Dabchick Wildlife Reserve

25/05/2026

🦅 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱
𝗔 𝗟𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝘁-𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

Dabchick Wildlife Reserve is honoured to have partnered with Vulpro in the historic rewilding of the first captive-bred Lappet-faced Vulture released in South Africa.

From careful monitoring during incubation and hatching, to behavioural development and eventual release into the wild, every stage of this journey represented hope for one of Africa’s most threatened vulture species.

Earlier this month, this magnificent bird finally took to the skies above Dabchick — returning to where it belongs.

Now fitted with a specialised solar-powered transmitter, the vulture continues to be monitored by conservation teams and Dabchick security staff as part of ongoing species recovery and rewilding efforts.

🌿 Raised with purpose. Released for the wild.

We commend the dedicated teams at Vulpro and all conservation partners working tirelessly to secure a future for vultures in southern Africa.
fans Rewilding Africa Global Rewilding Alliance Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg Tourism BirdLife International
🦅 Learn more about Dabchick’s rewilding work:
https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/

📍 Dabchick Wildlife Reserve | Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

25/05/2026

𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡! May 2026

🦅 Lappet-faced Vulture / Nubian Vulture (𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙨)

𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Endangered (Globally) | Critically Endangered (Regionally in Southern Africa)

🔍 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
Africa’s largest vulture, the Lappet-faced Vulture is unmistakable with its massive hooked bill, powerful build and bare pink head and neck. Its dark plumage contrasts sharply with pale thighs and underwing coverts visible in flight. This formidable scavenger dominates carcasses and is capable of tearing through thick hide that smaller vultures cannot pe*****te.

💡 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?
🪶 The Lappet-faced Vulture is one of Africa’s rarest and most threatened vultures.
🪶 Its exceptionally strong bill allows it to open tough carcasses, making food accessible to smaller scavengers.
🪶 Unlike many vultures, pairs are usually solitary nesters and occupy vast territories.
🪶 Vultures play a critical ecological role by rapidly removing carcasses and helping prevent the spread of disease.

🏞 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓
The species occurs across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, favouring arid savanna, semi-desert, open woodland and protected conservation landscapes with large mammals. Due to habitat loss, poisoning and collisions with energy infrastructure, populations have declined significantly across much of their range.

🪺 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆
Lappet-faced Vultures construct large stick nests in tall trees, often returning to the same nest site over many years. Only a single egg is usually laid, making breeding slow and population recovery difficult when losses occur.

🌍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄
Although the Lappet-faced Vulture is globally listed as Endangered, the species is now classified as Critically Endangered regionally in southern Africa, with an estimated regional population of only around 160 mature individuals remaining. BirdLife South Africa reports severe declines linked to poisoning, habitat loss, collisions with power infrastructure and disturbance at nesting sites.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞! https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/lappet-faced-vulture/

📍𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬
A global conservation status reflects the species’ survival outlook across its entire international range. A regional conservation status evaluates the species within a specific geographic area — in this case southern Africa — where populations may face greater pressures and steeper declines than elsewhere.

🦅 Earlier this month, Dabchick Wildlife Reserve and Vulpro achieved a historic conservation milestone with the release and rewilding of the first captive-bred Lappet-faced Vulture in South Africa.

The bird is being monitored through a specialised solar-powered transmitter, while Dabchick’s security and conservation teams continue to assist with on-the-ground monitoring as part of ongoing rewilding and species recovery efforts.
Rewilding Africa Global Rewilding Alliance
🦅 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲?
• Avoid the use of poisons for predator control
• Protect large nesting trees and natural roosting areas
• Report poisoning incidents immediately
• Support “Vulture Safe Zones” and conservation partnerships
• Ensure carcasses are free from harmful veterinary drugs and toxins
• Work collaboratively with conservation organisations monitoring vulture populations

💡Healthy vulture populations are essential for ecosystem health, disease control and the efficient recycling of nutrients across African landscapes.

