Oxpeckers is a data-driven journalism (#ddj) organisation, which means that we source, aggregate and analyse data to help track and expose eco-offences across international borders. Our investigative stories use data-driven reporting, animated maps, and other types of data visualisation to augment traditional storytelling methods.
In our efforts to promote transparency and accountability, Oxpeckers shares these datasets with our users and readers.
You can explore and download data sources we use in our stories at
You can explore and download documents we use in our tools and stories at
Some of our investigations have produced large quantities of data that required combining, checking and cleaning, and represent significant amounts of work. These curated datasets, produced as part of various Investigations, are available for users and readers to download, explore and use as they see fit.
#WildEye investigations
We have collated thousands of data entries relating to wildlife crimes across the world. The #WildEye map datasets are constantly being updated, please email us on oxpeckers@gmail.com if you want us to share them with you.
The datasets below have been used in some of our exposés on illegal wildlife trade:
• China Judgments Online – sentences in pangolin offences from December 2019 to April 2020. This data was analysed for the #WildEye Asia investigation Chinese courts treat pangolin offenders lightly
• Online wildlife crime in our Cryptotrafficking dossier:
• Seizures, arrests, charges & sentences involving illegal ivory trade across greater Europe:
• Price list of reptiles sold online by a trader from Africa, in How we (almost) became reptile smugglers:
• European eel seizures, arrests, court cases and convictions, in ‘Greatest wildlife crime on the planet’ threatens multiple ecosystems:
Mining your Water data
We have sourced, cleaned and collated thousands of data entries relating to water use licences across South Africa. The Water Licences map layer on #MineAlert shows where these have been granted in identified strategic water source areas. Our datasets are constantly being updated, please email us on oxpeckers@gmail.com if you want us to share the latest version with you.
Water permit violations
This dataset exposes mines in South Africa that have not complied with water use licence conditions. The data, released by the Department of Water & Sanitation in 2019, was used in the #MineAlert investigation Sweeping water permit violations at mines across SA.
#MineAlert data
• Following SA’s mining millions
A data-driven #MineAlert investigation shows that seven UK-based companies paid out at least US$191.5-million to South African government entities in 2018. Andiswa Matikinca investigated where the money went
• Mines, quarries, agents, and mineral processing plants officially operating in South Africa
This dataset is the National Department of Mineral Resources’ official 2019 list of operating mines, quarries, agents, and mineral processing plants in South Africa.
• Mine closure certificates and financial provisions for rehabilitation
This dataset details closure certificates and financial provisions for mine rehabilitation across South Africa. This data, released by provincial and national Department of Minerals offices as a result of Access to Information requests by Oxpeckers journalists, was featured in the #MineAlert investigation Coal mines leave a legacy of ruin.
TOOLS
#MineAlert allows you to track and share mining applications and licences
#WildEye Asia allows you to track illegal wildlife trade throughout Asia
#WildEye allows you to track illicit poaching activity throughout Europe
Exposing global environmental crime stories
Track developments in rhino poaching court cases across South Africa
Instant access to data on rhino deaths and poaching incidents since 2010
Use ClimaTracker to track weather changes and how these will affect you
#GreenAlert helps you track & share environmental impact assessments
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