Kruger National Park

Climate change makes life harder: in South Africa it’s likely to bring heatwaves, water stress and gender-based violence

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Research, Water supply, Electricity, Climate change, Farm, Farmer, Disaster, Woman, Unemployment, Heat wave, Incidence, Livestock, Life, Air conditioning, Climate, Food, Food security, Drought, Death, Poverty, Flood, Biodiversity, Plant, Investment, Tourism, Water, Kruger National Park, Forestry, Heat, Coal, DSM-IV codes, Animal, Government, Sewage, Agriculture

Human-induced climate change made the severe 2015–2017 drought three to six times more likely.

Key Points: 
  • Human-induced climate change made the severe 2015–2017 drought three to six times more likely.
  • Our new report on Climate Change Impacts in South Africa has found that as Earth warms, people living in South Africa will face reduced incomes, less food and water security and a higher cost of living.
  • Our findings, based on a synthesis and review of existing research on climate change, are that climate change and socioeconomic risks threaten to bring about a huge change to this status.
  • Combating the impacts of climate change in South Africa requires adaptive measures, such as changing the way we farm, coordination by the government and international commitment to reduce emissions.

Heatwaves

  • Farm workers will be exposed to more extreme temperatures working outside and others will suffer from heat stress in their living and working environment.
  • Here's how

    Extreme weather threatens the plants and animals that attract tourism, and directly damages infrastructure at nature reserves, adventure destinations and parks.

  • Rising temperatures are projected to reduce visitor numbers to South Africa’s national parks by 4% by 2050, affecting the Kruger National Park most.

An agricultural crisis

  • Smallholder farms are often located in areas with less fertile soils or limited infrastructure, leaving these farmers more vulnerable to climate change.
  • Arable land suitable for growing crops is concentrated in just 12% of South Africa’s land area.
  • Therefore, any extreme event that reduces production – such as drought – can be expected to reduce job security and income for farming households and agricultural workers.

Water

  • Drought and floods damage transport links, public buildings, and water and energy infrastructure, and challenge the provision of basic services.
  • During the water crisis that followed the 2015–2017 drought, for example, reservoirs serving 3.7 million people around Cape Town dropped to 20% of capacity, leading the government to impose water restrictions.

An increase in gender-based violence

  • These gender inequalities include a high incidence of gender-based violence and a higher likelihood of poverty among women.
  • Research in other parts of the world has also linked rising temperatures with an increase in gender-based violence.

Solutions


Much of the country’s economic future hinges on the speed with which investments in renewable energy can replace coal and provide affordable and reliable electricity. Slowing down climate change will take a huge global effort and progress has been limited. The only alternative is to be prepared and adapt to the projected changes.
Peter Johnston receives funding from United Nations, NORCE, NRF

Tiny weevils are waging war on the invasive water lettuce plant choking South Africa’s Vaal River

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Research, Pressure, Republic, Growth, Stagnation, Environment, Lettuce, Arum, Risk, Rand Water, Pistia, Infestation, Herbicide, Pond, Weevil, Seed, River, Flood, Plant, Rhodes University, Vaal Barrage, Congo, Free state, Water, Kruger National Park, Biological pest control, Family

Research suggests it may have originated in South America because it has natural enemies there which have co-evolved with the plant.

Key Points: 
  • Research suggests it may have originated in South America because it has natural enemies there which have co-evolved with the plant.
  • However, fossil records and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting water lettuce indicate that it may have been present in other regions for millions of years.
  • Recently, water lettuce has invaded one of South Africa’s most important rivers, the Vaal River, on the border of the Gauteng and Free State provinces.
  • My team and I are currently working with Rand Water on an integrated management plan for water lettuce control in the Vaal River.

The damage

  • This can reduce light penetration and oxygen levels in the water, negatively affecting all aspects of aquatic life from microscopic plankton to large fish.
  • The mats can also impede water flow, leading to stagnation and increased mosquito breeding sites.
  • They can also damage other vegetation.

The weevil

  • This Brazilian weevil species was first introduced to Africa in 1985 via Australia, following successful control of water lettuce infestations there.
  • Since then, it has been used to control water lettuce infestations in Botswana, Benin, Ghana, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Mozambique and Morocco.
  • Invasions at sites in these countries, no matter how extensive, were generally brought under control within a year.

The Vaal River

  • However, at the end of 2023, a large infestation was noticed on the Vaal River and was reported to relevant authorities.
  • Since then, the infestation has covered up to 40km of the river in the Vaal Barrage area, around the town of Vanderbijlpark, and threatens to spread downstream of the 1,200km long Vaal River.
  • Thousands of weevils have already been released into the Vaal River since November 2023 from our mass rearing facility in Makhanda.
  • What lurks alongside this invasion on the Vaal River, however, is the water hyacinth, which remains South Africa’s most problematic aquatic invasive plant.


