World Rhino Day: Here’s what you can do to save these animals

Saving South Africa’s rhinos is everyone’s business and even individuals can do their bit.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, 231 rhinos were killed in South Africa between January and June. The figure is a slight decline of 28 animals (or 11%) compared with the same period last year.

Despite the decline, rhino populations in Africa continue to face a multitude of challenges. Data suggests that the current combined rhino population (five species on two continents) is less than half of what the black rhino figures were in the 1960s (60 000).

South Africa is home to about 80% of the current population – estimated at less than 27 000, according to a report by the International Rhino Foundation last year. However, in our country, 7 900 rhinos have been poached for their horns since 2008. Rhino horns are in high demand, primarily in Asia, where it is believed the keratin item has aphrodisiac qualities.

World Rhino Day on September 22 is a sombre reminder of the threats these endangered creatures face in their habitats and their desperate fight for survival.

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) CEO Yolan Friedmann adds: “Along with our partners, we work to protect endangered rhinos in South Africa. However, we can’t do it alone. We need the support of the public, the government, the private sector, and the international community to ensure that rhinos have a future in the wild.”

4 things you can do

1. Donate to credible organisations (like EWT) with traceable backgrounds.
2. Raise awareness of the plight of rhinos and the importance of conservation.
3. Report any suspicious activities or sightings of wildlife crimes to the authorities.
4. Adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife tourism and consumption.

Pressure on poachers

The slight decline in the number of rhinos being killed for their horns is due to relentless pressure being put on poachers, which has forced them to largely ‘abandon’ national parks. The Covid-19 hard lockdown also helped these animals.

However, more needs to be done. Organisations like the EWT and Cape Town-based NPO Relate Bracelets have raised more than R2.9m for wildlife conservation over the past decade.

The money was invested into projects that range from expanding safe spaces for cheetahs and wild dogs (to ensure good genetics and increase numbers), to working on innovative anti-poaching initiatives.

Over R200 000 was raised by selling an inexpensive but stylish bracelet at kiosks run by Tourvest Destination Management, thus enabling individuals to join the fight to save rhinos.

Besides poaching, ecological imbalances and health challenges pose significant dangers to the rhino population.

“Preserving these magnificent creatures is not only a matter of ecological importance but also crucial for the thriving wildlife tourism sector. Rhinos are a cornerstone of the renowned ‘Big Five’, drawing visitors from around the world. In 2018, South African wildlife contributed a substantial R139b to the nation’s GDP, constituting 2.8% of the real GDP. This figure is projected to rise to an even more substantial 3.7% in 2022, underscoring the pivotal role played by wildlife in the country’s economic landscape,” says Relate Bracelets key accounts manager Dalit Shekel.