- From the editors desk - Last Month’s Top Shot Winner - Facebook Cover Shot Winner - Volunteer Encounter
- THAF Update - Community Focus
- Photography Reflections - Photography Focus
- Research Update - Research Focus
As the year spins to an end, we stop and look back on our achievements, this year the THAF team couldn't be more proud by selling everything in stock and paying crafters their profits. On the other hand, the community team decided to “go green� and litter pick and paint classrooms in celebration of Mandela day .
By reflecting on our achievements it becomes clear that each step we take adds value and impact, though our greatest and saddest moments is seeing our volunteers leave, for we not only appreciate their time here, but also have the greatest privilege of hosting enthusiastic people who contribute to our projects and make not only local impact but help us achieve our goals. Their efforts most definitely leave a lasting impact. On that positive note, l hope you enjoy the projects, it has been amazing watching our growth. A big thank you to all our contributors for their amazing content! Keep yourself updated with the latest news, subscribe by warthogpost@africanimpact.com mailing:
Covershot: Community Projects; Daniella Bakker, Netherlands
The
Next year I will start studying International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. When I went to apply for the program, they recommended having some “experience abroad”. I have previous experience abroad- I participated in a school exchange program in Germany when I was in the fifth grade and I’ve been on holidays to various countries with my parents. But I’ve never been abroad on my own before, which was the kind of experience the University was looking for. They specifically wanted to see that I had experience working in groups with varied international dynamics. I’ve always been interested in other countries and cultures, and the recommendation from the study was the last motivation I needed to decide that I wanted to travel on my own. Volunteer work seemed to be the best way to discover the world and meet new people from different nationalities. It was also an opportunity for me to have a beneficial impact on the world around me. I started searching on the internet, and quickly I discovered that there are lots of possibilities when it comes to voluntary work abroad. I could do everything from teaching language courses in impoverished countries to au pair work in the western World. However, what really stood out to me was the option to work in wildlife reserves in Africa.
Last year I had been to Uganda, so I was a little bit familiar with African wildlife. But I had only been on three game drives in Uganda, and I really wanted to see more of the unique wildlife and landscape that Africa has to offer. Doing volunteer work in a reserve in an African country was the perfect opportunity to get really close to the animals while also helping with conservation so that future generations will have the same opportunities as me. The only thing left for me to decide was which country in Africa I should go to. I decided to go to South Africa because two good friends of mine went to South Africa last year, and both of them highly recommended it. When I looked into South African wildlife volunteer conservation projects I found African Impact’s Big 5 research program and another program that focused on Big Cat rehabilitation. The Big Cat project was tempting, but I wanted something that would let me interact with animals in their natural environment rather than a rehabilitation center. So, in the end I decided on African Impact, and I’m so glad I did. Going into the Greater Kruger area and seeing the Big 5 and all the other amazing African animals has been a thrilling experience for me. I also love all the people I’ve met here, and I feel like I have improved my international relation skills, so I’ve achieved my original goal and more!
Spotted hyaenas are famed scavengers and often dine on the leftovers of other predators. But these hardy beasts are also skilled hunters that will take down wildebeest or antelope. They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects. In an increasingly overpopulated Africa, hyenas and humans come into frequent contact. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania actually leave their dead to be consumed by hyenas.
Nelson Mandela International day (or Mandela day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July (Mandela’s birthday), and was officially declared by the United Nations.
Lily is an enthusiastic woman who does not want to miss any opportunity that comes her way, She started working for African Impact in May 2015 in the kitchen in the scullery, but that did not limit her ability in learning. The passion she demonstrates when she helps with cooking you would mistake her for the head chef for she gives it her all, isn't that amazing? Inspired by her kids she can’t stop smiling when she talks about how she would want a better life for them ,for they are her biggest inspiration to soldier on in life and never give up on anything she sets her mind on.
Without mincing her words “ l am so grateful to African Impact for allowing me to learn more about cooking, its such a great honor to work with great people.”
It is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, so on this day everyone has to do 67 minutes of any kind of work. After realising how much litter there is in this community we decided to go to Green valley and do litter picking alongside volunteers and Seganyane primary school learners. We started in the school picking up litter and outside the school; we filled 31 bags litter ranging from plastic, glass bottles and paper. It was such a big success judging from the amount of litter we picked up; now the area is clean, tidy and safe for the kids to play with no dangerous objects that could potentially hurt them. Our partners Eco Children gave us a task to go to Makwetse primary school where one of their classes needed a little bit of love since it was too dull so we went to the school and painted the classroom. Our volunteers did so well and finished the classroom in two days. I find painting is very therapeutic and the volunteers did excellent work! We visited the gogos at Maphusha Co-Operative weavers with our photographers whereby the purpose was to take pictures of them making their merchandise. Now we can create a page where they can market their products.
