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Mail & Guardian

Threatened Species

latest news & developments
The aardvark — long considered relatively secure — has been moved from least concern to near threatened, reflecting growing pressures on its habitat. (Anamilia)
BIODIVERSITY LOSS

Aardvarks, bats and mole-rats among mammal species sliding towards regional extinction

New data shows habitat loss and degradation are pushing mammals closer to extinction — with endemic species facing the greatest risk

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Gentle giants: Manta rays, which can reach a span of seven to eight metres, are found in warm waters. Reef mantas are found along coastlines and oceanic mantas in open waters
ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES

Scientists reveal the mysteries of South Africa’s ‘wings of the sea’

The graceful manta rays gliding along the coastline are little known and humans have caused a significant a decline in their numbers

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
It might be South Africa’s most threatened endemic bird species but conservation measures to save the enigmatic Botha’s Lark from extinction have started.
BOTHA S LARK

Work to save SA’s most threatened endemic bird species takes flight

There are only about 340 individual Botha’s Larks left in the wild This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is…

  • Sheree Bega
1 min read
The House of Lords is expected to pass legislation that will make it illegal for citizens to bring home any animal body part. (JENS-ULRICH KOCH/DDP/AFP via Getty Images)
ALBI MODISE

UK decision to ban trophy-hunting imports disregards South Africa’s conservation success, government says

Animal rights groups say trophy hunting is unsustainable in sub-Saharan Africa, but research finds a ban on imports could have negative socioeconomic consequences

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read