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Thursday, May 22, 2025

Latest News & Developments

biodiversity

Rediscovery of the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew after 46 years

Conservationists rejoice as the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew, a species lost to researchers for 46 years, is rediscovered in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts.

Weekend Argus News
Staff Reporter|Published

Endangered wildlife at risk from expanding road networks in mountainous regions

Professor Aliza le Roux reveals alarming findings on the rising threat of vehicle collisions to endangered wildlife in mountainous regions, as discussed at the Southern African Mountain Conference.

Weekend Argus News
Weekend Argus Reporter|Published

National Garden Week gives free access to South Africa’s botanical and zoological gardens from March 10-16

From Monday, March 10 to Sunday March 16, 2025, South Africans have free access to all of the country’s national botanical and zoological gardens.

Travel South Africa
Sarene Kloren|Published

Western Cape’s first wildlife rescue centre opens

The newly launched Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre is the firstpermitted facility in the province to rehabilitate and release indigenous birds, mammals andreptiles.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Legal battle looms as African Penguin population faces critical decline

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB are taking legal action against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to secure effective protection measures for the declining African Penguin population.

Cape Times News
Chevon Booysen|Published

Gauteng High Court to hear Landmark case for African Penguin conservation

The organisations have sought from the court to review and set aside the minister’s decision to put in place island closures at six breeding colonies “which are not biologically meaningful”, citing that the decision was irrational and unlawful.

Cape Argus News
Chevon Booysen|Published

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB challenge government on African penguin protection

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB are taking legal action against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to secure effective protection measures for the declining African Penguin population, as they challenge the government’s inadequate conservation efforts.

News Environment
Chevon Booysen|Published

Government faces legal challenge over 'flawed' African Penguin protections

A landmark lawsuit challenges South Africa’s fisheries policies, as conservationists warn thatAfrican Penguins could disappear from the wild by 2035 without urgent intervention.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Conservation success for Cape Mountain Zebras, but threats persist

While Cape mountain zebras have made a remarkable comeback from near extinction, plainsand Grévy’s zebras continue to face habitat loss, poaching, and climate change-drivendroughts.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

South African conservationist Dr Aaniyah Martin joins global Antarctic expedition

Dr Aaniyah Martin shares her journey as part of an elite group of women leaders heading toAntarctica to drive global sustainability and climate action.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

South Africa's fight against poaching intensifies

Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, has declared war onpoaching syndicates, vowing to strengthen legislation and disrupt local and international networks.

News South Africa
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Dr Donald Simon: from poverty to PhD success at Stellenbosch University

Dr Donald Simon’s remarkable journey from an impoverished township to earning a PhD in molecular biology at Stellenbosch University showcases the power of resilience, support, and academic dedication.

Daily News News
Daily News Reporter|Published

Celebrating International Mountain Day: Protecting our natural jewels

Every year on December 11, International Mountain Day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to appreciate and protect our planet’s majestic landscapes.

Weekend Argus News
Staff Reporter|Published

Holiday wildlife safety: Top tips for eco-tourists

Practical tips for eco-tourists to navigate encounters with snakes, scorpions, spiders, and tickssafely while fostering biodiversity.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

South Africa’s bioprospecting law: A call for indigenous inclusion and reform

A Durban-based traditional healer calls for reform to bioprospecting laws, urging inclusivity toprotect South Africa’s biodiversity and empower indigenous communities.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Sustainable resource use critical to South Africa’s biodiversity future, says DFFE

A recent webinar hosted by the South African Youth Biodiversity Network dissected SouthAfrica’s efforts under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Groot Phesantekraal’s André Brink named Farmer of the Year for 2024

Celebrating innovation in farming, André Brink of Groot Phesantekraal secures the 2024 Farmer of the Year title, showcasing how tradition meets sustainability.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

New dung beetle species reveal insights into ecological relationships

Christian Deschodt, a doctoral student at the University of Pretoria (UP), has uncovered two new species of dung beetles over the past two decades of exploring Southern Africa’s diverse landscape.

Weekend Argus News
Staff Reporter|Published

Marion Island faces environmental threat from avian influenza

Marion Island, one of South Africa's sub-Antarctic gems, is facing a serious environmental threat as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus appears to have reached the island's shores.

Weekend Argus News
Staff Reporter|Published

Supreme Court of Appeal blocks Monsanto’s GMO maize, citing flaws in government safety oversight

A Supreme Court of Appeal decision halts the release of genetically modified maize, pointing to ignored environmental assessment obligations and safety concerns.

Business
Dominic Naidoo|Published

Study of fruit flies could save South Africa's fruit industry millions

In a pivotal breakthrough for South Africa's agricultural sector, University of Pretoria (UP) researcher Tania Pogue has delved into the behaviour of one of the country's most notorious agricultural pests – the fruit fly.

Weekend Argus News
Staff Reporter|Published

Prince William, star of his Earthshot Prize, celebrating innovations for environmental solutions

In a spectacular tribute to innovation and environmental excellence, the winners of the 2024 Earthshot Prize were announced during a dazzling awards ceremony held in Cape Town.

Weekend Argus Lifestyle
Venecia Valentine|Published

Baobabs in the crossfire: Over 600,000 protected trees to be destroyed for coal-driven development

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone project threatens to clear swathes of protected forests, raising urgent concerns over environmental and social costs.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

How Africa’s Sustainable Finance Coalition is transforming conservation

With a focus on Africa's most vulnerable ecosystems, the Sustainable Finance Coalition aims to unlock billions in funding for biodiversity and community-based conservation projects.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published

South Africa’s Conservation efforts ranked 25th globally but challenges remain

South Africa’s conservation practices are recognised globally, but the Nature Conservation Index highlights urgent areas for improvement, especially in marine protection and policy enforcement.

News Environment
Dominic Naidoo|Published