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Cheetahs
do Climb!
 Contrary
to popular belief, cheetahs do in fact climb on a regular basis. Although
they favour open grassland and semi-desert as their preferred habitat,
they will often perch on branches and termite mounds. This provides
an unobstructed view of their territory and allows them to easily spot
potential danger as well as likely prey. Cheetah cubs particularly love
to practise their climbing skills and to play in the low branches of
trees.
With their lean frames and blunt claws, cheetahs are certainly not nature’s
natural climbers. Indeed their efforts may appear rather clumsy and
awkward, but they are surprisingly agile.
At night, however, this day hunter will generally avoid forested areas
for fear of lions and leopards. Both are not only better climbers but
are larger than the cheetah and view it as prey. Instead cheetahs will
rest in the undergrowth or long grass, hidden from prying eyes. They
will also move frequently and rarely spend more than one night in the
same spot.
Byron –
Guest of Honour
 On
11 September celebrities had the rare opportunity to meet cheetah ambassador
Byron at the launch of the “Dream Big” initiative created
by a partnership between jewellery designer Jenna Clifford and Olympic
Gold Medallist Ryk Neethling.
Their mission is to encourage South Africans to unite and to strive
for a harmonious and successful society that we can be proud of –
no mean feat in an environment overrun by negativity and fear.
De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust were proud to be part of such a
positive event and in the spirit of “dreaming big” we would
like to share some of our dreams for the future of De Wildt with you:
• To create sustainable income for our projects through eco-tourism.
We owe it to the cheetah and other animals that we are working to save
to have a sound income base. We therefore want to build a small state
of the art conference centre onto our already successful De Wildt Cheetah
Lodge. We would also like to extend our curio shop.
• To ensure that every cheetah that we rescue and release should
have a collar so that we can track their every move, protect them and
generate vital data for management strategies. We need funding for 20
collars this year.
• To establish a bursary programme for young people wanting to
study Nature Conservation and then to be able to employ them at De Wildt.
• To employ more education officers who would then work in communities
across our land – but particularly in areas where the cheetah
is still free roaming.
• To improve and enlarge our hospital facilities. We rescue so
many animals from traps and shooting, and a properly equipped veterinary
hospital would be fantastic. We recently received a generously donated
gastroscope but we are using it in a garage!
• Above all though is to get every South African to think about
our environment and to use our resources responsibly.
Any help in making some of these “big dreams” come true
would be so welcome.
Anatolians
– Delta & Echo
 “Delta”
and “Echo” are two Anatolian Shepherd dogs that have been
placed (in partnership with Cheetah Outreach) with cattle as part of
a pilot study to test the methods of placing guarding dog with large
stock. Both are doing extremely well and both have developed a strong
bond with the calves in the Kraal.
Echo has already displayed guard dog behaviour when a large male leopard
stalked the cattle in the Kraal. All the cattle scattered all over the
farm and Echo was nowhere to be found. He was eventually located some
hours later walking steadily back to the Kraal, after having stayed
with his stock during the Leopard encounter; all of this at only eight
weeks old.
Delta has also bonded well with the calves and sleeps at night cuddled
up to them. She is slowly being introduced to the larger members of
the heard and shows no fear of a cow ten times her size.
Is it a
Cheetah?
 Luke
Strugnell, Field Officer, Wild Cheetah Project reports that complaints
are increasing as well as general calls relating to any wildlife advice.
A few weeks back I attended to a “leopard” that had been
caught in a cage in the Vaalwater area. On arrival the leopard turned
out to be a Serval and was released unharmed after taking a few photos.
This gave me the opportunity to educate the farm workers and explain
the difference between the different cat species. They eventually reluctantly
agreed that the cat in the cage was a Serval but took some further convincing
that it was not catching Impala. The farm owner seemed very embarrassed
but had acted on the information provided by his workers.
I received a call by a farmer who had caught an Aardvark and wanted
to know what he could do with the animal and if he could sell it for
a profit. According to the farmer the Aardvark in question was digging
numerous holes on his land into which his cattle were falling. After
suggesting he let it go and not attempt to sell it he happily agreed
to release the Aardvark having been given some sound advice that the
Aardvark was efficiently controlling the termite population in the area.
Love at
Last
 At
last! Stokkie the meerkat has a friend! Timone arrived at De Wildt a
couple of months ago as a kind donation from one of our farm’s
friends. He was full of beans and ready to see his new enclosure. We
were a little nervous about putting him in with Stokkie immediately,
so he was left in a sky-crate until we were sure that they weren’t
going to murder each other. Everything was fine an hour later, so it
was unanimously decided that they could become roommates. They hit it
off with a bang and have become the best of friends.