🗨 “For the first time in South Africa, Vulpro and Dabchick Wildlife Reserve cooperated in the rewilding of a captive-bred Lappet-faced Vulture. It is being closely monitored via its special solar-powered transmitter and by Dabchick security staff on the ground.”

“Our teams tracked and stayed with him until he decided to fly off later in the day.”

“He is wearing a solar-powered transmitter and has recently been recorded flying over the Makoppa area.”— Dr Peter Oberem & the wildlife conservation team at Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
fans
🦆 Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers outstanding bird watching and photography. Book your stay or rewilding experience now!

📩 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: [email protected] or [email protected]

🦅 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞:
https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/
𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨? 𝙀-𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙊𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.

📍As custodians of biodiversity, we are committed to preserving habitat, raising awareness, and supporting collaborative conservation action.

🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬
https://ebird.org/species/lapvul1

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg Tourism REWILDING Southern Africa BirdLife South Africa BirdLife International The BIG BIRD CHALLENGE

20/05/2026

𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘣𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘢𝘣𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 – 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦. – Dr Peter Oberem

Dabchick Wildlife Reserve Rewilding Africa
Global Rewilding Alliance Waterberg Tourism
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve African Rhythm adventures fans

𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥
📥 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘦-𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵
“Dear Dr Peter and the Dabchick Team,

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the absolutely unforgettable experience we recently enjoyed at your magnificent reserve.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth, hospitality and professionalism that immediately made us feel at home. The attention to detail throughout our stay was exceptional.

The five-star glamping tent accommodation exceeded all expectations. The tents were luxurious, beautifully appointed, and perfectly complemented the bushveld atmosphere while still offering every comfort imaginable.

A special word of appreciation goes to Tarryn and her team for the fantastic and tasteful meals prepared during our stay. Every meal was a memorable culinary experience and clearly prepared with great care and passion. The elegant table settings and the brunch enjoyed beneath the enormous fig tree created a special atmosphere – a memorable blend of rustic charm, warm hospitality and the peaceful beauty of the environment.

We were equally impressed by the spotless reception areas and the immaculate condition of the tents, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the cleaning staff led by their supervisor. Their hard work certainly did not go unnoticed.

Our game drives were outstanding. Mpilo and Klaas were knowledgeable, professional and passionate game rangers who enriched every outing with fascinating information and wonderful enthusiasm for wildlife conservation.

The sightings of the many game species were incredible. The enjoyment of sundowners in close proximity to the rhinos, led by the majestic Chuck Norris, created an unforgettable bushveld experience – a rare moment where nature, tranquillity and Africa’s wild beauty came together perfectly.

We also greatly appreciated the presence and interaction with Tylan, whose passion and involvement added tremendous value to our visit.

One of the most extraordinary moments of our stay was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in the release of the rehabilitated vultures. Witnessing such an important conservation effort first-hand was deeply meaningful and unforgettable.

Your rewilding projects involving secretary birds, bush babies and hornbills are commendable and inspiring. It is encouraging to see such dedication to conservation and the protection of vulnerable species.

Last but not least: To the wonderful “Dabchick Choir” – thank you for your vibrant and heartfelt performance of African songs. Your music brought warmth, energy and a celebration of African culture and rhythm to the occasion.

Every song was performed with passion and spirit, creating a memorable atmosphere that touched everyone present. Your voices, harmonies and enthusiasm added something special and unforgettable.

Thank you for sharing your talent and for enriching the experience with the beauty of African music and song. Your performance was deeply appreciated by all.

Thank you once again for creating such a remarkable and enriching experience. The passion, professionalism and commitment of your entire team made our visit exceptional, and we look forward to returning in the future.

With sincere appreciation and warm regards,
James and Anina Breedt.”

16/05/2026

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲. 𝐀 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬.

Deep in the Waterberg, two hand-reared Verreaux’s Eagles (𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙭𝙞𝙞) — the Black Eagles of African legend — have been released back into the wild at Dabchick Wildlife Reserve.

