Conservation-related Research

ANNEX 1 – SUMMARIES OF CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION & RESEARCH

Chyulu Hills Rhino Programme Mission/Objective To ensure the survival of rhinoceros in the wild, in this case, the remnant population in the Chyulu Hills.

Description Save the Rhino International (SRI) supports projects world-wide that address rhino conservation through: • Community conservation programmes that develop sustainable methods by which local communities can creatively manage natural resources; • Environmental education programmes that teach children and adults about the importance of preserving natural resources and reducing human-wildlife conflict; • Anti-poaching and monitoring patrols to detect and deter poachers and gather information about rhino ranges and numbers; • Translocations to reintroduce rhinos from established populations into former habitats; • Research into survival threats to rhino and alternatives to the use of rhino horn; • Vet work, such as the implanting of transmitters into horns, or removal of snares.

Richard Bonham of the Masailand Preservation Trust approached SRI in 2003 for urgent support to assist Ol Donyo Wuas' attempts to conserve the remnant population of black rhinos in the lava thicket foothills of the Chyulus. Forming a funding coalition with Chester Zoo, the International Rhino Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service and other donor agencies, SRI has facilitated the awarding of some £40,000 per year since then, paying for the purchase of a Landrover, water bowser and fuel and maintenance costs, salaries of the Mbirikani community scouts, camping and rhino monitoring equipment and improved radio communications between the KWS rangers at Kitia and Mbikirani base camp. With training provided by Lewa Downs Conservancy, and plans for enhanced GIS mapping and dung DNA analysis during 2006-7, the Chyulu Hills rhino population is looking much more secure: • Rangers and scouts now are observing more regularly rhinos; • Patrols are able to stay out overnight rather than having to return to camp • The rangers and scouts are better able to conduct their anti-poaching patrols Principal(s) David Stirling and Cathy Dean of Save the Rhino International, Richard Bonham (Ol Donyo Wuas/ Masailand Preservation Trust), Martin Mulama and Ben Okita (Kenya Wildlife Service).

Location Eastern Mbirikani Group Ranch. Timing On-going since 2003.

Funding source(s) Save the Rhino International, the Chester Zoo, International Rhino Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Institutional Affiliations Parent Body: Save the Rhino International Main Partners: Ol Donyo Wuas / Maasailand Preservation Trust, KWS, Lewa Downs Conservancy (secondment of rangers for training).

Contact Info Save the Rhino International 16 Winchester Walk London SE1 9AQ United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 7357 7474 F: +44 (0)20 7357 9666 E: info@savetherhino.org www.savetherhino.org

Products A well-trained and equipped force of local rangers.

[Source: www.savetherhino.org; Cathy Dean] Back to Annex Contents