EnviroKids January 2019 Issue

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENVIROKIDS!

Pangolin: The World's Most Trafficked Animal

Pangolins are unique, scaly creatures, that have been around for 40 million years. There are eight different species (four in Africa and four in Asia), and they can be found roaming in forests and grass- lands, while eating ants. All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws, and two are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Despite this, the Pangolin is the most trafficked animal in the world – particularly in Asia, where people eat it’s scales and meat. It is estimated that around 1 million Pangolins were poached over the past decade. If we continue this way, this amazing creature could face extinction. World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of every February, and offers an opportunity for schools, youth and communi- ties to spread awareness. Do your bit this Pangolin Day, and make a difference to save a species.

This year, WESSA celebrates 40 years of publishing this incredible publication (EnviroKids) that inspires young and old to care for the Earth. We started producing this magazine in the 70s, when it was originally named Tok Tokkie, but renamed it to EnviroKids in the year 2000. The publication comes out quarterly, in line with the start of school terms. EnviroKids provides readers with material that is in line with the CAPs curriculum, and that also instils in children a sense of wonder and caring for the Earth. Let us know what you think of our magazine by emailing envirokids@wessa.co.za

Enviro News A Step Toward A Greener Society WESSA and Anglo-American Kumba Iron Ore Sishen Mine have come together in partnership to create success through environmental education opportunities. WESSA Sishen Education Centre, situated on the Sishen Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape, had the privilege of hosting learners and educators from various schools within the neighbouring Kathu and Deben communities. Curro Kathu, Deben Primary and Wrenchville High school embarked on an unforget- table experience to learn about the natural environment and to engage learners through active participation at the newly established education centre. The pioneering concept behind this initiative is to reconnect the youth with the outdoor environment and to integrate curriculum-based programmes, such as e-STEAM. During the day visits, learners were encouraged to interact with the environment by identifying animals and plants found in the Kalahari ecosystem, while venturing off into the reserve during an interpretive hike. Bug catching was the most interesting activity, as the

Food for Thought ! The Japanese Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica) is a large, carnivorous wasp found in the forests of Japan. As it grows up to 4.5cm in length and has a 6.25 mm-long stinger, the Japanese call it ōsuzumebachi, meaning "great sparrow bee". In Japan, a traditional practice handed-down through the generations, involves baiting wasps with fish or chicken meat and following them into the forest to track down the nest. The dug-up nest is taken home and placed inside a wooden nest box. Over a period of five months, the wasps are spoilt with sugar water and meat or fish. Finally, the enlarged nest is removed from the manmade nest box. The outer protective covering that the wasps construct from chewed bark is removed and the nest is separated into layers to reveal the capped brood. The

learners collected insects, spiders and bugs, to have a closer look at the structural feature of the organism. Gemsbok, Springbok, Duikers, Ground squirrels, and Spring Hares were commonly seen including various birds such as the Crimson-Breasted Strike and Crowned Lapwing. WESSA Sishen Education Centre provides numerous opportunities for out- door exploration, giving people an opportunity to explore the natural world, and get a good dose of Vitamin N (for Nature), while also nurturing young individuals to be- come #PeopleCaringForTheEarth. 2

caps are removed from the comb and then the larvae and pupae are picked out. The dark intestines of the larvae are removed using a tooth pick, and both pupae and larvae can be fried with soy sauce and eaten. Would you dare to try?

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