Wildt Tales, August 2005

Spring is here and it’s wonderful. New buds … longer days … sunshine. I hope you enjoy this edition of Wildt Tales. We welcome any feedback and of course please pass it on to interested friends.

Mission
“To ensure the long-term survival of predators, specifically the cheetah and wild dog in their natural environment”

To achieve its mission the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust has an extensive community outreach and education program and a strategic breeding plan. The Trust conducts research on wildlife disease and nutrition and in South Africa it has implemented a national plan for the conservation of free-roaming cheetah.

Ambassadors reach more than 7000 people in 5 months

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust’s Outreach Education Programme is going from strength to strength. Ambassador animals are the core of this programme, which brings environmental education into the classroom. The ambassador’s include cheetah, king cheetah, a Cape Vulture, an Egyptian vulture and a wild dog.

The premise of this project is that once young people get the opportunity of seeing these magnificent creatures up close they respond dramatically to the ‘call’ to take care of our environment. Educators suggest organic gardening, clean up campaigns, the planting of indigenous trees and the formation of wildlife clubs as part of their response to the conservation dilemma’s our country is facing.

Many schools also visit the Centre and in 2004 over 6000 children visited. These young visitors are treated to a one and a half hour walk during which they are exposed to trees, birds and of course the animals De Wildt protects. The Outreach Education Programme has meant that schools who cannot afford expensive bus journeys are not excluded. Rural, farm and city schools are part of the outreach – from Ellisras to Sandton – the team spread the word.

If you would like us to visit your school or if you would like to sponsor a school visit, contact Marilyn Hull at cheetah@dewildt.org.za

Anatolian Guard Dog, Uthaya and his herd

Cheetah Outreach is piloting a national Anatolian Shepherd Guard Dog Programme in conjunction with the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Management Programme and have placed 6 dogs on farmlands in South Africa thus far. In March 2005, Jedi was the first dog to be placed on a farm in the Thabazimbi area. This placement was sponsored by Africa Geographic, thus ensuring that farm owner Pieter Roets can happily co-exist with predators on his farm.

Liesl Smith, manager of Cheetah Outreach is looking after the placements in the Overberg area, and accompanied Uthaya to his new home on the farm Paardenkloof, in May 2005. Here is her account of Uthaya’s first experience as a working dog:

“Uthaya arrived in Cape Town on the 24th of May 2005, accompanied by Deon Cilliers from De Wildt. Deon and myself immediately set out to take him to his new home, Paardenkloof, a beautiful farm just outside of Botriver. Valli Moosa, our previous minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs incidentally owns this farm. The placement of Uthaya is groundbreaking work in the Overberg, since this is the first placement of a Turkish Anatolian Shepherd as a guarding dog in this area. If this is to be a success it could bring about a complete shift in attitudes and farming practices in terms of predator control in the Overberg. Farmers in this area regularly complain about small stock losses due to leopards, caracals and baboons. We were told that Paardenkloof has lost 80 lambs to caracals in just one year. An effective method of non-lethal predator control was obviously much needed. On arrival at Paardenkloof, Uthaya was placed with a small group of sheep kept temporarily at the homestead. This would give him the opportunity to start bonding with these sheep immediately; of course he would be introduced to the entire herd of sheep gradually. We left a very tired and confused, but very brave puppy behind and it took immense restraint not to just pick him up, load him back in the bakkie and take him home.

The next day when I spoke to Marais, the farm manager, he told me that they have not heard a single whine coming from Uthaya. It seemed as if Uthaya was gracefully accepting his fate and taking on the big responsibility resting on his shoulders.

My second visit to Uthaya was ten days later on a very cold, wet and rainy day. He was still kept with the same group of sheep, but several of them had given birth since we saw them last. At the kraal, we were greeted by six tiny lambs and one muddy puppy that all dashed out of the dog kennel at the sounds of our voices. Uthaya reacted with indifference to the curious humans. This signaled a positive development; bonding with his herd. He seemed perfectly happy curling up with all six
lambs in his kennel, sharing space and warmth. In only ten days, Uthaya has progressed in leaps and bounds and was well on his way to becoming a proud member of the livestock guarding fraternity. We are very proud of the newest member of the Cheetah Outreach team.”

Miss Earth Contestants visit De Wildt

Our natural heritage, so rich in its bio-diversity, has a growing number of champions. The recent arrival of the Miss Earth pageant on the South African scene is a significant development. Fourteen finalists, in this annual event, embark on a demanding five week participatory, learning and nurturing opportunity before the pageant. Their intense exposure to a range of experiences, prepare the young ladies to promote awareness of, and specific action, regarding an environmental sector of their choice.