Julie Coetzee receives funding from the National Research Foundation. She is affiliated with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).

Classic Vacations™ Launches New Portfolio in Africa

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024
SAN, Classic, Tourism, Victoria Falls, Growth, Kruger National Park, Wilderness, Relaxation, City, Vacation, VIP, Taste, Travel, Beauty

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Vacations™, the #1 rated global luxury travel company, is expanding its portfolio to include luxury offerings on a new continent: Africa.

Key Points: 
  • Now, with Classic Vacation's carefully curated Africa tours, travelers can embark on unforgettable journeys that immerse them in the wonders of this diverse continent.
  • Classic's Africa portfolio launches with a range of carefully crafted itineraries designed to highlight southern Africa's most iconic destinations and hidden gems.
  • Join Classic Vacations on an extraordinary journey through southern Africa, where every moment leads to discovery and unparalleled beauty.
  • To learn more about Classic Vacations and its new Africa offerings please visit www.classicvacations.com or call 1800.221.3949.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch welcomes rare, first birth of southern white rhinoceros

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Rhinoceros, Survival, Kruger National Park, Research, Male, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Infertility, Ecology, NEVER, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, University, Natural Resources, IUCN, Breeding, Free, Longevity, International Rhino Foundation, Female, Factorization of polynomials, Hunting

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, internationally recognized for their successful reticulated giraffe breeding program and the birth of twin giraffes in 2013, have found another breeding success with the rare birth of a southern white rhinoceros on November 17.

Key Points: 
  • Southern white rhinoceroses are threatened in the wild, births rare in captivity
    NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, internationally recognized for their successful reticulated giraffe breeding program and the birth of twin giraffes in 2013, have found another breeding success with the rare birth of a southern white rhinoceros on November 17.
  • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch welcomes the rare birth of a southern white rhinoceros named Truda.
  • The healthy and rapidly growing, robust female southern white rhino calf Truda is the first offspring of female Helga and male Kutu.
  • "Truda's birth is a first for the ranch, and it was simply amazing to witness due to the species peril in the wild," said Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (NBWR) Animal Husbandry Director Tiffany Soecthing.

South Africa's 2022 census: has Johannesburg stopped growing, or are the numbers wrong?

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Mining, Language, Apartheid, Perception, Depression, COVID, Gold, Population growth, Anecdote, Population, Marriage, The Jeffersons, Movement, Environment, Growth, History, Kruger National Park, Grandparent, Policy, City, Cape Town, Research, Housing, Retail, Potash, Renewable energy, Design, Hunting, Census

The first batch of results produced a mix of anticipated as well as some surprising findings.

Key Points: 
  • The first batch of results produced a mix of anticipated as well as some surprising findings.
  • This was particularly true for Gauteng province, the country’s economic engine, and its main city, Johannesburg.
  • If its numbers are to be believed, Census 2022 and preliminary analysis shows astonishingly low population growth figures for Gauteng, and especially for Johannesburg.
  • In this piece we discuss the dual concerns we have: the implications if indeed the growth of Johannesburg has slowed down significantly, and the veracity of the data.

Is Johannesburg stagnating?

    • As the world’s largest producer of gold for over a century, Johannesburg has attracted economic opportunity seekers throughout its history.
    • But it is reportedly growing at double Johannesburg’s rate, which means that it will already have overtaken Johannesburg as South Africa’s largest city.
    • The census suggests that the white population of Johannesburg reduced by some 211,000 between 2011 and 2022, the Indian population by 49,000 and the coloured population by 18,000.
    • Spatial tax data indicates that Johannesburg still offers more jobs than, say, Cape Town.

The veracity of the data

    • This figure is worryingly double that for the last census.
    • The undercount in many countries, both developed and developing, is often less than 5% so the results are arguably much more trustworthy.
    • There are many anecdotes of people trying, but failing, to submit their census returns via StatsSA’s new online facility.
    • In theory these problems should have been resolved through post enumeration sampling and adjustment.

What next

    • It is still early days for analysis as we still await the intra-municipal data from Census 2022.
    • Nevertheless, we have identified intriguing, and sometimes worrying, indications of shifting spatial patterns.
    • And while reduced growth may seem to some as a positive trend, it could reflect a deep crisis in South Africa’s premier city.

PASSALACQUA IN ITALY NAMED FIRST-EVER NO.1 IN THE INAUGURAL RANKING OF THE WORLD'S 50 BEST HOTELS 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Season, The World's 50 Best Bars, Travel, Connacht, Magic, Lobbying, Newt, Carlo, Hospitality Awarding Body, COVID-19, Lavazza, Sustainable Restaurant Association, Tokyo, DeSantis, Flor, Upper house, Kruger National Park, Art, Restaurant, Victoria Dockside, Water, Blue Sky, World Fantasy Special Award—Non-professional, Environment, Eduardo De Santis, Guildhall, Hotel, Tourism, Chao Phraya River, Passalacqua, Soneva

LONDON, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The list of The World's 50 Best Hotels has been announced at a captivating awards ceremony in London, and includes industry-defining hotels from 35 different locations across six continents worldwide. This long-awaited list is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.