In our shop here at Dumela we try to support our local crafters by selling some of their hand made products to our volunteers. We have a variety of stock from hand woven rugs, wooden carvings, metal and stone sculptures. In the last couple of weeks, I have been able to go into our local communities and pay the crafters their profits. This was one of the most rewarding things I have been able to do in my short time here, I can’t even begin to be able to describe the look of pure joy and happiness they have from getting as little as R100. Pangolins, often called “scaly anteaters,” are covered in tough, overlapping scales. These burrowing mammals eat ants and termites using an extraordinarily long, sticky tongue, and are able to quickly roll themselves up into a tight ball when threatened. Eight different pangolin species can be found across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss have made these incredible creatures one of the most endangered groups of mammals in the world.
The best way to understand why African Impact and The Happy Africa Foundation make it part of their mission to help these local crafters is to look at their stories, their histories. Morgan, Trust and Artwell all come from a small town in Zimbabwe. These men create the most beautiful stone and wood sculptures as well as a range of stunning hand painted table runners. These three men came to South Africa in order to sell their incredible works of art which in turn enables them to provide for their family’s back in Zimbabwe. They try to go back home to Zimbabwe as much as possible but are lucky if they can get back there every 4 months.
Steven is another one of our crafters who is a magician when it comes to working with metal. He is able to turn something as boring as metal into a magnificent piece of art. Steven is also from Harare in Zimbabwe. He wanted to be a mechanic when he was little but due to his parents passing away when he was young and his aunt not having the money to send him to collage he wasn’t able to full fill this dream. Steven moved to South Africa and started selling his crafts in order to make a living for himself. Another group of crafters, which are close to the heart of THAF and African Impact, are the Mapusha Weavers. These women make the most phenomenal hand woven products that I have ever seen. This weaving cooperation was started in order to give employment to local women who are the sole ‘bread winners’ in their family. There are ten weavers that we work with and each of them have incredible stories. Gertrude is one of these weavers. Gertrude is the mother of nine children, however two of them passed away, each of Gertrude’s children have part time jobs except for one who was forced to move home with her disabled child. Gertrude provides for both her child and her grandchild by herself. All of our crafters have amazing stories and it fills me with great happiness whenever a volunteer buys one of their products as I know just how much it means to them to have that little bit of income.
- When did you start working for African Impact? - May 2016. - Do you like your job? - Very much. - Tell me about your family. - My lovely wife, my prince and 2 daughters.
-How is your relationship with your co- workers? - I can’t complain. -Who makes you smile around here? - Oooooo how l wish Yorick was still here. (our previous THF intern) - Any hobbies? - Nothing beats my bible.
-If you could exchange your job with one person who will it be and why? - l would give my torch to Jason and enjoy my Buffalo game drive the next morning. - Anything else you would want to say? - Hahahahahahaha so Tim (volunteer) decided to call me Kilimanjaro because my plate of food is always full!
We can show how the Hippo has an affectionate, not just aggresive side, we can show the industrious dung beetle working away (the flies here, incidentally, point like an arrow towards the subject – I my grandmother on several As a teenager l remember trained them myself), or tell a lonely occasions she used to me about the importance of impala with a long way to go. history, l would nod and get back to the business of
being a self absorbed teenager. Not that l disagreed We can alsoget create confusion but l didn’t it, but now l do, history has a way of within the image to make the viewer shaping our future and the world we live in.
look deeper, like a crocodile’s eye seen through another croc’s mouth, Igetting grew the up audience in an uncondusive environment, in a society to engage with where l woke up every morning, walk several a photo, get them thinking.
