The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP), which focuses on the range expansion and growth of the critically endangered black rhino, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Since the first rhinos were moved, the project has translocated 230 rhinos to create 15 new black rhino populations on sites in South Africa and Malawi. More than 200 rhino calves have been born on project sites. As a result of these and other efforts, black rhino numbers have more than doubled in the past two decades from their low point of fewer than 2500 individuals to a more recent estimate of around 6200 animals

The black rhinos on BRREP sites are some of the most closely monitored black rhino populations in Africa, using a variety of tools and strategies to keep track of the rhinos, record births, mortalities, home ranges and social interactions. These include tracking on foot, satellite/GPS collars, camera traps, aerial surveillance and dogs that are specially trained to track rhinos.

More recently, the project has focused on population management, striving to genetically profile all rhinos on project sites to understand population demographics and assist with managing populations. As a result, BRREP holds the largest repository of black rhino DNA profiles in the world (300 and counting) and regularly uses this information for management decisions.

BRREP continues to be a world leader in black rhino conservation providing significant contributions to saving this critically endangered species. BRREP and its partners strive to continue their effective and incredible efforts to grow one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species.

Penguins are undeniably charismatic animals, donning feathery “tuxedos” and comical waddling, but few among them are as charming and unique as the African penguin. With their speckled feathers, distinct call (which sounds a lot like a donkey’s bray) and mischievous personalities, the African penguin has waddled, hopped and swum its way into the hearts of millions the world over. Their bubbly energy and acrobatic swimming moves make them a delight to watch, be it in aquariums or at one of their famed homes at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, where thousands of tourists flock to see them every year. What makes them an iconic part of our heritage is that they’re uniquely African, found only in Namibia and South Africa. This is why it’s been devastating to see how their numbers have plummeted over the years. Today they are classified as endangered. Concerningly, over the last century, we’ve lost 95% of their population, with numbers of breeding pairs sinking from over 1 million to just over 10 000 in 2021. Unless drastic action is taken, the African penguin risks becoming extinct in the wild by 2035. This would be devastating for the ocean’s ecosystem and other species, and a huge loss for our heritage and tourism industry.

So, what’s the problem? Simply put they’re going hungry. They face competition over food and resource with commercial fisheries that target anchovies and sardines (the staple food of African penguins).

Knowledge and awareness are key in turning the tide against the extinction of this beautiful species. You can do your part by visiting them in person at your local beach or zoo; downloading the SASSI app and only eating green listed fish; and speaking to your local restaurant or grocery store about only stocking green listed fish species.

Up until about a decade ago, southern right whales had made a remarkable recovery from commercial whaling. But now, warming oceans, and consequent changes to ocean processes appear to be having a negative impact on available food supply. This is having a noticeable impact on the number of whales visiting South African shores.

This is why WWF South Africa is partnering with the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit to enable it to continue its vital research into the wellbeing of these iconic whales which lie at the heart of our coastal tourism industry, generating both direct and indirect income for the country.

Research manager at the Whale Unit, Dr Els Vermeulen, explains: “Since commercial whaling stopped, the recovery of the southern right whale population was a great conservation success story. But now, the science is telling us is as that these marine mammals are coming under renewed pressure from a more modern problem likely linked to climate change. Over the past decade, we have been finding that the whales are getting thinner, are calving less often and are leaving their breeding grounds earlier.”

There is no doubt that we are experiencing major changes in our oceans as a result of climate change, which in turn could have severe implications for marine species and livelihoods. We do need to understand these changes better to allow for improved forecasting and building of resilience for people and marine ecosystems. To this end southern right whales may proof to be a very useful indicator for changes in our oceans. The funding of a long-term southern right whale dataset is priceless in helping scientists to understand these changes, and help advocate for reduced greenhouse gas emissions so that the iconic southern right whale can continue to thrive along our coastline.