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1 Read more AfriCat news: http://www.africat.org/top- news/newsletters-2014

AfriCat Turns 21 For the past 21 years, AfriCat has stumbled, fallen and righted itself, knowing that its parents, the Hanssen family, were there to guide it to adulthood and beyond. As 'parents', we have at times worried about AfriCat's future as a credible conservation organization. We have shifted from trying to fi nd solutions to predator confl ict and sharing our research data and common sense to fi nd ways to 'live with predators’, to becoming a safe-haven for a number of persecuted large . Prior to 2010, with more than 100 carnivores in our Care Centre and little proof that those we have released have survived, we fi nd that the message has reached very few commercial (free-hold) farmers... our Sanctuary is home to mostly healthy that should be allowed to roam free. However, the merging of Afri-Leo with AfriCat in 2010, marked the turning point from Rescue & Release to 'Conservation Through Education' and Community Support. In our 21st year, we are reminded of our humble beginnings, guided by our parents Val & Rose Hanssen, who gave us the greatest gift one could give a child, 'to love the land and all the wilderness and to leave it a better place than we found it'. Join us as we page through AfriCat's Album 1993-2014, as we are proud of what AfriCat has become. Cat Tales December 2014 Introducing Jenny Noack - AfriCat Researcher Jenny Noack joined Team AfriCat in September 2014. She application of trail cameras. received her degree in Biology at the ‘Freie Universität Besides coordinating and implementing the upcoming zu Berlin’ in 2010 and specialized afterwards in Okonjima/AfriCat Density Study, Jenny assists with and Organismic Biology with emphasis on Zoology and monitoring rehabilitated cats and collects data on all the Conservation at the ‘Humboldt Universität zu Berlin’. She carnivores in the 20 000 ha Okonjima Nature Reserve. She received her MSc after a four-month fi eld project at the assists with the AfriCat Environmental Education Programme, AfriCat North headquarters, investigating the occurrence of the administration demands of the Foundation and takes care large carnivores and their potential prey through the of our three orphaned Wild pups, Jogi, Messi and Robin.

