GAME RANGERS ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA: Namibian Chapter · 2015-06-09 · nature, Game Rangers are elusive and non-communicative people who like their own company on their own terms,

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mailto:[email protected]

GAME RANGERS ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA:

Namibian Chapter

Issue # 4. March 2014

Contact Details Chairman: Mark Paxton ([email protected])

Vice Chairman: Peter Bridgeford ([email protected])

Secretary: Tristan Cooper ([email protected])

Treasurer: Malcolm Taylor ([email protected])

Member: Lise Hanssen ([email protected])

Member: Simon Mayes ([email protected])

In this Issue 1. AFRICAN RANGERS : (IUCN Australia Nov. 2014)

• Chairperson of GRAA Chris Galliers presentation representation at The IUCN World Parks Congress held in Australia

• NAMIBIAN RANGERS: links to their presentations at the IUCN Congress in

Sydney Australia Nov. 2014

2. POACHING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT:

• MET rattles their spears and warns poachers

• The extent of rhino poaching exposed

• Garth Owen Smith responds

• Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) responds

• SRT launches internal investigation

• SRT exonerated following an internal investigation

• Anti-poaching initiatives in response to spike in poaching

• Anti-poaching from the Next Generation Conservation Trust

• Poaching intensifies inside Etosha National Park (ENP)

• Namibian Medic team linked to rhino poaching

• Timeline: Namibia targeted by organized criminal syndicates

• National Rhino poaching continues: RSA, Botswana and Zimbabwe

• South Africa Sees a record year for rhino poaching in 2014

• Zimbabwe: Two black rhino poisoned as illegal poaching continues in Africa

• Stone-holdings advanced management and anti-poaching systems

• TSU; Protection services

3. WILDILIFE POISONING: (POWAG)

4. REGONAL & NATIONAL CONSERVATION

• Kwando Carnivore Project

• Braveheart; End of the Game

• It is no game it is our lives

• Poaching of elephant

• Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)

• Poaching and arrests

• How to scare off the biggest pest in the world

• On-going illegal fishing

• On-going deforestation

5. GRAA NEWS

• 2014 Chairman’s Report,

• GRAA-Namibian Chapter

• Minutes of GRAA Namibian Chapter,

• AGM, February 2015

• News from Peter Bridgeford

The GRAA is not necessarily in

agreement with any views expressed

in the articles which appear in this

newsletter. The Chairman’s

Comments and editorial notes are

personal opinions.

Categories 1. AFRICAN RANGERS: (News about

rangers in Namibia and other areas of

Africa, what they have achieved or the

challenges they are facing)

2. POACHING/LAW ENFORCEMENT

(Regional and National): (The many

current articles on poaching)

3. WILDLIFE POISONING: (Issues about

poisons and wildlife poisoning incidents)

4. REGIONAL/NATIONAL

CONSERVATION: (General conservation

news which doesn't fit in the other

categories, research projects, etc.)

5. GRAA NEWS: (News from the GRAA,

awards, Tributes etc.)

6. ANECDOTAL and OTHERS: (Stories of

Game Rangers by Game Rangers, or

interesting facts)

7. PHOTOS FROM THE PAST:

(Submissions from the members)

8. VACANCIES & JOBS: (Somewhere to

advertise for jobs wanted and vacancies)

9. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

6. ANECDOTAL AND OTHERS

• Namib vultures set

new record

• Vulture twins tagged

• Report on the 2015 Summer Wetland Bird counts in Namibia

• The Monica saga :

Another true story

with a bit of Flavour:

(Cameron Wilson)

• Insect hunger

Games

7. PHOTOS:

Photos from Mark Paxton

8. Vacancies and jobs

9. Acknowledgments

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Note from the Chairman.

Email: [email protected] cell 0813142713

This is our 4th issue of the GRAA-Namibian Chapter (GRAA-NAM). We have an active membership list of almost 40, from

a total of over 70 members, and increasing. We are very active on social media with our GRAA-Nam Facebook group with

over 1760 followers and growing. This page is also connected to the Namibian Nature Conservation Page with 1900

followers and thus exposure is continuing to expand. All contributions are appreciated.

High points in the last quarter include:

• GRAA representation at the IUCN World Parks Congress held in Australia in November 2014

• The successful conclusion of the POWAG (Poisoning of Wildlife Action Group) workshop held at Popa Falls NWR, with

the results available on CD, or email “Drop box. Please email Mark at [email protected] if you are interested in

copies

• Our AGM at Teufelschlught, (see report and minutes below). We are very grateful to Pete Marias for making the

lovely venue available to us, which was organized by our Secretary-Tristan Cooper. We had noteworthy contributions

from Tim and Janet Snow (GRAA) RSA, Steven Lochner (TSU Protection Services), Uys Prinsloo (NAMHUNT) and Leslie

Steenkamp (Thornburn), covering many subjects related to sophisticated and practical improvements in anti-

poaching and our approach to self protection and training.

• The terrible increase in rhino poaching incidents, elephant and lion poaching or HWC is hitting Namibia hard. We

have monitored the progress from initial reports in the press as well as the investigation into SRT and how MET with

the support of the cabinet are dealing with this. As Chairperson I have been available to Axel Hartman and his

competent team, as well the journalist John Grobler to offer moral support, advice to the best of my ability and

sometimes peace-maker throughout this process. It is heartbreaking for any of us to have this happening to a great

conservation recovery project and frustrating to be helpless to do anything effective to stop it. We are all in the

trenches, the fight continues, we are helping in any and every way we can.

• We are also sad to report that Chris Eyre a well known, highly respected and beloved member is currently undergoing

chemotherapy and we are rooting for him every step of the way

• We are a newly formed regional branch of GRAA with the objective of making a difference and offering support to

the conservation organizations, both from the Private Sector and Government. After all we all have the same aims

but can only be successful if all of us are working together and supporting each other.

Thus I again, urge you all to read through this newsletter even though some of the articles are uncomfortably long, and

contribute wherever you can. Please stay in touch by email, social media or an old fashioned telephone call. By our very

nature, Game Rangers are elusive and non-communicative people who like their own company on their own terms,

preferring to dedicate themselves to the cause of Nature Conservation. This makes us a special and unique breed of

people with strong principals and convictions. Many of us are retired Game Rangers or pursuing their own livelihoods in

Wildlife Management but still with Conservation at the core of our existence. We all still feel for the wildlife of this

country and its well-being. This organization keeps us in touch with the hardships and challenges facing wildlife, natural

resources and the custodians thereof. This newsletter strives to keep you abreast with International Conservation aspects

with similar challenges. We are in this together one for all and all for one. It is your newsletter, so please contribute and

be a part of this growth!

(Mark Paxton

We are still interested in “the GRAA cap showing what we are doing”. Caps are being organized by

GRAA: NAM. & should be available soon! Meanwhile we are interested in what you have been up to so

please email any photos to [email protected] for inclusion in the next newsletter!

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1. AFRICAN RANGERS: (News about rangers in Namibia and other areas in Africa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2Suw663Uc

This is a heart-stopping clip well worth watching, for those who do not have access to the internet a summary of the

content.

Published on Mar 30, 2015

Game Rangers are working under increasing pressure and danger as the war against poaching and the illegal wildlife trade

goes to the next level. Never before have Game Rangers needed as much assistance as they do now, they stand at the

front line of defense to ensure that our world still has wild creatures, the overwhelming demand for Rhino Horn, Elephant

Tusk Ivory, Lion Bones and many other species is pushing our natural heritage to the brink of extinction. These guys need

all the support they can get because without them, we would have nothing left within a very short space of time. Please

visit http://www.gameranger.org to learn more and find out how you can become a part of the solution.

The message in full reads:

• Worlds wild places are under threat with, Habitat destruction, human encroachment and land transformation

• Poaching (we add organized criminal syndicate poaching)

• Someone needs to protect these places – GAME RANGERS dedicate their lives to conserving nature

• Today rangers face a threat greater than any before, the illegal wildlife trade; their own lives are in danger as an

increasing number of rangers are killed through armed contact. Fighting sophisticated organized criminals requires a

military0like response

• THIS IS WAR – no longer rangers but now soldiers

• Fighting a war means other duties suffer; management of invasive species, community relations, animal populations

and climate change response

• National Parks will not survive without protection and protected areas are the last hope for many endangered species

• If all the reserves are focused on only anti-poaching the habitat and all other animals will suffer

• We need protected areas and people to protect them

• Something’s got to change –GRAA

• “May the roar of the African lion be heard by the children of our children’s children forever”

Additional links of interest for those with access to the internet:

http://www.gameranger.org/news-views/media-releases/96-call-for-action-against-increasing-risk-to-game-rangers.html

http://www.iucn.org/?17196/Rising-murder-toll-of-park-rangers-calls-for-tougher-laws

Quote from the above link: “Fifty-six rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty in the last 12 months, 29 of whom

have been killed by poachers, according to the latest information released by the International Ranger Federation, which

monitors ranger deaths. Last year’s death toll has reached 102, with poachers & militia responsible for 69 of those deaths”.

AFICAN RANGERS: IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney Australia Nov. 2014

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Namibia sent a delegation with representatives from MET the Hon Minister Ushekua Herunga,

Director Colgar Sikopo: From IRDNC, John Kasaona, Karine Nuulimba, Fredrick Alpers, Alfred

Chedau, Thaddeus Chedau and Nils Odendaal from NamibRand, to name those we know. The

main themes they represented was communal conservation (CBNRM), sustainable utilization, the

role of traditional knowledge in conservation, eco-tourism and conservation tourism. Here are

some links for those who are interested:

http://ipsnews.net/terravivaiucn/terravivaiucn7.pdf

http://satoyama-initiative.org/en/14-november-2014-iucn-world-parks-congress-2014-stream-7-session-nature-

culture-linkages-managing-bio-cultural-landscapes-and-connectivity/

http://ipsnews.net/terravivaiucn/terravivaiucn6.pdf

http://www.iied.org/iied-world-parks-congress-2014

http://www.iisd.ca/iucn/wpc/2014/html/crsvol89num16e.html

2. POACHING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Regional and National.

Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism rattles their spears and warns poachers:

http://www.thenewage.co.za/149121-1019-53-

Namibian_minister_warns_poachers

In the wake of a surge in rhino and elephant poaching

incidents in Namibia last year, the environment minister is

putting out a daily message on national television that

poachers will be jailed.

"The demand for rhino horns and elephant tusks does not

come from within Namibia or Africa, it comes from further

afield. Locals get paid peanuts for killing our rhinos and

elephants," Environment and Tourism Minister Uahekua

Herunga says in the broadcast.

“If we find you [poaching], we warn you that you will be put

in jail," Herunga states in the message, which was shown

after the prime time evening news on public broadcaster the

Namibia Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. The message

will be broadcast every day for the upcoming weeks.

"Poaching of our rhino and elephants destroys our

economy. Tourism is important for Namibia," the minister

says in the clip. Year 24 rhinos and 79 elephants were

poached in Namibia.

Chairman’s Comments:

Without Political Support and the will from the Government, anti-poaching operations will

always be an uphill and frustrating battle for law-enforcement officials. It is also encouraging to

note the Minister’s positive comment on the value of tourism to the country’s economy. Let’s

hope that the Namibian government will mean what they say here and this is not just

meaningless talk.

NAMIBIAN RANGERS: links to their presentations at the IUCN Congress in Sydney

Australia Nov. 2014

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“The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has launched an internal investigation after it was presented with a letter in mid-December

outlining possible collusion between some staff members and poachers who have killed at least 18 critically endangered

Kunene black rhinos since late 2012.

The crisis at the SRT is however just part of a larger one in anti-poaching law enforcement and natural resource

management in the so-called “Big Three” communal conservancies - Palmwag, Abenab and Sesfontein - in southern Kunene.

An investigation conducted since July 2014 brought to light a complex set of political problems that pits communal farmers

and their business associates against tourism and conservation interests, as well as abuse of office by local officials.

“SRT has initiated an internal investigation to look for facts around the poaching cases in the Kunene as they may relate to

SRT,” chairman Dudu Murorua confirmed by e-mail earlier this week.

!Uri-#Khob has since stepped aside as CEO but remains employed by the SRT, pending the outcome of the investigation

currently being conducted by veteran game warden Tommy Hall.

He and other board members acknowledged that problems caused by the void left by SRT co-founder Blythe Loutit's death

of cancer in 2005 had snowballed since.

Partly because of the report, the SRT was being restructured as an anti-poaching monitoring outfit, rather than just a rhino

monitoring organisation, fellow board member Axel Hartman said.

Hartman also confirmed that he would be taking over the day-to-day running of the SRT at the beginning of February.

Director of Tourism Sem Shikongo, who had brokered the meetings as acting permanent secretary during December, also

acknowledged that a culture of secrecy was hampering anti-poaching efforts.

The actual numbers of Diceros bicornis bicornis has always been kept secret not to arouse the wrong attention, but it also

served to obscure the true state of affairs of rhino management in the Kunene.

Data obtained from the MET rhino experts Pierre du Preez and Pietie Beytel showed that between January 2013 and

December 2014, a total of 43 Kunene rhino had died, of which 17 were reportedly poached.

This excludes four rhinos poached at nearby Uukwaluudhi Lodge in late August, three confirmed cases in the Etosha Park, or

any other poaching cases elsewhere.

Of the 26 non-poaching mortalities (2013: 15, 2014: 11), 10 died of unknown causes in the past year alone, according to the

data.

SRT anti-poaching director Brend Brell testified in the Opuwo magistrate's court on 13 August 2014 that DNA tests showed

that 13 of 14 horns confiscated from three Chinese men arrested on 24 March 2014 at the Hosea Kutako International

Airport originated from Kunene rhinos.

GPS coordinates of all known poaching cases also confirmed what a six-month-long investigation had established: that the

majority were committed in close proximity of a settlement called Mbakondja (“I have struggled” in Herero), close to where

the last poaching of two rhinos occurred in 1993……………………….

Three suspects, who all were from either Mbakondja or nearby Khowarib, all walked free: one went on to become a

policeman in Opuwo, while the two others were later employed by another local NGO, the Integrated Rural Development

and Natural Conservation (IRDNC)……………………………….

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?ar

chive_id=132512&page_type=archive_story_

detail&page=1

After months of investigation freelance journalist John Grobler releases

information that exposes the, names, locations and incidents about rhino

poaching in the Kunene Region. The findings implicated SRT (Save The

Rhino Trust). Particularly, in leaking information location of rhino and

when rhino trackers leave an area at the end the patrol, which enables

poachers. This give increased impetus to the investigation by MET and

the RPU, it also leads to SRT launching a internal investigation, the CEO

steps down and Dr Axel Hartman a well known vet from Otjiwarongo

The extent of rhino poaching is exposed: BY John Grobler

leading to investigation and increased public awareness plus action:

(2 stories excerpts from the link under the photo

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SRT's role is to monitor rhinos and provide data to the MET. This they have done effectively, with limited resources (three

field vehicles to cover two million hectares) for 30 years. Their staff does not have the authority to enforce the law. The MET

has the overall responsibility for conserving Namibia's rhino population, but Nampol's Protected Resources Unit (PRU) has

been mandated to investigate all serious wildlife crimes.