Solar transponders track their every thermal, every ridge-soar, every kilometre of recovered freedom.

These magnificent raptors, with wingspans that shadow the ancient granite, are where they belong again.
fans
🦅 Come walk the ridges where they hunt. Look up. They may be watching you.

📩 Reservations: [email protected]
📬 Enquiries: [email protected]
🌐 www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/

15/05/2026

🌍 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 | 𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
On this day, we recognise the species on the edge — and celebrate the places and people working to pull them back from it.

Dabchick Wildlife Reserve in the Waterberg, Limpopo has been doing exactly that for over 30 years. What was once marginal, degraded agricultural land is today 1 500 ha of rewilded, biodiverse bushveld — home to white rhino, African buffalo, vultures, ground hornbills, eagles, antelope, small predators and so much more.

Now DWR is opening its gates to wildlife enthusiasts who want to do more than just watch.

🌿 The Dabchick Rewilding Programme is a hands-on experience for groups of up to 12, where you live and work inside a functioning bush reserve — contributing directly to rewilding and conservation.

What you’ll experience:
✅ Animal rewilding — capture, care, monitoring & release
✅ Rhino, buffalo, antelope & predator conservation
✅ Vulture, crane, eagle & ground hornbill programmes
✅ Anti-poaching patrols & technology training
✅ Habitat restoration, veld & pasture management
✅ Game counts by vehicle and drone
✅ Veterinary immobilisation & wildlife health work
✅ African-influenced meals from locally sourced produce
✅ Private unfenced tented camp under the Waterberg stars

Rates from R1 250 pppd — seasonal and group options available.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘿𝙖𝙮, 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 — 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
Rewilding Africa Global Rewilding Alliance fans Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg Tourism
📩 [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]

📞 +27 82 821 6577
🔗 www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞.
—

27/04/2026

𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!
𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Yellow-fronted Canary (𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙯𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙘𝙖)
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Least Concern
⸻
🔍 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
A small, lively finch with bright yellow underparts, a distinctive yellow face and olive-grey upperparts. The bold facial pattern — including a contrasting dark eye-line — makes this species easy to recognise in woodland and garden settings.
⸻
💡 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?
🪶 The Yellow-fronted Canary is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and human-modified landscapes.
🪶 It feeds mainly on seeds, but also supplements its diet with insects, especially during breeding season.
🪶 Its cheerful, melodic song is a familiar sound across southern African woodlands and gardens.
🪶 Often seen in pairs or small flocks, it plays an important role in seed dispersal within ecosystems.
⸻
🏞 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, the Yellow-fronted Canary favours open woodland, savanna, riverine vegetation and well-wooded gardens. Its adaptability allows it to persist in both wild and settled environments.
⸻
🪺 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆
The nest is a neat cup constructed from grass, fine plant fibres and spider webs, typically hidden within dense foliage. The female incubates the eggs while both parents contribute to feeding the chicks.
⸻
🌍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄
Although listed as Least Concern, the Yellow-fronted Canary depends on healthy vegetation structure for nesting and feeding. Its continued presence reflects resilient ecosystems where natural vegetation and biodiversity are maintained.
⸻
🗨 Quote of the Month
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘠𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 — 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮.”
— Drs Peter & Pamela Oberem
⸻
fans
🦆 Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers outstanding bird watching and photography. Book your stay now!

📩 Reservations: [email protected]
🌐 More info: www.dabchick.co.za
🌿 Rewilding Programme:
 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙗𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠’𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚!
https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/

📍 As custodians of biodiversity, we are committed to preserving habitat, raising awareness, and supporting collaborative conservation action.
⸻

🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬
Yellow-fronted Canary – eBird (calls, photos & sightings)
https://ebird.org/species/yefcan
📸 Tony Tilford
⸻
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Waterberg Tourism
Rewilding Africa REWILDING Southern Africa Global Rewilding Alliance
BirdLife International BirdLife South Africa

NEW! Rewilding Programme. Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (DWR) has operated for more than thirty years and is dedicated to rewilding the Alma Valley and greater Waterberg District of Limpopo, South Africa.

