Rooikat Conservation

Rooikat Conservation Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Rooikat Conservation, Environmental conservation organisation, Pretoria.

Focusing our conservation efforts on Gauteng, north of the Magaliesberg, we aim to bring about meaningful change in this part of the central bushveld that is presently experiencing substantial environmental challenges due to intense human activities.

Spaces are filling up and is limited! Secure your ticket now and join the Rooikat Conservation team for an unforgettable...
13/08/2026

Spaces are filling up and is limited! Secure your ticket now and join the Rooikat Conservation team for an unforgettable weekend at Borakalalo Nature Reserve.

09/08/2026

Why would poachers dry the meat?

During a recent snare removal walk, we came across a slaughter site where poachers had snares an animal, and have been processing and hanging meat out to dry.

Drying meat is a traditional method of preservation. But in a poaching context, it has another very practical advantage: It makes the meat lighter.

As moisture is removed, the meat loses weight and bulk, making it significantly easier to transport, particularly when dealing with larger carcasses that would otherwise be difficult to carry out of the area.

Understanding these practices gives us a better picture of how poaching actually operates on the ground, and helps conservation teams understand what they are up against.

Conservation isn't just about finding snares. It's about understanding the bigger picture. ๐Ÿพ

Success in conservation isn't always measured by what you find, but sometimes by what you don't.A huge thank you to ever...
03/08/2026

Success in conservation isn't always measured by what you find, but sometimes by what you don't.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent snare removal walk at Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve.

This time, we didn't find a single snare.

For us, that's exactly the kind of result we hope to see. While there's always more work to be done, it's encouraging to see the progress being made. Through regular patrols, increased awareness, and the commitment of so many dedicated people, Roodeplaat is slowly becoming a safer place for wildlife. From our perspective, biodiversity is beginning to recover, and that's something worth celebrating.

Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is proving what can be achieved when reserve management, local communities, conservation organizations, volunteers, landowners, and passionate individuals all work towards a shared goal. The challenges facing our natural heritage are simply too great for any one person or organisation to tackle alone, but together we can make a real and lasting difference.

The patrol wasn't entirely without action. We removed a concealed illegal fishing float, used by fish poachers, as well as old barbed wire and other litter that no longer belongs in this beautiful environment.

To everyone who joined us; thank you for giving up your Saturday to make a difference. Every patrol strengthens the protection of this reserve, whether we remove 20 snares or none at all. We hope you enjoyed your time in the bush, learnt something new, and left with an even greater appreciation for the incredible wildlife and biodiversity that make Roodeplaat so special.

๐ŸŒฟ Join us this Saturday!

Our next Snare Removal Walk takes place this Saturday at Die Bosveld, and we'd love to have you with us. Whether you're joining for the first time or you're a regular volunteer, every extra pair of eyes and hands helps make a difference for our wildlife.

๐Ÿ‘‰ RSVP here: https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/die-bosveld-snare-removal-walk-8-august-2026

A bit of good Sunday news ๐ŸพYesterday evening, we received a phone call from a farmer near Lichtenburg after he had caugh...
02/08/2026

A bit of good Sunday news ๐Ÿพ

Yesterday evening, we received a phone call from a farmer near Lichtenburg after he had caught a caracal in a cage trap. Having lost several blesbok lambs, he wanted to know whether we could help relocate the animal.

Although the caracal had been causing losses, the farmer made it clear that, he would rather see the animal relocated than destroyed.

We contacted John Power from the the North West environmental services, who immediately agreed to assist. Early this morning, he travelled to the farm and safely collected the caracal. Destined for relocation once all the checks are done and a suitable habitat has been found.

A sincere thank you to John for his willingness to assist at such short notice and for his dedication and the important work he continues to do for our wildlife. ๐Ÿ’š

We would also like to acknowledge the farmer. Predator-livestock conflict is one of conservation's most challenging realities, and there are seldom simple answers. Choosing to seek help instead of immediately destroying the animal demonstrates a genuine willingness to pursue a responsible solution.

This story also highlights the value of the conservation network we have built together through the Rooikat community.

No single organization or individual can be everywhere. But by building trusted relationships with farmers, conservationists, environmental authorities, veterinarians, reserve managers, researchers, rehabilitation centers, volunteers, and more, we can ensure that when wildlife needs help, the right people can be connected quickly.

In this case, Rooikat Conservation didn't relocate the caracal, we connected the farmer with someone who could. That quick and easy connection made all the difference.

