In 2022, Ashia Cheetah Conservation, Cheetah Outreach Trust, Stellenbosch University and Groningen University in the Netherlands joined forces to provide a landscape-wide census of freeroaming cheetahs to allow for better communication about these animals between landowners and conservationists. There is very little scientific data available about the status and population of free-roaming cheetahs in South Africa.
Previous conservation efforts were mainly focused on cheetah within fenced-off protected areas.
Is the cheetah endangered?
The cheetah is not classified as endangered, but these cats are being increasingly threatened by human activities while also being dominated by and thus highly vulnerable to attacks from hyaenas, leopards and lions.
They are classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The current population is thought to be close to 7 000 individuals about half of which occur in Southern Africa.
As much as 70% of the total cheetah population is found on farming land outside protected areas in Africa.
In South Africa, there are probably only about 500 free-roaming individuals, based on a small localised census done in the early 2000s.
Having covered nearly 40% of the 19 million hectares of the current free-roaming cheetah distribution range in South Africa (that is three times the size of Kruger National Park), we are now halfway through a three-year-long and much more comprehensive census.
Any new information yet?
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Denne historien er fra August 09, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWKâs group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
BĂŒhler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