To initiate the program they visited the de Wildt Cheetah Centre on 3 June. All fourteen had the privilege of stroking Byron, the Centre’s Ambassador Cheetah. The amazing projects and research successes impressed all the young ladies. It was at the Environmental Education Centre and along the associated Rob & Julie Filmer Sensory Trail that they each also got to know a blind “twin” from Filadelfia School. Partnered for several hours, presented an opportunity to get to understand, more profoundly, the need for and meaning of inclusion. As was done last year as well, an indigenous tree (Kiggelaria africana) was planted, both to remind everyone of our wealth of tree species (over 1000) and to leave a legacy celebrating aware youth. This multi-faceted event was organized by Eco-Access. Byron, the ambassador cheetah, is the patron of Eco-Access. By the 9 July, when the Gala Event took place to announce the winner, the fourteen finalists had become new champions of conservation management for our southern African natural heritage.

USA donors provide valuable assistance

Vanessa Bouwer recently returned from a fundraising and awareness trip to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Reno and Denver. Over 12 presentations were made and the response from supporters was encouraging. Vanessa’s presentations focused on the journey of cheetah female Sibella who with her sister, was brought to the Centre after being savaged by hunting dogs. Her period of relocation and subsequent release was chronicled in a moving tale, well supported with photographs and video clips. Members of the audiences were thrilled to discover that the ending to this story was very happy as Sibella is pictured in picturesque reserve in the Eastern Cape, Samara with her 5 mischievous offspring. Friends in LA, Beverly Hills, Reno and Denver are thanked for hospitality and generous support. If you would like to host a visit on Vanessa’s 2006 visit to the USA write to Zeta at cheetah@dewildt.org.za

Research team visit Cheetah Conservation Foundation in Namibia

Deon and Kelly spent a week in Namibia to visit with CCF and Africat. The plane tickets were kindly sponsored by British Airways and they were made to feel very welcome at CCF in lovely rondawels with meals cooked for them.They met with several staff members at CCF and had a chance to see their facilities. They reported that most of the area looks very similar to the Thabazimbi and Lephalale areas in South Africa. Deon and Kelly both gave a talk to CCF volunteers and staff, Deon on the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Project and the NCCF and Kelly on camera trapping. A day was also spent at Africat which was very interesting and informative. We were amazed to see how tame a leopard can get. One of the most striking things the Wild Cheetah team noticed is how similar the problems in Southern Africa are and how differently we solve them. Namibia does not have the high number of game ranches like South Africa has and most of the country is still open with free ranging wildlife.

An outcome of this trip was that it was decided that it was necessary to have a Southern African meeting of all people involved in cheetah conservation. This would allow us to get to know each other and our projects, brainstorm problems and share information. A Southern African project was discussed with the idea that it would be something that everyone could do in the course of their normal work, but would allow for increasing the awareness of cheetahs in Southern Africa as a whole. It looks like the meeting will take place under the banner of the Global Cheetah Forum and Laurie Marker has offered to host the meeting at CCF, provided everyone can get there.

The trip was a big eye opener for the Wild Cheetah team and valuable networking and contacts were made that will allow for better co-operative work in the future.

Thanks to British Airways for sponsoring our flights and to CCF for putting us up and making us feel so welcome.


News about relocated cheetah.

In this edition of Wildt Tales, we bring you news of two cheetah who were relocated to the Makulu Makete Reserve in the Limpopo Province. This excerpt is taken from the MAKULU MAKETE BUSH DIARY. "Danny, the second cheetah in our cheetah rehabilitation programme, in conjunction with the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Project, arrived late in June and is being kept in a one-hectare boma (enclosure) while he becomes accustomed to his new surroundings and the non-threatening presence of human beings. Compared with Dottie, our first cheetah in this project, Danny is very nervous. It didn’t take Dottie long to get used to the routine of being fed in the boma. She would approach the vehicle determinedly, drag away the impala meat and settle down not far off to eat it without much concern for those watching her. Feeding Danny is quite a different matter. Guests Annie and Heidi joined Rox, Peter and Jane on the open Land Rover inside the boma for a feeding session. An impala leg was thrown in front of the vehicle and we watched with excitement as Danny emerged from his hiding place in bushes and warily circled the Land Rover at a safe distance, growling with every breath. Three times he dashed in towards the vehicle and swerved away at the last moment, before finally plucking up the courage to run in, grab the leg and lope off to the other side of the boma to eat it in private. Danny is a bigger, stronger-looking cheetah than Dottie, more muscular and active than his intended. While Dottie has rows of very large, dark spots down her back, making her look dark, Danny has regular, smaller spots. Dottie’s tail is much more generously tipped with white. We are not sure whether Dottie has been to check out Danny from outside his boma, but she should be impressed by such a handsome specimen.

Rox, our ecologist, continues to monitor Dottie’s movements on a daily basis, tracking her through the bush on foot, using telemetry to follow Dottie’s radio collar. Normally very relaxed about being followed, Dottie sometimes leads us a merry chase, when she is on the move or hunting. Regular visitors from Johannesburg, Mary and Pauline, had to try several times before they were able to catch up with Dottie and finally watch her at ease in her own environment. Dottie ranges far and wide over the reserve, successfully killing prey. In this bushveld habitat, she is adept at ambushing prey, rather than chasing it. Impala, steenbok, duiker, bushbuck, klipspringer and even a well-grown kudu cow have all fallen victim to Dottie’s hunting skills. We have no control over her menu, but we would prefer her to stick to impala and leave the charming little klipspringers to hop about the hills untouched".