Research & Community Support Read more about the APPDS: http://www.africat.org/projects/the-africat-predator-population-density-study-in-the-okonjima-nature-reserve AfriCat Okonjima Leopard Density Study It is essential to have reliable the majority of cats are nocturnal, estimations of our large secretive and elusive. The application population of trail cameras has proved to be the numbers on which to base most dependable method to establish our conservation strategies reliable estimations of large felid and further research. The species numbers. Remote trail cameras AfriCat Okonjima Leopard cause a minimum of disturbance to Density Study will collect wildlife while being constantly active. this information on Okonjima’s In order to capture as many individuals . as possible, trail cameras will be placed Leopards ( pardus) have on routes frequented a wide distribution throughout by Leopards sub-Saharan Africa but such as dry their numbers are still riverbeds, declining dramatically. riverbanks They have disappeared from and/or approximately 37% of their frequently historical range. This decline used is due to habitat fragmentation roads and as well as intense persecution by pathways. individual. Each individually identifi ed humans. While sub-populations in Leopards possess unique fur patterns Leopard will be assigned a unique North Africa and Asia are on the verge consisting of spots and rosettes, identifi cation number; sex and age class of extinction, Namibia’s population farmland, where the sporadic which allow the identifi cation of each will also be recorded if possible. of induces an inevitable confl ict between man and carnivore. The necessity for the development and expansion of protected areas, as well as the implementation and execution of improved livestock farming techniques on farmland are therefore of utmost importance to secure the survival of the Namibian Leopard population. The Okonjima/AfriCat Leopard Density Study aims to determine the size of the Leopard population in the 22 000 nearest waterhole and back, overnight. ha Okonjima Nature Reserve by using We have left the site in peace and so trail cameras. These are remotely SPOTS & VOLKEL far we have not seen any sign of the triggered cameras that are equipped Since being collared, SPOTS has spent cubs, but we expect them to emerge with a motion and/or heat sensor that the time with her new cubs. During very soon. activates the camera when movement collaring, we strongly suspected that 'Volkel' has been travelling between is detected or a diff erence between the she was heavily pregnant. Ten days after the Hobatere concession and Etosha remains stable. target and the surrounding background collaring she settled down at a den site National Park, visiting the territories of With a total of only 23% of Namibia’s temperature is recorded. – a thick stand of trees on the bank of several prides. land under state and private Trail Cameras have recently become a a dry river bed where SPOTS remained Read more about the AHLRP: protection, the majority of Leopards vital tool in the fi eld of ecology. for about three days at a time and then http://www.africat.org/projects/ occur on commercial and communal It is ideal for carnivore work because travelled the eight kilometres to the africat-hobatere--research-project Research & Community Support Read more about the NAWDP: http://www.africat.org/projects/mangetti-wild-dog http://www.africat.org/projects/mangetti-wild-dog/nawdp-update-2014 The Namibia Project (NAWDP) In 2013, AfriCat, the N/a’an ku sê Foundation leading to fatal confl ict with people. and the Namibia Nature Foundation joined We also monitored two Wild Dog dens using forces to study the persecuted Wild trail cameras; these dens were found by the of the Greater Mangetti Complex in north local game guards. An encouraging number of eastern Namibia. This is an essential project pups survived the fi rst 4 months of denning because little is this year. The Wild known of Wild Dogs have left Dog distribution their dens now and and population will not den again numbers until the middle of in Namibia. next year. Without this vital The next phase of information, we the NAWDP will be cannot plan a to fi t one Wild Dog Namibia National in each pack with Conservation a GPS-Satellite Plan for this specially packs which move within the Kavango Cattle collar. This will allow us to protected species. Ranch (200 000 hectare). They move between the monitor their movement, We use trail cameras government-owned Kavango Cattle Ranch, private how far they travel and to monitor Wild Dog game and cattle farms, communal land and the newly what territories each pack activity at waterholes proclaimed Mangetti National Park. The lack of game occupies. We plan to start in the area. So far, we and high cattle numbers on farmland increase the this phase during the have found fi ve separate number of cattle that the Wild Dogs catch, often denning season 2015. AfriCat’s new generation of Wild Dogs Our three ‘painted dog’ pups Jogi, Messi and Robin arrived at AfriCat on the evening of 14 July 2014. The six-week The Role of our Feline old orphaned African Wild Dog Ambassadors in Environmental puppies had been handed over to Education at AfriCat the Ministry of Environment and We frequently have Tourism by the participants of the AfriCat local community Environmental Education after their pack had Programme returning for a apparently been poisoned and shot. infectious diseases has contributed to second, third and sometimes The surviving pups – two males and the threatened status of the African even a fourth visit. We call one female – were emaciated, and Wild Dog, which is classifi ed as them our VIP's because, for both males had deep incisions around Endangered on the IUCN Red List of us, that is exactly what they their neck, suggesting that they had Threatened Species. are! been tied-up with wire. They had Although Robin had no injuries around We give our VIP's a choice obviously been in close contact with her neck, she developed a large of an activity and an domestic dogs, which often transmit abscess on her right hind leg. According explanation of their choice diseases like rabies, parvovirus or to the vets, wild dogs are always in is always required. A very canine distemper. The exposure to a critical phase until they pass 12–15 common request is: “Please weeks of age. may we visit Wahu and the The pups Addams Family again?” received their Some of their explanations: “Because and the Shrikes.” first vaccinations they are so beautiful & so awesome, We at AfriCat are fully aware that against rabies and we are so close we can hear, smell and animal welfare is NOT conservation; canine distemper kind of feel their presence.” however, time and again, and as the and at 6.5 months “We have time to really see their above statements prove, we see the were recently amazing adaptations and everything important role that these animals moved to a larger we have learnt.” play in Environmental Education and enclosure to “It somehow clarifies the picture consequently Conservation. acclimatize to their of their being an natural habitat. In essential part of the long-term, we the 'spider web- hope to release environment', them into the because while Okonjima Nature we are watching Reserve and unite and learning, the them with our slender existing pack Rex, comes for his share Ricky and Raine. as do the Starlings 2 Science & Research Read more AfriCat news: http://www.africat.org/the-2014-annual-africat-health-checks