The conservancies have been granted the responsibility to conserve the wildlife within their borders, but have no law

enforcement authority. However, to provide more field manpower, each conservancy with rhinos has also appointed two

dedicated rhino rangers, but their role has been limited by having only one vehicle between them all. IRDNC provides the

conservancies with technical support and training, and they and the SRT provide support to the conservancy rhino ranger

project. Based on this, it would be more correct for the article to talk about “a complex set of political problems that pits the

local community (which has given their full support to protecting the rhinos and have been responsible for the only two

arrests made to date) against a non-local businessman and his associates” - the alleged prime suspects mentioned. The

article quotes a letter to the SRT: “. . . it was impossible for anyone to be poaching in what amounts to the SRT's backyard …

without the active collaboration of people with intimate knowledge of both the rhinos and the extremely rugged area ...”

However, the alleged suspect named in his report has grazed his cattle here for more than 10 years, including during the

2014 drought in the exact area of Palmwag Concession where most rhino have been poached. Other non-local herders

(from the Epupa area) also graze their livestock where more rhino have been poached and would not need SRT

“collaboration”. Last April, shortly after the drought ended and the main suspect removed his cattle from the Palmwag

concession, the fresh carcass of a rhino bull was found here by the SRT's camel team, who immediately reported it to the

MET and PRU. A month later the carcasses of a rhino cow and calf (which appeared to have been killed around the same

time as the bull) were found by SRT trackers in the same area and also reported to the PRU. The reason why both these

cases were uncovered by SRT field staff is because no one else was then regularly patrolling this very remote part of the

concession. In fact, if it were not for the SRT monitoring, it is unlikely that we would have known rhinos were being poached

in Kunene region. A case of blaming the messenger?............................................

For the poaching to stop all the parties need to work together. The conservancies, local communities and the NGOs have

shown their willingness to do so.


I agree with Garth when correcting John Grobler’s incorrect facts. There are clearly some important omissions

and corrections which needed clarification. However, consideration must be given as to why the facts were

incorrect and maybe this would not have been the case if John was given the cooperation of the people directly

involved in SRT and the CBNRM program in the beginning and not been forced to glean facts only from a few

accessible sources.

Garth Owen Smith Responds: Well known and respected conservationist; author of Arid Eden and founder of

IRDNC (Intergrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation). Defends the role of SRT and calls for less sensationlism.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?archive_id=133141&page_type=archive_story_detail&page=1

“SENSATIONAL disclosures are the stuff of journalism. Good journalism however, requires

that these disclosures are accurate and the interpretation of the facts is rational and

reasonable.”

A recent front page lead “Wildlife staff probed in Kunene rhino poaching” requires a

response………The Save the Rhino Trust provides a soft target for the lack of progress in the

current anti-rhino poaching initiatives in Kunene region. Quite correctly SRT's board hired an

experienced investigator to establish whether any of its staff had colluded in the poaching.

Pending the outcome, I must point out some inaccuracies in the article, based on my long-

term and ongoing involvement in the region.

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Chairman’s comment on the above two stories continues: Although I do not agree with John Grobler’s “maverick

cowboy” approach I nevertheless do believe his intention was to expose what he felt was an issue threatening the

Rhinos in Namibia. He has done just that! He is therefore a conservationist and should be recognized as such

even though his approach, due to the very nature of his profession and character has an unpleasant sensational

element to it.

It is essential that there should be a good working relationship between SRT and John Grobler. He is not going to

go away and cannot be ignored. I hope that his investigational and journalistic talents can be channeled by those

of the SRT to be of benefit to themselves and the rhinos they protect.

It is imperative that the SRT be given every manner of support available, as without the worthwhile organization

we are in great danger of losing a large proportion of our Rhino population in Namibia. Without the SRT and their

Rhino conservation activities we will allow the highly sophisticated poaching syndicates currently operating in

RSA, to gain foothold in Namibia

Save the Rhino Trust Responds: http://africageographic.com/blog/namibias-save-the-rhino-trust-responds-to-rhino-poaching-crisis/

Namibia’s Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has launched an internal investigation in response to allegations that some of its staff members have been involved in the escalating rhino poaching that has hit the Kunene Region. Most of the 24 rhinos poached last year were black rhino from the Kunene Region and allegations have surfaced pointing at a conspiracy between SRT rangers and poachers. The SRT yesterday confirmed in a statement that an internal investigation was launched last year after several “concerns” were brought to their attention. The CEO of the SRT, Simson Uri-Khob, yesterday told Namibian Sun that “there have been allegations that our staff have been involved in these activities, but it has no grounds. Only when there is proof can we pronounce ourselves on this.” The internal investigation started in July 2014 and is led by an external investigator - veteran game warden Tommy Hall. It is expected that the investigation, which “is complex and still in process”, will take several more weeks. Uri-Khob said it could take up to the middle of February to be completed. According to the SRT, should any evidence or suspected criminal activity be uncovered the information will be provided to the Protected Resources Unit of the Namibian Police and the appropriate internal actions will also be taken. The organisation stressed that it is committed to being transparent with the results of its investigation. “SRT’s stakeholders and the public do, however, need to understand that any ongoing police investigation that may arise may reduce the details that can be made public.” The SRT announced towards the end of last year that it was being restructured into an anti-poaching outfit rather than just a rhino monitoring organisation. Therefore, Dr Axel Hartmann will assume the full-time role of Chief Operating Officer of SRT on February 1.

Dr Hartmann is a well-respected veterinarian and has been a long-standing trustee of SRT in conjunction with his leadership in rhino treatment in Namibia. The SRT said the threats to Namibia’s rhinos have intensified, and it remains committed to working with its partners in the communities, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Kunene Rhino Protection Unit, and NamPol’s Protected Resources Unit in protecting the black rhinos of the Kunene Region.

WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT Axel Hartmann in action

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SAVE THE RHINO TRUST EXONERATED FOLLOWING INDEPENDENT INTERNAL INVESTIGATION: http://savetherhinotrust.org/ Independent Investigator's report Independent investigator found no evidence or suspicions of any of the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia staff being involved

in poaching.

The Independent Investigator’s report has been shared with Save the Rhino Trust’s Board of Trustees and the Ministry of

Environment and Tourism.

The results are as follows:

Independent investigator categorically clears SRT CEO, Simson Uri-Khob, of any involvement in rhino poaching.

Further finds that Uri-Khob has not withheld any information or knowledge about poaching and passed all relevant

information to NamPol’s Protected Resource Unit (PRU).

Investigator found no evidence of any of SRT staff being involved in poaching.

The Investigator found no evidence to suggest that the Camel Team was complicit in poaching. The Investigator examined

deeds of sale and bank statements that clear SRT staff members from allegations that they purchased vehicles using

money acquired by suspicious means, i.e. poaching.

Investigator believes that certain staff members have been intimidated by criminal syndicates. These staff members have

been identified and recommendations will be followed.

The investigation has uncovered a great deal of evidence (unrelated to SRT), which has been passed to NamPol's Protected

Resource Unit which is still actively working on all leads.

The investigation gathered invaluable intelligence about the poaching syndicates, which will help SRT's trustees and

management to respond to the future poaching threat.

Given the scope of the results to date and the current environment where poachers are operating in the area, the SRT

Board of Trustees has secured funding to increase the investigator's remit and will continue to develop knowledge about

poaching in the Kunene region in order to direct SRT patrol efforts and other initiatives. SRT patrols and monitoring

continued uninterrupted during the investigation and have in fact been strengthened. SRT remains committed to working

with its partners in the communities, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Special Forces Unit, NACSO Natural

Resource Working Group, NamPol's Protected Resources Unit, Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation

(IRDNC), the Kunene Rhino Protection Unit, Rhino Rangers and WWF-Namibia in protecting the black rhinos of the Kunene

Region. SRT wishes to thank its loyal supporters and donors for standing by the organization during the investigation and

for their continued support in helping us Save the Rhino. SRT also acknowledges the dedication of its management and

staff, who showed unwavering commitment to the cause, despite the distraction of the investigation and public

allegations.

In December 2014, the Trustees of Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) launched an internal investigation in response to newspaper reports that alleged that Save the Rhino Trust staff was complicit in rhino poaching in the Kunene region. Following an extensive investigation. The Investigator and assistant spent 76 full 10 hour days on the ground, traveling 18,629 kilometers, conducting interviews in Damara-Nama, Herero, Afrikaans, English and German, and using a network of informers.


I have always maintained that the SRT are the last bastion which protects the Rhinos of that region from the

sophisticated poaching actions which threaten that unique and diverse area. I am incredibly relieved to hear that SRT has

been cleared of any involvement with these poaching organizations and I sincerely hope they are now free to resume

their excellent work. I have every confidence in Dr. Axel Hartmann and Tommy Hall (who is a GRAA member) and I wish

them all the very best in their struggle to protect this region’s Rhinos and other wildlife. They have had a hard struggle

with adverse conditions and many obstacles to overcome. I would hope that our Chapter will be called upon to offer

assistance and advice if needed, and I hope to be working closely with Axel and his SRT team in the future

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ANTI POACHING INITIATIVES IN RESPONSE TO SPIKE IN POACHING:

Palmwag Lodge owner Fritz Schenk yesterday gave an update of

the activities of the anti-poaching unit that was established about

two months ago

Namibia lost at least 24 rhinos to poachers last year. A large

number of these killings occurred in the Palmwag area of the

Kunene Region. Schenk said the Palmwag Concession - which

covers more than 500 000 hectares - is very large and consists of

difficult terrain. He said a shortage of manpower and equipment

has been one of the main challenges. “Rangers, scouts and trackers

cannot be everywhere at the same time. “If you know the area and

your way around, it is easy to get in and out. This was our main

problem. Patrols cannot be everywhere. Manpower is a problem.”

Although some challenges remain, the Palmwag Concession Anti-

Poaching Unit has been a success.

http://www.namibiansun.com/environment/palmwag-anti-

poaching-unit-success.76397

ANTI-POACHING FROM THE NEXT GENERATION CONSERVATION TRUST: https://www.conservationforce.org/ngctn.html https://www.conservationforce.org/next-gen-con-trust-

namibia/Brochure.pdf

Next Generation Conservation Trust – Eyes in the sky

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are deployed in problem

areas and either stay in the vicinity of protected animals to

detect poachers in the area, or patrol conservancies and

reserves to detect potential poachers – day and night.

Namside Tactical – Closing the Gap with Anti-poaching Units

(APU) – boots on the ground

Within the tracking community the term “closing the time-

distance gap” is commonly known and it refers to closing

both the time and distance between the tracker team and

the offenders. Namibia has joined the rest of Africa after

years of being mostly poaching free; Namibia is under threat

as organized crime syndicates have targeted its abundant

natural resources and have started poaching the country’s

exotic animals. In Namibia, we have a very small window of

opportunity to get organized and resist this onslaught.

Traditional Environmental Knowledge Outreach Academy

(TEKOA) – Training trackers and preserving San / Bushmen

culture

The Goal is to establish an innovative Indigenous Livelihood

Knowledge Training Centre and education Programme in

Bwabwata National Park (BNP) that will transfer Indigenous

Knowledge to Khwe youth, fellow Namibians, the KAZA

community and international initiates. To thereby renew

cultural pride, restore dignity, scientifically contribute to

global development needs, increase employability, and

ultimately provide the foundation for a culturally

appropriate and sustainable approach to education and

social and ecosystem restoration.

Koos Verwey, Axel Hartmann, Rob Moffet

Palmwag Concession Anti-Poaching Unit intensify

patrols in the area, which became a hotspot for

rhino poaching, and plans to train more staff.


It is encouraging that the lucrative Hunting industry and its poorer cousin the Tourism sector is playing a positive role in

conservation. They generally have more access to funds, sponsors and other supportive mechanisms for the budget-

trapped under staffed and under-resourced government organizations and their support can only be of benefit. There is

obviously the secondary yet important promotional aspect for the supportive organization which should not be the motive

but merely the secondary benefit. I hope to see more of this sort of initiative with others in the hunting industry and only

hope that Government recognizes the important role that the private sector can play in supporting conservation in

Namibia.

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POACHING INTENSIFIES WITH RHINO POACHED INSIDE ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Rhino carcasses found in Etosha

http://www.namibiansun.com/environment/rhino-

poaching-skyrockets.78527

According to recent media reports, 116 elephant

and 10 rhino had been poached in Namibia between

2012 and May last year.

This prompted the ministry to start dehorning rhinos

in an attempt to make them worthless to poachers.

In March this year, New Era newspaper reported

that the Erindi Private Game Reserve, which is home

to about 20 000 wild animals, had dehorned all its

rhinos to discourage poachers.

https://news.vice.com/article/namibia-is-dehorning-

rhinos-to-combat-rising-poaching

Namibia's government has begun to dehorn rhinos

living in its national parks and private conservation

reserves in response to an increase in the number of

animals killed by poachers, according to the

country's Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced that 31

rhino carcasses have been found since April 8.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Permanent Secretary

Simeon Negumbo said the illegal hunting of rhino in Namibia must

be brought under control rapidly.

Negumbo said an investigation was under way to determine the

cause of the deaths, as some carcasses were old and still had their

horns. He said the ministry intends to strengthen its efforts in order

to ensure effective crime-prevention and investigation units that

focus on poaching syndicates and organised crime.

“We once again condemn such ill-intentioned activities of rhino and

elephant poaching and call upon those involved to refrain from such

activities with immediate effect or risk of being caught and face the

full wrath of the law,” he said.

Law changes proposed to fight poaching

A PARLIAMENTARY committee is recommending

that Namibia's nature conservation laws should be

changed to improve law enforcement in the battle

against poaching.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism should speed up the

drafting of legislation to improve law enforcement and prevent the

increase of poaching in Namibia, and the Ministry of Mines and

Energy should consult regional authorities and local communities

before allowing mining activities to take place in wildlife breeding

areas, especially for the rhinoceros, the Parliamentary Standing

Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public

Administration is recommending in a report that was tabled in the

National Assembly this week.

For those who are interested and can download the

full statement from the Dep. Minister of MET Hon.

Pohama Shifeta on Law Enforcement & Wildlife

Protection May 2014

This was his opening speech at the 2 day workshop on Law

Enforcement in the Khomas Region

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.

php?archive_id=134378&page_type=a

rchive_story_detail&page=1

http://workspace.unpan.org/sites/internet/Documents/UN

PAN93587.pdf

Chairman’s Comment:

It is clear from the RSA example that poaching, especially with Ivory and Rhino horn, has become a highly sophisticated

and well financed business operation with lucrative rewards, run by extremely well resourced people who are extremely

well connected and with political influence. The highly dedicated Game Rangers and other wildlife custodians are

unfortunately not equipped to deal with this onslaught and generally do not have the mental attitude to become soldiers,

strategists and politicians. This is where the Government has a critical supportive role to play. Political will is imperative. By

these articles it appears that the new Namibian Government is taking this bull by the horns and showing commitment and

the will to solving the threat to our Rhinos Elephants and other wildlife. I sincerely hope that this attitude is genuine and

sustained.

