Introduction

The Ajubatus concept of providing specialist research into endangered species was first mooted in the mid 1990's with initial emphasis being placed on the cheetah-Acinonyx Jubatus, from which the name Ajubatus has been taken. The fastest land mammal on earth and heralded for its grace and elegance, there is a growing concern that this animal might, in time face extinction both through loss of habitat and predator competition. As will be noted from the projects listed below, we have placed great emphasis on monitoring of the species within a controlled environment and this will assist with multi national research being undertaken.

In late 2006, the Ajubatus Foundation identified a need for research on the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus), populations along the southern and western seaboard of the Cape Province had collapsed and the penguin is in a quite perilous state. Through a dynamic and far reaching approach, funding was provided for the take over of the Sea Point Lighthouse in Cape St. Francis and the development of a Marine Bird Hospital and Rehabilitation facility. This state of the art facility has proved an inordinate success and with final release statistics approaching 90%, is testament to what can be achieved even in the most dire circumstances.

Covering an area of over 300km's of coastline, the mandate was complex to say the least not to mention the ongoing support of smaller rehabilitation centre's along the coast whose work was vital in assisting with the preservation of this endangered species.

Not content with the establishment of the Marine Bird Facility, the Foundation adapted one of the lighthouse residences into a coffee shop and restaurant and facilitated local community support through monthly fete's. In addition to this commitment, the Foundation operated the lighthouse Tours programme, training formerly disadvantaged locals in hospitality and guiding in one of the countries oldest and most significant lighthouses. The commercial programme not only generated income for Transnet Lighthouse Services and the Penguin Programme, but also created 14 permanent job positions to locals in the community. Against all odds, the Ajubatus Foundaiton created a viable and dynamic tourist attraction that saw in excess of 20000 visitors a year at the site. Trained volunteers were on hand to discuss conservation issues with visitors to the site and the facility soon became one of the most attractive and popular destinations in the greater St. Francis region.

In late 2008, it was agreed by the Foundation to hand over site operations to the Ajubatus volunteer group who would carry the mandate forward. The multimillion Rand investment in overheads and capital expenditure was donated as a fully functioning unit to the newly formed Penguins - Eastern Cape though unfortunately, they were soon to close the commercial components and the proposed Research Bursary (The study of parasites, Vectors and diseases of Free Ranging African Penguins in Algoa Bay) was discontinued. Having said this, it is our belief that by empowering local community - the Penguin project has the greatest hope of success and the platform laid by Ajubatus is testament to the commitment of the organization to not only project specifics, but the community affected by such activity.

Ajubatus is, in part, committed to setting the course for others to follow in the field of wildlife conservation and our open door approach to operational protocols, scientific research and field work mandates will surely encourage others to follow suit.