25/04/2026

🌍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 & 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Today, we recognise the vital role of veterinarians under the global theme: “𝙑𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨: 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝.”

In South Africa, this role is sharply in focus as the country continues to manage the ongoing spread of 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 (𝐅𝐌𝐃) – a crisis that reaches far beyond livestock, with direct implications for 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.

🛡️ Veterinarians are not only clinicians – they are at the centre of:
• Disease surveillance and outbreak response
• Wildlife health and translocation protocols
• Biosecurity planning across landscapes
• Protection of food systems and rural economies

📖 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓: 𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 & 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

In the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐖𝐑𝐒𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥, Dr Peter Oberem presents a clear, evidence-based assessment in: “𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙁𝙈𝘿”
Wildlife Ranching South Africa
His work outlines a critical reality:
⚠️ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐌𝐃 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞
• No vaccine exists for cloven-hooved game species
• Infection can lead to mandatory culling
• Financial collapse and biodiversity loss can follow

📊 Since 2019, South Africa has recorded 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, exposing gaps in:
• Animal traceability systems (LITS)
• Movement control and permitting
• Vaccine matching and availability
• Implementation of national biosecurity strategies

🔬 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄
Effective conservation today depends on 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 – not only at national level, but across 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞.

At 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, this principle is actively applied:
✔ Strict access control and disinfection protocols
✔ Veterinary-led monitoring and planning
✔ Ongoing risk assessment and preparedness
Because in wildlife systems, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

📥 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄 (𝐏𝐃𝐅)
Gain detailed insight into practical, field-tested biosecurity measures:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/ywzade3c
fans
🤝 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄
To every veterinarian working across farms, reserves, laboratories, and field operations – your contribution underpins 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

📍 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞
🌐 https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/
📩 [email protected] or [email protected]
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
📍 𝙍𝙀𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼
🌐 https://rewildingsa.zinioapps.com/
📩 [email protected]
Rewilding Africa
📍 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐀)
🌐 https://www.sava.co.za
South African Veterinary Association

21/04/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 | 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 🌍
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
The journey from rescue to release is rarely simple, especially for species as sensitive and specialised as bush babies. Effective rewilding demands more than rehabilitation; it requires sustained guidance, careful monitoring, and a landscape that allows instinct to reawaken.

📣 In a significant step forward for small primate conservation, the 𝐀𝐬𝐣𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 is proud to announce a strategic partnership with 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞.

This collaboration strengthens the most critical phase of the rewilding process, transitioning rehabilitated bush babies back into a fully wild existence. With decades of field expertise, Dabchick’s team will support post-release adaptation, ensuring each individual is given the best possible opportunity to survive and thrive.

💡Founded by veterinarians Dr Peter Oberem and Dr Pamela Oberem, Dabchick Wildlife Reserve has, since 1994, led pioneering conservation work across the Waterberg. Their integrated approach includes wildlife capture and release, long-term ecological monitoring, and the rewilding of species ranging from antelope and buffalo to birds of prey and endangered fauna such as rhino.
Rewilding Africa REWILDING Southern Africa
Global Rewilding Alliance
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬
Bush babies, commonly referring to species such as the Southern lesser bushbaby (𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞), remain under-researched in rewilding contexts.

𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Least Concern (LC), although localised threats include habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and human disturbance.

Now, with bush baby rewilding added to their portfolio, this partnership represents a meaningful contribution to a field where research remains limited. Beyond individual releases, the collaboration aims to expand knowledge, build awareness, and refine best-practice methodologies for future conservation efforts.