kilometers barefooted, on an empty stomach and would still go elements and sit under a tree for my daily classes, Bringing two together, we can make for a suggestion – here thus history me, but how do l tell it to someone that African Impact works with who did not witness the same journey with me, thus snakes photography – so you can see that even where comes in. l wish l had documented with few variables, a photograph my history for images are the voice of protest, they becomes and have the more power to more shed light of understanding on complicated. suspicion, ignorance and particularly change. This, for me, is part of my
Growing l always wanted to share my story with fascinationup with photography - the anyone who to listen, control we cancared have over whatbut we ‘how’ was always the question. want to communicate, by simple
inclusion or omission. It’s also we have a responsibility, Iwhere studied journalism with theinaim of taking stories of not only what we say, but like howmine we to the media neglected communities say it. There isbut no way we can get mainstream it wasn’t enough for me so l decided to that perfect image, that puts an idea let my voice be heard visually. Having been engaged in another’s withusing no confusion with diversehead subject pen and paper as a writer in whatsoever. Striving towards that 2015 l chose photography to connect, share and perfection, however, is what keeps express through coming imagesback. a window into my journey. the photographer
Use what’s on offer.
Natural lighting is always going to be way better than anything man can manufacture, so use it! The hours just after dawn and just before sunset (the golden Look subject hours) giveyour light with a beautiful, rosy quality in the eye(which is why most romantic shots are set at Direct eyesunset). contact can be as ‘Bad’ lighting work engaging in acan picture asin it your is in real life, be it with animals or favour. Atmospheric people conditions can lead to moody shots, so maximize any When taking a pictureclouds of definition in overcast someone, hold the camera at to make sure it doesn’t look the person’s eye level to painted out. unleash the power of those Rim-lighting (a technique used magnetic gazes and inmesmerizing studio lighting setups using smiles. For a children, designated light’ for that‘hair means stooping models) can to their and level.silhouetting And your subject needa not always stareeffect. at the have very dramatic camera. Just because you can’t get into the right position doesn’t All byyou itselfshould that eye mean trylevel for angle the will create a personal and shot. Remember – let nature inviting feeling that pulls you inspire you! into the picture.
They say a picture says a thousand words and sometimes force the viewer to see your own experiences, reflecting on my journey l feel my work has represented who l am, my past, present and future for l have found a voice to what l see everyday.
Zebras are animals that resemble the horse. They walk, trot, canter and gallop like horses, but do not move as quickly. Unlike the horse, zebras have not been domesticated and run wild. They are odd-toed ungulates which means they have an odd number of toes on each hoof. Their eyes are located on the side of their head, and they have excellent eyesight. Because zebras live in the wild, they need to be able to escape predators. Night vision helps them to see in the dark. Zebras also have great hearing and an excellent sense of taste and smell.
For me there is a fundamental difference between looking, reading and reacting to an image for l seen myself between a shot of character and showing a character’s reaction and that is what make my photographs great. What makes my world of photojournalism interesting even though the world of photography has become more and more competitive, is the diligence, passion and zeal. It all makes me see the real world through my lens and share those instant precious moments with the world. Thankfully when we confronted by powerful images we all have a choice - either to address the image or look away because often images push us to question our core beliefs and our responsibility to each other.
I have shot a thousand images in my life, but l have this one image in my heart l wish l had shot; my history. So the next time you see something that sparks something in you, you better understand why? And l know writing to this audience you will definitely do something about it! I will conclude by what Ralph Waldo Emerson once claimed, “Photography is distinguished by its immediacy, its authenticity and the remarkable fact that its eyes sees more than a human eye”. Thank you to all the photographers.
As a man from Texas, USA, I had always wanted to go Africa and photograph it’s wildlife. I have taught and read about Africa as a science teacher and ecologist back home in Texas for many years. My life long goal of photographing wildlife in Africa certainly exceeded my expectations.
The time spent on the entire project was one month being housed at the Dumela Lodge with African Impact. This experience met all three of my life goals; achievement, adventure, and mission. Rising early, our days were long and exciting. Our cadre of photographers was represented by nationalities from all over Europe (except from myself). We regularly went on bush walks, photographing insects, birds and microhabitats. However, the photo safaris were absolutely awesome! Each day, we would assume our seating arrangements in the open safari truck and drive to reserves, where we saw and photographed the Big 5; leopards, lions, rhinos, buffalos, and elephants. I shall never forget my first encounter with an elephant, how magnificent! Later in the day we would return to the project room to download the photos and edit them with the Light Room program. This is the coolest program for polishing photos and learning development techniques.
Lynx Spider The common name refers to their quickness and agility. Recognized by their high carapaces, distinctive eyes, numerous spines on their legs, and bright colors in some species. Some have cryptic coloration. The carapace is longer than wide, high and angular or rounded with a wide, flattened Oxyopids have eight eyes.
