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cites cop20latest news & developments
The bontebok has recovered from just 17 surviving animals in the 1930s to between 9 800 and 11 000 today. (Flickr)
BIODIVERSITY SOUTH AFRICA

Bontebok delisted at Cites: South Africa wins bid to lift international trade restrictions

But critics say hybridisation risks and habitat loss mean wild bontebok remain vulnerable

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Attempts by several Southern African nations to relax international trade restrictions on giraffes, elephants and rhinos have been rejected at a major United Nations wildlife summit
CITES COP20

UN wildlife summit rejects Southern African proposals on ivory, horn and giraffes

The region’s push to ease wildlife trade rules was firmly rejected at Cites CoP20, with countries voting down proposals affecting giraffes, elephants and rhinos. The summit also…

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
There are far more African forest elephants than conservationists previously thought — not because the critically endangered species is recovering, but because scientists are now able to count them more accurately.
AFRICAN CONSERVATION

DNA surveys reveal far more African forest elephants than previously known

A new IUCN report shows African forest elephants are more numerous than previously believed, not due to recovery, but thanks to groundbreaking DNA-based surveys that have…

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Despite lower poaching incidents of only 2.15% in 2024, overall rhino numbers declined by 6.7%. (Photo Archive)
2024 RHINO REPORT

Rhino poaching in Africa at lowest level since 2011, but white rhino numbers plunge

Despite lower poaching incidents of only 2.15% in 2024, overall rhino numbers declined by 6.7%

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read