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| Practical black and white rhino conservation |
Mission: To uphold the security of the Park’s rhino populations by maintaining a viable perimeter fence and to increase the effectiveness of anti-poaching and monitoring activities, in order to ensure the continued and increased competence of field rangers in the Reserve.Location: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa Support started: 2005 Amount donated £4,779 Background: Both rhino species are now abundant at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. The southern white rhinoceros had been reduced to a single population of 20 animals in the late 1800s, when the Park was proclaimed to protect them. By the early 1960s, rhino conservation had been so successful, that the Natal Parks Board were able to start catching and translocating these animals to other conservation areas throughout Africa. The African population now stands at some 14,500 animals, all of which had their origins in the Park. More recently, focus has shifted to the black rhinoceros and these are intensively monitored and managed in the Park. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi black rhinoceros population is very important and the long-term conservation of this population is of utmost importance for the recuperation of the species. Hlulhuwe uses patrolling and law enforcement activities to ensure the security of its rhino populations. In order for staff to perform successfully and efficiently, it is imperative that they are well equipped to perform any task that may be required. Action for the Wild has supported this project, by donating £11,492 over the last two years. These donated funds have been put towards field equipment required by the field rangers to continue to protect and monitor the rhinos of the park. Achievements: Over the course of 2009, the project has purchased 60 first-aid kits and 60 daypacks. The packs are essential to rangers, allowing them to carry water bottles, raincoats and binoculars comfortably in the field, hence allowing them to concentrate on the job in hand. Fencing pliers were issued to each staff member to maintain the fence. They also obtained an electric energiser, which will provide the wire fence of the Hluhluwe side of the park with 10,000 volts of electricity. Rapid-charge battery chargers were also purchased and are now used to ensure torches and GPS equipment can be constantly working. On the iMfolozi side of the park, 12 Camping gas stoves, 17 backpack covers and 13 hiking mats were purchased. This camping equipment enables rangers to stay out all night and even spend a few days well hidden and patrol the reserve, especially in poaching hotspots. Good communication has now been provided for the park in the form of two-way radios, which are essential for anti-poaching work, rhino monitoring and staff safety. Future objectives: Our funds will be put towards sleeping bags so patrols can stay out overnight to catch poachers, land cruiser tyres and pepper spray for Hluhluwe game reserve. While funds for iMfolozi will go towards spotting scopes with tripods and cases, which will be used to monitor black rhinos. Website: www.savetherhino.org White Rhino, picture © Dirk Swart |
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