Every relationship we build strengthens our collective ability to respond to conservation challenges. Sometimes conservation is about boots on the ground. Other times, it's about knowing who to call. Both are equally important, and both help create better outcomes for people and wildlife.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Attributed to Mah...
29/07/2026

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Attributed to Mahatma Gandhi

Please keep the discussion respectful and constructive. Comments that are abusive, intentionally inflammatory, racially motivated, or that seek to justify or glorify animal cruelty or illegal activities will be removed. Our aim is to encourage meaningful conversation about wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

12 Snares Removed | ARC RoodeplaatOn the 18th July, our volunteers returned to ARC Roodeplaat for another snare removal ...
27/07/2026

12 Snares Removed | ARC Roodeplaat

On the 18th July, our volunteers returned to ARC Roodeplaat for another snare removal patrol, where we removed 12 wire snares, 10 of which had been freshly set. We also collected and removed cable theft remnants that could have been used to make even more snares.

Every snare removed is one less threat to our wildlife, and every piece of wire taken out of the bush is one less opportunity for another animal to become a victim.

One moment that really stood out was watching a zebra slowly make its way towards the very area where those freshly set snares had been found. It was an incredible sight, but also a sobering reminder of why this work matters. Had those snares remained in place, the outcome could have been very different.

Snaring remains one of the most widespread and indiscriminate threats to wildlife. Whether it's a zebra, warthog, antelope, predator, or even a tortoise, any animal can become an unintended victim.

A huge thank you to every volunteer who gave up their Saturday to make a difference, and to the team at ARC Roodeplaat for once again allowing us to work in this important conservation area. Your continued support and collaboration are greatly appreciated.

Together, we're making a difference, one snare at a time. ๐Ÿพ

Visit https://www.rooikat.org/snare-removal to book your walk with us and make a difference!

Rooikat - Friends of Borakalalo Weekend | 28 - 30 August 2026 ๐ŸพJoin Rooikat Conservation for a 2-night Conservation Camp...
21/07/2026

Rooikat - Friends of Borakalalo Weekend | 28 - 30 August 2026 ๐Ÿพ

Join Rooikat Conservation for a 2-night Conservation Camp Weekend at Borakalalo Nature Reserve!

This exclusive getaway is your chance to reconnect with nature, develop practical conservation skills, and spend a meaningful weekend with like-minded people.

Enjoy immersive bush walks, learn the art of track & sign interpretation, take part in hands-on conservation activities, experience Borakalalo's spectacular wildlife and scenery, and unwind around the campfire beneath star-filled skies while surrounded by the tranquility of the African bush.

This weekend promises adventure, learning, inspiration, and unforgettable memories. Come experience the magic of Borakalalo and become part of conservation in action.

To book your spot, visit https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/rooikat-friends-of-borakalalo-conservation-weekend-28-30-august-2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for today's snare walk! Every snare taken out is a small, but meaningful, vic...
11/07/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for today's snare walk!

Every snare taken out is a small, but meaningful, victory for conservation.

Conservation isn't always glamorous. It means long walks, thick bush, rough terrain, and hours of searching for something deliberately hidden. But days like today remind us that every volunteer makes a real difference.

We hope our volunteers enjoyed their time in the bush, learned something new, and left with an even greater appreciation for the wildlife and wild spaces we're working to protect.

๐Ÿพ Join us on our next Snare Walk at ARC Roodeplaat this coming Saturday, 18 July 2026! We'd love to have you with us.

๐Ÿ”— Book your spot here: https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/arc-roodeplaat-snare-removal-walk-18-july-2026

Join us on Saturday, 11 July 2026, for another hands-on snare removal walk at Die Bosveld. Get outdoors, meet like-minde...
07/07/2026

Join us on Saturday, 11 July 2026, for another hands-on snare removal walk at Die Bosveld.

Get outdoors, meet like-minded conservationists, and play a direct role in protecting our local wildlife. Every volunteer makes a difference, and every snare removed is one less threat to our wild animals.

Whether you're joining for the first time or are a regular volunteer, this is a great opportunity to experience conservation in action, learn about snare poaching, and make a real difference on the ground.

๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
๐Ÿ•— Time: 08:00
๐Ÿ“ Location: Die Bosveld

๐Ÿ” Booking is essential:
https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/die-bosveld-snare-removal-walk-11-july-2026

โš ๏ธ Please note: No registration through the official booking link = no access on the day. Only registered participants will be permitted to join the walk.

We hope to see you there! ๐ŸŒฟ

Address

Pretoria

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rooikat Conservation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share