11

NAMIBIA MEDIC LINKED TO RHINO POACHING AND MURDER: (John Grobler)

Windhoek chiropractor Gerson Kandjii, already facing criminal charges related to the poaching of four black

rhinos in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, this week also appeared in a local court on charges related to the

murder of retired German industrialist Reinhard Schmidt last week. John Grobler investigates

The bullets recovered from the carcasses in Etosha were a match for the accused’s gun,” Namibian Police’s

Protected Resources Unit (PRU) commander, Chief Inspector Barry de Klerk, confirmed earlier this week.

The second arrest came after an extensive manhunt was launched last Friday following the discovery of Schmidt’s

gagged and bound body in the house on his private hunting farm Hoodia outside Kalkrand, about 200 kilometres

south of Windhoek.

Schmidt was believed to have suffocated to death after his attackers had tied him up and taped up his mouth and

nose, police told local media.

The rifle was equipped with a silencer and high-powered telescope, as was a second, unlicensed rifle seized from

the third suspect, Daniel Nghidinua, arrested when he arrived in the area in September.

Nghidinua had also been granted bail by the Okahao magistrate’s court, as the evidence – apart from possessing a

firearm for which he had no licence – was thin, Mpofu said.

“The ballistic linking Kandjii’s gun to the rhino poaching in Etosha was unfortunately not yet available,” he said.

The entire case was moved to Outapi as a precautionary measure, he confirmed.

Kandjii was charged as fourth accused in the murder case along with co-suspects Justus Domingo, Muadhila

Nakapandi, Jason (Jackson) Stephanus and Irwin Tjituure.

In the Outapi docket, he was charged along with Daniel Nghidinua of Omakufo village, his nephew Stephanus

Dawid of Peneyambeko Court in Windhoek, and Martin Andami Kaninga of Okatjete for the illegal hunting of a

protected species, as well as the illegal possession of a rifle and ammunition.

Kandjii and his co-suspects in the Outapi case pleaded not guilty. His nephew and another suspect brought a bail

application as well, postponed to March 12.

Schmidt’s murder

Police sources said charges in connection with Schmidt’s murder were still being formulated, after the suspects

were taken the scene of the crime this week.

Goods stolen from Schmidt’s farmstead had since been recovered after the suspects had sold them.

Kandjii and his five accomplices were also linked by police investigators to a mid-February farm attack near

Aranos, about 150 kilometres south-east of Kalkrand.

Kandjii, until recently team doctor to the

Namibian national soccer team, and four co-

accused were not asked to plead when they

appeared in the Mariental lower court on

Thursday. The case was postponed to May 5 to

allow them to obtain legal representation,

according to court records.

Kandjii and three other, different suspects

were arrested in November last year and

charged with the poaching of critically

endangered black rhinos in Etosha.

He was granted R20 000 bail in early January

by the Okahao magistrates court, before a

ballistics test positively linking his personal

hunting rifle to the Etosha poaching became

available, officials said.

Former Namibian national soccer team medic Gerson

Kandjii (third from left) during a match against Botswana

in 2010. Photo: Helge Schutz

12

In that case, five men had gained access to the Sandvlakte farmhouse of Johan Vermeulen, who was pistol-

whipped, tied up and robbed of cash and valuables, including a vehicle that was later abandoned near Stampriet.

Domingos and Nakapandi were suspected of leading the attack on Schmidt, while Kandjii and Stephanus (who

also appeared to be a relative) had driven the get-away vehicle, sources close to the investigation said.

More firearms and expended ammunition were seized from the suspects, which could lead to further

breakthroughs in the ongoing rhino poaching cases elsewhere, sources said.

Kunene rhinos

Court records showed that first accused Daniel Nghidinua was arrested late September last year.

Investigators said he had arrived in the area with a hunting rifle equipped with a telescope and silencer, as well as

an axe, knives and a picture of a rhino, and had wanted to know where to find rhinos.

Kamanjab is en route to the lower Kunene region and the communal conservancy areas where the world’s last

free-roaming black rhinos have been heavily poached since late 2012.

According to the official Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) mortality data for Kunene, at least 20

critically endangered black rhinos were poached in this region between 2011 and December 2014.

In 2013, 16 Kunene rhino – recognised as a sub-species for their adaption to the harsh desert conditions in this

region – were reported to have died in the Kunene, one of which was poached.

In 2014, 27 Kunene black rhinos died, 16 of which had been poached, according to the MET data, as compiled by

the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), an NGO that had been doing rhino monitoring since 1983 in the area.

These figures, however, excluded the four Etosha black rhinos (for which Kandjii and his co-accused are now

facing charges), as well as three more black rhinos poached at the Uukwaluudhi Lodge in August last year. A

fourth rhino bull had to be put down because of the severity of its injuries.

No further poaching was reported since late December, when certain internal reforms were implemented at the

SRT and joint patrols with MET and special field force staff increased.

Last year 27 Kunene black rhinos died. This critically

endangered population is recognised as a sub-species

of rhino because of their adaption to the harsh desert

conditions in the region

Kandjii and three of his four co-accused in the

rhino poaching case were first apprehended in

late September in the Kamanjab district by local

police after locals became suspicious of their

behaviour.

PRU commander Barry de Klerk said although a

rifle with silencer and telescope and a large

amount of cash was found in their vehicle, no

proof of any crime committed could be

immediately found as the firearm was licensed

to Kandjii.

His nephew, Dawid Stephanus, was caught with

Kandjii’s rifle in his possession later in

November, leading to Kandjii and Kaninga also

being arrested in due course of investigations.

Gun licences were not transferable, Mpofu

pointed out in an interview in Outapi last week.

at the Werda Gate, adjoining the Etosha park.


John Grobler is to be congratulated for his tenacious but not always agreeable attitude towards uncovering or

drawing attention to the unsettling stories which involve respected members of our community. This is a

journalist who will always be a thorn in their sides and he should be recognized as such. He is tenaciousness and

commitment to uncovering the truth should be seen as an ally to conservation initiatives.

13

TIMELINE: NAMIBIA TARGETTED BY ORGANISED CRIMINAL SYNDICATE POACHING :

SUMMARY OF THE RECENT HISTORY SHOWING HORRIFIC ESCALATION IN RHINO POACHING

Namibian conservationists need to know how we got here and what is happening elsewhere to be able to reduce this

onslaught. Social media and complaining loudly achieves little. ACTIONS which are effective are needed, and if there is one

thing Namibians are good at it is standing together united against a common enemy. This is a call to do just that!

After 25 years of no rhino poaching, (thanks to joint efforts of NGOs, MET, communities and private sector), Namibia has

gone from no losses to the deaths of ± 96 rhino (black and white) during the period of November 2009 to April 2015. Not all

were poached, 30 lost in a fire in Etosha National Park, some are natural mortalities, assumed to be anthrax, a few injuries

from fighting, 1 or 3 deaths of a calf by hyeana or carnivores, at least 3 black rhino legally hunted, (no figures on white rhino

hunts from privately owned rhino). It is shocking!!

Namibian black rhino are a sub-species (Diceros bicornis bicornis, or Diceros bicornis occidentalis ) “The south-western

black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis occidentalis) is a subspecies of the black rhinoceros, living in southwestern Africa (northern

Namibia and southern Angola, introduced to South Africa). It is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. The biggest threat

towards the subspecies Diceros bicornis occidentalis is illegal poaching”. We cannot ship in black rhino from elsewhere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South-western_black_rhinoceros

Namibia has the largest free roaming population of black rhino in Africa these are the desert dwelling rhino in the Kunene &

Erongo Regions, a healthy population in Etosha National Park, 2 other reserves and the custodianship program which has

flourished!


This has been compiled by Charlie Paxton and is a very good explanation of our situation in Namibia! We nevertheless have

much to be thankful for.

One, being the example of what is happening in the RSA, and we need to learn from their mistakes and not be too proud to

accept advice and help from a country whose conservationists have taken a tremendous battering over a number of years

but have developed and adapted a huge variety of counter-measures to combat the poaching of Rhinos.

Two, being that we still have time on our hands to put counter-measures in place which would be pertinent to this country

for when the highly sophisticated poaching networks from the RSA establish themselves in Namibia.

14

NATIONAL RHINO POACHING CONTINUES: RSA, BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE Further reading on rhino poaching:

HOW DO WE RESPOND October 2013 (a 35pg doc.)

by Professor Rosaleen Duffy, Dr.

Richard H. Emslie and Dr.

Michael H. Knight

The main threats to black and white rhinos are:

• Poaching, driven by illegal demand for rhino horn

from South East Asia;

• Disinvestment by some in the private sector due to

the increasing costs and risks of protecting rhinos

coupled with declining incentives for conserving

rhino;

• Resources are currently insufficient to adequately

protect some populations.”

Key findings from the review of possible policy responses:

1. Each range state requires a different menu of

approaches that deal with both

2. proximate and ultimate causes of the rises in rhino

poaching.

3. Capturing the economic value of rhinos is important.

4. Even though it is illegal, there is currently a lucrative

market for rhino horn products in some countries.

5. Efforts need to focus on demand reduction in end

user communities, but there is insufficient knowledge

of the dynamics of those markets.

6. Despite increased prison sentences in some rhino

range states, poaching continues to escalate in some

countries,

7. while some states do not or did not have ‘deterrence

sentences’ at all.

8. Dehorning can have a (limited) deterrence effect but

is not a practical option for all rhino populations

9. Community Based Natural Resource Management

(CBNRM) can have a (limited) deterrence effect.

10. Each of the 4 range states faces a different

combination of threats and their circumstances differ,

therefore efforts need to be tailored and targeted

11. Effective Governance ‘Matters’.

SOUTH AFRICA SEES A RECORD YEAR FOR RHINO POACHING IN 2014 : By Brian Clark Howard

"If poaching is allowed to increase at the rates of the

previous few years, it could drive the population to

extinction in the next decade or two," says Matthew Lewis,

an African species expert with World Wildlife Fund's (WWF)

Species Conservation Program.”

South Africa, home to the overwhelming majority of the

world's wild rhinos, saw more of the animals poached last

year than ever before, its government announced on

Thursday. There were 1,215 rhinos illegally killed in the

country in 2014, a 21 percent increase from the 1,004 rhinos

killed in 2013, according to South Africa's Department of

Environmental Affairs.

http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-sees-

record-year-for-rhino-poaching-in-2014/2564164.html

Conservationist Chris Galliers, Rhino Initiative Project

Manager for the Wildlife and Environment Society of South

Africa, says 2014 has been brutal. He spoke to VOA News

from a nature reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal

province.

“It has been a very tough year, and we’re obviously very

concerned,” he said. “It’s not due to a lack of efforts from a

lot of people on the ground. We must say that people are

working exceptionally hard on the situation. If it had not

been for those efforts, then the situation would be a lot

worse than what we are seeing now.”

Galliers praised the increase in arrests, but noted that that is

not the entire story: prosecutions, he said, are not keeping

pace with arrests, which means that many suspected

poachers are getting away with it…….

Galliers says rhino poaching affects not just rhinos, but the

environment, the health and economy of local communities,

border security and more. All of that, he says, needs to be

taken into consideration.

“There’s no single intervention that’s going to stop rhino

poaching tomorrow,” he said. “This is a long hard struggle, it’s

a war we are facing ... And if we can’t secure rhinos as a

species, a charismatic species at that, what hope is there for

any other species living on this planet?” Rhino Squat in

Training for Botswna as Country Battles Poachers:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150

122-rhino-poaching-south-africa-conservation-science/

15

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-

16/rhino-squad-in-training-for-botswana-as-country-battles-

poachers

Botswana has started training law enforcement officers who

will form a specialist team to tackle rhino poachers, the

southern African country’s environment minister said.

“The harder we hit back, the less motivation they have,”

Khama said. “It’s about hitting back harder than what they

hurt us with.”

This trade last year was valued at between $63 million and

$192 million, figures from the United Nations Congress on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora show.

The world’s largest diamond producer has set aside 48

million pula ($5 million) for the unit, known as the Rhino

Squad, Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Minister Tshekedi

Khama said in a March 13 interview in Gaborone, the capital.

Most of the money will be used for equipment, including

helicopters, he said.

A rhino was poached in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pan

area three weeks ago, while anti-poaching officials in the

Sandveld region reported that three rhinos owned by a farmer

were missing, Khama said. More than 1,200 rhinos were

illegally killed in neighboring South Africa last year.

Botswana hosts an African Elephant Summit on March 23 in

the northern town of Kasane, before the Illegal Wildlife Trade

conference starts there two days later.

ZIMBABWE: TWO BLACK RHINO POISONED AS ILLEGAL POACHING CONTINUES IN AFRICA http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/zimbabwe-two-black-rhinos-

poisoned-illegal-poaching-continues-africa-1490178

A female black rhino and her calf have been poisoned by poachers in Zimbabwe. The two animals were discovered at a waterhole near Chipinge, 400 kilometres from Harare, news agency Sapa reported. Their carcasses were found before poachers had time to completely remove the horns, which had already been partly cut. The world’s largest diamond producer has set aside 48 million pula ($5 million) for the unit, known as the Rhino Squad, Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Minister Tshekedi Khama said in a March 13 interview in Gaborone, the capital. Most of the money will be used for equipment, including helicopters, he said.

These are the first rhinos to be poisoned after more than 100

elephants were killed in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park in

2013, when poachers put cyanide into watering holes and salt

licks. The Black rhino is a critically endangered species.

There are 450 black

rhinos left in

Zimbabwe

and only

4,880 left

In Africa


Botswana is very fortunate to have a very conservation supportive Government and in particular the president himself. With

this sort of political will and support their conservation efforts can only be rewarding, and we wish them all the success they

deserve particularly in the war against rhino poaching


Poaching of wildlife with the use of poisons is being actively addressed after the POWAG Poisons Workshop in February.

Regrettably, the Zimbabwe delegates invited were not able to attend. Much can be gained from a collaborative trans-

boundary approach towards the use of poisons against wildlife which is what this workshop addressed.

16

STONEHOLDERINGS ADVANCED MANAGEMENT AND ANTI-POACHING SYSTEMS

http://stoneholdings.co.za/anti-poaching-and-management-systems/

We specialize in anti-poaching and management solutions as we import specialized military equipment and apart these systems to accommodate African conditions and requirements to assist authorities to combat this hideous situation. We simply believe that one solution is not enough to combat this growing and ongoing problem and we have therefore combine various technologies including military equipment and systems to establish a force multiplier. We look at the problem from a different perspective in that our philosophy is to track the human perpetrator rather than relying on the animal to feed us distress information. We let the animals be and focus on ensuring the natural environments around these animals are sterile. Due to this approach we are therefore able to safeguard virtually any object as we are not reliant on the object for security information.

Our service in this realm includes the following:

Latest release: Foliage penetrating radar surveillance system specifically designed to operate in dense vegetation areas such

as the African bush

Advanced anti-poaching and management systems

Maritime anti poaching systems and protection of coastal and sea resources

Satellite communication systems and integration into all systems

Livestock and predator monitoring

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)

Communication Interceptors

Advanced monitoring sensors such as unattended ground sensors (UGS)

Thermal camera systems, mobile and fixed

Communication systems, military and commercial systems

Seismic and Magnetic Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS), covertly burred beneath groundFor more in depth information

please download these two PDF documents:

http://stoneholdings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Raven-System-Specification.pdf

https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/publications/submissionpaper_useoftechnology_rhinopoaching.

pdf


Leslie Steenkamp went to a great deal of effort by flying in from Cape Town especially to give a presentation at our recent

Namibian Chapter AGM and has pledged his support to our chapter. I would hope that members would return the support

and put the word out about this company and how they can be of great benefit to conservation in Namibia. Organizations

like SRT among others may be able to benefit from the services they offer and the information they provide on their

extensive experience while working with the Kruger National Park Rhino anti-poaching authorities. While Kruger Park has

been the hardest hit, latest reports indicate it is becoming like a fortress with the help of this technology.

