By Jayne Horswill | Project Leader
Thank you for donating to our Protecting Rhinos project. David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been a proud and long-term supporter, investor and instigator of rhino conservation around the world since its inception 35 years ago. From the deserts of Namibia to the savannahs of South Africa and as far afield as the forests of India, rhinos have been a species we have been fighting to save and protect for many years.
Following our last report earlier this year from Namibia, we wanted to share the fantastic news that the zero-poaching statistic from August 2017 still remains intact at the project location where DSWF has supported operation for over 25 years. Despite increased pressure and poaching elsewhere in the country and wider region, this is a huge milestone for the desert-adapted black rhino.
The success of avoiding poaching incidences and the brutal slaughter of rhinos for their horn in the area is simply down to the hard work, dedication and focus of the law enforcement agencies and brave rangers and intelligence officers on the front line operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
At the same time as we are witnessing zero poaching in the area of operations, several new rhino births have been recorded in the region with wonderful sightings of new calves, indicating a positive population growth. This has been an amazing achievement for a species which faces constant persecution simply for the use of their horn, a substance made of keratin, the same as human fingernails.
Against a backdrop of increased poaching and major risks to the safety of rhinos across Africa, DSWFs ground based conservation partners have heightened their surveillance and patrols to ensure these new calves have the strongest possible chance of survival in the wild. Increased anti-poaching patrols, vehicle-based intelligence-led patrols and regular engagement with local traditional authorities have made for a safe haven for some of the last remaining desert-adapted black rhinos in the world.
Despite this increased awareness and vigilance however, wildlife crime syndicates remain active in the region as highlighted by tragic poaching incidences elsewhere in the country and so often seen in the news. It is, therefore, more important than ever before that we continue to remain vigilant and work harder than ever to ensure the survival of this magnificent creature.
Thank you for supporting our Protecting Rhinos project, which aims to halt the extinction of wild rhinos across the world in some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness landscapes.
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