozambican immigrants over the past three
weeks.
Anger over Sale of Jumbos. (19 August, 1998)
The capture and sale of thirty young elephants in Botswana's Tuli Reserve has evoked outrage from both local chiefs and elephant experts. The elephants, aged between four and seven years, were sold to a wild animal trader in South Africa.
Ranger Kills Poacher after Panga Attack. (18 August, 1998)
A Mpumalanga Parks Board (MPB) ranger shot and killed a suspected poacher over the weekend when the man reportedly attacked him with a panga.
Stiff Sentence for Illegal Rhino Trade. (18 August, 1998)
Durban - The stiffest sentence yet for illegal trade in rhino horn has been imposed on a 29-year-old woman from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
Auditor General Targets Tourism Board in Corruption Probe. (18 August, 1998)
The Auditor General recently launched a forensic audit of
Mpumalanga's Tourism Board (MTB) as part of a wider performance audit of the province's scandal-ridden environmental affairs department.
R2-million to Show the Way in the Kruger National Park. (17 August, 1998)
The Kruger National Park has decided to spend R2-million of sponsorship money on improving existing signage and erecting new signs after an elderly couple recently got lost and drove around for five hours.
Birds of a Featherà (17 August, 1998)
The cream of the world's bird scientists meet in Durban this week to display their plumage and ruffle a few feathers.
Feathered Locust Plague. (17 August, 1998)
Who would have thought that one of the most important birds to study in southern Africa is also one of the most common? Zimbabwe's government ornithologist Peter Mundy calls the redbilled quelea the "feathered locusts" as these birds have become a year-round menace in his country.
A Flight Through Time. (17 August, 1998)
An illustrated booklet entitled A Flight Through Time, was launched recently to celebrate the 22nd International Ornithological Congress held in Durban from 16 to 22 August.
Three Poaching and Ivory Syndicate Suspects in Court. (17 August, 1998)
White River - A Bushbuckridge man suspected of being a key operator in an ivory smuggling syndicate appeared briefly in the White River district court in Mpumalanga this week.
Northern Province Allows Trophy Hunts Against Rogue Elephants. (17 August, 1998)
Northern Province farmers have shot three "rogue"
elephants in the past month after the provincial agriculture department approved a trophy-hunting initiative designed to fund fence-building projects along the Botswana border.
Roving Rodent Makes for Amazing Find in the City. (15 August, 1998)
A resident of Olympus, a Pretoria suburb, discovered a strange dead animal while on an early morning walk this week and has since been told, to his amazement, it's a cane rat.
Extinct Quagga Making a Comeback. (14 August, 1998)
South African scientists hope to resurrect the quagga by breeding zebras with similar characteristics in the colour and extent of their striping.
Warthogs Relocated to Gauteng Nature Reserve. (14 August, 1998)
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve near Krugersdorp yesterday welcomed twenty eight new residents after a permit was granted to transport warthogs over provincial boundaries for the first time in thirty years.
Geoscience Museum has a Lot to Offer. (13 August, 1998)
Are you interested in rocks, gemstones, fossils and/or planetary science? Would you like to learn silver smithing and gem cutting and polishing? Join the "Friends of the Geoscience Museum".
Skilpad Wildflower Reserve in Full Bloom. (12 August, 1998)
The Skilpad Wildflower Reserve near Kamieskroon is once again in full bloom, with good displays of spring flowers.
No Damage to National Parks by Fires. (12 August, 1998)
The recent runaway fires, which ravaged parts of the southern Cape, caused no damage to fauna or flora in the Wilderness and Tsitsikamma national parks.
Shark on the Move at the Pretoria Zoo. (12 August, 1998)
The Pretoria Zoo's ragged-tooth male shark has successfully been moved from its present tank at the aquarium to a temporary holding tank at the Zoo.
Duiker Hit by Truck Dies after Chase up City Street. (11 August, 1998)
In a bid to save the life of a duiker hit by a truck on the N1 highway, a city security guard chased the dazed and injured animal for about 3km through Pretoria's streets.
Friends of Birds Protect their Habitats. (11 August, 1998)
More than 100 areas around the country have been selected as important bird areas (IBAs) to promote the protection and conservation of a number of endangered and limited bird species in these locations.
