Protect and Save the life of Our Rhinos

Dear Supporters, 

Anti-poaching is not a simple operation. It is multifaceted and requires the team on the ground to be one step ahead of syndicates attempting to acquire rhino horn. Thanks to your generous donations, the anti-poaching vehicle purchased for the team late last year has been busy monitoring the fence line and promptly responding to suspicious activity on the reserve. Although an extra vehicle has made a huge difference to the capabilities of the team this is still not enough.

As our close relationship with the reserve’s anti-poaching team continues, we are forever attempting to brainstorm ideas as to how we can outwit these dangerous perpetrators.

Two months ago, during one of GVI’s night patrols, foreign footprints were discovered along a short distance of the fence line. The tracks were immediately reported to the anti-poaching team and this area then became a location in need of close monitoring. It was impossible to physically oversee this short stretch of the fence continuously, so instead we placed eyes in our absence…

Camera trapping is a widely used tool within the conservation industry to determine wildlife population densities or to record the presence of shy, nocturnal animals that will not show themselves in the presence of human activity. If we can achieve image capture of wildlife nocturnal activities, why can’t we use this for human movement?

Two of our dedicated research camera traps with infrared capabilities were placed in very discreet locations, to avoid the eyes of potential intruders. The traps worked undetected throughout the night and upon collection the following day we could not believe our findings. We had managed to capture photographic evidence of poaching activity on our reserve, right in our own backyard! Although we were excited that our creative idea was successful, it was quite sobering to be looking at images of people who had broken into our home in an attempt to steal the life of an innocent animal.

Now that bullet-proof vests have been purchased for the anti-poaching team, our focus has now turned to camera trapping. There is not a finite number as to how many traps we require to be effective. We are simply asking for your donations to start the purchasing process and to trial run this new, undercover technique.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

With Gratitude,
The GVI Limpopo Team. 

Dear Supporters, 

Rhino poaching remains a constant threat as the number of rhinos killed rises. The driving force behind this merciless killing being a preposterous belief that rhino horn serves as a miracle medicine. As the number of rhinos around the world declines, the value for their horns rises. Currently, rhino horn is more valuable than gold, adding to the illegal desire of poaching circles. While the eyes of the world look at the larger reserves, like Kruger National Park, efforts in smaller reserves remain of the utmost importance, as all rhinos need to be valued and protected.

Currently, rhino horn is more valuable than gold, adding to the illegal desire of poaching circles. While the eyes of the world look at the larger reserves, like Kruger National Park, efforts in smaller reserves remain of the utmost importance, as all rhinos need to be valued and protected.

While the eyes of the world look at the larger reserves, like Kruger National Park, efforts in smaller reserves remain of the utmost importance, as all rhinos need to be valued and protected.

The new anti-poaching vehicle prevails

Currently, Karongwe’s anti-poaching efforts involve random patrols along the fence line conducted by the anti-poaching team, lodges and private camps on the reserve. These drives serve as a proactive measure establishing our continuous presence on the reserve, preventing potential encounters from poachers. With the addition of the new anti-poaching vehicle, purchased with your generous donations, the presence of our anti-poaching unit has been constant and vigilant. 

This increased effort has proved effective as fortunately none of our rhinos were poached during 2016. The positive impacts observed through the addition of a single vehicle are all thanks to those who have donated, demonstrating their commitment to saving and protecting these precious individuals.

Future plans

Future donations will be put towards equipment upgrades to ensure that our current success is maintained. Often poachers will enter a reserve fully armed. These individuals do not necessarily carry weapons to harm people but if threatened the potential for human harm is real. We are hoping to raise funds to be able to equip the on-site anti-poaching team with bullet proof vests, as these are the men on the front line against poachers.

With gratitude,
GVI Limpopo