4 minute read
Conservation
The State of Our Rhinos - A Fight For Survival
By Fiona Wakelin
Each year in September the International Rhino Foundation publishes their report, State of the Rhino, which documents current population estimates and trends.
Some key takeaways:
Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023. At least 586 African rhinos were poached in 2023, one every 15 hours.
While thriving in several regions, the total black rhino population declined slightly over the last year due to heavy poaching in Namibia and Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in South Africa.
White rhino populations in South Africa are on the rise despite poaching.
Greater one-horned rhinos have been making use of improved habitats and wildlife corridors.
It is cause for celebration that after a decade of decline, white rhino numbers are on the rebound.
“Last year, the African Rhino Specialist Group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission announced the first population increase for the white rhino species in over a decade. They have recently announced another 3.4% increase for white rhinos, bringing their species estimate to 17,464 as of the end of 2023” -State of the Rhino.
Several factors have contributed to this state of affairs:
Reduced Poaching in Kruger
The ongoing dehorning programme of all rhinos in core areas of Kruger National Park continues to save rhinos – as does the Park’s zero tolerance of any staff who are caught aiding and abetting poachers. “Under the leadership of the head ranger, the continued implementation of the KNP Ranger Services Integrity Management Plan is not only assisting in the Kruger National Park but is setting a benchmark for other parks to follow. Indeed, it is being hailed as a model around the globe.” -State of the Rhino.
Private and Public Sector Partnership
On World Rhino Day in September the community of Mpumalanga celebrated the work of the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, with more than 113 rhinos having been rescued and rehabilitated, including 51 rhinos rewilded and 29 calves born at the sanctuary. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Care for Wild and SANParks, where black and white rhinos from the Kruger National Park are rescued and brought to the sanctuary, was the most crucial first step in the Care for Wild journey.
“Throughout our mission to save the rhino, we’ve come to realise that people are truly at the heart of our conservation efforts. However, the path to this understanding has been far from easy. Over the years, I’ve witnessed some of the most devastating cases of rhino poaching - heartbreaking moments that kept me awake at night. Yet, this journey has taught me one invaluable lesson: resilience in the face of adversity. We cannot allow poachers to believe they have won, and for that reason, I will continue fighting this injustice,” -CEO Petronel Niewoudt.
“A sustainable conservation model, its own ‘eco-system’ of impact, both uplifts human livelihoods and tackles the root causes of rhino poaching. Ensuring basic needs like food, shelter, and education are met creates a community that is motivated and best equipped to protect its wildlife and South Africa’s natural heritage,” -Chris de Bruno Austin, Board Chairman at Care for Wild.
YES To Conservation
Six years ago, Investec introduced the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, to Care for Wild.
“The YES programme is one of the most important contributors to the success of what you see here. I don’t think we would have been as successful, over the last ten years, and expanded like we have, if we didn’t have the support from Investec,” -Chris de Bruno Austin, Care for Wild, Board Chairman.
Through the YES programme, 814 unemployed youths have been given a one-year paid work experience at Care for Wild, 40% of whom have gone on to secure permanent positions at the sanctuary. The youth are mentored and trained across various departments, including animal care, security, environmental management, and administration. This programme not only offers immediate employment but also equips participants with valuable skills and knowledge and helps pave the way for future careers in conservation and environmental management - Investec
