If current trends persist, local herds of the endangered Oribi may be extinct in the next few years.
While volunteers and wildlife representatives persevere for nature’s sake, Oribi numbers at the Chelmsford/Ntshingwayo Nature Reserve this year are almost a quarter of what they were in 2012, from 200 in that year to only 58 today.
Once one of the largest Oribi populations in the country, it is a scandalous reality.
The official cause for this decline is currently under investigation, explained Geoff Müller, an honorary officer and the chairman of KwaZulu-Natal Ezemvelo Wildlife’s Newcastle branch.
In his experience, he had noted primary reasons for Oribi population decline in KwaZulu-Natal.
These included illegal hunting with dogs; as organised sport; continual loss of habitat; poaching, an unselective and inhumane activity; as well as predation by Black Back Jackals and domestic dogs.
Owing to its placid nature, he added, the Oribi was very often in the line of direct fire.
Asked what had contributed to the decline of Oribi at the reserve, Mr Müller mentioned natural grasslands, which come under constant threat from agriculture and timber plantations, and difficulties in apprehending hunters of this animal.
“The Oribi is particularly vulnerable to the dog hunters as it was found in grasslands, making it an easy target compared to other antelope.”
Other decisive factors include:
* A lack of education and knowledge on Oribi status, including both rural and urban communities.
* A lack of Nature Conservation Ordinance and laws from the authorities who are required to apply them.
* Increased popularity for so-called ‘taxi hunts’, where people place bets on a dog’s hunting success.
* Sport hunting, which remains the primary motive and biggest threat to the Oribi, compared to hunting with dogs by hunters in need of food.
In order to reduce dwindling Oribi numbers, Mr Müller said education and law enforcement were most important.
Conducted annually, Oribi surveys were intended to ‘determine trends in the population’, to assist authorities in making future decisions on the conservation of the species.
“This is achieved over time, when returns for the same areas and properties are received, and the numbers can be compared.”
Sadly, the loss of natural species of animal highlights what is a national tragedy, and Mr Müller believes it is imperative to unambiguously investigate areas of dramatic decline.
The mission of the Oribi Working Group, he added, was to ensure long-term survival of the species and its habitat.
“At present, there is no difference between the slaughter and poaching of rhino or Oribi, as they are both very endangered. The only difference, in my opinion, is the size and value.”
Mr Müller said it remained vital to foster close communication with the SAPS, court officials and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife.
Although stricter entrance control and a more vigilant approach had to be adopted at the reserve, Mr Müller appealed to land owners, farmers and those possessing Oribi to lend a hand where possible.
Anyone with information on illegal hunting activity is urged to contact KZN Wildlife or the SAPS.
Information is treated as confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
“If we all stand together and approach this matter with vigour, we can turn this dramatic decline of our Oribi in the opposite direction.”
