2015 Activity Report

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2 Contents About TOSCO Research Desert Lion Conservation...2 Desert Elephant Conservation...3 Kwando Carnivore Project....4 Living with Wildlife Rhino Rangers...5 Save the Rhino Trust... 6 Lion Ranger Puros...7 Kunene Region Conservancy Association... 8 Conservation Contribution... 9 Snake Conservation Public Awareness Responsible Travel Brochure Giraffe Conservation Foundation...12 Desert Elephant Pamphlet...13 Vanishing Kings...14 End of the game? 23/05 Talk...15 Mission: To develop responsible travel by supporting conservation Tourism Supporting Conservation (TOSCO) is a Namibian nonprofit organization connecting tourism to conservation and communities for the benefit of all. TOSCO promotes responsible travel by sponsoring conservation programs, supporting people living with wildlife and raising public awareness. Funds Partners Sponsors Goodies You are TOSCO Better together

3 Research Desert Lion Conservation Desert Elephant Conservation Research This valuable contribution from TOSCO will therefore be another major boost for the project in that it has enabled the purchase of a 2 new satellite collars as well as pre-paid air time for 2 years. Fuel for field research trip ( N$) 2 satellite collars, batteries for camera traps and cash funds ( N$) The satellite collars provides valuable information about the movements of the prides and thus their behavior. The lions can also be monitored to avoid conflict when they come close to human settlements. Key lion and lioness posing a potential threat to the livelihood of the farmers will be identified and by attaching this collar, this will hopefully avert the inevitable livestock losses and subsequent elimination of the desert adapted lions as the necessary precautionary steps can be put into place in time to prevent these. Dr Stander, Desert Lion Conservation Hoanib & Hoarusib elephant population trends 2015 Desert Elephant Conservation promotes the long-term conservation of Namibia s desert elephant population through research, monitoring, and the sharing of knowledge. Thank you for helping to protect our lions and on a daily basis you can follow the movements of various lion prides and much more by connecting to As initiated by TOSCO, we need to build a bridge between different stakeholders in the area, scientists, tourism professionals and local communities to help each other. We want free flow information, an open book with public access. Dr R Ramey Dr Rob Roy Ramey Dr Laura Brown 2 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 3

4 Research Kwando Carnivore Project Rhino Rangers Living with Wildlife 2 infra red camera traps and 2 protection box ( N$) 2 camera traps sponsored by TOSCO have been delivered to the Kwando carnivore project base camp in the Zambezi region. TOSCO provided the camera traps only 2 weeks after they had been requested by Lise Hanssen, the project manager. The camera traps will be used to monitor spotted hyenas and wild dogs dens and carcasses. It is an ongoing monitoring of survival. The infrared allow to take pictures at den without flashilights disturbing the den. More than 100 wild dogs in Bwabwata national park, sometimes overlapping in 3 countries: Namibia, Botswana, Angola. Our field vehicle, led by Usiel Nuab from Sesfontein, had an extremely productive 2015 covering 3 key rhino areas both within Palmwag and Etendeka Tourism Concession and outside on Conservancy Lands and 20% of the region s rhino. In total, 89 field days produced 101 rhino sightings including an average sighting success (% of known rhino located within a given area during a patrol) of 85% per patrol. The individual rhino identification accuracy on average is also commendable at 73% per patrol. Patrols also included 7 different Conservancy Rhino Rangers across 4 Conservancies which accumulated 363 total ranger field days and 374 total ranger rhino sightings. I believe these are well deserved upgrades to Usiel s team and would hopefully help keep morale high when we need it most. Rhino Rangers field equipment ( N$) On behalf of the Rhino Ranger Support Group, I wanted to thank TOSCO once again for offering to fund our work to support the Conservancy Rhino Ranger programme. First cause of mortality in the area is road accidents on the tarred road. In Kavango the Human wildlife conflict is increasing but decreasing in Zambezi region. In 2016, a big spoor survey will take place. 3 infra red camera traps and 2 bear box protection (to avoid being destroyed and chewed by hyenas) = value: NAD. After discussions with Boas, our field coordinator, we decided that TOSCO s N$20,000 wicked best be spent to outfit one of our key patrolling vehicles with: Engel 60l fridge and mounting/battery, power inverter, compressor pump, water tank. 4 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 5