Primarily tropical and subtropical in distribution, but also in temperate zones. In NA, most species are found in the southern states, Although primarily vegetation dwellers found on grasses, shrubs, and trees, some are terrestrial or arboreal by nature.
There is nothing more unlikely on game drive then seeing several tiny red pin cushions scurrying about in soil litter. These wee diurnal creatures are called Red Velvet Mites or Rain Bugs and can be found in every habitat on earth including on your person. Let’s face it, we were never meant to be alone! The tiny hairs covering their bodies are thought to be sensory organs in an otherwise giant’s world. As for the bright red coloration, it acts as a warning of a foul taste to would be predators, however, it does not deter cannibalism. Believe it or not, mites only feed a few hours every year!!! As for their love life, it’s not to be missed. While mating, the male deposits sperm on twigs or grass blades and invites the female by making an intricately woven silk path. If she is dazzled by his artistry, she will enter the “love garden” and sit on the sperm where it gets fertilised. Ahhhh l’amour!!!
On the weekends, we went further, taking photo trips to Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon where there was even more fun and adventure. Our night time safaris were based in the Klaserie reserve, where we camped in the bush in our tents. We saw incredible nocturnal wildlife that we photographed using spotlights. We adjusted our shutter speeds, apertures, and ISO to accommodate the darkness. Here we photographed hyenas feeding on carrion and bush babies jumping from limb to limb from trees. We encountered herds of impalas grazing, and we even took photos of a leopard in a tree. Awesome! We worked at a reserve for orphaned baby rhinos, which entailed building pens and large enclosures. We learned a lot about rhinos and how poaching has taken a devastating toll on these huge, yet unique animals. The scope of this project is to raise the orphaned rhinos and gradually release them back into the African Bush. Our work in the local schools presented us with many photographic experiences and also teaching children. We found the kids to be amazingly full of good cheer and eager to learn about the indigenous species that live nearby. How I wished my own students in America could have seen their faces. What a humbling experience! As I flew back to Texas on my 22 hour flight, I remembered all of these incredible experiences. I especially recalled the expertise and encouragement of the resident master photographer, Tim F. I cherish the extraordinary wildlife we photographed, and the tireless and gracious safari guides who took care of us. They answered every single question and never once lost their patience. I fondly remembered my photography friends who I learned so much from. As I fell asleep on the plane, the last thing I remembered hearing were the lions roaring at night outside our tents under the stars of African Bush.
The leopards that we are researching at African Impact are located in the Limpopo province, which makes up the majority of suitable leopard habitat in South Africa. However, 95% of this habitat is located outside of protected areas. The fences surrounding the Greater Kruger area don’t restrict leopard movement. Therefore, there is potential for conflict between the local leopard population, communities and farmers in this area, as livestock farming is an important income and leopards may view livestock as easy prey. At African Impact, we study leopard populations and behavior outside of formally protected areas in order to inform management and conservation strategies as well as to eventually mitigate human-leopard conflict. In order to do this, we are identifying leopards in the study area, tracking their movements, and studying their behavior. We have recently identified seven leopards in the area. ID kits have been made for these leopards using photos taken from research drives and camera traps that were previously set up in the area. Camera traps have been our most valuable research tool for identifying leopards. By using camera traps we’ve been able to record how many individuals there are as well as how often specific leopards enter and leave fenced properties. On August 1st, we saw the first leopard that was visually identified through our research (FBL1) with one of her cubs while we were on a research drive. Tracking FBL1’s movements over the course of the past year has been a highly rewarding experience for us. The consistent data we’ve gathered from her will allow us to create an outline of leopard movement and activity. With the birth of her two cubs, we have an opportunity to observe leopard behavior from infancy to adulthood. Her cub (CBL11 – pictured on the right) is finally old enough to have an ID kit created
The Chacma Baboon is a type of monkey that can be found in Africa and Arabia. There are five species of baboons overall, and they can survive in different habitats: tropical rainforests, savannas, open woodlands and semi-arid areas. Baboons eat various crops which is the reason they are known as pests. Other than conflicts with humans, baboons are threatened by habitat loss; out of five species, one species is listed as nearly threatened (it could become endangered in the near future). Male baboons are two times larger than females. Baboons can reach 14 to 30 inches in height at the shoulder and 50 to 100 pounds in weight. Body of baboon is covered with fur that can be dark olive or yellow in color.