Veterinary Dentistry is still a very young Speciality Providing a healthy living environment for large carnivores in temporary or permanent captivity is fundamental to minimising illness and injuries and 2014 AfriCat Annual enhancing their welfare. This includes making sure that their dental health is regularly monitored, and if necessary, treated. While don’t suff er from caries, we do Health & Dental Checks however see tooth resorption that may be due to Once a year a team of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, Small biopsies of the stomach lining were collected infl ammation around a tooth or may occur for no researchers, students and volunteers meet at the for examination under a microscope. The underlying apparent reason. In more than 12 years of studying AfriCat Foundation to carry out the Annual Health cause of gastritis in captive cheetahs is unknown, but teeth and mouths at AfriCat, Dr Steenkamp examinations on all the semi-captive, large cats. While it is our hope that this work at AfriCat will provide has been able to diagnose more than 22 diff erent health checks are required by law in Namibia for all some answers to this mystery. pathologies or anomalies in their mouths. captive and semi-captive felids, at AfriCat we go way The Cheetah Micro-biome Project aims to genetically Excessive tooth wear in captive cheetah is probably beyond what is required, both to ensure that the cats characterise gastrointestinal bacteria using high caused by sand and gravel that sticks to their food are maintained in excellent health and to maximize throughput next-generation genome sequencing when they remove it from their feeding bowls. These research opportunities. for comparison between free-ranging and captive sand particles act like coarse sand paper and lead to This year a team of specialists, mostly from University animals. The results of this study could prove increased wear of their teeth. of Pretoria, joined the normal AfriCat team to invaluable for managing the diets of Cheetahs in Using tooth wear to determine the age of carnivores surgically sterilize female cheetahs and leopards that captivity. is thus unreliable as it may be aff ected by many are considered unsuitable for release into the wild. Cheetahs are the most amazing athletes and able to factors, which vary in individual animals from This is required by Namibian law to prevent captive run faster than any other land over short diff erent areas. breeding and illegal trade. A total of 11 cheetahs and distances. They tire quickly, however, and need to Dr Gerhard Steenkamp endeavours to highlight some two leopards were sterilized successfully using a rest before being able to hunt again. Little is known conditions and also dispel some myths over the newly developed, minimally invasive, laparoscopic about their muscle physiology and muscle fi bre micro- coming months. technique. anatomy. Small sections of thigh muscle were collected from cheetahs to aid research into evaluating their muscle physiology relative to their age and to provide samples for scientists to evaluate their muscle mitochondria. Cheetahs develop very high blood pressures (hypertension) during anaesthesia, mainly due to side eff ects of drug combinations that are commonly used, but we suspect that some individuals also suff er from chronic hypertension even when they are not anaesthetised. During the health checks, the potential use of a non-invasive, high defi nition oscillometric blood pressure monitor in cheetahs was As with previous health checks, the cheetahs, examined. If proved to be accurate enough, this cuff and leopards were examined from head to tail. They could be used on cheetahs that have been trained to were treated against internal and external parasites, have their blood pressures measured regularly. vaccinated against rabies and samples were collected The annual health checks, sterilizations and dental for diagnostic and research purposes. Once again, procedures took eight full days to complete. In the their dental and oral health was evaluated and dental end, over 50 animals were examined and treated and procedures were performed where necessary. more than 2 000 diagnostic and research samples Cheetahs in captivity frequently suff er from gastritis, were collected. We would like to thank all involved – an infl ammatory condition of the stomach lining specialists and volunteers alike, for their monumental 3 often associated with the bacteria, Helicobacter. eff ort. Read more about how you can support AfriCat: How can help http://www.africat.org/support

carnivores at our Carnivore Care Centre and student at our Environmental Education Programme LIKES don’t save lives! monitoring the rehabilitated cats in the 200km² N$3,000 VHF-radio collar for tracking and research Liking something on social media might make us Okonjima Nature Reserve purposes feel as if we are contributing, but are we having costs money and WE NEED N$10,000 one serious an impact? Not much, according to UNICEF, who YOUR HELP! veterinary procedure in a recent YouTube commercial sent a clear N$10,000 two trail cameras message: Here is a list of how you can for the Namibia African Wild ‘Likes don't save lives. Money does.’ really make a diff erence for Dog Project A crucial part of our work at The AfriCat AfriCat: N$25,000 GPS-Satellite collar Foundation is raising the necessary funds for our N$50 food for 1 day for a for one lion cause. We also run a number of important projects N$40,000 building of one in need of continuous funding. We have NOTHING N$250 food for 1 week stock-kraal to protect cattle against likes, but taking care of the rescued N$250 weekend stay for 1 and goats for one village