5 Living with Wildlife Save the Rhino Trust Lion Ranger Puros Living with Wildlife Save the Rhino Trust and our affiliate Rhino Ranger Incentive Programme are extremely humbled and honoured to have received continuous support from TOSCO - Tourism supporting Conservation over the past few years. 3 solars panels for the poaching mobile camp (3 000 N$) Namibia s wild rhino can survive if the local people do not tolerate poaching, if rhino become more valuable alive than dead - through employment and tourism. Despite a sharp spike in 2014, rhino poaching rates have been significantly reduced this past year in north-west Namibia. Funding provided by TOSCO has helped establish a series of strategically positioned remote fly camps in the rhino range and dozens of new canvas tents that have improved the safety and comfort for our patrol teams that work tirelessly under extreme conditions on a daily basis. From all of us working to protect Namibia s desertadapted rhino, we thank TOSCO for all their support! 1 lion ranger annual salary ( N$) Continued support of the lion ranger/s in Puros is greatly appreciated. The salary for Bertus is making these rangers more effective. For your information, IRDNC is in the process of increasing our input with regard to lion conservation in this area, with particular emphasis on the Tomakas and Gomatum valley areas. Puros Lion rangers Kootie, Bertus and Colin These rangers input will be pivotal to these efforts. 6 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 7

6 Living with Wildlife Kunene Region Conservancy Association Conservation Contribution Living with Wildlife 5 field tents ( N$) This camping equipment will make it easier for the KRCA representatives to travel around their vast areas to work with their rural communities. Mr John Kasaona receiving the mateial on behalf of KRCA Mission of KRCA Its mission is to unite all conservancies in the Kunene Region to speak with one voice, and to jointly advocate and advise conservancies. The KRCA has been active in promoting awareness about the impacts of wildlife crime at a local level and amongst traditional leaders in the Kunene. The KRCA has also been instrumental to prevent further incursion of livestock into wildlife areas. On communal land the local communities carry the costs of conserving the wildlife that tourists come to enjoy. To contribute more to covering the costs of conservation and living with wildlife, the members of the TOSCO community have committed themselves to paying a voluntary conservation contribution of 50 N$ per guest per day for their nature-focussed activities, as well as an additional 50 N$ per guest per night for wild camping. The contributions are paid to TOSCO from where they will be passed on to the specific conservancies to mitigate human / wildlife conflict. Several media have covered the TOSCO Conservation Contribution. Travel News Namibia called the TOSCO Conservation Contribution a landmark fund ( ) We would like to thank all TOSCO sponsors who are already implementing the contribution! Namibia Horse Safari Safaris Unlimited Esafaris 800 MOWPAN Ecosafaris Matiti Safaris Torra, Sesfontein and Puros conservancies ( N$) TOSCO continues to be a valuable partner between Tour Operators and the Conservancies, and NGO s and communities in the CBNRM programme. The support by TOSCO members to contribute a trespassing fee or use of the resource in the conservancies during 2015 prove to be a significant milestone for conservation in communal areas as well as other parts in the country. Conservation is everybody s business and TOSCO is making that difference, looking forward to work with TOSCO IN 2016! Maxi Louis, NACSO chairwoman. 8 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 9