Please feel free to visit the Makulu Makete website at www.makulumakete.com.

Global paper leader Sappi has over many years supported and initiated numerous conservation, environmental and education initiatives within the communities of its operations; as well as at academic institutions.

In 2003 Sappi joined the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in launching the “Fading Spots Campaign, a race against time for the Cheetah” to the global media and public. Today Sappi is the core sponsor of the Wild Cheetah Project in South Africa.

Once the sacred companions of Pharaohs and Kings the cheetah is facing many challenges in South and Southern Africa. It is estimated that less than 400 free-roaming cheetah survive in the farmlands of South Africa and no more than 600 in captivity and our protected reserves.

Sappi has risen to the “Cheetah Challenges” and through their funding of the Wild Cheetah Project they have enabled the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust to expand operations and research in the farmlands, not only to assist the cheetah in relocation to safe areas but to work towards solutions that will allow the cheetah to remain on the very land they now enjoy. It also raises awareness, encouraging the youth of South Africa to become involved in the protection of our environments through the Educational Outreach Programme that covers schools from the large cities to the furthest rural communities. It is through this very programme that the youth will experience the beauty of the Ambassadorial Cheetah, gain understanding of how a clean and healthy environment leads to an upliftment of mankind and to take the lessons learned into their home environment.

Sappi has further risen to the “Cheetah Challenges” in assisting the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in its media and fund-raising activities both in South Africa and across the Global Community and in particular in the United States of America, where Sappi has extensive operations and corporate interests.

“The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust has lead the way in conservation of the Cheetah and other endangered and threatened species since 1971 under the guidance of it’s founding Director, Ann van Dyk. Sappi is proud to join the Trust in securing the future of the cheetah - not only for the people of South Africa but also for the important role that this fleet-footed cat plays in the environment highlighting biodiversity” –Andre Oberholzer, Group Head Corporate Affairs, Sappi Ltd

Visitor Survey gives thumbs up on De Wildt Tours

As part of an ongoing survey to determine whether visitors to De Wildt receive the best possible experience a questionnaire was filled out by tourists over a 3 month period. The results were very encouraging. If you haven’t visited us on a tour yet please do so. A booking is essential. Tours are conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 08h30 and 13h00. Call Louise on 012 504 1921 or email us on cheetah@dewildt.org.za
90% of the respondants said that the tour was excellent.
95% said that the guide was excellent.
Most said that the shop was fair to good.
100% said that the tour was value for money.
Over 90% said the booking process was excellent.
Over 90% said that the map was good.
88 % said that the tour length was perfect,
8% said it was too long.

Adoptive parents come up trumps

The adoption programme of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust is a wonderful way of supporting the Trust with their conservation and education programmes. The money generated from the adoptions allows us to keep the animals enclosures in tip-top condition, to ensure top rate medical care and to spread our education and awareness messages. Look out for news about our adoptive parents day early in 2006.

Welcome to new adoptive parents:

Diamond Level: Marsha Duemke, Deborah Caldwell, Brandon van Loucks, Susan & Philip Hulme, Chris Koski for Carla & Gerrit Snyman, The Graziano Family, Rens Oosthuizen, Petro Steyn, Deb Mac Millan, Kiki Mac Millan, James C. Mac Millan, Evelyn Alman, Valerio Clementi, Claire Dawn Williams, Rosemary Strachan, Alexander & Rebecca (x3)

Platinum: Rebecca Schneider, Neal Duemke, Justin Kanoff, Nicole Duemke, Cuan Engelsman, Johan Scholtz & Reneé Harrison, Chris & Leonor Jensen, Monika Gehl, Reinette Wessels

Gold: Heather Crewe-Brown, Mary Schuster, Vanessa Tyler, Karina & Kevin, The Barber Family, The Fisher Family, The Hock Kids, Gordana Hrovat, Claire van Deventer, Hengelene Botha, Tom Newby Councillors, Brigitta Gehl, Cynthia Edgerton, Jim Stephens, Jan Stephens

Silver: Leo de Witte, Alfons de Witte, Sally Byrne, Kirsty Liddle, Gareth & Ginny Hickling, Raabia & Ian, Amir Esterhuysen, Andreas Orskov, Claire Robinson, Abbey & Gina Pasquini, Charné & Terrence, Rich Casey (x2), Matan Daniely, Tina Iozzo, Lizi Potgieter

Renewals:

Diamond: Peter Koeppel, The Jewkes Family, Jonathan Long
Platinum: Brigitta Gehl
Gold: P D Rosema, Caroline Hind, Hannes & Sarah Maritz
Silver: Belinda Britz, Cynthia Edgerton, Katie Burbidge
Pewter: Sigi Sakai