AfriCat Projects The funding goes towards AfriCat’s general running costs, veterinary expenses, computers, vehicles, Adopt A Spot cameras, collars, telemetry, research and fuel. AfriCat Hobatere2014 Lion Research - 2015 Project www.africat.org/support/donate/adopt-a-spot The Namibia African Wild Dog Project Easy & affordable! AfriCat Environmental Education Programme When you symbolically ADOPT-A-SPOT for AfriCat, AfriCat Cheetah Rehabilitation Project you are contributing to the conservation of large AfriCat Predator Population Density Study in the carnivores in Namibia. 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve At our new Carnivore Care and Information Centre Management of Invasive Species in the 20 000ha we have painted life size cats on our wall but their Okonjima Nature Reserve spots and rosettes are not coloured in yet – as soon as you ADOPT-A-SPOT, the Cheetahs and Leopards will regain their spots! Adopt A Carnivore This programme supports the animals in our Carnivore Care Centre (CCC) where you can ‘adopt’ individual animals and fund their upkeep and veterinary costs. www.africat.org/support/adopt-a-carnivore

Support the monitoring of a recently rehabilitated carnivore in the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve Many of AfriCat’s carnivores rescued from drugs, equipment for tracking and monitoring, substandard captive conditions are fi t enough to be supplementary meat and fuel for daily tracking. rehabilitated into the 20 000 ha Okonjima Nature Fuel costs for 1 week: N$400 / Meat for a recently sponsor a collar or a Reserve. To do this eff ectively, we need anaesthetic released Cheetah for 1 month: N$600 trail camera Environmental Education - the only chance for co-existence AfriCat North uses GPS-enabled collars to track 'Conservation Through Education' is our motto: a Donations to this project support the costs of Lions; data collected will determine the frequency weekend (2 nights) for a school class at the educational materials, transport, food and refreshments. of Lions crossing the Etosha and Hobatere Park AfriCat Environmental Education Centre costs www.africat.org/projects/the-africat-environmental- boundaries and how the confl ict between Lions and approximately N$250 per child. education-programme farmers could be minimised. In more accessible areas, AfriCat also uses VHF radio & satellite iridium collars on Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted and Brown Hyaena Human-Wildlife Confl ict Mitigation and Community Support as well as . A Predator and Prey Population For most Namibians, livestock are their lifeline. The Livestock Protection Programme at AfriCat Density Study has commenced within the Okonjima AfriCat strives to fi nd workable solutions to this North includes the building of cattle and goat kraals Private Nature Reserve and is making use of trail confl ict by introducing Livestock Management (pens) in communal conservancies. cameras. Programmes which include improved livestock Materials to build an average-sized kraal: protection. approximately N$40 000 GPS-Satellite Collars for Lion: N$25 000 VHF Radio Collars: N$2 350 per collar Celebrate the life, achievements and characters of someone you cherish! Sirtrack Collar (Iridium): N$15 000 Through a legacy, honour someone special, give tribute to a life well-lived or simply celebrate a special occasion. A legacy gift is meaningful and long-lasting, helping future generations of Namibian children and their natural heritage. Cuddeback ATTACK Cams: N$ 3 259 Workplace sponsorship - Bushnell Trophy Cam HD NO built-in colour Grab a group of your colleagues... view in screen infrared: Engage your colleagues and AfriCat’s name, swim or cycle for N$ 3,979.00 friends to conduct a joint fund- AfriCat, play football for AfriCat – Bushnell Trophy Cam NO raiser to raise donations for AfriCat all for a good cause. built-in colour viewing – hold competitions, arrange a The funding goes towards AfriCat’s screen infrared- CAMO: jumble sale, auction and other general running costs, veterinary N$ 4,099.00 fun events to motivate your expenses, computers, vehicles, RECONYX- Hyperfi re (High co-workers and friends to raise a cameras, collars, telemetry, Output Covert IR – 1080P donation for AfriCat. research and fuel. HD High Performance Sponsor friends, colleagues or Please note: If you wish to assist White-fl ash Scouting partners to mark an achievement – AfriCat, details supplied on 4 Camera): N$ 6,000.00 run a marathon in page 7. Sponsorships Read more AfriCat news: lifeline http://www.africat.org/top-news/newsletters-2014