7 Living with Wildlife Snake Conservation Responsible Travel Brochure Public Awareness Fuel and car maintenance (5 000 N$) Snakes are important for all ecosystems in Namibia. That fact is often overlooked. TOSCO does not only care for lions and elephants, but for whole ecosystems. Only with a holistic view can we hope to keep habitats for the iconic species intact. Francois Theart is doing fantastic work with regards to rescuing snakes and educating people about them. Thus we have decided to assist him. Snakes are proof of a healthy environment. Don t kill snakes, relocate them safely! I have been rescuing snakes and other reptiles in the Windhoek area for the past ten years. About 18 months ago I decided to start collecting data on the animals I save. Since 12 August March 2016 I have successfully rescued and relocated 370 snakes 10 monitor Lizards and 3 tortoises. I have travelled over thirty-one thousand kilometres over this time period. I cover the entire Windhoek area as well as surrounding farms. Namibian snake expert François Theart relocating a 2,15m Anchieta s Cobra (Naja anchietae) in Khomas region. A great deal of research goes into human snake conflict. Each and every snake is weighed and measured. Environmental temperatures are also taken. What a pleasant surprise! TOSCO has sponsored N$ to snake conservation in Namibia. I would like to thank the TOSCO team from the bottom of my heart you guys are amazing. The funds will go a long way in maintaining my vehicle and covering my fuel costs for the next couple of months. François Theart RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL ON COMMUNAL LANDS Responsible travel improves the lives of the locals and keeps the environment intact. Visitors can enjoy the best a place has to offer and have a great time, now and in the future. To achieve this we endeavour to minimize negative and maximize positive impacts: 1. ENVIRONMENTAL: protect biodiversity and resources: wildlife, landscapes, flora; water; contribute to conservation 2. SOCIAL: empower the local people; care for and respect their culture. 3. ECONOMICAL: create economic benefits for local people. ECONOMICAL Recognize that local people must benefit from tourism as well. Develop a responsible tourism attitude and select your accommodation and excursions based on their social and environmental practices. Support local suppliers and communities. A street vendor, craft artists, a local guide, a local tour operator, etc... Use local products where possible. Look for the Team Namibia logo or check where the veggies have been grown. Check where the souvenir you intend to buy has been produced. Many souvenirs now come from Asia. Give priority to places where communities are involved. Namibia boasts spectacular community-based campsites and lodges. Be patient if not everything is 100% perfect yet travel is about being open to new experiences. Conservation costs money. Support conservancies by paying a Voluntary Conservation Contribution. Contact us for information. Explore beyond the guide books, be open - you might be surprised how much you enjoy yourself. TOSCO Trust promotes responsible travel, supports conservation and people living with wildlife in Namibia s communal land. TOSCO is a proud partner of: Responsible travel in natural areas conserves the environment and sustains the well being of the local people Ecotourism society (1990) TOSCO Trust (0) info@tosco.org / P.O. Box 91159, Windhoek - N o T86/12 If you take it in, take it out! Enjoy Travelling in NAMIBIA Responsibly Your Guide Take only pictures, leave only footprints! brochures sponsored and distributed nationwide (5 491 N$) 10 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 11

