The Working Wild Program is an initiative of SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association to advance conservation initiatives of its more than 70 branches across South Africa through partnerships with like-minded organisations and conservation programs. As conservation is a key objective of the organisation since its inception in 1949, members already participate as volunteers in a variety of conservation initiatives such as:
- habitat restoration (e.g. alien invasive clearing and re-introductions)
- conserving threatened habitats and species (e.g. ground hornbill, black footed cat, oribi, etc. – we have more than a thousand ranchers)
- anti-poaching (e.g. donated more than R300K in the fight against rhino poaching and many man hours in driving patrols and clearing snares)
- research (e.g. collection of genetic samples and several citizen science projects)
- re-introductions (e.g. cheetah on Rietvlei dam NR and Ou Volk)
- biomonitoring programs (e.g. bird ringing)
- awareness raising (e.g. arranging talks and outreach activities)
- support to reputable rehabilitation facilities (e.g. volunteer work)
Through partnerships with SA Hunters and its branches, the numerous successful conservation initiatives by reputable conservation organisations in South Africa, can improve project and conservation impact, whilst also contributing in building the conservation culture within branches. Through participation in the Working Wild Program, partner organisations have access to our more than 40 000 members spread over the length and breadth of the country, that can assist with data collection, citizen science projects, operational presence over fast areas, transport and communication networks, whilst also having an opportunity to raise awareness through structured engagements of the branches.
For more information, please contact the Manager Conservation of SA Hunters at:lizanne@sahunt.co.za.
