SYMCO is proudly aligned with conservation enthusiasts, practitioners and custodians. There is no space for complacency and doubt when SYMCO enters into its role as mediator for young veterinarians to become equipped to help manage and protect South Africa’s wildlife biosphere. The skills learned and relationships formed establishes a communication network which supports international veterinarians in their plight to serve and protect their indigenous wildlife.
SYMCO highlights the necessity and importance of veterinary involvement in the conservation of wildlife – Wildlife does not exist in isolation but is linked to society, domesticated animals and the interface that exist between them. The importance of the animal-human interface is addressed in such a manner that provides practical skill and secures a foundation of courage and a relentless spirit to persevere and overcome the obstacles and difficulties in wildlife conservation and management
Young veterinarians gain practical insight to epidemiological realities and can first hand learn how to manage the dichotomy between the growing wildlife farming industry and the need for natural habitation and preservation of both species and their habitat.
The Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies at the University of Pretoria, Faculty Veterinary Science has contributed a vast amount of research, practical management protocols, data, pharmaceutical practice and more to the sustaining of the highly diverse wild life of Southern Africa. http://www.up.ac.za/centre-for-veterinary-wildlife-studies
SYMCO aims to position South Africa as a leading country with regards to veterinary science and wildlife conservation. With already well established conservation and rehabilitation centers, South Africa provides, with many volunteer programmes, the rare opportunity to give people an amazing wildlife encounter while preserving a specie and caring for its needs and habitat. Most of the programmes run in South Africa take care to establish natural flora and remove invader species. Work is done on anti-poaching, rehabilitation of eroded areas, removal of bush encroachment, improvement of habitats, removal and maintenance of fences and dirt roads, protection of trees from elephant destruction, herbivore age and sex ratio analysis, monitoring of animals, sustainable record keeping, bird of prey surveys and monitoring, rare animal breeding programmes, nocturnal animal study and observation, specimen collection for data analysis, genetic testing for pure breeds in order to maintain specie purity, and pharmacological studies to improve procedures requiring medical intervention.
South Africa’s National Parks and individual conservation trusts serve as a fundamental cornerstone of conservation, providing the average citizen with expert safari experiences while using the capital to re-establish, maintain and manage South Africa’s natural fauna and flora
South Africa is supported by many private and international conservation agencies and enthusiasts – enjoying some of South Africa’s local wine will also contribute to the conservation of local fauna – toads, leopards and whales are some of the species that the wine makers of South Africa aim to protect. Smaller fauna, such as the porcupine, and flora are also under protection of these custodians.
Many local and international organisations contribute to the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife.