Africa's Big Cats under Threat. (11 August, 1998)
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has recently commissioned a report to evaluate existing legislature regarding the hunting, trapping, trade and transport of Africa's big cats.
Partnership a Bounty for Kruger Park. (10 August, 1998)
The Makuleke tribe has its ancient land back, and conservation will hopefully be a winner.
Craving Chimps Light up their Lives Cadging Fags. (9 August, 1998)
Chimpanzees at a zoo in KwaZulu-Natal are astounding visitors by begging for cigarettes and puffing away at lighted smokes thrown into their enclosures.
Birders Flock to Durban. (7 August, 1998) Bird experts and laymen are heading for the International Convention Centre in Durban where the 22nd International Ornithological Congress will be held from August 16-22.
West Coast Flowers in Bloom. (7 August, 1998)
The Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park is once again open to the public and the annual show of spring flowers promises to be one of the best in recent years.
Game Park's Man-eaters. (6 August, 1998)
Officials and rangers at the Kruger National Park are concerned over the frequent attacks by lions on Mozambicans trying to get into South Africa in search of work.
Increasing Development in Africa Puts Raptor Species under Threat. (6 August, 1998)
Most raptor species are coming under increasing threat due to developments on the African continent.
Stamp Issues to Mark Environmental Events. (5 August, 1998)
The South African Post Office is to mark three important environmental events with special stamp issues.
Jumbo Boost for Madikwe. (5 August, 1998) Two new elephant bulls from the Kruger National Park are relocated to Madikwe Game Reserve.
"Yes" to SA-Zimbabwe Cross-Border Parks. (5 August, 1998)
President Robert Mugabe has expressed his support for cross-border game parks with South Africa.
New Arrivals and Births a Cause for Celebration! (5 August, 1998)
The vast animal family of the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria has once again been expanded with the addition of numerous newcomers.
Stamps to Celebrate South Africa's Birds and Trees. (4 August, 1998)
Several new editions of stamps focusing on the environment will be launched this month.
Damaged Game Lodge Reopens. (4 August, 1998)
Ulusaba, the popular game reserve in the Sabi Sands which was struck by lightning in March, reopened this weekend.
Construction Starts on R20-million Swazi Cultural Centre. (3 August, 1998)
Nelspruit û Construction has started on a R20-million Swazi cultural
centre on the Maputo Corridor toll road, near the Bongani Lodge, 30km from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
"No Park Chop-Shop". (31 July, 1998)
Kruger National Park Director, David Mabunda, refutes any claims that there are stolen vehicle "chop-shops" in the Park.
Reserves Add New Element to Big Five. (31 July, 1998)
Kruger National Park management is no longer talking of "the Big Five" but is now referring to "the Big Six", the additional element being people, and more specifically the communities adjoining the Park.
ESPU's Operation Jurassic Clamps Down on Cycad Smugglers. (30 July, 1998)
This weekend saw the culmination of Operation Jurassic, an eighteen month, high-risk and costly undercover investigation by the ESPU to infiltrate and destroy a syndicate involved in the smuggling of cycads.
Lions May Have Killed Many More. (30 July, 1998)
There have been several known lion attacks in the Kruger National Park this year, but the exact number of people killed is not known and Park officials believe the number of attacks could be much higher.
Game Rangers Fined for Beating Up Suspected Poacher. (28 July, 1998)
Two Mpumalanga Parks Board rangers who tied a suspected
poacher to a tree and beat him were fined R1 000 each in the Matsulu
periodic court near Nelspruit.
Contagious Disease Tackled at International Conference. (28 July, 1998)
Southern AfricaÆs leading conservationists will meet in
Nelspruit this week to discuss the problem of the highly contagious
disease, bovine tuberculosis.
Soldiers Find Body of another Woman Killed by Kruger Lions. (28 July, 1998)
Pafuri - South African soldiers patrolling the border between South Africa and Mozambique stumbled across the body of a woman who was attacked and eaten by lions in the Kruger National Park on Saturday.
130 Snares Found in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. (27 July, 1998)
A very successful snare hunt organised by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa was held in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve on Sunday July 26th '98.