The pictures we obtained from Monday’s visual will allow us to identify CBL11 on camera traps and track their movements as they age. We expect to see her other cub in the area soon, which will allow us to make an ID kit for CBL12 as well.
The coloration and size of different species of python vary widely. Depending on their local habitats and need for camouflage, coloring can range from elaborately patterned scales (such as those on the Burmese python, the ball python and many other species) to solid brown (leiopythons) to bright green (the green tree python), but scientists note some more subtle physical commonalities. Pythons that feed on coldblooded prey do not have the labial pits. Regardless of length, pythons are bulky for their size. They have triangular-shaped heads and sharp, backwardcurving teeth that they use to grab prey.
We are hoping to increase our number of camera traps in the area soon in order to get more detailed data on the entire leopard population. With more camera trap data, we will compile accurate reports on leopard populations throughout the area and combine this with our partners’ data from other populations in Greater Kruger. This is especially important as we observe FBL1’s cubs grow up and move out of the area. Now that we have obtained a year’s worth of data on leopards in the area we can begin to understand the movements of leopards through private land and their key ranges. There is not accurate data for leopard populations in South Africa, as unprotected areas have not been adequately studied. Therefore, data in these areas is vital for wildlife management and policy decisions in the area. This data will also be necessary for mitigating any human-leopard conflict between leopards, local communities and farmers. Leopards are beautiful animals that are highly important to both the African ecosystem as an apex predator as well as tourism throughout Africa.
It would be a shame to see the population of these already elusive Big Cats to decrease even further.
“The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.” -Richard Rogers
I think I have the coolest job in the world! From comparing pride dynamics in lion data to identifying leopards to preparing reports for our partners, my job entails some very exciting times. Hi there my name is Taylor or as some people call me Taterbug, Tay, Shorty. I am from South Carolina, in the United States, which is where I get my strange word yall (you guys) and my other funny saying people love so much. I have worked with AI for almost a year now and it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life with new and exciting challenges every day. My favorite animal is definitely the leopard, but closely followed by the elephant and the giraffe. Sea turtles are my favorite aquatic animal and actually the reason I became passionate about conservation.
On the Research and Conservation project, we are extremely lucky to have high numbers of volunteers during this time period. The last month has been our busiest and as a result, an extremely productive time. Getting large numbers of individuals to dive into our projects from across the world allows us to collect more data across all species and to accomplish large amounts of physical conservation work. The last month has brought the Research project wonderful sightings, unique experiences, success on our current focuses, as well as the growth of new projects. We have had 8 lion sightings since the beginning of July, and have been able to record 4.8 hours of lion data. One of the most interesting developments in our lion research has been the entry of two new males. In the last few months, different males have been attempting to take over the territory where we traverse. While we have not had a sighting of Mabande, KM8 since June, two new young males have entered the territory.
These males are known locally as “The Mapoza Males” and have been coded for data as KM9 and KM10. We have had three sightings of these males in the last month. On the second occasion, the males were observed on a kudu kill, shortly after fighting with the Breakaway females and kicking the females off the kill. Most recently, the males were spotted with KF1 on a buffalo kill. The males were more relaxed than previous sightings, which speaks positively to their habituation. There was no observed aggression between KF1 and the males. At these sightings we were able to collect mane assessment data to compare changes in both male’s mane thickness, length and colour over time. This will not only provide data on the changes in their manes as they grow older, but also allows us to assess dominance trends over time. We also had our first sighting of the Hercules pride since May! The 4 cubs are now sub-adults and require updated ID kits due to their growth. Across all prides, we were able to collect group dynamic, pride movement, activity, social interaction, non-wild reaction and territorial data that allows us to assess the differences in pride cohesiveness, dominance and hierarchies within the different structures of prides.
This month has also included high levels of Klaserie elephant activity. We have had 44 separate sightings of elephants, all recorded with location and GPS to map the movements of herds and bulls. With the completion of our ID kits, we are now prioritizing the identification of individuals in the field. This requires staying at a sighting for as long as possible, and focusing on the distinctive individuals to check if they are previously identified herds or bulls. This is an incredibly detailed-oriented task and requires checking for stand-out ear notches, tusk distinctions or other unique features. Identifying herds or bulls allows our location data to be increasingly powerful, as we can analyze the movements of specific groups or individuals.