Key Points: 
  • This evening, the world of travel gathered from all corners of the globe to celebrate each other's achievements at the announcement of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023.
  • The full list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 is at the bottom of this press release.
  • Passalacqua, the luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como – which opened in June 2022 – takes the top spot on The World's 50 Best Hotels list.
  • The inaugural ranking of The World's 50 Best Hotels reveals that 21 of the winning properties are based in Europe.

PASSALACQUA NAMED NO.1 IN THE INAUGURAL RANKING OF THE WORLD'S 50 BEST HOTELS 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Season, The World's 50 Best Bars, Newt, Connacht, Chao Phraya River, Carlo, Hospitality Awarding Body, Claridge's, Sustainable Restaurant Association, Tokyo, Passalacqua, DeSantis, Flor, Upper house, Kruger National Park, Shivdasani, Art, Victoria Dockside, Water, Eduardo De Santis, Hotel, Soneva

This is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.

Key Points: 
  • This is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.
  • The unveiling highlights outstanding hotel experiences across the world that will shape the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers.
  • See the full list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 here.
  • Highest on the list within 20 metres of a beach, Soneva Fushi (No.7) is named the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel.

PASSALACQUA IN ITALY NAMED FIRST-EVER NO.1 IN THE INAUGURAL RANKING OF THE WORLD'S 50 BEST HOTELS 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Season, The World's 50 Best Bars, Travel, Connacht, Magic, Lobbying, Newt, Carlo, Hospitality Awarding Body, COVID-19, Lavazza, Sustainable Restaurant Association, Tokyo, DeSantis, Flor, Upper house, Kruger National Park, Art, Restaurant, Victoria Dockside, Water, Blue Sky, World Fantasy Special Award—Non-professional, Environment, Eduardo De Santis, Guildhall, Hotel, Tourism, Chao Phraya River, Passalacqua, Soneva

LONDON, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The list of The World's 50 Best Hotels has been announced at a captivating awards ceremony in London, and includes industry-defining hotels from 35 different locations across six continents worldwide. This long-awaited list is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.

Key Points: 
  • This evening, the world of travel gathered from all corners of the globe to celebrate each other's achievements at the announcement of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023.
  • The full list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 is at the bottom of this press release.
  • Passalacqua, the luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como – which opened in June 2022 – takes the top spot on The World's 50 Best Hotels list.
  • The inaugural ranking of The World's 50 Best Hotels reveals that 21 of the winning properties are based in Europe.

PASSALACQUA NAMED NO.1 IN THE INAUGURAL RANKING OF THE WORLD'S 50 BEST HOTELS 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Season, The World's 50 Best Bars, Newt, Connacht, Chao Phraya River, Carlo, Hospitality Awarding Body, Claridge's, Sustainable Restaurant Association, Tokyo, Passalacqua, DeSantis, Flor, Upper house, Kruger National Park, Shivdasani, Art, Victoria Dockside, Water, Eduardo De Santis, Hotel, Soneva

This is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.

Key Points: 
  • This is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009.
  • The unveiling highlights outstanding hotel experiences across the world that will shape the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers.
  • See the full list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 here.
  • Highest on the list within 20 metres of a beach, Soneva Fushi (No.7) is named the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel.

BREAKING: Elephant is shot eight times during unlawful hunt in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 11, 2023
Humane Society International, Male, Associated Private Nature Reserves, Animal, Court of cassation, Forestry, Policy, Foot, High Court of South Africa, High court, Multimedia, Limpopo, Government, Pain, Biodiversity, Kruger National Park, Fishery, Gunshot, Beverly Masek, Balule Nature Reserve, Environment, Humane society, Injury, Killing of Cecil the lion, Hunting, Gerrans

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Humane Society International has learned about a male elephant who was killed in a deeply distressing and tragic trophy hunt at a local game reserve on September 3, 2023, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The elephant suffered through eight gunshots over an extended period of time before finally succumbing to his injuries.

Key Points: 
  • The court order explicitly prohibits the allocation of permits for trophy hunting of African elephants, leopard and black rhino in South Africa.
  • According to a publicly released letter issued by Balule Nature Reserve, the client discharged the initial gunshot, wounding the elephant.
  • The injured elephant sought to escape into the neighbouring Grietjie Game Reserve, an ecotourism reserve, where trophy hunting is prohibited.
  • Given the High Court's interdict prohibiting the permitting of elephant hunts, the letter's conclusion that this hunt was lawful is incorrect.