17

Following is a broad indication of some of the services and training offered by TSU Protection Services Namibia

� Executive Protection (“Bodyguarding”). Our courses carry international accreditation.

� Tactical Training (This includes handgun, shotgun, carbine, knives and improvised weapons, sticks(Includes the ASP) and

pepper spray, tazer, unarmed combat etc)

� Awareness, planning, fear/adrenaline, home invasion, your right to protect yourselves, conflict management

� We do specialist training for security guards i.e. arrest techniques, frisking suspects, ambush survival (Armed and

unarmed) , discipline etc

� Dog train the trainer (Obedience, protection, intruder detection, tracking etc)

� Specialist courses (Rifle marksmanship, human tracking, setting up of observation posts, follow up operations, survival

etc) – For this we need proper lead time

The above is just an indication of what we do. We specialise in structuring training to fit your specific needs.

For any more information, please feel to contact us.

Steven Lochner Director cell +264 (0)81 335 8913 [email protected]

12. WILDLIFE POISONING: Issues about poisons and prevention of wildlife poisoning POWAG Poisons Workshop (Compiled by: Mark Paxton (Coordinator) March 2015

After almost two years of planning POWAG was finally able to carry out a very

successful Poisons Workshop, which was held at the Popa Falls Resort 16-19th

February 2015 and facilitated by Tim Snow from Wildlife poisoning Prevention &

Conflict Resolutions. This workshop was entirely sponsored by the Windhoek

Embassy of the United States of America after over 40 other potential sponsors had

declined to come forward and support this cause. Initially well over 100 delegates

from 6 African countries were invited, with almost 50 delegates who finally attended

the workshop. We did not intend the workshop to be for those already aware of the

issues. The primary intention was to involve government officials and organizations

involved in poisons related policies, monitoring and legislation together with the

distributors, manufacturers and final users of poisons and pesticides. As a result of t

misuse of poisons, particularly with wildlife poisoning incidents, is essentially a trans-

boundary issue we also invited relevant NGO’s and representatives from

neighbouring countries like Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, RSA, Angola and Kenya.

TSU Protection Services was started in 1999 by former

members of the SA Police Special Task Force. Though

the years it grew to where today, it has formed a group

of companies under the TSU Protection Services

umbrella.

If you google “The 30 most powerful private security

companies in the world”, you will find TSU at nr 15.

Within the TSU group we are privileged in having

experienced instructors in different fields of the security

sector.

Included in the TSU group is TSU Protection Services,

TSU International, AM Security and now TSU Protection

Services Namibia.

18

The idea was to encourage these countries to hold similar workshops for their own countries and thereby implement a

community of practice where all the countries are ultimately working together for a similar goal-To eradicate the misuse of

poisons used to poison wildlife and the implement legislation and monitoring procedures to control the use of poisons and

pesticides in Namibia.

Disappointingly KAZA, which was to play an important role in channeling the results of this workshop, did not attend.

Nevertheless NAMPOL and NDF were surprisingly well represented and enthusiastic to become actively involved. Botswana

was the most enthusiastic neighbouring country, and we also had the support of MET and the legal section of MAWF. MET

has already initiated a training program this year which will involve Tim Snow and his organization.

The workshop proceedings resulted in a total of 27 achievable goals with those responsible listed and time frames in which to

implement these goals.

The workshop was covered by NAMPA with interviews with local Radio and Television as well as with “Wildize” on the Voice

of America.


The poisoning of wildlife initially gained notoriety in Namibia when an incident was published with over 500 vultures were

poisoned on a poached Elephant carcass in the Caprivi/Zambezi region in July/August 2013. The carcass was laced with

poison specifically targeting scavengers like vultures which would draw the attention of law enforcement officers to the

location of the poaching incident. Subsequently other incidents in Namibia were reported where poisons were used on

Game Farms and other commercial farming areas where drinking troughs were deliberately poisoned to kill game drinking

there in much the same way as the case of cyanide being used to kill elephants in Hwange National Park.

Also in 2013 an incident of poisoning of birds on the Okavango River system in the Divundu area was reported by KOAR

(Kavango Open Africa Route) and followed up by NARREC. This incident was eventually confirmed to have originated from

the misuse and irresponsible handing of poisons used in the MAWF Divundu agricultural project run through the Department

of Prisons there.

Although in Namibia all the currently known poisoning cases involve wildlife and Vultures in particular, it is very close to

becoming a human issue. With the many nomadic people in the rural Communal Areas of the Kavango and Zambezi Regions

as well as in Botswana it is not unlikely that a poisoned elephant carcass can be found and consumed by people before the

vultures arrive. This therefore is a serious concern for the Government, and it is very encouraging that this workshop

enjoyed as much Government Law Enforcement support as it did.

4. REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CONSERVATION:

Newsletter March 2015

It has been almost a year since I have put together a newsletter. Despite my intention to circulate as much news as

possible during the course of 2014, this did not go according to plan. I did, however, produce many reports that

contain detailed information on the field work that I undertook, but the circulation of these was limited. I will

endeavour to circulate regular updates during 2015. I have tried to keep the general public informed about

carnivore conservation issues, community-based natural resource management, protected area highlights and

general Zambezi Region news by regularly posing on www.facebook.com/kwandocarnivoreproject so please visit

this page and share the news items as widely as possible. There are many organisations and partnerships

operating in the Zambezi Region that are dedicated to wildlife and the communities that conserve them. I am

incredibly privileged to be able to work in an area with a strong network of conservation partners. The stories that

you read on the following pages are due to the support, guidance and collaboration with our valued project

partners.

I do hope that you enjoy this newsletter.

Lise Hanssen

19

Surveying the carnivores of Bwabwata National Park (BNP)In July last year, we carried out the first large carnivore spoor (track) survey in BNP. We were privileged to partner

with the Kyaramacan Association (KA), which represents the park residents of BNP and the Traditional Environmental

Knowledge Outreach Academy (TEKOA). The ancient knowledge and tracking skills of the Khwe people is legendary and a

major contributor to the success of the survey. The collaboration was facilitated by Friedrich Alpers from IRDNC who plays a

valuable role within BNP, KA and TEKOA. The survey team was made up of Paul Funston (Panthera), Benson Kupinga and

Alfred Tchadau (IRDNC and KA), Thaddeus Tchadau (KA), Buti Alfred, Berry Alfred (TEKOA) and Lise Hanssen (KCP). Michelle

Moeller assisted with the survey team was made up of Paul Fu

and KA), Thaddeus Tchadau (KA), Buti Alfred, Berry Alfred (TEKOA) and Lise Hanssen (KCP). Michelle Moeller assisted with

the planning maps and parts of the survey. Almost 1000 km of transects were

between seven and eleven in the morning. The trackers seated on special benches on the front of each vehicle were able to

count and identify not only the species, but also the approximate age and sex of individu

For the first time we monitored a wild dog den right in the multiple

tracks on a well used path. The den was right on the Angolan border showing how important BNP

movements and conservation of all large carnivores. The survey established that most large carnivores are present in

healthy numbers in the park that spotted hyaenas are on the increase and colonising new areas, but that lion numbers

low and almost restricted to the Kwando Core Area in the east of the park. Recently we heard that some lions have moved

into the Buffalo Core Area in the west and will be monitoring their progress with interest. The population estimates derived

from the spoor transects are presented in the table below.

Large carnivore survey in the Mudumu North Complex landscape of people and wildlife The Mudumu North Complex (MNC) is a cluster of resource

management areas including conservancies, community forests,

Mudumu National Park and eastern Bwabwata National Park and aims

to accomplish goals greater that any smaller unit could achieve on its

own. The mission of the MNC is to work together and manage the

area’s natural resources and guide development of tourism and

resource use for social, cultural and economic benefits through

collaborative management. (www.nacso.org.na

the survey of large carnivores across a multiple

landscape. The aim was to identify the occurrence of any unknown

lions and use camera traps as a tool to establish population estimates

and distribution patterns of leopards, spotted hyaenas and wild dogs.

Set up a long-term monitoring system. My survey was designed in a 4 x

4 km grid pattern with one camera station (two diagonally facing

cameras) per grid cell. This intensity was to ensure that every carnivore

had a reasonable chance of being photographed. I teamed up wi

community game guards from conservancies and Ministry of

Environment park rangers for the field work and we surveyed an area

of 2500 km2 over eight months. Tourism, particularly Matambo

Singwangwa and the community game guards of Kwandu Conservancy

with a special vote of thanks to Vincent Kukuwa. My appreciation also

goes to the Directorate of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Surveying the carnivores of Bwabwata National Park (BNP) July last year, we carried out the first large carnivore spoor (track) survey in BNP. We were privileged to partner


y (TEKOA). The ancient knowledge and tracking skills of the Khwe people is legendary and a


The survey team was made up of Paul Funston (Panthera), Benson Kupinga and


Moeller assisted with the survey team was made up of Paul Funston (Panthera), Benson Kupinga and Alfred Tchadau (IRDNC


the planning maps and parts of the survey. Almost 1000 km of transects were driven over a two week period on sandy roads


count and identify not only the species, but also the approximate age and sex of individuals, even large groups of wild dogs.

For the first time we monitored a wild dog den right in the multiple-use area of the park thanks to the trackers who took the

tracks on a well used path. The den was right on the Angolan border showing how important BNP


healthy numbers in the park that spotted hyaenas are on the increase and colonising new areas, but that lion numbers



he spoor transects are presented in the table below.

Large carnivore survey in the Mudumu North Complex – a

The Mudumu North Complex (MNC) is a cluster of resource

areas including conservancies, community forests,

Mudumu National Park and eastern Bwabwata National Park and aims

to accomplish goals greater that any smaller unit could achieve on its

own. The mission of the MNC is to work together and manage the

natural resources and guide development of tourism and

resource use for social, cultural and economic benefits through

www.nacso.org.na). The MNC is ideal for

across a multiple-use and varied

landscape. The aim was to identify the occurrence of any unknown

lions and use camera traps as a tool to establish population estimates

and distribution patterns of leopards, spotted hyaenas and wild dogs.

term monitoring system. My survey was designed in a 4 x

4 km grid pattern with one camera station (two diagonally facing

cameras) per grid cell. This intensity was to ensure that every carnivore

had a reasonable chance of being photographed. I teamed up with the

community game guards from conservancies and Ministry of

Environment park rangers for the field work and we surveyed an area

Tourism, particularly Matambo

game guards of Kwandu Conservancy

with a special vote of thanks to Vincent Kukuwa. My appreciation also

goes to the Directorate of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture.

July last year, we carried out the first large carnivore spoor (track) survey in BNP. We were privileged to partner


y (TEKOA). The ancient knowledge and tracking skills of the Khwe people is legendary and a


The survey team was made up of Paul Funston (Panthera), Benson Kupinga and


nston (Panthera), Benson Kupinga and Alfred Tchadau (IRDNC


driven over a two week period on sandy roads


als, even large groups of wild dogs.

use area of the park thanks to the trackers who took the

tracks on a well used path. The den was right on the Angolan border showing how important BNP is for transboundary


healthy numbers in the park that spotted hyaenas are on the increase and colonising new areas, but that lion numbers were



20

How long do hyaenas live for? For many years - if they happen to live in the Zambezi Region. Life for spotted hyaenas is difficult and stressful challenging

but extremely rewarding project and I have become a committed camera trapping fan. The analyses of the data is in process

and we will be able to present population numbers within a few short weeks. The equipment and running costs of this

project were made possible with the loan of 100 Panthera V4 camera traps from Panthera, a grant from the Predator

Conservation Trust in the UK for the rechargeable batteries and accessories to power the camera traps, and grants from

Dieren Park Amersfoort Wildlife Fund and Prince Bernhard Nature Fund. Thank you so much to the Namibia Defence Force

based at Nukwa and to Nampol staff at the Singalamwe border post in Zambia for the help, guidance, encouragement and

information. My gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Environment and dogs bred successfully in 2014 with the Njalingombe

pack now numbering at least five individuals. Leopards were photographed more frequently outside protected areas, which

is likely due to the presence of lions in the parks, and their density was lower than I had expected throughout. Photos of

puppies, kittens and cubs have been the source of much excitement. A high point for me was seeing my old favourites, the

spotted hyaenas of Mudumu still going strong with all known study animals still alive and well. Another highlight for me was

learning that the State Forest (the area that falls between the tar road and the Zambian border) has an unexpectedly rich

diversity from bats and owls to mongooses, sable, wild dogs and more. The photos of the crested guinaefowl were the first

records of the species in Namibia since 1987. It has been a long, The cameras were set to take photos every second if

triggered, resulting in about 220,000 photos that need to examined, tagged, catalogued or deleted. Preliminary results show

that leopards, spotted hyaenas and wild dogs occur throughout the MNC and are not restricted to protected areas only.

Lions occur only in the protected areas or the immediate surrounds, but are surprisingly absent from the State Forest, which

borders immediately adjacent to Sioma Ngwezi National Park in Zambia. Spotted hyaenas were photographed more

frequently than any other species and cheetahs the least (only three cheetah photographs were recorded in Mudumu

National Park). I managed to establish the composition of the Mudumu pride of lions (now 11 in the pride) and small packs of

wild For many years - if they happen to live in the Zambezi Region. Life for spotted hyaenas is difficult and stressful and

cub mortality is often high. Reproduction is slow and hyaenas do not recover their numbers easily, even under optimal

conditions. We managed to update our knowledge on the original study clans of hyaenas by placing camera traps at large

carcasses. These carcasses are significant sources of food if one doesn’t mind scavenging. They attract all sorts of animals

over weeks and sometimes even months, making them ideal for monitoring purposes. Over time I have been able to identify

known and marked hyaenas, which have survived for many years. During 2009, I first captured, collared and marked

individuals from the Kwando Clan. It is most rewarding to see that each and every marked hyaena from the Kwando as well

as the Mudumu Clans are still alive after all these years. CCC-2, a one year old male and the youngest hyaena that I marked

during 2009 was photographed during 2014 and is now a strapping six year old. He appears to have survived the hardships

and challenges of emigrating out his natal Kwando Clan. Some of the other known hyaenas are now eight and nine years olds

and have likely borne a generation or two of offspring. The recent survey results confirm that hyaena numbers are slowly

increasing and hyaenas have colonized new areas in Bwabwata National Park. This is extremely encouraging as hyaenas are

an excellent indicator species of the general health and condition of ecosystems. In the latter half of 2015 we plan to compile

a spotted hyaena status report for the Zambezi Region of Namibia. Thank you so much to the Predator Conservation Trust in

the UK and Tosco Trust (Namibia) for funding the infra-red cameras and accessories for this work.

