Latest news with #Endangered

IOL News
18-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Haarwegskloof: a new provincial nature reserve for biodiversity conservation
Haarwegskloof in the Overberg declared a provincial nature reserve Image: CapeNature In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof has been officially designated as a provincial nature reserve, marking the last remaining connected expanse of renosterveld on the planet. This vital ecological haven, managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) and overseen by WWF South Africa, spans an impressive 547 hectares of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Nestled between the charming towns of Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the picturesque Overberg region, this reserve plays a crucial role in protecting a unique ecosystem.. Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. Image: CapeNature The reserve is home to a staggering array of endemic and rare plant species, which flourish in this unique ecosystem. Moreover, it provides a critical habitat for threatened avian species, including the elusive Black Harrier and the majestic Cape Vulture. Notably, secretive mammals such as the Aardwolf and Aardvark have also been spotted in the reserve, underscoring Haarwegskloof's status as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. This significant declaration was announced in April 2025 by Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Bredell commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders that fostered this successful conservation initiative. 'We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little,' he said. He expressed pride in CapeNature's continuous efforts to enhance the conservation estate in the province. CapeNature provides facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). Image: CapeNature 'Healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. We owe it to future generations to preserve our unique and precious natural environment,' Bredell said. Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, highlighted the long-standing partnership between CapeNature, ORT, and WWF South Africa in their conservation efforts. 'This declaration is an acknowledgment of the admirable conservation initiatives being implemented by ORT in the Overberg, supporting their work through stewardship facilitation and legal backing,' he said. For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and founder of the ORT, the reserve's formal protection represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of South Africa's most imperilled ecosystems. 'Renosterveld is among the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with merely 5% of its original extent intact, much of which has been sacrificed for agriculture,' she said. The declaration ensures that Haarwegskloof will remain dedicated to conservation efforts while permitting scientific research, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism. The area has an abundance of fauna and flora, endemic to the region. Image: CapeNature Part of the globally significant Cape Floristic Region, Haarwegskloof is an ecological treasure nestled within one of the world's six floral kingdoms, though it has historically received less attention than its fynbos counterpart primarily due to its fertile soils which have been largely converted to farmland. The ORT has been actively engaging landowners for over 10 years, securing conservation easements and restoring degraded habitats to counteract the numerous threats facing renosterveld.


USA Today
16-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
‘Ghost elephant' seen for first time in years; is it a lone survivor?
'Ghost elephant' seen for first time in years; is it a lone survivor? A camera trap in Niokolo-Koba National Park captured rare video of what might be the last remaining elephant in Senegal, last seen in 2019. The new footage was captured by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, and Senegal's Directorate of National Parks, and it shows Ousmane, an elephant named after a park ranger and known as the ghost elephant. 'Rare sightings, stealthy behavior and near-mythical status due to their low numbers have earned this lone bull the title of 'ghost elephant,'' Alyssa Cuevas, a Panthera spokeswoman, told USA Today/For The Win Outdoors. The black-and-white footage was captured as the elephant strolled by the camera at night, giving it a ghost-like appearance. IFL Science posted it on YouTube. 'When it was last spotted in January 2019, it was thought to be one of only 5 to 10 elephants remaining in the park – a drastic change from the hundreds that once called Niokolo-Koba home and a shocking reminder of the implications of poaching and habitat loss,' Cuevas told For The Win Outdoors. 'Shortly thereafter, a scientific study by Panthera and DPN revealed the male is likely the only elephant left in Senegal, although an anecdotal report might suggest the presence of several elephants in the area.' Elephant numbers in Senegal have declined to near extinction, but this new sighting has 'sparked discussions of greater protections for the elusive elephants that remain, including whether it might be possible to establish a breeding population in the park,' IFL Science reported. Also on FTW Outdoors: Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3 months later Cuevas told For The Win Outdoors that 'there's hope for this lonely creature,' citing other successes. 'The Critically Endangered West African lions that also reside in the park are currently making a comeback – the lion population has more than doubled since Panthera's work began in 2011, driven by persistent anti-poaching and scientific monitoring efforts,' Cuevas told For The Win Outdoors. 'That positive news is reflected in UNESCO's recent announcement removing Niokolo-Koba National Park from the List of World Heritage in Danger, recognizing the strides that have been made in protecting wildlife that call the park home, such as one of only two remaining populations of lions in West Africa and the region's largest remaining leopard population. 'The footage also comes just months after another camera trap in the park captured images of the Endangered giant pangolin for the first time in 24 years, another development reviving hope for the near-extinct species.' Photo courtesy of Panthera.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TV Producer Gets 18 Months for Fraud, Embezzlement on Multiple Shows