8 Public Awareness Giraffe Conservation Foundation Desert Elephant Pamphlet Public Awareness brochures and 40 posters printed and distributed ( N$) AFRICA S GIRAFFE Conservation Status Conservation Guide We are grateful for the support of all the photographers, who have generously allowed us to reproduce their images free of charge: Francois Deacon, Donna Hanson, Mike Kock, Ludwig Siege, Nico Smit and Megan Strauss, as well as IUCN Least Concern (LC): as a species Endangered (2008): G. c. peralta (West African or Nigerian giraffe) Endangered (2010): G. c. rothschildi (Rothschild s, Ugandan or Baringo giraffe) Black Eagle Media for producing the map. Taxonomy & Populations Class: Mammalia (Mammals) Order: Artiodactyla The Giraffe Conservation Foundation works closely with partners across Africa and internationally to save giraffe in the wild and share the giraffe conservation message globally. We are happy to have found a committed partner in TOSCO who is helping us to raise awareness for giraffe conservation in Namibia Stephanie Fennessy Limiting Factors Scientific A lack of long-term research including ecology, physiology and taxonomy, and reliable historical and current data, remain the most limiting factors in understanding giraffe. More essential baseline knowledge is required across the board. As an example, there has never been a long-term ecological research project on giraffe. Excitingly, advances in all the above scientific fields are slowly increasing whilst ongoing genetic research on giraffe populations across the continent is providing invaluable baseline for their future conservation and management, and promises to unravel their taxonomic mystery. CITES Not Listed In 1998 the total number of giraffe in Africa was estimated by IUCN at greater than 140,000 individuals. In 2013, best estimates by the GCF have the Africa-wide population at less than 80,000 individuals ecompassing all (sub)species. Efforts are underway to build up a more accurate census of the Africa-wide population in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) and other conservation partners. Conservation Significance Giraffe are agents of habitat and landscape change. They open up areas and promote growth of new forage for themselves and other wildlife. Moderate giraffe browsing has been shown to stimulate shoot production in certain Acacia species. Giraffe browsing can furthermore benefit Acacia species as seed consumption favours seed dispersal into non-shaded habitats and enhances the potential for seed germination through the beneficial effects of its digestive processes. Giraffe are also thought to play a role in pollination. Research in Kenya highlighted that, in areas protected from giraffe and other mega-herbivores, some Acacia species declined and the knock on effect to other species was considerable. There is a mutually beneficial relationship between giraffe and oxpecker birds, or obligates in the absence of oxpeckers. Giraffe are host to various parasitic ticks and the benefit from oxpeckers and other birds removing ticks is considerable. Economic Significance The giraffe s primary economic benefit is its evolutionary uniqueness. Images of giraffe are used daily around the world. Their unmistakable silhouettes and evocative images are regularly used in advertising to sell anything from tea bags to wine, from whisky to mobile phones and even the FIFA World Cup. However, it is the tourist dollar which interests stakeholders most. There is barely a safari brochure or travel operator in the world that does not use a giraffe to sell Africa as an exciting holiday destination. In essence, giraffe market Africa! In comparison to other large herbivores like elephant and buffalo, and highly lucrative predators, giraffe cannot compete as a significant source of revenue in the trophy hunting market. Management Priorities Promoting the importance and profile of giraffe conservation on the international stage, increasing awareness for the plight of the giraffe. Securing viable, and protecting existing, habitat for giraffe and other wildlife. Supporting dedicated and innovative research to better understand giraffe ecology, conservation and management. Establishing the current status of all giraffe populations and (sub)species to support and inform their conservation and management. Identifying key threats to giraffe and innovative ways to mitigate these. Developing a world class network of individuals and organisations dedicated to securing the future of giraffe. Providing a platform and forum for giraffe related research, conservation and management discussion. Promoting and supporting giraffe conservation initiatives and work collaboratively with local communities to develop a sustainable future for both people and wildlife. Family: Giraffidae Genus: Giraffa Species: Giraffa camelopardalis c c c c G. c. angolensis <20,000 G. c. antiquorum <3,000 G. c. camelopardalis <650 G. c. giraffa <12,000 G. c. peralta* <300 G. c. reticulata <4,700 G. c. rothschildi * <1,100 G. c. thornicrofti <1,000 G. c. tippelskirchi <37, pamphlets sponsored and distributed (5 491 N$) Ecological Giraffe populations are regulated in part by natural mortality caused by predation (varying from population to population across the continent). Even adult male giraffe can be predated by lions, but sub adults and calves are particularly vulnerable and can be taken by hyena, leopard, cheetah, crocodile, and of course, humans! Additionally, malnutrition, a result of limited dry season food quality and quantity, and diseases including anthrax and rinderpest play a role in limiting population growth. Social Giraffe are competing with other more charismatic creatures. The common misconception that there are abundant giraffe around is exacerbated by their currently outdated conservation status and profile. It is estimated that giraffe numbers are less than a fifth of those of the African elephant which is currently classified as vulnerable, while giraffe is classified as least concern. The magnitude of illegal hunting and its role in driving change in giraffe population dynamics is an aspect that is still poorly understood. Threats Poaching, human population growth, impact of war and civil unrest, diseases, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and habitat degradation combined impact giraffe distribution across the African continent. Many threats arise from conflict and competition (direct, indirect or perceived) for resources with humans and their domestic stock. Habitat degradation and destruction is caused by the increase of agriculture, pastoralism, uncontrolled timber and fuel wood harvesting. Damages to crops are another cause of human-wildlife conflict and potential disease transmission can result from close contact with domestic livestock. Giraffe outside of protected areas are even known to have been hit by vehicles! Habitat fragmentation caused by human population expansion and encroachment isolates giraffe populations from gene flow and exchange of genetic diversity. This has restrictive implications on the evolutionary potential of the species. Isolated populations and populations having undergone bottlenecks are in danger of progressive mating of relatives that will eventually result in increased levels of inbreeding. Copyright Giraffe Conservation Foundation 2013 This special edition of the poster was printed by Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is dedicated to securing a future for all giraffe populations in the wild. GCF is the only charity in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation of this most quintessential of Africa s mega-herbivores and its habitat TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 13