Move it from the middle
Wild Dog Monitoring An exciting and rare research experience this month has been monitoring the Klaserie wild dog pups. At present, 3 adults and 7 pups are in the area. The pack has moved den sites multiple times but the adults and pups are very comfortable with the game viewers. Wild Dogs are the most endangered carnivore in Southern Africa, so being able to monitor their numbers and location is an outstanding opportunity and experience. The pups have faced typical challenges in the wild, including a persistent Martial Eagle at the den site, that would likely prey on the pups, as well as other predators close by. In total, we have spent an incredible 3.3 hours with the wild dogs. During this time, we have collected data that allows us to map out the movements of the wild dog packs that are seen in this area.
Centre-stage is a great place for a performer to be. However, the middle of your picture is not the best place for your subject.
Leopard Our leopard project has experienced continued success with visual sightings, valuable camera trap data and constant track activity of multiple individuals. We have been able to compile updated range maps and have continued to track new and already identified individuals. We have also initiated scat surveys to support a genetic study looking at stress levels in protected vs. unprotected areas. This month, our Big Cat volunteer, Alicia, takes us through the details of the leopard research in the Research Focus.
Start by playing tick-tack-toe with subject position. Imagine a tick-tack-toe grid in your viewfinder. Now place your important subject at one of the intersections of lines.
Physical Conservation With high numbers of volunteers joining us, we have also been able to make high levels of progress on our physical conservation projects.
(Note: in photographer-speak this is called using the rule of thirds technique).
Bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject away from the middle of your picture.
On many occasions I have given the “rhino poaching in South Africa” presentation, however the world outside of Dumela very rarely gets to see this presentation and so I thought that this would be a good platform to speak about the topic and raise further The awareness. I’m sure all of you who are reading this are well aware of the problem that Africa’s rhinos are facing, but are you aware at how serious the situation really is? In this piece I will give you some shocking statistics and the reality of what is happening in South Africa. My earliest memories of Rhinos come from the world famous Kruger National Park, which I have been visiting since before I could speak. These giants of the African Savannah were plentiful and a common sighting in the park. Open red grass plains almost guaranteed good rhino sightings, much to the delight of any visitor in this wildlife haven. The rhinos where so plentiful in fact, that we would get annoyed with them blocking the roads in the late afternoons whilst trying to get back to the camp before gate closure! Fast forward to 2016 – some 25 years later and you are lucky to see a rhino in the park during a day drive! Over the years, particularly the last 8 years I have watched the species practically vanish before my eyes, like some sort of twisted, bloody magic trick. In 2007 eyebrows were raised when 13 Rhinos where poached in South Africa, a record number at this point. 7 years later with a steady increase of 9000 percent, the poaching deaths totalled at 1215 rhinos at the end of 2014! Unseen by the tourist eye a full on war is waged in the Kruger National Park as rangers and military operations set out to risk their lives to save a species. The Kruger National Park, a place of peace, tranquillity and pristine wilderness is now filled with bullets and blood. At any given point today, there are a minimum of 5 poaching groups active within the confines of the reserve, contributing to the death toll of no less than 3 rhinos every single day in South Africa. The war has now spread into the private sector of nature reserves as Krugers Rhino populations are depleting and rhinos becoming harder to come by. Private Anti Poaching Units (APU’s) spring in to action and retaliate. A slight decline showed in 2015, for the 1 st time ever – 1175 Rhinos poached in the country. The reason for the decline is unknown, we are all hoping that our anti poaching efforts are the reason, but more likely is that rhinos are becoming harder to locate. Perhaps a combination of the 2? The reality of the matter is that if the numbers continue as they have been, within the next 2 years the mortality rate will overtake the birth rate, giving our rhinos a maximum of 5 years before total extinction!
The
• The largest demand for Rhino horn is in China. • The average end value of rhino horn is 6 Million Rand. • The Rhino horn is believed to have “medicinal” properties, some of which include a cure for H.I.V, Cancer and hangovers! The truth is rhino horn is keratin, the same as our hair and finger nails, and so has no medicinal use whatsoever. • Although rhino horn is now illegal in china, it is still very popular and has become a great symbol of power to have artefacts and jewellery made from rhino horn. • South Africa has the largest population of both black and white rhino in the world, making us the most important country for the conservation of the species, but also making us the biggest target!
There is no easy solution to this problem, that is for sure. Conservationists from all over the world have dedicated their lives to this fight and even though it looks like we are steadily losing this never ending battle, I can promise you one thing: we will not stop fighting until the last drop of blood has been spilled, whether it’s the blood of the poacher, the rhino or our own.
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