digging animals such a spotted hyaena, from entering ING – ‘Goede Doelenfonds voor Medewerkers’ the protective kraal. 2014 saw the most generous donation of trail cameras, GPS-Satellite Collars, sponsors a truck to AfriCat North binoculars, hand-held cyber-trackers and night-vision, enabling eff ective data collection for research and AfriCat’s Communal Carnivore Conservation is a Dutch multinational banking and fi nancial services easier lion identifi cation at night. Programme (CCCP) supports the long-term corporation headquartered conservation of lions and other large carnivores as in Amsterdam), sponsored a well as encourages farmers to better protect their much-needed Mitsubishi Fuso livestock by erecting predator-proof kraals (bomas). Truck (2013), which is used Simultaneously, the AfriCat Lion Research Project primarily for transporting monitors lion movements along the boundaries of kraal & fencing materials, the Etosha NP, other protected areas as well as in a rocks and acacia bush for the number of communal conservancies via GPS-Satellite AfriCat Livestock Protection collars; this provides an early-warning system Programme. Once a kraal for farmers, eff ectively reducing the numbers of or fence is erected, the livestock lost to these carnivores, thereby minimising base should be stabilised retaliatory persecution. by packing rock-baskets Through 'Stichting SPOTS' of the Netherlands, the ING (gabions) and creating a – Goede Doelenfonds voor Medewerkers, (ING Group bush-barrier, preventing the Benthin African Agencies Benthin African Agencies boasts a proud history of the Odendaal Plan. Fencing materials were urgently agricultural equipment and tools to clients in Namibia service-delivery that spans more than 50 years. required and subsequently formed the main focus of and Angola. Hardware for basic housing is also The company was largely shaped by historical events the company. off ered, including doors, locks, kitchen interiors and such as the foot-and-mouth outbreak in the early Today, the company is the proud supplier of all roofi ng material. 1960s, as well as the redistribution of land in line with kinds of fencing material, as well as a wide variety of The Marschall family met the Hanssen’s in the ’80s, when the girls competed in horse riding tournaments. Years later, they met again at AfriCat and kindly off ered to support the Human-Wildlife Confl ict Mitigation Programme in the communal conservancies of north western Namibia. Their most generous donation of kraal materials will support the better protection of livestock and reduce the persecution of lions.

WECKE & VOIGTS’ ‘LION BAGS’ support AfriCat’s Lion Visits AfriCat Conservation initiatives Have you ever heard the sound of a purring cheetah? Until two weeks ago, I certainly hadn’t – but after Wecke & Voigts, a meeting Gomez at AfriCat, I know that it is the most department store wonderful sound in the world! Being so close to a established by the Voigts living, happy cheetah was the climax of a dream I have family in 1892, committed had for a long time, a dream I shared with my family. to supporting AfriCat by A programme about AfriCat and Okonjima on Animal developing an eco-shopping Planet led us to adopt a cheetah, Hurricane, and a bag, sold in aid of lion beautiful wild dog called Ruby. Finally in November conservation. This initiative, 2014, three aimed at promoting a years reusable bag which doubles later, we up as a collector’s item, explored is a fi rst for Namibia, with AfriCat visits the UK - Namibia’s initiator Adriane Jandrell wild places fi lling her shop with fl uff y lions on World Lion Day, October 2014 during a encouraging radio stations to spread the word and With a mission to spread the cause of 'Conservation journey hopes to create awareness for other endangered Through Education', raise awareness of conservation that also species through the same medium. in Africa and raise funds for AfriCat, Tammy was kept took us to busy in the UK! AfriCat. I Talk of projects they had undertaken, catching up on cannot fi nd current activities and progress, students at the Hampton the words School, Dr Challoner’s Grammar, Downe House and to properly Moulsford Prep soaked up Tammy’s report of Kraals, lion express my collars, wildlife/farmer interface, and career admiration possibilities… A mixed bag of inspiration for the future for the of conservation – young people. incredible Networking and fundraising are essential components work that of our future, and Tammy met with Patrons Lorraine David Polfeldt with family. is done Kelly and Chris Packham and contributors Tusk Trust, by the Lion Aid, Born Free Foundation. Chris Packham's 'The foundation. It is truly a heroic endeavour to save the Big Cats: Keeping Them Wild' fundraiser, supported great cats of Africa and I encourage everyone to by Namibian sponsors, including Air Namibia, and support them in their eff orts! sculptor Hamish Mackie, sealed a great trip 5 organized by AfriCat UK. Thanks! FieldRead more AfriCat news: http://www.africat.org/projects/mangetti-wild-dog/nawdp-update-2014 Notes