Human-lion conflict (HWC) mitigation in the Mudumu South Complex (MSC) The MSC is the complex of land-use types that fall south of Mudumu National Park. The Balyerwa, Dzoti and Wuparo

conservancies in the MSC lie between two protected areas of Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili)

National Park. These protected areas are also home to the current lion population of the east Zambezi, which makes

the livestock within the MSC particularly vulnerable to lion attacks. HWC is a major contributor to the global decline

in lion numbers and the primary reason why lions have been unable to prosper in the east Zambezi. HWC is a threat

to conservation as it results in a negative perception of wildlife and protected areas by affected communities, which

are essential to conservation efforts in the Zambezi Region. During 2013, the lion farmer conflict intensified to a

point that intervention was necessary. A number of factors contributed to the level of HWC, which included cattle

kraals that were inadequate to protect livestock against these very wily and agile cats and the change in traditional

practices of herding livestock over recent generations leaving many herds unguarded. Thanks to Panthera and National

Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative for their guidance and renewing their financial support of this work for 2015.

21

On the 26th March, a team from MET and MSC community game guards will travel to the Hwange Lion Research Project

in Zimbabwe. This visit is for the sharing of information and to learn from the Hwange “Long Shields” community project

how to successfully chase lions away from areas of conflict, thus reducing lion mortality. I am most grateful guards respond,

investigate and assist in incidences of lion attacks on livestock. During 2013 almost 50% of lion related cattle mortality took

place in kraals. This figure dropped to 12% once kraals in conflict hotspots had been upgraded. It is imperative that livestock

herding efforts are now stepped up for HWC to be effectively managed. On grants from Panthera (through Zoos Victoria)

and National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative made it possible to employ Hans Fwelimbi, a resident of the Samudono

community in the MSC as a Co-ordinator for the lion conflict mitigation project. Panthera also provided a vehicle so that

Hans is able to help the conservancies and the community game replace/upgrade every single kraal where a lion attack on

livestock had taken place during 2012 and 2013. This mammoth task was successfully achieved through teamwork by

individuals, farmers, conservancies and contractors with support from project partners. Through partnering with a number

of organisations such as IRDNC, MET, Panthera and National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative (BCI), we were able to identify

the needs and requirements to tackle the problem and work towards a strategy for long-term mitigation. During 2014, with

funding through Panthera, BCI and IRDNC (through MCA-Namibia) we managed to complete this activity.

Poisoning of Wildlife Action Group (POWAG) POWAG was spearheaded by Mark Paxton from Shamvura Camp in the Kavango region in response to a spate of

incidences involving the mass killing of vultures from poisoned carcasses in the KAZA region. Over the past two years there

has been a noticeable decline in the number of white backed vultures, which can be attributed directly to poison. A

workshop was held on the 16th to 20th February to bring together various stakeholders to examine the availability of

commonly used poisons and pesticides, loopholes in the legislation regarding their distribution and the identification of

poisons that are commonly used in wildlife incidents. This workshop was organised by Mark, facilitated by Tim Snow and

funded by the US Embassy in Windhoek and took place in the Kavango region. Poaching is recognised more widely as

wildlife crime and is no longer restricted to the conservation field. Wildlife crime is an economic crime as it robs countries

and communities of millions in natural resources and this awareness is growing. Namibia was represented by the Protected

Resources Unit of the Namibian Police, the Namibian Defense Force (which is taking a very active role in anti-poaching), the

Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and many and varied NGOs such as NARREC (Namibian Animal

Research Rehabilitation and Education Centre) and REST (Rare and Endangered Species Trust). Liz Komen from NARREC has

played a significant role in creating awareness and recognition of this subject and has instigating change on many levels

within Namibia. She presented the current status of the legislation and access and use of poisons in Namibia. Other

countries that were represented included Botswana, South Africa (Endangered Wildlife Trust) and even Kenya (The

Peregrine Fund). Thank you so much to Mark Paxton and the US Embassy for kick starting a process of vital importance in

protecting our natural resources for the long-term.


Lise Hanssen is one of our Committee members and a lady totally dedicated to the Hyaenas and other carnivores

of the Zambezi/Caprivi Region. She has committed her whole life to carnivores and has gone through a lot of

sacrifices, discomfort, disappointments, frustrations and often insurmountable obstacles to become one of the

most successful and knowledgeable researchers in Namibia. Her Highly accurate results from her work in this

region has been invaluable, and by working in close association with MET has enabled them to implement

improved management strategies.

22

BRAVEHEART (Chris Bakkes) SPEAKS NEWS - ENVIRO | 2015-03-19

It was the year 1995: I had just joined Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), a WWF-funded NGO

that was charged with the responsibility of empowering local rural communities through conservation. The goal was to

establish communal conservancies that would enable the people to take ownership of their wildlife and natural resources.

The year 1995 was also a time of good rain. The best in human memory. Springbok fawns abounded across the veld.

It was with pride that I drove my bakkie from village to village, seeking out the community game guards. I was amazed by

the beauty of the landscape and the free-ranging wildlife. I was especially proud of the panda sticker on the bakkie door.

For me too it was a new beginning. I hailed from the Kruger Park where local people were kept away from wildlife with

fences and guns. I was born into and benefited from an oppressive system. It was time to make amends. Give something

back.

We were going to make impoverished rural communities benefit from their wildlife. At the same time we were going to

conserve that same wildlife. I was part of that process.

For the last twenty years I was part of that process. I still am.

I remember the exciting conception period. Befriending the community members by keeping elephants out of their meagre

fields. Winning their trust by saving their crops. Training community game guards and doing game counts.

The communal conservancy legislation was passed through parliament in 1996.

After three years in IRDNC I joined a safari company in the Kunene region. I witnessed game lodges springing up all over

communal lands. I saw agreements between conservancies and tour companies. Joint ventures for the benefit of all. Private

operators would pay communities for the privilege of tourism on their land. Local community members would be employed

and trained and empowered. I saw many young men and women grow into highly professional adults. It was a wonderful

period of growth. It felt good.

The conservancy policy went even further. The conservancies were granted hunting rights. The conservancies made

agreements with professional hunting enterprises. The conservancy members could also hunt for the pot and own use.

This was after game counts were conducted and quotas were worked out.

The good rains of 1995 turned into a wet cycle that lasted until 2011. It was a time of bounty. Plains game proliferated and

black rhino numbers increased. More newborn elephant calves were noted among the small desert-adapted herds. The

desert lion made a remarkable comeback. What a pleasure it was to take foreign travellers on a safari through this arid

African Eden.

Soon the world took notice. Conservation awards started pouring in. Namibia was hailed as the world leader in community-

based conservation.

There was enough for everybody. The money came trickling in. First slowly and then a little faster.

It was never a flood. But it was enough to whet the appetite for more.

Promises of wealth and riches created expectations. The expectations became too big. Then the rot set in.

The first signs of the decimation of wildlife came with the introduction of the shoot and sell policy. I first encountered it on

the Giribes plains on the boundary of the Purros and Sesfontein conservancies. In this policy, outside contractors get

permission to shoot plains game on a large scale to supply their butcheries elsewhere. This seemed to be a profitable

END OF THE GAME

CONSERVATION CONCERN ... Writer and conservationist

Christiaan Bakkes, with his dog, Tashunka, out in the field in

north-western Namibia. Having been involved in Namibia's

community-based conservation programme over the past 20

years, Bakkes is questioning whether the programme is still the

success it has been hailed as. End of the game

It was a time to rejoice. It seemed to be the only logical way

forward. The path had been laid out for us. The truth shone as

clear as an unmuddied lake. We were bright-eyed and idealistic.

Inspired and energetic. A brave new world.

23

venture for the conservancies.

I saw freezer trucks parked on the plains while gemsbok, springbok and zebra were being slaughtered and loaded. Bakkies

were driving in different directions, returning with dead animals to be transported. On my second encounter with these

shooting teams, the back registration plates of the freezer trucks were covered with duct tape.

In 2010, I encountered such a shooting party on the border of the Skeleton Coast Park. It was late November and a desert

rain shower transformed the gravel plains to a green flush. There was a concentration of gemsbok, including several nursery

herds. The cows had already given birth and it was no time or place to hunt gemsbok. The shooting parties of three bakkies

were driving off-road and indiscriminately shooting into these herds. I reported this to the Ministry of Environment and

Tourism and was assured that the practice was perfectly legal. There was no MET official present during the shoot.

Later there were newspaper reports of a large quantity of dead zebras being left out in the sun to rot, after one of these

freezer trucks broke down.

The road between Sesfontein and Purros is a beautiful drive. It used to abound with gemsbok and springbok. After shoot

and sell was introduced, wildlife visibly diminished.

Elsewhere, signs of this practice also became visible.

Another alarming occurrence was the high mortality rate of elephants in the Purros conservancy. A recent study argues that

the Hoarusib - Hoanib river elephant population has declined by 30% in the last 10 years. At least two cows and one bull

were shot illegally. Another was wounded, recovered and then disappeared. Another was shot after it killed a tourist at a

campsite. One died of complications with a radio collar. Orphaned calves disappeared and three elephants have emigrated

upriver. The total resident elephant population at Purros at present numbers six individuals.

Purros has always served as a model of people and elephant co-existing and benefiting each other through tourism. That

does not seem to be the case anymore.

Black rhino poaching in the communal areas started in December 2012. The last isolated incident before that was two

decades ago. The number of poached rhinos varies from source to source, the most conservative number being 18 in the

Palmwag and Etendeka concessions and four more in the Uukwaluudhi conservancy to the north-east. I do not speak for

poached rhinos outside the communal lands. The current spate of poaching has sparked bitter debate and accusations and

counter-accusations. I will not dwell on that.

The facts are that only one arrest and conviction had been made - of a poacher caught at the beginning of the onslaught.

Evidence points towards organised crime and intimidation. There is a cloak of silence over events. It seems as if conservancy

or community members are harbouring criminals. Critically endangered species that stand as symbols of successful

community-based conservation are being slaughtered. Why now? Why after all these successes?

Where have we gone wrong? Where are the flaws in our system?

When I studied nature conservation in the mid-eighties it was drummed into our heads: “If it pays it stays.”

It seems that even for conservationists, wildlife and wilderness have no place if they cannot be of financial value to people.

Never was this doctrine more evident than in community-based conservation in Namibia. It is all about money.

Financial benefits to the community were the focus. National pride, ethics, aesthetics and sound ecological practices shared

a sad second place. If any place at all.

Everything must have a price tag

Our relentless quest for financial benefit bred one thing: GREED.

It set the stage for disaster. Enter a higher bidder and all principles go out the window.

The higher bidder has entered. Unscrupulous foreign investors, with a lot of financial backing, have come with a new

incentive: wildlife products. Rhino horn, ivory, pangolin, lion bones, meat, hides, organs. Everything now has a higher price.

It is “good business”.

Will we stand up to this new threat? Will good people be bought and corrupted? Will our ethics and principles and our

connection to the wilderness prevail?

Our clinical and non-emotional approach towards wildlife and wilderness will not be enough to stem the new wave of

exploitation. We must look into our hearts again. We must remember that we are part of nature. Not owners and

manipulators. This earth will not tolerate our greed forever.

We as Namibians stand to lose our reputation as splendid conservationists. A reputation means nothing until you have lost

it. The other day we travelled for several days around the Brandberg. It is a magnificent area. Pristine arid habitat. We

travelled through four communal conservancies. It was an area renowned for its desert-adapted wildlife. The ancient art on

its rock faces bears testimony to that. It is also known as the most bio-diverse place in Namibia. The first rains have fallen

and the grass was in seed. Our total game count was: Two Cape fox, three springbok and eight giraffe.

It seems we are failing.

24

* Chris Bakkes has been involved in conservation and ecotourism, mostly in Namibia's north-western areas, for more than

two decades. He is an acclaimed author of eight books published in Afrikaans, with a selection of his work translated into

English and published under the title 'Bushveld, Desert, and Dogs: a Game Ranger's Life' (Human & Rousseau) in 2012.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?archive_id=134899&page_type=archive_story_detail&page=1

IT IS NO GAME IT IS OUR LIVES:

Chairperson of the Kunene Conservancies

responds to Chris Bakkies


Well done Braveheart! I have for many years now been cautioning on the apparent success of the conservancies

and the CBNRM program which seems to publicize only the positive aspects for the very obvious reason of

encouraging more supportive funding for the NGOs responsible. I have also questioned the long term

sustainability of these apparently successful conservancies and the false expectation which surrounds the

establishment process of many, with the consequential disappoints as the progress unfolds and the actual

rewards (or lack thereof) finally become clear to the communities involved.

They should nevertheless not be seen as entirely unsuccessful, as they after all at least raise the protection status

of the land under the conservancies and some of them do in fact work without constant NGO guidance and

financial support. Is this sustainable in the long term and will climate changes and droughts test their resilience?

GUSTAPH TJIUNDUKAMBA

WE say in Otjiherero, “As the sun rises, new problems arise.”-

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=25686&page_type=story

_detail#sthash.T51PjwvJ.dpuf

As chairman of the Kunene Regional Conservancy Association and as a

conservationist, it is my duty to respond to the article written by Chris

Bakkes in The Namibian of 23 March, in which he says that we are failing in

our responsibility to conserve Namibia's wildlife. Bakkes is our son. He came

from South Africa to join us in 1995. As he said in his article: It was a time to

rejoice. The rains were good and wildlife abounded. It was a time for

development. As Namibians, we remember the hard times before outside

conservationists arrived and before the first conservancies were formed.

and I remember growing up among plenty of eland, elephant and giraffe.

We learnt to love every living creature.

After independence the government made it possible for us to form conservancies and begin to earn a living from

wildlife. Today we are still poor, farming in the semi-desert, but trophy hunting and wildlife-based tourism have

brought new jobs to our area, helping us to develop from a nomadic existence to a more modern lifestyle.

As a conservancy colleague says: “The environment without wildlife is like a house without a flower.” And the

wildlife is here because conservancies are here, because of our hard work to protect it and to create the

conditions where farmers and wildlife can live together Poaching incidents where we provided information, but

arrests have yet to follow. http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=25686&page_type=story_detail#

25

POACHING OF ELEPHANTS AND HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT: Problematic elephant put down at Musese project:

ELEPHANT POACHED NEAR BWABWATA PARK: April 7th, 2015 | by New Era An elephant was found dead at Muitjiku village in Kavango East in the Buffalo core area of Bwabwata West last Friday in Mukwe Constituency in Kavango East. The elephant carcass was allegedly found by villagers who then informed the police at Divundu. It was discovered on Friday morning at about 06h00 and was believed to have been poached. An initial police investigation found two gunshot entry and exit wounds in the carcass which made investigators suspect it was illegally shot. The elephant had its tusks intact as the poachers appear to have left the scene of the poaching after they were supposedly disturbed. According to the NamPol in Kavango East no arrest was made but further investigations were underway. “A case of hunting special protected game was opened on Saturday at the Divundu police station and we are investigating the case,” said police spokesperson Detective Chief Inspector Ewald Kavara. Namibia in recent years seen an upsurge in elephant and rhino poaching prompting the government to deploy teams of NDF in the worst affected parks, besides drones mounted with surveillance cameras. The meat was distributed to the local community and the tusks recovered. https://www.newera.com.na/2015/04/07/elephant-poached-bwabwata/

It is time to set the record straight.

