Digitally scanned copies of Custos now available

Relive memories

On 8 November 2013, the SANParks Honorary Rangers gave the complete set and electronic version for the archives to South African National Parks (SANParks). The project initiated by the Pretoria Honorary Rangers Region, whose members and families were involved with Custos when it was being published.

Reynold Thakhuli, SANParks acting head of communications, said that Custos was a household name to many visitors and friends of the country's national parks for many years. "We are delighted to be associated with the SANParks Honorary Rangers who have for the past 50 years worked hand in hand with us in the journey for conservation. We are excited that this benchmark of communication has been reborn with stories and articles that are still relevant today. The public can now reminisce about days gone by and relive memories that formed a large part of the last quarter of the previous century with this treasure of natural scientific information."

Historical information

A key role player in this project was Jeanine Smit who was the editor of Custos and is the wife of Danie Smit, a senior honorary ranger member. Speaking at the handover, Janssen Davies, the SANParks Honorary Ranger national chairperson said, "The magazine which was published from December 1971 up to the final edition in September 1998 was an invaluable source of scientific and historical information and carried interesting facts and figures about the parks' fauna and flora. It also contained fascinating tales of wild and wonderful sightings, narrow escapes with the dangerous big five and amazing photography."

Funds raised will promote nature conservation activities in South African National Parks. For more information, go to www.sanparksvolunteers.org/projects or email ten.citnal@reyeg.eilliw.