The Wild Dogs – Rex, Ricky & Raine

Their whole family having been poisoned and and RUFUS has included multiple injuries, story of rehabilitation and surviving the wild. buried alive, our commitment to our pack hospitalisation, complex surgical procedures, Along the way, they have had to learn about of Wild Dogs started with their rescue in suff ering, death, loyalty, companionship, hierarchy, familial bonding, and the importance 2005. . . and they have certainly put us through triumph, and a lot of time, eff ort and money! of the pack dynamics, their emotional our paces! Survivors and now rehabilitated (May 2010) - Rex, connection to each other, response to injury and The journey of RAINE, RICKY, RUBY, REX Ricky, Raine (and Ruby 2005 - 2014) are a success veterinary care, complexities of surgical options and the reality of recovery… We have also witnessed grief at the loss of their siblings, and their adaptation for survival. Rex, Ricky and Raine are our ‘painted dog’ ambassadors and through these 3 brave dogs our guests and scholars are learning more about their activities and the Namibia African Wild Dog Project (NAWDP), of which AfriCat has been a part of since 2013. Your donations to AfriCat are vital to projects such as these and our Namibia African Wild Dog Project is crucial to understanding the numbers, habits and patterns of Wild Dogs in our area – which in turn, is essential to the success of the Namibian National Conservation Plan for specially protected species.

Pins & Needle Cheetahs 'Needle' and 'Pins' became an inseparable duo after the loss of their three siblings and the abandonment by their mother, Penta, at the end of March 2014. From the beginning, the sisters seemed to struggle to make their own kills and from time to time we had to supplement their meat to keep their energy levels up. Then, after the tragic death of her sister Needle, who was found paralyzed after an attack by a hyaena in August 2014, Pins was forced to lead a solitary life after all. We were worried that she would be unable to hold her ground in the wild it was decided that Dizzy and her alone as Needle had always been the confi dent and cubs should be carefully feisty one, while the more nervous Pins remained managed. They have been in the background. To our delight and surprise, Pins transferred to a 5 ha enclosure, is making regular kills and is roaming vast areas of where they can be closely the 200 km2 reserve. She still keeps her distance monitored. Managing the large from humans and is not often seen by our Okonjima carnivore population in a private guides. As the only survivor of Penta’s litter of fi ve nature reserve such as Okonjima cubs, Pins has clearly made her way and we hope is diff erent to managing a that she will remain successful in the wild. wilderness area: Part of the active management will be controlling breeding rates, which is done by ensuring that all rehabilitated female cheetahs are given reversible contraceptives when there are no A cheetah rehabilitation more territories available in the reserve. There are a number of healthy success story captive cheetahs at AfriCat that Dizzy – a successfully, self-suffi cient. She is the only require rehabilitation into the rehabilitated, AfriCat Cheetah and survivor of the 2013 litter – the wild and who are on a wait-list fi rst-time mother in the Okonjima fi rst cheetah cubs ever born in the until more territories open up. Nature Reserve has raised her Okonjima Nature Reserve. In July, This requires the funds to clear up female cub, Spirit, to adulthood. Dizzy lost one of her four new more plains in the Reserve. Dizzy And now she’s done it again! In cubs to predation just after birth. and her cubs, however, will be July 2014, Dizzy gave birth to her Because of the danger from released back into the Reserve second litter, this time comprising predators within an ‘island-bound’ as soon as the little ones are old four cubs. conservation area, the lack of enough to recognise danger and Spirit left her mother at 13 suffi cient open plains and an are strong enough to run to 6 months and is now completely insuffi cient preferred prey-base, safety. Read more AfriCat news: http://www.africat.org/top-news/ newsletters-2014