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways David Ozer, president of Strong Studios, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding investors in TV productions. Ozer, who remains free on $25,000 bond, was charged in two separate criminal cases. He's pleaded guilty in both to two counts of wire fraud. More from The Hollywood Reporter Over a one year period starting in February 2023, federal prosecutors alleged that Ozer embezzled over $210,000 meant for Safehaven, an upcoming supernatural thriller backed by Ravenwood Productions. To create the impression that the funds were spent on legitimate production costs, he created fraudulent accounting records, including falsified invoices, and forged a letter from his accountant. After pleading guilty in that case, additional victims came forward over a TV series Ozer said he was developing called Endangered. In a separate scheme, he stole over $200,000 from investors, some of whom were told they'd get an executive producer credit on the series. Ozer is an 'experienced businessman in the entertainment industry,' prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. 'He knew it was wrong to embezzle funds from his company's principal financial backer, and he knew it was wrong to misappropriate funds from individual investors.' Ozer previously led Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment's Landmark Studio Group and earlier ran indie comic publisher IDW Entertainment. On top of the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumfeld ordered Ozer to pay nearly $400,000 in restitution. In a declaration to the court, Ozer said he fell victim to an extortion scheme after responding to an ad on a popular ad. 'This individual threatened to suggestively expose my messages on the app in a way that would destroy my career, end my marriage, and bring shame to my family,' he wrote. 'Fearing for my relationship with my loved ones, I began making payments in a desperate attempt to make it stop.' Ozer continued paying the extortionist as he prepared to take his company public. He denied accusations that he spent the stolen funds on luxury items. Ozer's credits include serving as an executive producer on Trigger Point and producer on Willy's Wonderland. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Alert issued for missing child with cognitive impairment in Havelock
HAVELOCK, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons has issued a Missing Endangered Alert for a child from last seen in Havelock, NC. Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for Onuaha Thompson, who is believed to be suffering from a cognitive impairment. Anyone with information about Onuaha Thompson should call Detective J Kilgore at the Havelock Police Department at (252) 447-3212. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Joplin Alliance announces a number of events in coming weeks
The Downtown Joplin Alliance has a number of events planned in the coming weeks. March Downtown Now will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Main Event, 611 S. Main St. Doug Hunt, director of entrepreneurship at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, will talk about nurturing local businesses and how to overcome some of the challenges along the way. The event will include light snacks and beverages and a chance to talk to other downtown business operators, residents and downtown supporters. WineShare returns from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 4, at 417 Refine Medspa in the newly renovated Pennington Drug building, 516 S. Virginia Ave. WineShare is a free networking event for those ages 21 and older. Participants are asked to bring business cards and a bottle of wine or craft beer to share. The 2025 season is presented by Sparklight. WineShare has switched to an every-other-month event. The next gathering will be June 6. Other events in April: • Downtown Clean Team, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 5. Volunteers meet at Hungry Monkey, 905 S. Main St., to clean up trash and debris. They are asked to bring extra rakes, brooms and gloves. Sign up at application/?id=9351. • Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday April 17, in downtown Joplin. • Downtown Clean Team, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 19. Volunteers meet at Joplin Avenue Coffee Co., 506 S. Joplin Ave. Volunteers will be cleaning up trash and debris. They are asked to bring extra rakes, brooms and gloves. Sign up at application/?id=9351. • Volunteer Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 19, at Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. Fourth St. The event will include an introduction to the Downtown Joplin Alliance, including its mission, strategies and board, and the 'Main Street Method' and its four points: economic vitality, design, promotions and organization. There will also be an opportunity to explore downtown Joplin volunteer opportunities, including Clean Team, Empire Market, Downtown Now, Third Thursday, Market Gardens, the Endangered Properties Program, WineShare, Downtown Holiday Experience and Night Markets. For more information, email info@downtown joplin. com or call 417-501-9649.