Like conservationists everywhere, we are deeply concerned about poaching. When a rhino was killed in our area, it was us

who apprehended the suspect and called in the authorities, and the poacher is now in prison. There have been other rhino

Kunene is a vast area, hard to police. In Windhoek there are two police forces, yet houses are broken into daily. In the city, as

in Kunene, criminal gangs are at work. In our conservancies game guards patrol on foot and without weapons. Even before

the recent poaching began, we employed rangers to watch over rhinos in order to provide extra protection.

Conservancies were given custodianship over rhinos by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and we have introduced

game monitoring systems: game guard patrols, annual game counts, and event books used to record incidents of suspected

poaching. When a rhino, elephant, or any other animal is poached, the conservancies and those who live there suffer,

because we earn livelihoods from them.

Kunene is a harsh area for wildlife and livestock. As a young man I saw the drought of 1981. Many animals in the area ranging

from Etosha to my village, died. Now the drought has returned. I have recently seen zebras dying before my eyes. We have

tried to sell livestock before they collapse. We have appealed to the minister of environment and tourism to increase the

hunting quota for grass eating wild animals. It is better to cull them before they die of starvation, and to distribute the meat

as drought aid to hungry people. Sat 25 Apr 2015, 10:44Last update: 24 Apr 2015

(NAMPA)- One of the 37 problematic elephants which

invaded the Musese Irrigation project last week, was put

down on Tuesday by officials from the MET.

The herd of elephants have been wrecking havoc at the

Musese Irrigation project ,destroying crops and part of its

fence there.

The project, situated 70km west of Rundu in the Kavango

West region’s Musese Constituency, is one of the six Green

Scheme projects in the region. 17 Mar 2015 16:00pm

Chairman’s Comments

My earlier comments on the article by Chris Bakkes applies here.

Conservancies are judged as successful by their increases of wildlife and stabilized natural resources

In the good times these Conservancies are successful and everybody is happy with increasing wildlife figures and more

tourists, but during the hardships of drought then the concept of conserving the herds of wildlife for tourists becomes

questionable

26

they were in possession of. Possession of elephant tusks is prohibited and is prosecutable.

HOW TO SCARE OFF THE BIIGGEST PEST IN THE WORLDhttp://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141204

Living amid wild animals is not easy, especially when the animal in your backyard is a large elephants now live in densely-populated areas, because farms and plantations have expanded into their traditional homes. To the elephants, crops are easy and nutritious meals. But that's not how farmers see it. Elephants raid crops, damage property, and sometimes kill people. To avoid confrontations and protect their crops, farmers in Africa and Asia have traditionally used several tricks to scare off elephants, like beating drums, firing gunshots into the air or bursting firecrackers. But elephants are inpoisoning or shooting the elephants. This is bad for all concerned.

So now researchers are experimenting with new strategies that can detect elephants early, and deter them from raiding people's properties. No guns are involved.

Photograph by Ana-Marie Miranda (Ndhovu Stores)


Elephants in the Communal areas in Namibia are unfortunately doomed!

human occupation of land with slash-and-

these animals. This leaves them with very little other options but to get into Human/Wildlife conflict situations where they

will suffer the consequences.

Four suspects arrested Saturday for possession of nine elephant tusks at Kamutjonga appeared in the Ndiyona Periodical Court on Tuesday. A periodical court is not a daily or weekly court,

as it only convenes when cases arise in a specific area. Ndiyona settlement is located 120 km east of Rundu. The four suspects, Djami Kamana (38) – a Namibian, Ndhara Ngocho (34) and Sheks Chombo (30) Botswana nationals, and Ngambole Alberto (48) before magistrate Barry Mufana while Albert Titus prosecuted. The case was postponed to June 15 this year for further police investigations and the suspects were denied bail and will remain in police custody until their next court appearance. The four were arrested at Kamutjionga after a police search conducted at around 07h00 last Saturday and found the nine tusks that


HOW TO SCARE OFF THE BIIGGEST PEST IN THE WORLD http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141204-five-ways-to-scare-off-elephants

Living amid wild animals is not easy, especially when the animal in your backyard is a large populated areas, because farms and plantations have expanded into their traditional

homes. To the elephants, crops are easy and nutritious meals. But that's not how farmers see it. Elephants raid crops, ometimes kill people. To avoid confrontations and protect their crops, farmers in Africa and

Asia have traditionally used several tricks to scare off elephants, like beating drums, firing gunshots into the air or bursting firecrackers. But elephants are intelligent and persistent, and not easily put off. So

. This is bad for all concerned.

experimenting with new strategies that can detect elephants early, and deter them from raiding people's properties. No guns are involved.

Marie Miranda (Ndhovu Stores)

Elephants in the Communal areas in Namibia are unfortunately doomed! The disturbance factor of and the escalating

-burn cultivation techniques destroy and minimize natural habitat available for

ves them with very little other options but to get into Human/Wildlife conflict situations where they

Four suspects arrested Saturday for possession of nine elephant tusks at Kamutjonga appeared in the Ndiyona Periodical Court

periodical court is not a daily or weekly court, s when cases arise in a specific area. Ndiyona settlement is

located 120 km east of Rundu. The four suspects, Djami Kamana Joseph a Namibian, Ndhara Ngocho (34) and Sheks Chombo (30) – both

Botswana nationals, and Ngambole Alberto (48) – an Angolan appeared before magistrate Barry Mufana while Albert Titus prosecuted. The case was postponed to June 15 this year for further police investigations and the suspects were denied bail and will remain in police custody until their next

ce. The four were arrested at Kamutjionga after a police search conducted at around 07h00 last Saturday and found the nine tusks that


Living amid wild animals is not easy, especially when the animal in your backyard is a large elephant. Many populated areas, because farms and plantations have expanded into their traditional

homes. To the elephants, crops are easy and nutritious meals. But that's not how farmers see it. Elephants raid crops, ometimes kill people. To avoid confrontations and protect their crops, farmers in Africa and

Asia have traditionally used several tricks to scare off elephants, like beating drums, firing gunshots into the air or telligent and persistent, and not easily put off. So people resort to

experimenting with new strategies that can detect elephants early, and deter them from

The disturbance factor of and the escalating

burn cultivation techniques destroy and minimize natural habitat available for

ves them with very little other options but to get into Human/Wildlife conflict situations where they

27

ON-GOING ISSUES WITH ILLEGAL FISHING

Illegal Dragnetting group on the Okavango River

near Shinyungwe/Shamvura.

Dragnetting is an illegal method of fishing

according to the Fisheries Act, but has now

become the chosen method of fishing

throughout the Okavango River system due to

the total lack of control by Fisheries Inspectors.

100m nets are legally obtained even though

previously the standard net lengths were 15-

20m on this river.

These longer nets encourage dragnetting and this method if uncontrolled

is highly destructive to fish populations on a river system like the

Okavango and other rivers in Namibia. The Zambezi system now has vast

areas in Namibia that are considered sterile to anglers and tourism

operations, and the Okavango river is fast becoming the same.

ON-GOING ILLEGAL DEFORESTATION: There is a tree in the Kavango Region called Dialium engleranum. This is described in the book "Trees and Shrubs of Namibia"

as an important part of the San and Kavango people. Although deforestation is becoming a more serious problem in these

northern regions, fruiting trees are usually left undamaged due to the value of the fruit they produce. This tree is also one of

the few which apparently enjoys a legal protective status being a fruiting tree.

This region is one which claims to be impoverished. I have lived in this region for 25 years, and every year I see specific fruit

trees being avariciously harvested along the roads by people of all ages as a source of fruit, which proves their value as a

popular and important to the communities fruiting trees. However a few years ago I noticed that these trees were being more

aggressively stripped of their branches to get the fruit, leaving many trees with broken branches and often denuded

completely of branches. This nonsensical behaviour has now escalated to actually chopping down the trees in order to get to

the fruit.


I have not the slightest idea why a community which

constantly pleads poverty would resort to killing the

very trees which provide them with fruit. More so I

am extremely surprised that the Directorate of

Forestry under Minister John Mutorwa, who comes

from this region, is not doing anything to stop this

non-sensical behaviour

Chairman’s comments:

Fisheries Inspectors in the Kavango Region claim they are ill-equipped to carry out effective law enforcement, but

experience over several years has proved to me that they are merely not interested in law-enforcement with the

consequences of intimidation and threats to their ambitious aspirations and careers. They would much rather ignore the

illegal fishing incidents reported to them, or evade action with lies and false promises. The Okavango River is consequently

suffering the

Consequences of over-fishing which is affecting livelihoods and negatively affecting the Tourism industry along the entire

river system.

28

5. GRAA: NEWS GAME RANGERS ASSOCIATION THE NAMIBIAN CHAPTER : AGM

2014 Chairman’s Report, GRAA-Namibian Chapter

• Previous GRAA Namibian Chapter AGM The previous AGM was held in Windhoek in late 2013, with only a total of 5 members present. Although minutes were

apparently taken there was not really any formal decisions made and with such a low turnout the meeting was considered

merely an informal gathering.

• Attendance of GRAA AGM in Victoria Falls April 2014. Peter Bridgeford and Mark Paxton were elected as representatives of Namibia to attend the GRAA AGM held in Victoria

Falls. The meeting was regarded by both as an inspirational event and as a consequence it was decided to renew efforts

to establishment a strong and productive Namibian Chapter which until now was showing signs of disintegrating entirely.

• Meetings Held. 1. An extra-ordinary meeting was held with some strategic Committee members and other members of the Namibian

Chapter in June to decide whether to pursue the idea of establishing a Namibian Chapter or not. It was unanimously

decided to pursue the concept further and a number of issues were discussed in order to make this process work and a

new committee was elected with Mark Paxton as the Chairman, provisionally for a full year.

A newsletter was considered as an important factor to establishing a renewed relationship with a dwindling and

unenthusiastic membership of close to 70. Additional communication networks were also considered to inspire existing

members and encourage new membership.

2. A follow-up meeting was then held in September where the new committee all met and discussed the measures to be

put in place to strengthen the Namibian Chapter and establish it as a productive arm of the GRAA.

• Decisions Made. - A full and updated membership list was made which accurately recorded each member’s status as paid-up or not.

Committee members were tasked to follow up specific members with outstanding membership fees. This list was also

updated with accurate contact details of all members.

- Membership categories were clarified and a new Membership form was compiled specifically for Namibian Chapter

membership.

- Membership application procedures were clarified and implemented.

- The question of Namibian Chapter Membership numbers and badges was clarified.

- The procedure for GRAA Manifestos for newly recruited members was implemented.

- Plans were made for GRAA clothing and badges to be made available to all Namibian Chapter members.

- Arrangements were made with the GRAA secretary to distribute all relevant GRAA correspondence to all members

where applicable, in order to keep them more informed.

- Meeting venues were discussed and it was felt that future venues had to be well planned to be attractive enough to

encourage members to attend and encourage new membership recruitment. It was felt that meetings would be

staggered annually to be more accessible to members in the far north and south of Namibia as well as the central regions

• Other Points Discussed Without Decisions Being Made - Corporate Membership: The concept of inviting selected local businesses to become corporate members of the

Namibian Chapter was discussed and a list was compiled. It was decided that a formal approach was premature until the

Chapter was more established and had more to offer the prospective corporate member.

- Discounted Rates at Businesses for GRAA Members: A list was made of local businesses which would be attractive to

most Game Rangers and it was discussed to approach these businesses in order to get discounted rates for all GRAA

members. Again it was felt that we needed to become more established before this was implemented

• Projects Undertaken - Newsletter: The first newsletter by Nikki Berens in March 2013 was regarded as most successful. But due to a lack of

Committee support and personal issues the newsletter was discontinued. It was felt that the Newsletter should be

renewed as it is a vital factor in generating interest amongst members and the greater public. It can be used as a powerful

public relations tool and a recruitment mechanism. It can also be used to establish a sense of pride and comradely

amongst members.

The next publication, Issue #2 of July 2014, was therefore undertaken by Mark Paxton and distributed to all members

who were encouraged to comment in order to improve the following issues. The Namibian members are a varied range of

29

people separated by excessive distances. They vary from rural and isolated locations on farms and other Conservation

areas with little or no sophisticated communications networks and thirsty for knowledge, to suburban-based career

orientated business people with little time on their hands to wade through long publications. We had to formulate a

newsletter to satisfy all these categories and therefore required input.

We then went through months of trying to recruit a suitable Editor which involved numerous phone calls, lengthy emails

and several interviews with prospective candidates without success. The following edition, Issue #3 of December 2014

was therefore again laboriously undertaken by Mark Paxton. It was postponed due to distributional issues but was

eventually distributed in December 2014 and the early part of January 2015.

Funds were raised by Mark Paxton from Okonjima/Africat Foundation to support an editor for the next four editions, and

in February 2015 an Editor, Cindy Tilney, was successfully recruited.

- Ranger Stories Book: Peter Bridgeford has initiated a book of stories from Rangers from the past and present, and will

incorporate historical events in the overall publication to make the first ever book about Namibia’s Rangers. He has so far

interviewed several old Rangers and Conservationists and sourced a wealth of historical material as well as several self-

written stories from Game Rangers of themselves or other Game Rangers and events in their lives.

- The Thin Green Line Foundation: In November 2014, an article was written by John Grobler where he reported on the

mysterious death of an tracker with SRT (Save the Rhino Trust) nick-named “Boxer.” This article was picked up by Tannya

Pearson from The Thin Green Line Foundation who inquired from Chris Galliers on how to assist through the foundation.

This was in turn channeled to Mark Paxton to implement. The initial stages were orchestrated through John Grobler who

knew more of the people and details in this remote area. The process was then temporarily stalled due to very sensitive

investigations of allegations of corruption within SRT.

However the process has now been re-instated through Dr. Axel Hartmann who has taken over as head of the SRT and is

spearheading the investigations and restoration process. It seems that a payout of US$1000.00 to the rightful dependants

of “Boxer” is imminent. We are also in the process of talking with Axel on how The Thin Green Line Foundation and GRAA

members can be involved in assisting them with Rhino Conservation efforts and the SRT’s restoration process.

• Recruitment of New Members. A total of 2 new members were recruited during 2014

• Facebook Page. A specific Facebook Page has been initiated for the GRAA-Namibian Chapter in July 2014 and

voluntarily managed by Charlie Paxton. The page already has 1570 members and links to numerous other

contributors

The page has the following contributors:

GRAA Page, Game Ranger Diaries, Namibian Nature Conservation Page, Namibian Desert Action Group, Save our Rhino,

Rhino News, Outrage RSA, citizens against poaching, Desert Lion, Desert Elephant Research, HAN (Hospitality Association

of Namibia), Elephant Human Relations Aid, SRT (Save the Rhino Trust), Wilderness Foundation, Wildlife Poisoning

Prevention & Conflict Resolutions, AfriCat Foundation, CCF (Cheetah Conservation Foundation), Safritalk

Namibian African Wilddog Project, Game Rangers & Field Guides, Namibian Tour Guides, Guides & Rangers. IAPF

• Permanent Office for GRAA-Namibian Chapter. A permanent office for the GRAA in Namibia was

discussed at length following a request from Tim Snow. No consensus was reached and a lot of discussion went

around what was actually required. One of the Committee members (Lise Hanssen) will be looking into this through

The Namibian Nature Foundation which apparently offers these facilities

• MET and GRAA Relationship. Since the AGM held at Shamvura Camp in 2009 there were a lot of plans made

to introduce the GRAA to MET (Ministry of Environment and Tourism) with the establishment of a special sub-

committee for this very purpose. This never materialized. It was therefore decided for Mark Paxton and Simon Mayes

to Meet with Colgar Sikopo (Director of Parks and Wildlife) and discuss this relationship in order to create a good and

productive working relationship without suspicions of the GRAA’s motives. In the absence of Simon Mayes, Tristan

Cooper accompanied Mark Paxton and had a long and fruitful meeting with Colgar Sikopo in November. We now

enjoy a good understanding and MET and Colgar Sikopo has pledged his support for the organization. We will be

expanding on this relationship and hope to be working alongside this organization in a supportive role in the fight for

the protection of our natural resources.