Chris Packham for AfriCat @ the  SK Development & Dr Torben THANK YOU'S: Mikkelsen for donating the high quality dog-catheters  Royal Geographical Society on SOLVAY/ The Okorusu Community  Genmed: Sponsoring a monitor Trust Fund: for sponsoring the stand for the AfriCat clinic Friday 17th October 2014 Communal Carnivore Conservation  Silvio Suardi, Dental Surgeon: Programme donating the dental X-ray machine  AfriCat supporters, old friends and Stichting SPOTS, Netherlands: Kraal for AfriCat clinic new, met at the RGS in London to material, GPS-Satellite Lion collars  Graham and Shirley Vickery:  listen to Chris Packham talk about his GaiaZoo, Netherlands: Kraal Monthly donors of AfriCat since 2012 wildlife encounters and photography. materials  Dr Rodenwoldt, Swakopmund Vet  Chris is a passionate wildlife expert, Safaripark Beekse Bergen, clinic: for sponsoring a microchip professional photographer, TV Netherlands: Kraal Material reader to AfriCat  presenter and most importantly, ING ‘Goede Doelenfonds voor  Anel & Peet: Sole sponsors of leopard AfriCat’s patron. Medewerkers’, Netherlands: at Carnivore Care Centre since 2013 Chris entertained us all with talk of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck, collars, trail  Sarah Cullen- for donating the his wildlife encounters, ranging from cameras, binoculars, cyber-trackers theatre light and other medical observing the snow leopard in for Lion Guardians, night-vision and equipment to AfriCat at close quarters to his assistant, two nocturnal kraals  Dr Adrian Tordiff e & Dr Gerhard  Tristan Boehme’s patience. He showed NamSpace: AfriCat North offi ce block Steenkamp- for organising the 2014  photographs of himself lying fl at and CYMOT, Campmore/Greensport: Annual Health Checks clinging on to a moving trailer with his camping equipment for ‘Lion  Steppes Discovery/Steppes Travel, toes (towed by Tristan) trying to catch Guardians’ and base camp Ultimate Safaris, Tou Trust and CW  the perfect shot of a cheetah at full tilt. TUSK: Sponsoring our Safaris into Africa- for sponsoring the We heard about the amazing Environmental Education Educator 2014 Annual Health Checks encounter Chris had on his most recent visit to Okonjima with not one but two elusive pangolins, which are being illegally hunted to near extinction for their perceived medicinal qualities. Chris touched on other wildlife issues that concern him greatly such as the are less than eye-catching. Perivoli Okonjima Country School (POCS) protection of migratory birds in Malta After all his fascinating stories of wild and the illegal shooting of birds in animals about which he is clearly reserves there. passionate, Chris Packham declared “Education is the most powerful The audience was entranced as Chris that his favourite animals are his two weapon which you can use to change detailed the lengths to which he would poodles ‘Itchy’ and ‘Scratchy’! the world.” (Nelson Mandela). go to take the perfect photograph. At the event, UK AfriCat Chairman, At the end of 2013, I said, "2014 will be We were shown many shots with one David Farquharson added, ‘We are an amazing year." The year started on or two blades of grass too many and so pleased with the magnifi cent that note, however, there were some perfect images created by building an attendance and that the evening was, unexpected changes which stretched artifi cial mound from which to attain in all respects, a resounding success. all of us to our limits. Within this, we the best photographic vantage point. AfriCat UK is fi rmly back on track. We discovered our potential as a team and Many of us amateur photographers in look forward to keeping everyone in thus are ending this year on an amazing the audience realized why our images touch with further fundraising events note. in the coming year. A Within our infancy – we are only similar enthusiastic four years old – we have watched response will mean our children transform in ways we can continue unimaginable. They have grown and to make a real absorbed huge amounts of information positive diff erence imparted to them. to conservation, Looking back at the year, we see our education and children as little adults and refl ecting community on all of the changes we have been enhancement in through, the children have matured Namibia.’ tremendously. to treat and love a “wild” animal. Hiccup (Fiona Anderson- Since POCS is about “Conservation has taught us how to love animals and AfriCat UK) Through Education”, the children have he has given us so much joy in return. immersed themselves thoroughly in Hiccup is sort of a spokesperson for the activities supporting our slogan: they animals because if we can love Hiccup cared for their own colony of rabbits and the bunnies, imagine how we can by feeding them, keeping their burrows impact human-animal relationships by AfriCat WORLDWIDE clean and giving them attention, which bringing this love and respect to all has taught them responsibilities that animals. Please take note: comes with having pets or domestic Now, this year has drawn to a close, If you are a UK or USA tax payer you can take advantage of Gift Aid by animals. we are glowing in all our achievements contacting our representative in the USA or UK. The cherry on the cake was bringing and know the future is so much Our UK programme works in partnership with the TUSK Trust, who 'Hiccup', the orphaned warthog, to brighter because we dare to dream for administer donations on our behalf. school. Hiccup has opened up a whole better things. Merry Christmas, Happy If you are interested in information on legacy donations please contact our new world for our children to learn how Kwanzaa and Season’s Greetings! AfriCat representative.

