Rare & endangered species

These programs are for the breeding of rare species which are to be released back into the wild, to re-establish lost populations and supplement genetics.

Ground Hornbill Project

The Ground hornbill project was started in 2004 in the Loskopdam nature reserve, under the watchful eye of Delecia Gunn.

The project focuses on the rearing of ground hornbills from eggs or chicks (from breeding pairs and some from other centers). Since the start, Delecia has managed to rear over 60 chicks.

The team also focuses on education of surrounding communities in the importance of conservating this species, the effects of land practices have on the birds and the use of fertilizers and pesticides have.

As these birds live in family groups made up of a dominate female with three or four males, it is important to introduce correct individuals to one another to create a functioning group for release.

The hornbill project at Loskopdam has had great success with the rearing and releases. To date, 2 groups have been released on Loskopdam nature reserve and have already reared five of their own chicks.

Blacked Footed cats

Known as Africa’s smallest cat and the fiercest hunter, these tiny cats are becoming extremely rare due to land practices and the loss of prey species.

Same as the Ground hornbill project, the Wildlife Management team started a black footed cat breeding program, with the sole purpose to breed for release back into the wild.

The project was revived in 2019, with the help of The Aspinall Foundation, and now has 5 adult cats with four kittens. These kittens will be released in the near future, to help ensure the survival of the species. All the released animals are closely monitored ensuring their survival.

Pangolins

With the ever-increasing number of pangolins been poached from the wild, the Wildlife Management team has been very involved with the rehabilitation, release and monitoring of these pangolins that have come out of the illegal wildlife trade.

Most of the animals that we deal with have been kept under terrible conditions for long periods. Most of them forcible kept rolled up in wire baskets, without food (ants) and water.

These animals require expert care and rehabilitation, as most of these confiscated animals are in poor dehydrated condition.

Once the rehab phase is complete these animals are released into protected areas, where there is an abundance of ants, shelter and water.

The Wildlife Management team monitors these individuals using satellite tags and regularly do health checks, to ensure that the pangolins have adapted well. Due to the extreme number of pangolins being poached, no release site information is ever disclosed.

Vision

We aim to raise money by means of membership fees, lectures, exhibitions, sales, donations, etc. for the purpose of furthering the aims and objectives of the Association.

Supporting sustainable wildlife management

FOWM is a non-profit organisation dedicated to assist and support wildlife conservation in general but with specific focus on Mpumalanga and assistance of the Wildlife Management Department of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.

You can make a real difference by donating funds to our cause. This will enable us to continue providing sustainable wildlife management for years to come.