• Rhino Awards. Unfortunately Namibia was alerted too late to be considered for the 2014 awards, even though

there has been great strides made by both Private Sector and Government towards the protection of our Rhino

against large scale and sophisticated poaching efforts. We are currently in the process of establishing official

recognition and endorsements from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and will be putting forward nominees

for the Rhino Awards for 2015

30

Compiled by: Mark Paxton,

Chairman- Namibian Chapter

7th February 2015

Minutes of GRAA Namibian Chapter, AGM, Teufelschlught, February 2015

People present.

1. Tim Snow

2. Janet Snow

3. Mark Paxton

4. Simon Mayes

5. Malcolm Taylor

6. Ole Friede

7. Pieter Marais

8. Zane Cooper

9. Noela Cooper

10. Tristan Cooper

11. Wouter Hugo

12. Peter Woolfe

13. Fancesco Woolfe

14. Peter Bridgeford

15. Rico Viljoen (Tactical Sports/TSU)

Presentations by:

1. Steven Lochner (TSU Protection Services)

2. Lesley Steenkamp (Thornburn)

3. Uys Prinsloo (NAMHUNT)

Apologies from:

1. Fritz Schenk

2. Andreas Kedding

3. HO. Reuter

4. Nils Odendaal

5. Marius Fuls

6. Pieter Mostert

7. Ingo Berens

8. Andrew Campbell

9. Jurgen Sievers

10. Wayne Hadley

11. Lise Hanssen

12. Cameron Wilson

13. Carol Murphy

14. Braveheart (Chris Bakkes)

1. Welcome by the Chairman, Mark Paxton

Mark welcomed all who had made the effort to attend and especially to Lesley Steenkamp who had flown in from Cape Town

to give his presentation knowing full well that the turnout may be only a few.

He specifically mentioned Pete Bridgeford and Peter Woolfe and his wife Francesco who had come from far away

Mark also welcomed to Tim and Janet Snow for joining and welcomed their input and advice as long standing members of the

GRAA.

Mark commented that although the turnout could have been better, the many apologies indicated a genuine interest to

attend which is encouraging.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting;

31

Mark explained that the previous AGM was not well attended and no minutes were taken

3. Thanks to the Host by Chairman.

Mark thanked Piet Marais for offering the venue for the AGM after some subtle conversation with Tristan Cooper. He then

handed over a “Certificate of Appreciation” and a gift from the GRAA which Piet graciously accepted. He then mentioned that

he and Tristan had subsequently managed to convince Piet to make this a permanent offer to the Namibian Chapter as an

AGM venue. We therefore have a secure venue for all subsequent AGM’s and Piet Marais from Marais Spares has been made

the Chapter’s first Corporate Member

4. Financial Update by the Treasurer Malcolm Taylor.

Malcolm went through the statement and gave the dismal news on the lack of funds in the account.

He mentioned Okonjima as a sponsor of N$ 12 000 for newsletter editor and Mark explained that he had sourced this

donation specifically for the salary of the Editor of the newsletter and that this would be depleted by the end of 2015.

There was much discussion over the GRAA annual levy which is paid for members of the Namibian Chapter and much was

said about whether we should be paying for inactive and unpaid-up members.

Malcolm handed out two separate lists of unpaid and paid up members.

5. Election of Office Bearers.

It was decided that the present committee remain as it is.

Mark Paxton - Chairman

Pete Bridgeford - Vice Chairman

Tristan Cooper - Secretary

Malcolm Tayler - Treasurer

Simon Mayes - Committee Member

Lise Hanssen - Committee Member

6. Annual Membership Fee.

It was proposed to increase the annual membership fees to N$ 350 to align with SA and with Tim Snows advice it was decided

to make it N$380.00 which is more in line with the current RSA fees. This increase is active immediately and most members

presented settled their fees.

Some discussion went around whether we should backdate this increase for a year and it was decided that the Chairman

should circulate a letter to all members making this an optional donation.

7. The Thin Green Line Foundation.

Mark asked Tim Snow to give a background on the Thin Green Line Foundation which was received with some interest. Mark

explained that their activities seemed to have been concentrated in the DRC and Virunga Park where many rangers and

conservation staff had lost their lives in what was essentially a war zone. Mark explained that the Foundation had become

interested in Namibia through a recent article by John Grobler on the mysterious death of one of the SRT trackers by the

name of “Boxer” and they felt their support may be appreciated. This interest had been channeled through Chris Galliers of

the GRAA and Mark had enlisted the help of John Grobler to identify the rightful family members to benefit from this

donation. He said that the process had been delayed for several months due to the sensitivity surrounding the uncertainties

in that region currently being addressed by the SRT. He said that with respect to the ongoing sensitivity he had now finally

handed the case over to Axel Hartmann who is now in charge of the SRT investigations and that a final handover of

US$1000.00 to Boxer’s rightful dependants was imminent. He would still be retaining control of the process as a GRAA

Namibian Chapter project and emphasized that this may be the start of many such projects with this worthwhile organization.

8. Membership Status.

There was much discussion on members who are not paid up and whether they should be carried to indicate strong

membership numbers or merely taken off the list. Although there is the obvious advantage of retaining members in order to

appear to have a strong membership, it was decided to give our members all a deadline for payment of membership fees or

face being taken off the list.

It was strongly felt that we are gathering momentum and confidence and would rather be a reliable small group of dedicated

members rather than a larger but token group with many hangers-on.

The Chairman will be sending a final and subtle email to all members shortly to inform them of this decision.

9. Ranger Stories Book by Peter Bridgeford.

Peter explained that the articles he had sourced were steadily trickling in. He said it was becoming very interesting

Among others, stories are coming from the following:

“Rooi Kallie’s” wife, Peter Starck, Dieter von Ashernborn, Stoffel Rosher, Mark Paxton, “Dries” Alberts, Geno Nolli

Allistair Mac Donald from Australia, Joachim Lenssen, Chris Bakkes (Braveheart), Sandpaper Magazine and Linda Baker

32

10. Rhino Conservation Awards

Tim Snow was asked to give some background information. He confirmed that it was an important and very prestigious

“Collar and Tie” event which is supported by many prominent individuals and organizations and enjoys extensive publicity

and media exposure. It is a genuine show of appreciation and recognition for those involved in Rhino Conservation and the

fight to save our Rhinos. He emphasized that it should be taken seriously by the Namibian Chapter this year and encouraged

us to nominate individuals as the Namibia has taken great strides in their efforts to stay ahead of the war on Rhinos and need

to be recognized for this by the global conservation community

11. Establishment of NAN GRAA office

Tim Snow elaborated on the reasons why a separate Namibian Chapter office was as important to the GRAA as an

international organization.

To register the GRAA as an international NGO at IUCN we need minimum of two offices in two countries.

The office needs a fixed and committed address that is contactable by mail and phone, with someone to stand for the GRAA

and answer queries should they come in.

Lise was not available to answer on her progress on this from earlier committee meetings

Mark suggested Malcom’s office at Dunlop. Malcolm accepted the proposal.

12. MET and GRAA relations.

Last year Mark and Simon were tasked to meet with Colgar Sikopo on this. Simon was unavailable and Mark and Tristan had a

meeting with Colgar Sikopo. The meeting was positive and Colgar showed a great amount of interest but no commitment and

after numerous attempts by Mark via email to follow up on his membership, Colgar merely pledged his support but avoided

joining as a member.

It was therefore largely decided that MET will be kept informed and not alienated but not considered in decisions made by

GRAA NAM. We will nevertheless still seek a closer working relationship but without bending over backwards

13. Facebook Page.

Mark elaborated on the progress made by Charlie on the GRAA Namibian Chapter Facebook Page. He said that although he

personally was skeptical it was clear in the modern world of today that Facebook and social media play a very important role

in exposing and strengthening an organization like the Namibian Chapter.

Mark then suggested that Charlie be recognized in her role and that some form of compensation should be considered. No

commitment was forthcoming from the members and Mark ended the fruitless discussions saying he was now embarrassed

in this role of asking for his wife to be paid, saying it was not his place to do so.

Later, after the meeting Tim Snow took the floor and chastised the members for not coming to a decisive decision. He went

on to outline the untold benefits to his business which had been immensely help with the assistance of Facebook which was a

very powerful yet time-consuming tool. Tristan and Zane Cooper then took the initiative and began pledging funds with which

to pay Charlie for her efforts.

Zane Cooper pledged N$ 2000

Tristan Cooper pledged N$ 2000

Piet Marais pledged N$ 2000

Uys Prinsloo pledged N$ 2000

The members pledges will be followed up by the Secretary or Treasurer and this point on her payment will be finalized at the

next committee meeting.

14. Newsletter.

Time constraints prevented much discussion on the newsletter although all agreed that it was a worthwhile exercise.

Mark confirmed that he has finalized the appointment of Cindy Tilney as the new Editor of the GRAA Namibian Chapter

Newsletter with the next issue due by the end of March 2015. She will be paid from the Okonjima sponsor fund for 4 issues

for 2015. Mark will be in ultimately be in control of the articles published and will work closely with Cindy particularly on the

first issue which will be considered her probation period of her contract

Points of Notification.

1. Presentation and acceptance of newly compiled membership Application Form.

There was some discussion on the legality of the form and whether it complies with the GRAA Constitution which Tim Snow

clarified. The form was accepted but some alterations will be made by Mark who will give feedback shortly.

The procedure will be that new members will be processed and approved on this form within Namibia which will then be

submitted to Natalee Crouzier as the GRAA Secretary where the relevant procedures will be followed with regard to the

issuing of the Membership Number and the Manifesto.

33

The issue of postage has yet to be resolved

2. List of paid up or unpaid members

Malcolm was tasked to correct the lists of members whether paid up or unpaid and continue to do so as before.

3. Corporate membership.

Mark will work on a concise and professional document to encourage corporate members to join the Namibian Chapter once

it has been established what the advantages are for a corporate member to join. This will be finalized at the next Committee

meeting.

Meanwhile Piet Marais from Marais Spares will be listed as the first Corporate Member of the Namibian Chapter. He has

graciously offered the Namibian Chapter the right to use the extremely comfortable venue at Teufelschlught for all the future

AGMs. This generous gesture will give the Namibian Chapter some much need stability and those who know Piet well will

confirm that this seldom made offer is not to be taken lightly, and reflects his high regard for the Namibian Chapter.

We therefore sincerely thank Piet for his generosity and support and we will continue to do so with many toast at the future

AGMs.

4. GRAA clothing for members.

Although Peter Bridgeford was not yet there when this point was brought up, he later reported that he had followed up with

Magda De Haan in Windhoek and has obtained a quotation for shirts and embroidered badges. The issuing of clothing will be

his responsibility and he will present members with the prices, colours, sizes and procedures shortly.

5. New Namibian Chapter Badge.

There was some discussion on the new “Namibian Chapter” badge and whether or not it has been constitutionally accepted

by the GRAA. This was later confirmed by Tim Snow, and the version with Namibia on the inside has been approved. We now

have our own badge to be proud of!

6. Businesses offering discounted rates to GRAA members.

It was largely agreed that we need to raise our public profile before approaching prospective businesses for discounts to

members.

After the meeting ended when the beer drinking began and minds were opened up, Tristan initiated a suggestion book where

prospective projects for the Namibian Chapter were proposed. The following projects were listed:

• Anti Poaching Air Wing

• Anti Poaching Training/Tracker courses

A suggestion was then made to pull the three presenters into the fold and offer them the opportunity to pursue their

respective business ventures through the Namibian Chapter. This will not only get our name out there but also connect us

with the various Private and Government sector conservation bodies which they get involved with through us. Mark then

approached each one with the offer to publish a promotional article in the next March issue of the newsletter.

7. GRAA communications to all members.

Mark confirmed that Natalee Crouzier has been supplied with a complete list of members and will be including them in the

communication list for all relevant correspondence. Mark asked that members please contact him directly if they are not

receiving correspondence and the Cleftstick Newsletter through these channels.

Presentations:

Steven Lochner from TSU Protection Services Namibia (started in 1999) talked on the need of vigilance and being prepared

for criminal activity. He stressed that most of us in Namibia are becoming complacent with the stability and are not entirely

aware of the criminal activity around us. His company offers a variety of training courses concerning self protection, Body-

guarding, Tactical Training, Conflict Management, Security Guard Training, Dog Training and various other specialized training

courses.

Lesley Steenkamp from Thorburn/Stoneholdings came all the way from Cape Town to talk on his company which specializes

in the impact and importance of security training in the Tourism sector, with Field Rangers and Anti-poaching Units. He has

had years of experience with the field staff of the Kruger Park and their war on Rhino horn and ivory poachers. He shared

some really distressing stories on what they are up against and how advanced technological equipment is used to keep up

with the onslaught by extremely well equipped and well coordinated poaching syndicates. He warned us that it is now

becoming obvious that these poaching syndicates are looking towards Namibia for more easy pickings.

Uys Prinsloo from NAMHUNT gave a talk on the background and purpose of “NAMHAUNT Namibia” and its commitment to

Conservation in Namibia

34

All these presenters will be given the opportunity to advertise in the GRAA Namibian Chapter Newsletter March issue, and

it is The Namibian Chapter’s intention to support and increase their activities in Namibia as a partner. In this way we also

intend to increase our public profile amongst the Conservation community.

Donations Received:

Peter Woolfe. N$ 600

Peter Bridgeford N$ 20

Pieter Marais N$ 40

Ole Friede N$ 20.

The meeting ended after an exhausting and thirsty 5 hours after which everybody settled down to a well deserved beer

around the fire in the lovely setting of Teufelschlught.

GRAA news Peter Bridgeford

GRAA book: Game Ranger stories.

Last year the GRAA Namibia committee approved a local project.

It was to collect stories from past and present rangers/wardens/researchers and produce a book that could be sold to

promote the GRAA and make a few dollars profit. I said I would do the collecting, begging, pestering and hassling of people to

get the stories from them.

To date, I have collected several interesting articles from other publications and books. These include a story by Dieter

Aschenborn, the first ranger in Etosha. Also stories by Kallie du Preez, Stoffel Rocher, Hu Berry and Peter Stark. Hopefully I will

get permission to use one or more stories from Erwin Leibnitz’s book about his time in Etosha in the seventies. I am also

waiting for a story about Bernabe de la Bat, by someone who is doing a biography about ‘the father of conservation’ in

Namibia.

I have collected information about some of the people who worked in Etosha between the two world wars, most of them

policemen and about Captain Nelson, who was in Namutoni from 1920 to 1928.