AfriCat UK AfriCat America Ubuntu Namibia SPOTS UK Charity Commission AfriCat America Inc. Public Charity - EIN Non-profi t Registered Association Registration Chamber of Commerce Number 1120026 20-3174862 Contact: Susanne & Roland Schäfer (Kamer van Koophandel) Contact: Janet & Carey Widdows Contact: Wanda & Peter Hanssen Bergstraße 67 20114314 5 Brackendale Way 7601 W. Southport Road 76646 Bruchsal NGO with anbi recognition. Reading Peoria Germany fi scal nr: 813081919. RG6 1DZ, England Illinois 61615 [email protected] Simone Eckhart Tel: +44 (0) 118 935 1681 USA ubuntu-namibia.blogspot.de Business Address: Spinetstraat 76, [email protected] [email protected] 4876 XT Etten-Leur www.africat.co.uk www.africat.org Email: [email protected] www.stichtingspots.nl 7 AfriCat’s Wish List 2014/2015 “In order to make a real diff erence, your support on any level will be sincerely appreciated” – the AfriCat Team in the fi eld -

Essential Salaries: Research Veterinarian: AfriCat’s fi rst Research Veterinarian, Dr David Roberts, joined us in September; he will supervise & ensure scientifi cally sound Large Carnivore Research Projects, manage & monitor the animals in our Carnivore Care Centre and support farming communities in confl ict zones. Dr David Robert’s salary for 2015 and beyond, must be secured. N$ 325 000.00 per annum http://www.africat.org/about/team-africat/our-vet-team/david-roberts

Lion & Wild Dog Guardians: these dedicated community members are elected by their Conservancies, essentially carrying the message of Conservation from the highest authorities to the farmer. Cost approx.: N$ 20 000.00 per month / N$260 000.00 per annum;

Livestock Protection Programme: To eff ectively reduce livestock loss through better protection and to minimise the destruction of lions & other carnivores, AfriCat builds nocturnal ‘kraals’ for committed communities, assisted by community leaders and the Lion Guardians. http://www.africat.org/support/donate/build- a-kraal Approx. Cost per livestock kraal (depending on size/number of livestock): N$ 40 000.00 – N$60 000.00 per kraal;

AfriCat North Research & Community Support Projects: Field Vehicles, 4x4 pick-ups fi tted with extra long-range fuel tanks, water containers, heavy-duty springs and tyres, etc. http://www.africat.org/about/africat-north Costs: N$350 000.00 – N$650 000.00

‘Conservation Through Education’: AfriCat’s Environmental Education programme is popular amongst schools nationwide and requires a second Educator’s Salary and accommodation close to the EE Centre. Costs approx.: Educator’s Salary N$20 000.00 per month / N$ 260 000.00 per annum; Motion Detection Cameras (Trail Cameras) / GPS-Satellite & VHF Collars: to eff ectively gather data, both visual (trail cameras) and location, movement, etc. (collars), the various projects require Cost approx.: N$8 000.00 per camera | Collars: Lion GPS / Satellite $28 000.00 – N$ 30 000.00 each; Cheetah | Leopard VHF collars approx. N$3 500.00 each.

Mobile Field Clinic: 4x4 truck, with long-range fuel tanks, water containers, heavy-duty springs and tyres, extra power-supply, etc. AfriCat’s fi eld projects are expanding to include communal support and will ULTIMATE SAFARIS be modifi ed to allow basic surgical procedures in the fi eld. Cost approx.: Vehicle N$ 800 000.00. LIFE ENRICHING JOURNEYS

Community School and Hostel: The ‘Onguta Primary School’ in the Ehirovipuka Conservancy, Kuenene Region, north-western Namibia provides a basic education for grades 1-4; the classrooms comprise two, dilapidated Safari-tents, sand fl oors and too few desks and chairs. Cost Phase 1 approx.: (2 classrooms, store room + 4 toilets) approx N$ 600 000.00 – 800 000.00 Land Purchase to establish ‘Centre for Adult Learning’, Kunene Region, north-west Namibia: AfriCat proposes the development of a Centre of Learning for Adults and Youth in the Kunene Region, supporting communal conservancies. For this, a portion of land must be purchased in close proximity to communal farmland. Cost: approx. N$ 2 250 000.00. [email protected] – www.africat.org – www.africat.co.uk