REST (Rare and Endangered Species Trust) was founded in the year 2000. The objective of REST is to research and provide logistic support for Namibias endangered species. The Trust was established with the primary focus being the Cape Griffon Vulture (Gyps Coprotheres) , Namibia's most endangered species. In its efforts, REST is gaining support from around Southern Africa and the world. Host advisory board includes Dr. Chris Brown, head of NNF (Namibia Nature Foundation) and acknowledged expert on Namibia's Cape Griffon vultures; Dr. Peter Mundy of Zimbabwe and Dr. Steven Piper, co-authors of an encyclopedia on vultures; Dr. John Mendelson in charge of host GIS satellite monitoring and Dr. Ara Monajem from Swazi land; and Prof. Gerhard Verdoorn of Birdlife South Africa who graciously contributed many of the Cape Griffon photos seen on this website.

To initiate and support the scientific and practical study of rare and endangered species in Namibia and to help develop and facilitate solutions to community, national and international problems with these species.
The first five years have been a busy time at REST; setting up the trust, developing host infrastructure, securing funding , and launching host research and education programmers. All of this has presented us with some challenges but with generous support from friends, sponsors, funders and the local community establishment have achieved some amazing results, made new friends along the way, and taken some valuable steps to conserve the Cape Griffon vulture.

Looking into future for REST is very exciting; the relocation to host new Headquarters at Farm Okatjemunde; developing the new Interactive Visitors Centre, continuing host research and education programmers; and expanding host programme to include three other Namibian rare and endangered species: African Wild Dog, Pangolin and Dwarf Python.
The long term vision is for REST to remain small and focused, establishment do not want to lose sight of why establishment are here. Host challenge is to find the necessary funding and support to enable us to develop host new facilities and employ the right people to help us grow. Most importantly, these activities are undertaken to help us protect the Rare and Endangered Species of Namibia.

Activities: The members of the Trust are concentrating on the Cape Griffon Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) initially, as it is Namibia's most endangered species. Establishment are focusing on the following:

• Identifying the current population of remaining birds

• Developing for distribution, information on vultures and vulture feeding restaurants

• Building a vulture restaurant & hide at REST headquarters which is available to the public for education purposes

• Finding funding for satellite collars which will provide vital information to the birds' foraging, behavioural & social patterns

• Testing all remaining Cape Griffons for contaminates & heavy metals, and to determine the sex of the birds

• Developing a pamphlet for communal and commercial farmers on poisons and their relationship to raptors

• Developing a check field-list for communal and commercial farmers in relation to predation on their land

• Giving public talks on poison and vultures to a variety of school and community organizations

• Coordinating the Flight for the Plight, and international hang gliding and paragliding event to raise funds for the vulture

Information:
REST Founder & Director:
Maria Diekmann
PO Box 178
Otjiwarongo
Namibia
9000
Tel/Fax: 00264 67 306226

Related links:

• Otjiwarongo
• Waterberg Plateau Park

Accommodation in the area:

• Aloegrove Safari Lodge
• Hamakari Guest Farm
• Waterberg Guest Farm
• Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
• Okonjima Lodge
• Frans Indongo Logde
• Wabi Lodge

• Cheetah Conservation Fund