We now see Stokkie trying her best to bury Timone when he hasn’t
pulled his weight in the enclosure – like digging a tunnel from
their main bedroom to the bathroom. We have also noticed Timone playing
dead whenever he’s in the dog-box…very much like human nature!
We wish Stokkie and Timone the very best for their future together.
Fascinating Meerkat Facts
It is no great surprise that so many people are hooked on Animal
Planet’s show “Meerkat Manor”. These amazing creatures
are so feisty and full of character that you could watch them for hours
on end without ever getting bored. A few interesting facts about meerkats:
• The name meerkat comes from Afrikaans meaning marsh cat. Their
scientific name is Suricata suricatta.
• They are members of the mongoose family.
• Quite small, adult meerkats weigh about 700 to 800 grams on
average with males being slightly larger than females. They are about
50 centimetres long from head to tail.
• Their average lifespan in the wild is about 10 years.
• Meerkats inhabit the majority of the Southern tip of Africa,
preferring arid plains and avoiding woodland. They live in complex burrows
of up to 3 metres.
• They are extremely sociable animals, living in packs as large
as 30. Within these packs, animals are friendly but the packs are fiercely
territorial and will often fight ferociously with their neighbours.
• Mainly insectivorous, they also feed on spiders, snails, rodents,
birds, eggs, and will take on dangerous animals such as snakes and scorpions.
• Unlike the nocturnal mongoose, meerkats hunt and forage during
the day. Most of the pack will go looking for food whilst a small number
of adults will remain at the burrow and guard the young.
• Threats to the meerkat come from both sky and land. Most birds
of prey will try to snatch their young – the Martial Eagle will
also take adults. Land predators include jackals, badgers and wild cats.
For this reason there is always one individual in the pack on sentry
duty. If danger is spotted the sentry sounds a warning bark and the
pack run for cover.
• Female meerkats bread at about two years old. Gestation is usually
about 11 weeks and the average litter size is 3 offspring.
• Although sometimes viewed as disease carriers and pests, meerkats
are an important link in the food web, providing food for predators.
They also eat many invertebrates, acting as a form of biological pest
control.
Diesel
goes Quad Biking
 Kelly
Marnewick, Research Officer, Wild Cheetah Project reports - One of the
many things I love about my job is working with Diesel on the scat sniffing.
It is very rewarding and often hysterically funny. Shannon, our dog
trainer, is also so easy to work with. She is easy going, knowledgeable
and enthusiastic. It was her idea to get Diesel riding on a quad bike
to help cover the substantial territory that comprises our study area.
Pierre Labuschagne from Hagen Bush Lapa then came to the party and generously
loaned Diesel a quad bike. I then took over my husband Daniel’s
tool shed while he was on a field trip and armed with his jig saw, angle
grinder, drill and electric screwdriver, I built a nice sturdy platform
on the front of the bike for Diesel to stand on.
Diesel was then taught to jump onto the platform for a treat and in
no time he was leaping up and down like a bunny on Red Bull at even
the slightest mention of the platform. We then started doing it with
the engine running – no problem! We are now driving around the
garden comfortably while Diesel sits on the front like a real little
king of the castle.
What on
Earth is Scatology?
 At
this point you may well be wondering why on earth so much effort is
being expended on teaching a dog to sniff out cheetah poo. After all
the practical applications of cheetah scat are hardly earth-shattering...
or are they?
Cheetahs are extremely difficult to census due to their elusive nature.
As a result, there is currently only a limited amount of information
regarding the status of cheetah populations across Africa. This lack
of data in turn makes it almost impossible to address potential threats
and to plan effective conservation strategies.
With an ever decreasing cheetah population, the number of breeding individuals
is declining, reducing the size of the cheetah gene pool. The most negative
consequence of this trend is an increased risk of inbreeding. Inbreeding
results in physical and reproductive abnormalities such as abnormal
sperm, infertility, lower birth rates and weakened immunity.
With accurate genetic information it is possible to genotype the cheetah
population. Said population can then be properly managed to avoid inbreeding
as far as possible. This is where the recently developed technique of
molecular scatology comes into play.
Scatology basically involves extracting DNA from cheetah faeces (known
as scat). In the past, DNA sources have included hair, skin, saliva
and bones but these samples are often difficult to obtain. Faeces contains
the gut mucosal cells from the intestinal lining of the animal. DNA
can therefore be isolated from these cells, amplified using PCR and
analysed.
The research into using scatology as a non-invasive tool for gathering
genetic information was initiated by the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife
Centre, and has been carried out by Kiersten Herring at the University
of Pretoria. Studies involving 19 known cheetahs at De Wildt have proven
very promising and the process will now be repeated with additional
samples from the wild cheetah population.
As a non-invasive technique, faecal DNA analysis ensures that samples
can be collected without harming or disturbing the animal. It has also
been found to be an extremely effective way of collecting biological
data on elusive, nocturnal or endangered species. Hopes are high that
this information will help to establish management strategies in order
to preserve these animals in an ever decreasing habitat.
It’s
getting HOT round here
 Most
scientists now concede that global warming is no longer a myth, not
even a theory, but that it is fast becoming a terrifying reality!
Naturally occurring greenhouse gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide,
have always formed a protective layer around the Earth’s atmosphere.
This blanket of gases allows solar radiation to penetrate our atmosphere
but prevents some of the outgoing radiation from escaping. All in all
this process maintains the Earth’s temperature at 15°C warmer
than it would otherwise be. Current life on Earth could not be sustained
without this natural greenhouse effect.
Unfortunately human activities in the form of excessive burning of fossil
fuels and widespread deforestation have drastically increased the greenhouse
gas levels in our atmosphere, and this is threatening to destabilise
the natural greenhouse effect. This could quite likely bring about disastrous
climate change through rapid global warming that would make life unsustainable
for many life forms, humans included.
There is already compelling evidence that global warming is already
bringing about changes in our climate:
• In the past century average temperatures have risen by 0.8°C,
much of this in recent decades.
• The Arctic is the most affected area with average temperatures
having risen at twice the global average.
• Arctic ice is fast disappearing, and it is estimated that the
region may have its first recorded ice free summer as early as 2040.
• Tropical glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly shrinking,
very much in evidence on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Coral reefs, which are highly sensitive to small changes in
water temperature, are showing considerable evidence of bleaching and
dying off.
• Some experts attribute the upsurge of extreme weather events
such as wildfires, flooding, heat waves and tropical storms to global
warming.
As proof of global warming and climate change mounts at a truly alarming
rate, we are left feeling rather helpless in the face of the general
complacency of our governments. You then find yourself thinking –
“if they won’t do anything about it what could I as an individual
possibly achieve?” The good news is that we can all make a real
difference by committing to more efficient use of energy. A few tips
to reduce your carbon footprint:
1. TRAVEL SMART – Avoid needless air travel, choose a fuel efficient
vehicle (Do we really need to drive around town in 4x4s?), take public
transport or even arrange a car pool.
2. SHOP MORE CAREFULLY – Buy refills to avoid unnecessary packaging,
reuse plastic bags, buy locally produce food which hasn’t travelled
hundreds of miles to our table.
3. RECYCLE – Producing new paper, glass and metal from recycled
materials save 70 to 90% of the energy and pollution that would result
if these products come from virgin materials.
4. INSULATE – Wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket
can save up to 500Kgs of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Adequate
home insulation cuts down your heating bills and your emissions.
5. PLANT TREES – A single tree will absorb up to one tonne of
carbon dioxide in its lifetime!
6. SWITCH BULBS – Change your light bulbs to low energy bulbs.
They use 60% less energy.
7. WATCH WATER CONSUMPTION – Turn down that thermostat and opt
for energy saving showers instead of baths.
8. CAMPAIGN – If we don’t spread the word and put pressure
on our governments to take a more proactive role in solving these issues
then who will?
De Wildt
head Teacher’s Workshop
De Wildt’s
Outreach Education Project held a workshop for head teachers on 7 August
2007 at Reach for the Wild. The aim of the workshop was to reach out
to the head teachers of all the schools which are already participating
in the Project.
Current activities are based around developing and implementing lesson
plans regarding conservation and using the cheetah as a learning tool
in the classroom. It also aims to increase the De Wildt Cheetah’s
footprint at these schools by encouraging real and sustained use of
the teaching resources already supplied to them during previous visits.
Schools are also encouraged to establish eco-clubs for their learners.
Head teachers were also asked to pick two promising and dedicated learners
from each school who would then act as Eco-Ambassadors. These individual
children will then form an Eco-Ambassador council, discussing and exploring
methods of spreading the conservation message to their peers.
At the end of a very successful workshop the visiting head teachers
had the opportunity to meet Byron, stroke him and hear his magnificent
purr – their reaction to this experience was amazing. They were
completely awe-struck.
Driving
innovative Education Partnerships
Since launching
its Outreach Education Programme in 2004, The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife
Trust has spread its holistic conservation message to more than 36 thousand
children.