From the younger generation I have contributions from: Mark Paxton, Gino Noli, Ben Beytell, Achim Lenssen, Allisdair

Macdonald (all the way from Aussie), Anton Esterhuizen and myself.

Promises of contributions from Linda Baker, Pieter Mostert, Chris Bakkes, Hanjo Böhme and Tryg Cooper.

So far, we have 30,000 words and we need about 90,000 to make a decent book.

So please get down to it and send your story and some photos if possible.

If I have not contacted you yet, I will soon be doing so.

Peter Bridgeford: [email protected] or 081 260 7375

6 ANECDOTAL and OTHERS

News about colleagues and members. We are happy to hear that Steve Braine, Leon van Rooyen and Chris Eyre are doing well after the doctors have finished

poking, prodding, injecting and doing all manner of other things to them.

We wish them all the best

GRAA:NAM Shirts with logo

We have a business in Windhoek who can supply shirts for ladies and men. The shirts,

with the GRAA logo and ’Namibia’ under the logo, are available at N$270 each. The GRAA

will make a small profit from the sale of each shirt. If you are interested, please deposit

your money in the GRAA account in Windhoek. Then fax or email me the details of your

deposit and the quantity, colour and size you want. Please supply an address in Windhoek

where they can be delivered. For those members in Swakop or Walvis Bay, I will deliver.

Ladies and gents sizes: S to 5XLColours: See the add about the shirts. Please send your

order by latest 31 May 2015.

Peter Bridgeford Fax: 088 61 3877 Email: [email protected] Cell 081 260 7375

Banking details: GRAA Namibia, Bank Windhoek, Kudu Branch, 48 21 72

35

6. ANECDOTAL AND OTHERS

Namib vultures set new record

During the past breeding season, Namib vultures set a new record. The Lappet-faced vultures that breed over most of

Namibia, have their stronghold in the Namib-Naukluft Park. Last year the Lappets in the Park raised 100 chicks.

The main breeding area, between the Swakop and Kuiseb Rivers accounted for the most nests, but further south, from the

Kuiseb River to Sossusvlei, breeding was higher than expected. was ringed in the Tsauchab River, leading to Sossusvlei. The

previous record was 89 chicks ringed in 2007.

The breeding success of these large vultures has been monitored for the past 24 years and it is the first time that 100 chicks

have been found and ringed. The 100th chick The success of the past breeding season is probably due to a number of factors.

The first is the excellent aerial survey carried out to locate the nesting vultures from the air and secondly, the increased

breeding is likely due to dry conditions and an abundant supply of food. The past few years of good rains in the Namib-

Naukluft Park resulted in increased breeding of gemsbok, springbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and ostrich. Now the limited

grazing in several areas could be to the advantage of the vultures as the drought takes its toll.

In early October, the aerial survey took place over the known breeding area of these large birds. The aerial survey, in two

planes, by pilots Peter and Harald Keil, conducted over two days, was the best survey for many years. The record number of

occupied nests found is due to the flying skills of these two pilots and the experienced observers Thanks to the Westair Group

for the use of their aircraft and pilots at no cost to Vultures Namibia. Donations for fuel came from other sponsors.

After the aerial survey, many volunteers spent several days driving from one marked nest to the other. Besides the numbered

metal ring, a numbered plastic cattle ear tag is attached to the right wing. Both these are used to monitor movement once

the bird leaves its nest. The tag is visible from a distance and the number distinguished using binoculars or a telescope.

Camera-traps at waterholes and vulture restaurants record an increasing number of marked birds.

Although many vultures breed in protected areas, they feed on farms and fly to neighbouring countries. Here landowners,

who use poison to control predators attacking their domestic stock, can poison the vultures. Even game farmers use poison to

kill predators of springbok lambs and high-value roan and sable antelope calves. Other dangers are drowning in steep-sided

water reservoirs, collisions with power lines, electrocutions on electricity pylons and use in traditional medicine. Mass

poisoning at elephant carcasses is a new treat to vultures. The poachers poison the elephant carcass after removing the tusks

to stop vultures betraying the slaughter of these animals. The vultures are ‘eyes-in-the-sky’ and alert police and conservation

officials. This alarming trend has killed many hundreds of vultures in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and East

Africa.

It is encouraging that vultures in the Namib-Naukluft Park have had an excellent breeding season. The sponsors and

volunteers are thanked for their assistance. Anyone seeing marked vultures can report their observations to Vultures Namibia

at 081 260 7375 or 081 129 5163 with the location, date and tag or ring number.

VULTURE TWINS TAGGED Report on the 2015 Summer Wetland Bird counts in Namibia

During January and February 2015, wetland bird counts were conducted at 41 sites

throughout Namibia. Notwithstanding the extremely dry conditions the country was

experiencing, a total of 355 998 birds of 121 species were counted. Walvis Bay and

Sandwich Harbour lead the list in terms of numbers, mostly due to healthy numbers

of flamingos at both sites. Shamvura on the Okavango River has the highest species

tally, followed by Lake Oponono. Undoubtedly the highlight of the counts was the

sighting of a flock of 1 300 Mongolian Plovers at Lake Oponono. Other observations

worth mentioning are Saddle-billed Storks on the Okavango and Kwando Rivers,

Wattled Cranes at Oponono and Mahango, Eurasian Oystercatchers at Walvis Bay

and Sandwich Harbour, a Common Redshank at Walvis Bay and a Lesser Black-

backed Gull at Naute Dam. The Walvis Bay sewage ponds are definitely returning to

their former glory with over 8 000 flamingos and 76 Maccoa Duck being counted

there. Many thanks to all the counters & their continuing efforts. Holger Kolberg

36

The Monica saga : Another true story with a bit of Flavour: (Cameron Wilson) By this time, my wife Wendy and I, had settled into an exciting, sometimes erratic routine at Ongava Tented Camp,

interspersed with frequent lion visits to the camp. Many mornings we would arrive at the lapa to find the lounge cushions

strewn in a 200 meter radius around the water hole, some ripped to shreds and the sponge stuffing scattered around

likclumps of dirty snow.

It was on one of these mornings whilst we were cleaning up the mess under the

watchful eyes of some 6 sub adult lions, that I received a phone call from

WS Head Office. As is common in the tourism industry, tour agents are invited to

Namibia on an “educational” to familiarise themselves with the various lodges and

what their clients can expect to experience. The call was to inform me that one of

the tour agents who had just arrived in Namibia the day before, had a mishap at one

of the lodges in the Sossusvlei area. We were aware of her pending arrival on

Ongava that morning, but we were told the ETA had changed and that we were to ensure she was treated with a lot of

compassion and understanding.

It transpired that she, Monica, had arrived in Windhoek the previous day and was flown off to the Kulala Desert Reserve after

completing the immigration formalities. She had just got married two months prior to her arrival, was 23 years old at the time

and this was her first time out of Europe, in fact, she was not well travelled at all. Meeting her, she was quite a nervous

person, a little timid and overwhelmed about being in wild Africa. Upon her arrival at Kulala she was welcomed by the

management and she was soon settled in her tent for the duration of her stay.

Things progressed smoothly until later that night, when the area experienced a massive storm, thunder and lightning and

torrents of rain they had never experienced in many years. A truly spectacular and awesome experience for those who have

witnessed a storm of this magnitude in the desert. Even more so for Monica, as lightning struck her tent and struck her! She

escaped her burning tent, dragging her suitcase behind her. Help was at hand and she was given the necessary immediate

medical attention. The bolt of lightning struck her on the top of her head and exited beneath her buttock, leaving a small burn

wound. The story is tragic and she’s fortunate to be alive and whilst not being unsympathetic, there is some humour in all of

this.

The manager decided to drive her to Swakopmund, some 400 odd km’s away, to see a doctor. The well oiled wheels of

Wildness Safaris got into motion and she was examined by a doctor early the next morning. His diagnosis was that she’s very

lucky to be alive, but there was nothing physically wrong other than the burn wound and that she was suffering some shock.

He treated her accordingly. The plucky girl wanted to continue her educational so WS, through Sefofane, arranged for a flight

for her from Swakopmund to the Ongava Game Reserve. To ensure that she was well taken care of, WS arranged for a

colleague, Chantel, to accompany her for the duration of her trip.

I personally drove out to the airfield to welcome them and on the 30 minute journey back to camp I was given the complete

run down of her ordeal. She was clearly shaken by it all, which was made all the more obvious by a slight stutter and the

trembling in her hands.

When we got to camp she quite unashamedly lifted her skirt and proceeded to show all of us her wound. We all ooh’d and

aah’d and made all the appropriate sympathetic noise’s one has to make under these circumstances. We then booked Monica

in a tent on one side of the lapa and Chantal in another tent on the opposite side. After that, the remainder of the day

progressed smoothly, light lunch, siesta until tea, night drive and then back for dinner at eight. During dinner, the infamous

Stompie pride arrived to slake their thirst. Great excitement all round and dinner was abandoned to watch the cats and their

cubs drink and play tag. Some trepidation crept in when they realised that there was nothing, no fence, no protection

between them and the pride some 15 meters away. That was not a deterrent though and soon after dinner was eaten, they

were escorted to their tents.

That night 18 lions caught, killed and devoured an Oryx on the stoep of Monica’s tent! Growling, roaring and crunching bones

throughout the night. The next morning, 18 blood besmeared lions lay, belly up, around the waterhole. Monica had become a

blithering idiot. She was stuttering uncontrollably, her mouth was opening and closing, gasping like a goldfish’s. The trembling

of her hands had become major shakes, so much so, she could barely hold her cup of coffee. Cup, saucer and teaspoon were

all rattling in a rhythm a calypso band would have enjoyed, spilling coffee all over the floor. She was in a huge state of

nervous disorder.

I tried to console her and downplayed the incident say that guests pay mega bucks to experience what she just had, but she

was quite adamant that she wanted to leave, immediately. I asked Wendy to take over, being the therapist that she is. After

some time, tears, and delaying the early morning game drive, Wendy convinced her, and she agreed, to stay under certain

conditions. She wanted to phone her husband, and move to another tent. We started the generator to fire up the Vsat

37

telephone system and managed to get her husband on the line. He must have been a level headed chap as she was a tad

calmer after the call. Chantel also agreed that Monica could share her tent with her. We bundled her and the rest of the

guests into the game viewers and off they went for the morning activity. Thankfully the rest of the day proceeded

uneventfully.

After the night drive, just before dinner, we were sitting and chatting around the fire when another pride of lions pitched at

the waterhole. What great excitement, lions two nights in a row! Guests were ecstatic and dinner was forgotten, again.

That night, 13 lions caught, killed and devoured a Waterbuck, right outside Chantel and Monica’s tent, growling, roaring and

crunching bones throughout the night.

That morning, Monica was a drooling, slobbering, stuttering, blithering idiot. She lost it. She couldn’t stand, slurped her coffee

off the table without lifting the cup to her lips, she rattled, shook, gasped and her mouth was opening and closing as if

sending a message in Morse code. No amount of consoling would make her budge on her decision to leave immediately. For

the second morning in a row, we started the generator to phone the WS emergency number to arrange for a charter flight to

fly her back to Windhoek and to book her on a flight to Frankfurt that same evening.

Three nights in Namibia, night one struck and survived a lightning strike, tent burnt down, then surrounded by lions two

nights in a row convinced her to send me an email two weeks later to say, she will never come back to Africa and she will

never, ever recommend Africa to anyone.

Post Script. I was told she did return to Namibia a few years later to continue her educational but on her second day in

Namibia, in Damaraland, she rolled her Hi-Lux rental. She escaped unhurt but I wonder if her poor husband knows she’s

jinxed!

Insect Hunger Games :Male mantises deceived by starving females

Sandhya Sekar / NATH Subject Knowledge update Dec 16, 2014

A well-fed female mantis is irresistible to a male. She’s chock-

full of eggs and draws him in by producing high levels of

pheromones – right before she makes a meal of him. Now, a

new study reveals that even starving females can entice

males to their doom. Researchers have found that female

false garden mantises (Pseudomantis albofimbriata, pictured)

that were fed just a quarter of what others got actually

produced more pheromones than well-fed females – and

attracted almost twice the number of males. This is despite

the fact that the number of eggs in the starved females was

less than 10, compared with more than 60 eggs in well-fed

females. The finding, reported online today in

the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, is the first

experimental demonstration of sexual deception using false

chemical signals in any animal. The starving females seem to

be treating the males as easy prey to gain nutritional benefits

and potentially produce more eggs.

38

7. PHOTOS CURRENT AND FROM THE PAST:

Mark and Thunzi soft

release of “Spit” the

juvenile Slender

Mongoose female.

Mark Paxton during his

Etosha days, and the soft

release for “Wonder” the

White-backed Juvenile

Vulture, from NARREC

The late Diekman Kaiseb, the last one of the greats

from Etosha National Park (//Heikom) and Mark

Paxton without his make-up on a bad hair day

The Late Titus Tsume with a

juvenile Secretary bird ringed

& released in Etosha in the

early 80’s

Trygve Cooper! The elephant

cull at Olifantsrus ENP.

(Culling is never easy for Game

Rangers, but in order to do our

duty to manage wildlife we

often have to joke about it)

39

Position: Editor for GRAA-Namibian Chapter Newsletter

Salary: N$3000.00 per issue for a contractual period of 3x issues, (one quarterly issue every 3 months).

Conditions:

• Some Editorial experience with newsletters or similar publications is required.

• Some Journalistic skills and connections to the news media is required in order to source appropriate

Conservation orientated articles for publication.

• Some background in Conservation and familiarity with the Namibian Conservation circle will be preferable,

as this will encourage submissions from members.

• Computer literacy, skills and experience with the layout of this publication are essential.

• Preferably situated in Namibia, but RSA residents may be considered.

• Must be self sufficient and capable of reliable communication.

• Some sensitivity with articles published in the Newsletter may be required. Therefore the Editor will work

directly through the Chairman of the Namibian Chapter under a certain amount of guidance, but must be

prepared to individualize the publication as much as possible.

• The editor will be responsible for the sourcing of all articles for the newsletter under guidance, as well as

the layout and distribution.

• The position is available immediately for the next issue expected in June 2015

Advantages:

• The Editor will be offered a membership position with the GRAA-Namibian Chapter.

• The Editor will have access to the contact details of all members of the GRAA.

• The Editor may be required to conduct interviews with Rangers/Conservationists in remote areas of

Namibia.

• The Editor may make private use of interview material and articles upon agreement with the GRAA.

Interested applicants should apply to Mark Paxton at:

[email protected]

Cell: 0813142713

Tel: 066 264007

Charlie Paxton (The Facebook Queen) has spent tireless hours over the past months on Facebook and the Internet sourcing

articles for this Newsletter. Mark Paxton for his infinite patience with how long it took Charlie to pick up and complete the

editing of this edition. Something neither of us wishes to repeat together again. Cameron Wilson, Peter Bridgeford and David

Shultz for their contributions. Still a pretty dismal response from members which I sincerely hope will not be repeated with

the next newsletter Issue #5 in June 2015.

8. VACANCIES AND JOBS:

Anyone knows who

is with “Ounooi” (the

Eland) at Waterberg

Plateau Park. &

Pieter Mostert with

the late Val Hansen

chatting to Elvis their

late baboon

9. Acknowledgements: