The WRSA Newsletter for June is here!
The June Edition of the WRSA Newsletter is packed with the stories that matter: from the inspiring conservation work of the Zuuranys Conservancy and farm school support in the Eastern Cape, to powerful wildlife industry insights from Richard York and exciting youth empowerment in Thabazimbi. We’ve got information on giraffes, vultures, groundbreaking research – and yes, even a new rhino mascot! Whether you’re in it for the policy updates, community wins, or just a good read over a cup of boeretroos, this edition is for YOU.
Scapegoating Lead-Based Ammunition: Why Bullets Aren’t the Smoking Gun in Vulture Declines
The widespread decline of vulture populations across Africa has rightly become a significant conservation concern. While various anthropogenic threats contribute to this crisis, the narrative often points to lead-based ammunition as a primary culprit for unintended, secondary lead poisoning in these scavenging birds. However, an in-depth look at available evidence and arguments from stakeholders in South Africa suggests that this may not be the main source of mortality, and that other, often more pervasive, threats demand greater attention.
FMD OUTBREAK PROTOCOLS IN KZN
We are regretfully once again faced with regulations that restrict the movement of animals, animal carcasses and products into and out of the KZN Disease Management Area (DMA).
MEDIA RELEASE: WRSA CONDEMNS ANIMAL CRUELTY AT KLERKSDORP PREDATOR FACILITY
Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) strongly condemns the severe animal cruelty revealed in the NSPCA’s 26 March 2025 report on a tiger breeding facility in Klerksdorp.
WRSA Newsletter – February 2025
As we march on with purpose, we take a look at the events of February – a short but jam-packed month – we’re excited to update you on everything that took place in the wildlife industry!
URGENT NOTICE: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) OUTBREAK IN NEWCASTLE
WRSA have received confirmation of two cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Osizweni, Newcastle, with further test results pending from two additional sites. A provisional 20 km control zone has been established, affecting areas near Utrecht, the N11 towards Ballengeich, Dannhauser and Dundee.
Jackal Hunting/ Night Shooting by Dedicated Hunters
The below letters were received by Agri-EC regarding the permit application process following queries on dedicated hunters for the night shooting of problem animals and/or Jackal Hunting for call-and-shoot with DEDEAT concerning certain scenarios.
AFRICAN ARMYWORM OUTBREAK
An outbreak of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) has been reported in Limpopo and surrounding areas, including Groblersdal, Carolina, Badplaas, Pretoria North, and Bronkhorstspruit.
Compliance and Permitting Challenges
WRSA remains committed to ensuring that our members receive the necessary support when navigating the permitting process.
ARC-OVR Temporarily Suspends Brucellosis Testing for Buffalo and Wildlife
With ARC-OVR’s suspension of brucellosis serology testing for buffalo and other wildlife species effective 1 February 2025, WRSA has stepped in to ensure our members are not left without a solution for the anticipated 6 months suspension.
