De Wetshof Estate in Robertson has partnered with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting the declining population of the Bateleur eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus). This majestic African raptor, which inspired De Wetshof’s iconic Bateleur Chardonnay, was named South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2024. Recognizing its endangered status, De Wetshof has contributed to EWT’s initiative by sponsoring a GPS tracking unit to monitor the Bateleur’s movements across sub-Saharan Africa.
Tracking the Bateleur for a Sustainable Future
The GPS tracking technology will provide crucial data on flight patterns and habitat use, enabling conservationists to identify threats and develop strategies to halt the species’ rapid decline. Currently, only around 1,000 adult Bateleur eagles remain in South Africa, a shocking statistic that prompted De Wetshof CEO Johann de Wet and his team to take action.
“Conservation is deeply rooted in the De Wetshof family ethos,” says De Wet. “The Bateleur has been associated with our estate for over 30 years through our Bateleur Chardonnay, and learning about the species’ endangered status made it clear that we needed to get involved.”
A Legacy of Conservation and Passion for Nature
Johann de Wet, along with his father Danie de Wet and brother Peter de Wet, are lifelong nature enthusiasts who frequently visit the South African bushveld. Their love for wildlife led to the naming of the first vintage of Bateleur Chardonnay in 1991 after spotting a soaring Bateleur in Kruger National Park.
After engaging with André Botha from the EWT, De Wetshof committed to sponsoring one of the solar-powered GPS trackers used to monitor the birds. The project spans three years, during which 30 Bateleur eagles of different ages and both sexes will be safely captured and tagged across Southern, East, and Central/West Africa.
The Fight to Save the Bateleur
The Bateleur eagle is found across sub-Saharan Africa, including Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Cameroon, and Kenya. However, its population faces several threats, including habitat loss due to agriculture, collisions with wind turbines and electricity pylons, and poisoning from contaminated animal carcasses.
According to André Botha, the Bateleur is one of Southern Africa’s most recognizable and colorful raptors, yet it remains one of the least studied species. “Understanding the Bateleur’s movements and behavior is crucial for conservation decisions,” says Botha. The EWT’s research, combining GPS tracking and genetic surveys, will help gain deeper insights into the species’ ecology and threats.
De Wetshof’s Commitment to Conservation
During the project, wildlife veterinarians will oversee the tagging process to ensure the birds’ safety. Currently, eight Bateleur eagles in Kruger National Park, two in northern Mozambique, and one in western Zambia have been tagged. The GPS units, priced at $3,000 each, are imported from Germany, with De Wetshof funding one of them to aid in this vital research.
“Myself and the De Wetshof team eagerly anticipate meeting the Bateleur we have sponsored,” says De Wet. “It is an honor to contribute to such an essential initiative, and we hope this effort will help halt the population decline of this magnificent bird, which has been a part of De Wetshof’s identity for decades.”