Now the programme’s pioneering cheetah ambassadors are joining
forces with two visiting Professors in Education from Chester University
in the UK to present a specially designed workshop on ”Drama in
Education” at Bachana Mokoena School in Garankuwa.
The two professors are Prof Allan Owens, an internationally recognized
expert in the field of Drama in Education; and Prof David Cracknel,
a former Director of Education for Cheshire who is closely linked to
South Africa through his work in Education Management.
Both intend to spend time at the University of Pretoria exploring links
with South Africa. Their visit to Bachana will provide them with first-hand
experience and insights into the current education climate. It is believed
that their responses and shared expertise will greatly enrich the De
Wildt “Reach for the Child” Education programme, as well
point to practical possible links between Chester University and Pretoria
University.
In addition, learners and educators from Woodhill College in Pretoria
will also attend the workshop. Woodhill College manages a full social
responsibility programme, encouraging its learners to participate in
a “hands on” approach to social care and outreach. One way
in which this is achieved is through the twinning partnership initiative,
due to be officially launched between the two schools in 2008.
De Wildt has built up very strong ties and a sound working relationship
with Bachana. Situated in one the poorest areas in Garankuwa, the two-year-old
school has already distinguished itself within the community as a place
where everyone is striving for excellence. Headmaster Harry Rapoo has
ensured that the small, well maintained gardens soften and beautify
the otherwise bare school terrain; and the local community regularly
tends established food gardens to supplement the meagre diets of many
one– or sibling-parent learners.
The De Wildt education programme is currently extended to 20 schools
in the area around Bachana. Teacher resource modules and project work
based on cheetahs and other environmental issues have empowered educators
like Happy Ntshabele of Foundation Phase Education at Bachana, inspiring
dedicated and conscientious education.
For further information or to arrange interviews contact Vanessa Bezuidenhout
at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust on 012-504-1921.
Kelly Publishes
 At
the Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting in Port Elizabeth
this year, a symposium was held called “The Re-introduction of
Top Order Predators”. Kelly presented the relocation work on behalf
of the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Project. Several other presenters spoke
on leopards, jaguars, wild dogs and various aspects of re-introductions.
Professors Matt Hayward and Michael Somers, who organised and co-ordinated
the symposium, have arranged with Blackwell to publish a book entitled
“The Re-introduction of Top Order Predators”. Each of the
speakers at the symposium was invited to submit their talk as a paper
to form a ‘chapter’ in the book.
As a result, Kelly has been crunching numbers, chasing up relocation
reserves and driving everyone nuts trying to squeeze every last bit
of available data out of everywhere.
The deadlines for the book are tight, so look out for it in the first
part of next year.
From the
Adoptions Desk
As always our sincere
thanks goes to all those parents who continue to support us year after
year, and a big welcome to our many new adoptive parents. Please remember
that you are welcome to contact me anytime you would like to have an
update on your wild child.
Some good news – André has found the time in his extremely
busy maintenance schedule to expand our adoption boards and we should
now be able to proudly display all our parent’s names here at
the centre. Thank you very much Andre!
New Parents
Diamond Level
Internationale Schule Hamburg x2, Alexander & Rebecca Kendziorski,
Cédric Etienne x2, Keith Bryant
Platinum Level
Rina, Ursula, Wesley & Mike, Karryl, Cédric Etienne x2, James
Woolgar, Courtney Bryant
Gold Level
Chris Maude, Lyle Kristiansen
Silver Level
Thia and Pieter van der Westhuizen, Karen Lishman, Martha Berglund,
Jules Catala, Kyra Dale, Patrice Prudence, Juliette Moulin, Rudi &
Ritha Fenske, Werner, Claudia, Llewellyn & Veronique Kruger, Maaik
& Skye Noordzy, Sarah Elworthy, Kayleah Clarke
Renewals
Diamond Level
Alexander & Rebecca Kendziorski, Hayden & Karen Goument, Robert
& Leanne Gesink, Maria Clea Annecchiarico
Gold
Sanet Roos, Mortimer & Laura Hill, Petra D Rosema, Sigi & Juro
Sakai
Silver
Katie Burbidge, Karen Levin, Conrad & Rachel Haupt, Laurika Lubbe,
Stephanie Germain
A Plea
We are currently
in the process of building a new conference facility at the De Wildt
Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. It is hoped that this will help to raise
sorely needed extra income for the trust, as well as helping to showcase
the work that we are doing to a wider audience.
However, we desperately need airconditioners for the conference room,
and we are looking for individuals or organisations that would be willing
to donate them.
Please contact Vanessa if you can help. Thank you so much!
Should
you wish to be on our newsletter list please contact us:
Cheetah@dewildt.org.za
We'd love to hear from you!!
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