Family Thought to Have Been Devoured by Lions. (27 July, 1998)
Kruger National Park rangers are still searching for the remains of a Mozambican family who were reportedly attacked and devoured by a pride of lions while attempting to cross into South Africa through the northern section of the Park.
World-renowned Reserve Handed over to Mpumalanga Parks Board. (27 July, 1998)
The internationally renowned Wakkerstroom Wetland Reserve was officially handed over to the Mpumalanga Parks Board in an attempt to better preserve it.
Arsonists Responsible for 90% of Veld Fires in Northern Province. (27 July, 1998)
Over 90% of run-away veld fires in the Northern Province are
started deliberately by farmers or vandals, costing the province's
forestry industry an estimated R3-million, the agriculture department said recently.
Micro-biologist Sentenced for Illegally Removing Cycad. (27 July, 1998)
Waterval Boven û A government micro-biologist was found guilty in the Waterval Boven Magistrate's Court for illegally removing a cycad from a local hotel.
Deadly New Malaria Strain. (27 July, 1998)
Seven people have died of a dangerous new strain of malaria which Kenyan doctors initially diagnosed as Rift Valley fever.
Two Appear for Trying to Sell Elephant Tusk. (27 July, 1998)
White River û Two Bushbuckridge residents appeared in the White River district court recently after they allegedly tried to sell an elephant tusk to undercover investigators.
Anger at Go-ahead for Seal Cull. (27 July, 1998)
The Namibian cabinet, amid strong opposition from environmental organisations, has approved the culling of thousands of seals.
Fence to Stop Jumbos Escaping from Kruger Park. (24 July, 1998)
Nelspruit û Construction of a R3-million fence on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park is expected to begin next month, much to the relief of local farmers who have lost crops to marauding elephants.
Deproclamation of Vaalbos National Park. (24 July, 1998)
South African National Parks (SANP) has commenced with a process of
public consultation aimed at facilitating the deproclamation of Vaalbos
National Park near Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
Four Buck Die in Accident. (24 July, 1998)
King William's Town - Four waterbuck destined for the Tyityaba Game Reserve near Komga died in King William's Town this week when a game truck lost control and rolled.
Dead baboons Seen as Warning. (24 July, 1998)
Cape Town - The bodies of two baboons shot dead were found hung in trees in Tokai plantation yesterday in what may be a grisly warning to the troop to "keep out".
Noah Lays the Ark's Keel. (23 July, 1998)
At an informal dinner held in Luanda on 22 July this year, Shell, Angola, officially donated 400 000 US dollars to the Kissama Foundation of the Centre for Widlife Management, University of Pretoria. The money is to be spent on the acquisition and transportation of animals to the Quicama National Park in Angola.
Snares a Threat to Game in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. (23 July, 1998)
Two snares, found in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg, are believed to have been set by squatters.
Parks Board Moves Thirty Hippos in Biggest Operation Yet. (22 July, 1998)
The rapid expansion of Mpumalanga's capital, Nelspruit, has forced the Mpumalanga Parks Board (MPB) to capture and remove thirty hippos from the Crocodile River.
Mofokeng Fit to Stand Trial in Max Case. (21 July, 1998)
The man charged with shooting Max the gorilla at the Johannesburg Zoo last year was yesterday found fit to stand trial in the Johannesburg Regional Court.
Haven for Gaboon Adder a "Mixed Blessing". (21 July, 1998)
The creation of an alternate habitat for the endangered gaboon adder could lead to even more problems for the snake in its original KwaZulu-Natal habitat.
Fear that Spill Will Harm Birds. (21 July, 1998)
Cape Town - The South African National Foundation for the
Conservation of Coastal Birds is preparing for a possible influx of birds contaminated by oil after a road tanker overturned in Simon's Town.
"Poachers" Killed. (21 July, 1998)
Gaborone - Two alleged poachers were shot dead by an anti-poaching unit of the Botswana Defence Force.
Zoo Gets Seal of Approval for New Enclosure. (18 July, 1998)
Pretoria Zoo's Cape fur seals gave their official "seal of approval" to their new enclosure when they finally moved into after recent renovations.
