Swaziland | Nikela: Helping People Saving Wildlife

Ann Reilly, Preserving Wildlife & Legacy in Swaziland

Sep 11, 2018 · by Russ · In: conservation, Nikela Blog, People, wildlife conservation Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, Ann Reilly, Mlilwane, Swaziland, wildlife conservation

Suddenly a huge crocodile splashed its dinner around in the shallows of the hippo pond in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Time stood still for all of us. Ann Reilly, a very busy woman, sat back and savored the moment. From our discussion with Ann, she obviously has deep experience and opinions on wildlife and preserving nature. But what spoke volumes of her passion for the work was the way she looked at that croc. A true raw nature moment. Exactly what her family has devoted their lives to preserve. I can’t tell you how pleased we were to meet Ann Reilly. She is…

Shoot to Kill Policy Saves Rhino in Swaziland

Jan 31, 2018 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: Animal Poaching, Nikela Blog, rhino, rhino poaching, wildlife conseration Tagged: anti-poaching rangers, George Mbatha, Rhino paching, Swaziland

Another visit to Swaziland brings a surprise chat with George Mbatha, Chief anti-poaching ranger at Hlane National Park. “Much trouble with poachers!” George tells us. “Oh no!” Is my first response. More dead rhino! However, fortunately I am wrong. In June, three would-be poachers were shot dead by wildlife rangers in Hlane National Park in Swaziland. In August, six poachers tried to kill rhino for their valuable horn. Two were killed, one wounded and capture, and the three others apprehended. In December, two poachers after bushmeat, were shot and killed. At first blush this shoot to kill policy may seem…

If the Wildlife Disappears so do the Tourists

Nov 14, 2014 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, Nikela Blog, South African Tour, South African wildlife, South African wildlife tour, wild animals, wildlife lovers Tagged: #NikelaAfrica, Botswana, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, tourism, wildlife, wildlife conservatioin

PHOTOS Africa for eons has attracted explorers, hunters and today tourists because of its wildlife. The camp is quiet during the heat of the day, but as evening sets in the game drive vehicles return, dusty 4x4s with rooftop tents arrive as do huge overland safari mobiles with sweaty Europeans onboard. Staff kicks in high gear setting up tents, making fires and preparing meals. Some travelers head for the lodge bar for a cool one. A few women can’t resist the curio shop to browse through the handmade necklaces and batik fabric. Several young college people hangout by the Internet…

When Laws Favor the Bad Guys Endangered Rhinos are the Losers

Oct 19, 2014 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: #NikelaAfrica, Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, conservation, endangered, Illegal trade, Nikela Blog, rhino, rhino poaching, South African Tour, South African wildlife tour, wildlife conservation, Wildlife Trafficking Tagged: bad guys, bush home, conservancy, law, murder, Oni, property development, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, wildlife ranger

Laws should protect endangered rhinos but in South Africa there appears to be a problem. Sitting at the Paris airport waiting for our flight to Johannesburg we got talking. Oni and her husband have a bush home on one of those property developments that also serve as a nature reserve. Of course, with anyone connected to African wildlife the rhino poaching issue soon comes up. Oni was quite perturbed about a recent incident where one of their anti-poaching rangers in the line of duty killed a poacher during a pursuit. The ranger, according to South African law, was charged with…

Anti-Poaching System That Keeps Rhino Alive

May 21, 2014 · by Wildlife Margrit · In: Africa Wildlife Conservation Tour 2014, Animal Poaching, conservation, endangered, Illegal trade, Poaching, rhino, rhino poaching, snares, wildlife conservation, Wildlife Trafficking Tagged: George Mbatha, King, King Sobhuza II, rhino, rhino poaching, Rhino Wars, South Africa, Swaziland, Ted Reilly, wildlife conservation

Why is it that hundreds of rhino have been killed in South Africa over the past decade while the small neighboring country of Swaziland has lost less than a handful? As we sit watching a small herd of ever watchful Water Buck, a jittery Warthog family and the partly submerged lazy Hippos at the waterhole George Mbatha is introduced to us. This slight weather worn man in ranger gear is the Wildlife Conservation Manger in Swaziland’s Royal National Park. We come to find out that he is ‘the’ man when it comes to anti-poaching efforts across the country. (Photo below)…