9 Public Awareness Vanishing Kings End of the game? 23/05 Talk Public Awareness Are wildlife numbers in the north-west declining and are conservancies driven by greed? TOSCO bought 100 DVDs to support the Desert Lion Research Project and to spread the message of the film about the desert lions ( N$). Stirred up by the discussions in the press and on social media, conservancies reached out to the tourism industry and offered meetings to discuss these questions. The game count figures indeed show a decline since The reasons for this are not entirely clear but among them are low rainfall, but also management issues. In the below document you will find the resolutions the conservancies have taken to address the problems they have identified. Applying adaptive management, 9 conservancies have stopped shoot & sell completely. This income somehow needs to be compensated. In the north-west, conservancies and tourism rely on each other more than ever. Facilities & representatives for conservancies headmen (3 300 N$) Tourism operators organizing themselves like TOSCO and the contribution it is making to insuring a really sound viable conservation effort is incredible Read the full meeting report here ( com/2016/01/end-of-the-game-meeting-report-tosco.pdf) As a Herero proverb states: Dr Philip Stander, Desert Lion Conservation. Omunue umue kautoora ona ( You can t pick up a lice with one nail ) 14 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 15

10 Funds 2015 / / 2015 Funds BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 2014/2015 TOURISM OPERATORS SPONSORSHIP FUNDS IN 2015/2016 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (Tendua) N$ PRIVATE COMPANIES Pro Trade Energizer Batteries Kunene Resources TOURIST & PUBLIC SPONSORS CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION Esafaris 800 Namibia Horse Safaris Safaris Unlimited Matiti Safaris MOWPAN Ecosafaris TOTAL FUNDS RECEIVED DURING 2015/ FUNDS OUT 2015/2016 RESEARCH Desert Lion Conservation Kwando Carnivore project Desert Elephant conservation LIVING WITH WILDLIFE Puros lion ranger Rhino ranger Conservancy support Conservation contribution Snake conservation PUBLIC AWARENESS Responsible travel brochures Desert Elephant pamphlet Giraffe conservation foundation Vanishing Kings DVD s TOSCO stickers and website TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSES FOR 2015/2016 PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION COSTS BANK SERVICE CHARGES ACCOUNTING FEES FOR 2015/ TOTAL FUNDS PAID OUT DURING 2015/ % 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 200, , , , , ,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20, % FUNDS IN 2015 FUNDS OUT % Non profit organiza7on Private companies Tourists & public Tourism operators FUNDS FROM 2012 to % Non profit organiza4ons Tourists Professionals 59% 2012 = NAD 2013 = NAD 2014 = NAD 2015 = NAD % 13% % % SPONSORS Research Living with wildlife Public awareness Admin costs Tourists Overseas operators Namibians operators 16 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 17

11 Partners Current Partners Professional Sponsors 2015 Sponsors Category Lion Category Leopard 18 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 19

12 Sponsors Professional Sponsors 2015 Sponsor Benefits Goodies 2016 Category Cheetah Category Caracal TOSCO TEAM: your sponsor benefits 1. Enhance your image as a responsible travel operator 2. Enjoy privileged relationship with program beneficiaries on the field 3. Be part of a conservation community that cares about Namibia s wild places! 2016 SPONSOR PACK includes: TOSCO 2016 car stickers and license discs Giraffe conservation posters and booklets Vanishing Kings DVD Desert Lion Conservation stickers Responsible travel guidelines 2015 Activity report COMPASS TRAVEL NAMIBIA 20 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 21

13 TOSCO You are TOSCO Thank You for caring Better together TOSCO = A tourism community that cares for Namibia s wild places! You care! COMMUNICATION Barbara barbara@tosco.org Please share your ideas and get involved for projects that make a difference - Hand in your proposal, together we can achieve more. TREASURER Dieter accounts@tosco.org TOSCO supports projects that: reduce or mitigate human/ wildlife conflict do research that can contribute to the conservations of habitats of endangered species responsible tourism projects that to contribute to ensuring that visiting Namibia s wild places is as enjoyable in the future as it is now TOSCO will prefer projects which suggest a measurable impact. Send an info@tosco.org Phone us: (Felix) or (Barbara) let s meet and join us on Facebook (TOSCO Facebook page and TOSCO closed group) or Twitter TOSCO Trust N T86/12 PO Box Windhoek - NAMIBIA Website: CHAIRMAN Felix info@tosco.org LION RANGER PUROS Bertus pollenk7@hotmail.com Contact us to join. We need you! 22 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation 23

14 TOSCO Words of Appreciation Dear TOSCO Team, Thanks for such a report and congratulations on your fund-raising on behalf of conservation in Namibia. It is great to see your commitment and involvement to this sector and a real pleasure to be a partner with you in your efforts. Keep up the great work. Chris Weaver, director WWF Namibia. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world- indeed it s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead This is exactly what TOSCO is a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens that are changing the world. A few years ago a group of tourism operators got together after a pride of lions got poisoned in the North West of Namibia. They realized that those lions were very important for the biodiversity of the environment and essential for tourism in the country, thus they had to contribute to their conservation from then on. Travel News Namibia. IRDNC would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to TOSCO for their continued and sustained support of conservation in The Kunene Region. While the actual contributions aiding the direct conservation of our desert adapted lions, rhinos and elephants helps significantly, the importance of the involvement and commitment of all your members is tremendous. Exposing tourists and visitors to Namibia to the challenges of conservation in our country is important. Further, it is great to see a group within the hospitality industry buying into the resource they sell and use with such energy and commitment. Russell Vinjevold, IRDNC. For the past few years, the Kwando Carnivore Project has received support from TOSCO trust in the form of funding and equipment for field projects. This support has contributed significantly to our monitoring efforts particularly where sensitive activities such as monitoring hyaena cubs at dens is required. Through our partnership with TOSCO, we have also had the opportunity of sharing information about the Zambezi Region and our conservation efforts with some of their guests. We are most grateful for this support from the TOSCO Trust. Lise Hanssen, Kwando carnivore project 24 TOSCO : Tourism supporting Conservation

15 TOSCO Trust N T86/12 PO Box Windhoek - NAMIBIA Website: info@tosco.org Phone: (Felix) or (Barbara)