Africa Wild

R50 000 Reward offered for info about Addo Jackal poisoning

0 NOVEMBER 2014 BY ALAN STRATON

In a recent incident at the Addo Elephant National Park, approximately 40 black backed jackal were found dead as a result of eating poisoned meat suspected to have been scattered in the main game viewing area by a person posing as tourist. While SANParks investigators are still following up on a number of leads, it is hoped that members of the public will be able to assist with the investigation by providing information linked to the incident. The criminal motivation behind the illegal killing remains unclear.

The Wildlife Operations Group, co-ordinated by the Wilderness Foundation, has agreed to supplement the reward already offered by the Addo Elephant National Park, bringing the amount to R50 000 to be made available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. Anyone with information related to this incident, or wildlife crime in general, can contact the Wildlife Operations Group tip-off line on 078 696 9494.

The Wildlife Operations Group is a multi-agency partnership whose overarching objective is the reduction in the incidence of and the successful prosecution of wildlife related crime. The group employs a multi-disciplinary approach which includes: research and development; training and the support of investigation and operational activities in order to meet the objective.

The group is co-ordinated by the Wilderness Foundation and the other founding members are: Indalo Private Game Reserve Association, SAPS Hawks, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, South African National Parks and Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

“We appreciate the support provided by the broader conservation community here in the Eastern Cape and are confident that we will make a successful arrest related to this incident soon” says Addo Regional Ranger John Adendorf.

R50 000 Reward still up for grabs

30 JANUARY 2015 BY ALAN STRATON

In an incident at the Addo Elephant National Park late last year, approximately 40 black backed jackal were found dead as a result of eating poisoned meat suspected to have been scattered in the main game viewing area by a person posing as a tourist. While SANParks investigators are still following up on a number of leads, it is hoped that members of the public will be able to assist with the investigation by providing information linked to the incident. The criminal motivation behind the illegal killing remains unclear.

The Wildlife Operations Group, co-ordinated by the Wilderness Foundation, agreed to supplement the reward already offered by the Addo Elephant National Park, bringing the amount to R50 000 to be made available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. (The initial reward amount of R10 000 was put up by Addo Elephant National Park. Thanks to two generous donations from a local organisation and one by a concerned member of the public, the amount increased to R22 000. The Wilderness Foundation then also came to the party with an additional R28 000, bringing the total amount to R50 000).

This reward is still available and we encourage anyone with information related to this incident, or wildlife crime in general, to contact the Wildlife Operations Group tip-off line on 078 696 9494.

The Wildlife Operations Group is a multi-agency partnership whose overarching objective is the reduction in the incidence of and the successful prosecution of wildlife related crime. The group employs a multi-disciplinary approach which includes: research and development; training and the support of investigation and operational activities in order to meet the objective.

The group is co-ordinated by the Wilderness Foundation and the other founding members are: Indalo Private Game Reserve Association, SAPS Hawks, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, South African National Parks and Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

“We appreciate the support provided by the broader conservation community here in the Eastern Cape and are confident that we will make a successful arrest related to this incident soon” says Addo Regional Ranger John Adendorf.

I heard a rather interesting theory that perhaps beetles had flown into the park from a surrounding farm which had recently sprayed their crops - I believe that the poison is generally used as an insecticide. Then the jackals ate the beetles etc... more found in that area by Rooidam because lots were there hanging out near the lion kill that day.

Whether that's a plausible explanation I'm not sure

Maybe it would then be a regular occurence but on a smaller scale?

They must have eaten a hell of a lot of beetles to die from insecticide, and why has it never happened before? Sounds a bit far fetched to me