Over the last five years, the exponential increase in illegal rhino poaching in Africa and particularly Southern Africa has reignited the discussion over how best to protect these peaceful beasts. With current debates carrying focused on legalising the trade, the one off selling of stock piles and even farming rhino like cattle to periodically harvest horns from the living animals, it can sometimes feel like the bloody battle being fought in Africa’s parks and reserves is being swept under the carpet by obtuse bureaucracy.
Unfortunately, it seems that our efforts to guard and protect our free roaming rhino are falling short of what is needed. Borders are coming under attack and allegations of corruption from within are rife. Africa’s park rangers are facing injury or worse when they run into members of, what seems to be increasingly sophisticated poaching syndicates and often risk prosecution for their way of dealing with these trespassing thieves. These dedicated teams and individuals risk their own safety on the ground by patrolling and monitoring and they need all the assistance we can muster.
There is hope though! Currently there are a few new & innovative ideas being tested to help stamp out the threat of poaching.
De-horning
De-horning has been used by some parks all over Africa for a few years now with varying success. Some parks have reported no reduction in poaching, finding de-horned rhino’s being poached at the same rate as their horned counter parts. This may be a revenge tactic or it may simply be that these animals are shot before the killer has a clear shot or view of the animal. Concerns have also been raised about the change in behaviour shown by wild, de-horned animals. Their horns are vital for digging for roots, attracting a mate or fighting for territory and self-protection.
Poison & Dye
This may seem like an extreme measure but this initiative, started by a private South African rhino custodian, is looking very promising. The 40min procedure is done under anaesthetic and only needs to be done every 3 to 4 years as opposed to almost yearly for de-horning. The poison is toxic (but not fatal) to people but is completely safe for the rhino and even for the ox-peckers that help keep them tick free. The dye is visible under an x-ray scanner even when the horn has been ground down to a powder making it basically impossible to transport through airport security. The success of this initiative can be largely attributed to the fact that the information about the poisoned horns and dye is spread through the surrounding community via flyers, posters around the entire perimeter, and at town hall talks. Once the poachers know the horns are worthless, there is no reason for them to risk capture and prosecution. More than 100 rhino have been treated, and there have been ZERO reported losses.
Unmanned surveillance drones
Cutting edge technology may become the unlikely hero of the East African rhino (& elephant!). In 2012, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy raised $35,000 through crowd-funding to purchase an unmanned aerial drone to assist their 190 or so rangers with surveillance & wildlife monitoring. While programs are already active in conservancies around the world, this is a first for East Africa. With a live feed from each of its four or five 90min flights a day, rangers & park officials are able to reach vulnerable and hard to get to areas. There are now plans to chip rhinos and other endangered animals with unique radio frequency so the drones will be able to recognise and locate these magnificent mammals, making studying their natural behaviour & keeping them safe a much easier task.
It will probably get a little darker before it gets light, but we need to take action now. We need to ensure that this issue keeps being discussed and keeps gaining momentum so that it garners the attention of law-makers and misinformed consumers. We can all play a part by researching, donating and sharing. Social media and the constant connection we have to each other gives us, you & me, the chance to make our voices heard. Take it, make a difference and help to save the rhinos!
Written by: Sophia Vos, Acacia Senior Reservations Consultant