💡Importantly, this initiative also opens the door for deeper public engagement. Wildlife enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and eco-travellers are invited to experience this work firsthand through Dabchick’s immersive rewilding programme, offering rare insight into the realities of rehabilitation and release in a functioning wild landscape.
fans
To learn more, support the initiative, or become part of the experience:
𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨: www.bushbabyrescue.org
𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/

31/03/2026

𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎

𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!

March 2026

🦅 Brown Snake Eagle
(Circaetus cinereus)

𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Least Concern

⸻

🔍 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

A large, powerful eagle with uniform dark brown plumage, bright yellow eyes and a large angular head. In flight, the brown-and-white banded tail and pale underwing pattern are distinctive. The species often sits upright on a prominent perch scanning the ground below for prey. 

⸻

💡 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?

🪶 The Brown Snake Eagle feeds mainly on snakes, including venomous species.
🪶 Thick, scaled legs provide protection from snake bites.
🪶 It hunts mostly from a perch, dropping onto prey on the ground.
🪶 Pairs usually raise only one chick due to the long breeding cycle.

⸻

🏞 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓

Occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa in wooded savanna, thornveld, bushveld and open woodland areas. It prefers landscapes with scattered trees and open ground where snakes are abundant.

⸻

🪺 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆

The nest is a relatively small platform of sticks placed high in a tree or occasionally on a pylon. Only one egg is laid and the chick remains dependent on the parents for an extended period, making breeding slow and energy-intensive.

⸻

🌍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

Although listed as Least Concern, the Brown Snake Eagle depends on intact woodland ecosystems and healthy reptile populations. The recent release of this species at Dabchick Wildlife Reserve forms part of ongoing rewilding efforts to restore natural predator–prey balance and ecosystem function. Dabchick has rewilded large areas of previously degraded land and runs hands-on conservation and rewilding programmes focused on ecological restoration and wildlife reintroductions. 

⸻

🗨 Quote of the Month

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘚𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘢𝘣𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬. 𝘈𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴.
— Drs Peter & Pamela Oberem

⸻

🦆 Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers outstanding bird watching and photography. Book your stay now!
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve fans
📩 Reservations: [email protected]
🌐 More info: www.dabchick.co.za
🌿 Rewilding Programme:
👉 https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/

📍 As custodians of biodiversity, we are committed to preserving habitat, raising awareness, and supporting collaborative conservation action.
⸻

🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

Brown Snake Eagle – eBird species page:
👉 https://ebird.org/species/brseag1
(Photos, distribution maps, calls and recordings) 

⸻

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Waterberg Tourism
Rewilding Africa Global Rewilding Alliance
BirdLife South Africa BirdLife International

31/01/2026

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨: 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙋𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

In 2022, Dabchick Wildlife Reserve undertook a significant rewilding intervention involving the rescue and release of 40 African rock python hatchlings (𝘗𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘦) and one adult female. These individuals were carefully reintroduced near the lodge area into suitable habitat, as part of a long-term effort to restore natural predator–prey dynamics within the Waterberg ecosystem.

🐍 African rock pythons are apex ambush predators and play a critical regulatory role in maintaining ecological balance. Their presence contributes to healthy herbivore populations and supports broader ecosystem function.

📹 In January 2026, a Dabchick staff member recorded a clear indicator of rewilding success:
an adult African rock python preying on a three-week-old impala (𝘈𝘦𝘱𝘺𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘴), initiating the strike at the hind leg, constricting around the body and neck, and subsequently swallowing the prey whole.

💡This observation confirms not only survival, but full behavioural reintegration into the wild.

Such moments underscore the importance of science-led rewilding — where species are not only released, but monitored, protected and allowed to resume their ecological role.

𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🦏🦒
Participants in the Dabchick Rewilding Programme gain hands-on exposure to projects like these, contributing to real conservation outcomes within a functioning bushveld reserve.

🔗 View programme options and secure your participation: https://www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/
Rewilding Africa REWILDING Southern Africa
fans Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Waterberg Tourism Global Rewilding Alliance