Inspectors "Horrified" by Zoo. (16 July, 1998)
Animal welfare activists say they are "horrified" by the conditions under which animals are kept at the Thaba ya Batho Zoo outside Pretoria.
Brown hyena run over on city road. (16 July, 1998)
A road kill with a difference has again brought home the presence of wild animals in greater Pretoria.
Regulation of White Shark Cage Diving in the Pipeline. (16 July, 1998)
As part of an ongoing consultative process, Sea Fisheries called all stakeholders and interested parties to a meeting held on July 14 at Sea Fisheries in Cape Town to continue debate on the possible regulation of the white shark cage diving industry.
Family of Boy Clawed by Tiger Near City May Sue Zoo. (15 July, 1998)
The family of a boy who was clawed by a Bengal tiger at the Thaba ya Batho Zoo in Hammanskraal is considering legal action against the owners of the entertainment centre.
Suspected Rhino Poacher Shot at Exclusive Game Reserve. (14 July, 1998)
A 20-year-old youth was shot during an anti-poaching operation in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve after a tip-off that a rhino would be poached there.
Kruger Park Director Labels Critics as "Old Guard". (14 July, 1998)
Car thieves are not using the Kruger National Park to hide chop shops and tourists are safe from being hijacked within the reserve, said the ParkÆs Director, David Mabunda, recently.
Public Comment Invited on Draft National Environmental Management Bill. (14 July, 1998)
The Draft National Environmental Management Bill has been published recently and comment from the public has now been invited.
Endangered Raptor Birds on the Increase in SA. (14 July, 1998)
South Africa is winning the fight to save endangered birds of prey.
Rietvlei's Friends Fight for Wetlands. (14 July, 1998)
Housing developments could be one of the biggest threats to Pretoria's Rietvlei Nature Reserve, and environmentalists also fear that factories upstream from the Reserve's Sesmylspruit are endangering the city's water supply.
Five is Enough for this Mom. (13 July, 1998)
Full-time motherhood has taken on a new meaning for Karen Trendler of Wildcare, near Kameeldrift. She has been battling to find time to sleep since she was given two white rhino calves and three new-born cheetahs to care for.
Revealed: Chop-shops inside the Kruger Park. (11 July, 1998)
Car hijackers have allegedly discovered an ingenious new hiding place for chop-shops and stolen-car lots - they are nestling among the lions within remote pockets of the Kruger National Park.
Duck Smuggler Fined R15 000. (10 July, 1998)
A Pretoria man caught smuggling forty one endangered pygmy geese and ducks into the country in February this year, was sentenced to a R15 000 fine in the Barberton Magistrate's
Court this week.
Satour Awards Tender for Information Technology Needs Analysis. (10 July, 1998)
Satour, South Africa's international tourism marketing arm, has awarded the tender for an Information Technology (IT) needs analysis and systems design to Dimension Data Solutions.
Gill Net Fishermen Pawns in Evil Game. (8 July, 1998)
Illegal gill net fishing has already impacted negatively on South Africa's indigenous fish species and the nets have now spread to coastal areas.
Talks on Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild Animals. (8 July, 1998)
Conservationists from southern Africa will meet in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga from July 30 to 31 to discuss managing bovine tuberculosis in wild animals.
Pretoria Zoo - The Place to Be this Holiday! (7 July, 1998)
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria has many exciting animal babies and new displays for visitors this July holiday.
It's War in the Kruger Park as Rangers Await Next Assault. (4 July, 1998)
Armed to the teeth, the poachers in the Kruger National Park will stop at nothing to get at lucrative prey.
"Ivory route" Launched by Northern Province. (4 July, 1998)
As part of its drive to lure tourists to the area, the Northern Province has launched an "ivory route". Public and private reserves as well as game farms are joining in this new initiative.
When Humans are Getting Poached too, Africa Needs to Look at a Military Solution. (4 July, 1998) Poaching in Africa is no longer a matter of small-time local hunters feeding their hungry children. It has become big business.
Kruger Park Takes Action Against "Joy Riders". (1 July, 1998)
Kruger National Park Director, David Mabunda, warned recently that they would take strong action against "joy riders" on the ParkÆs roads. In addition, large buses will in future only drive on gravel roads as they are damaging the tarred roads in the Park.
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