Monthly newsletter - November 2024
Road wildlife crisis in Hoedspruit - Could this be the turning point?
As the year draws to a close, we are excited to update you on an ambitious project we have been meticulously preparing for over the past four months: the Road Ecology Project. This initiative is vital for safeguarding wildlife along the R40 national road in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. Your involvement could make this groundbreaking effort a reality.
Why this project could change everything
Roads, while essential for human connectivity, can pose significant threats to wildlife. They are both lifelines and barriers. For wildlife, the R40 is a danger zone where vehicle collisions claim countless animal lives each year—leopards, hyenas, jackals, civets, reptiles etc... These accidents often leave the animals dead while causing significant vehicle damage. For us, it’s not just about protecting the species we cherish but also creating safer roads for everyone who travels them.
Check our pamphlet at the bottom of this newsletter!
The struggle to fund conservation: what it takes to make a difference
Wildlife conservation funding is one of the toughest nuts to crack. The behind-the-scenes effort to secure funds—pitching to sponsors, organizing fundraisers, reaching out to donors, and applying for grants—demands enormous time and energy. This is time that could otherwise go toward running the research and conservation projects themselves.
We have noticed a trend: donors love funding “sexy” items like high-tech equipment. While these tools are invaluable, they are useless without the people who operate them. Salaries for researchers, fuel, vehicles, and the time and expertise required to implement projects are less obvious needs but equally critical. Conservation is a chain, and every link matters.
So why should you support this project?
We know you are inundated with requests to donate to worthy causes. Here’s why this one stands out:
A Win for Both Wildlife and People
By reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, we are safeguarding our natural heritage and improving road safety for local communities.Real, Tangible Results
The project will create visible mitigation strategies—like reinforced culverts, wildlife crossings, and new signage—that every contributor can take pride in.Investing in South African Talent
This initiative opens doors for South African students pursuing Honors and Master’s degrees, fostering the next generation of conservationists.Beyond Leopards
While leopards are the flagship species, this project will also benefit countless other underappreciated animals, from civets to reptiles.A True Community Effort
By engaging citizen scientists in Hoedspruit, we are empowering the community to collect data and witness firsthand the difference their contributions make.A Network of Collaboration
This project will bring together over ten stakeholders, proving that teamwork can drive impactful change.Inspired by Proven Success
We are drawing lessons from successful road ecology projects implemented in other countries, particularly in South America, where innovative strategies have significantly reduced wildlife roadkill and improved ecological connectivity. These global successes inspire and inform our approach.
Successful mitigation strategies implemented in Brasil by Bandeiras Rodovias & ViaFauna
The missing piece: How you can make a difference
Every contribution—whether financial, in-kind, or simply spreading the word—brings us closer to launching this vital initiative. Our start date is February 2025. A detailed pamphlet is attached, outlining the project budget and donation options. We encourage you to share it widely and join us in making a difference.
Together, we can protect the wildlife and people of Hoedspruit while inspiring a more harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Marine
Executive Director
Ingwe Research Program
