#Protectthelastrhinos

We want to ensure critical wild populations of rhino in Africa are monitored and protected through a combination of technological insight, aerial reconnaissance and boots on the ground.  

Donate to Protect the Last Rhinos

Critical Facts

• The total population of rhino left on earth is fewer than 30,000. Three of the five rhino species in the world are listed as critically endangered or facing extinction. 

• South Africa is home to 72% of the global population of rhino. but still two rhinos are still being lost every day at the hands of poachers.

• The white rhino is one of the two rhino species found in Africa. The white rhino is a grazer and can often be found grazing on the open savannah. Populations of white rhino recovered from an all time low of around 100 in 1895 to the current wild population of around 20,000.   However an increase in rhino poaching since 2008 is once again threatening the total population.

• Unfortunately the northern white rhino, a sub species, is now functionally extinct with just two females left in the world. IVF is the only hope to save this sub species.

• The black rhino is the other species found in Africa. The black rhino is a browser and is often found in thick bush.  We have lost around 95% of the black rhino population over the last 50 years. The estimated population today is less than 5,500.

• Rhino are not only ‘mega herbivores’, i.e. large herbivores weighing more than a thousand kilograms, but they are also recognised as a keystone species, having a pivotal role in defining the ecosystem. Without keystone species such as the rhino, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.  Rhino are selective in their choice of food, therefore great eco-gardeners. By choosing certain plants or grasses over others, rhinos increase biodiversity by giving other species of plants the ability and space to grow.  To put it into gardening terms, white rhino are ‘selective lawnmowers’.  Another example is the black rhino.  As a browser, the black rhino is a natural pruner.  By eating leaves from shrubs and trees, they help keep the plants from growing uncontrollably and stop certain vegetation from choking other types.  The ripple effect on other plants and animals that live within the same ecosystem as a rhino is clear to see.  Take away the rhino and that whole habitat changes dramatically.

• Poaching of rhino for their horn is a major threat to their very survival on our planet.

• Rhino horn will sell for around $25,000/kg on the black market, creating an insatiable demand.

What we have achieved so far

• We are helping to secure habitat where up to 6,000 rhinos and many other endangered species roam free.

• We provide support for up to 250 rangers in the field.

• We have provided essential orphan rehabilitation facilities with the goal of returning them to the wild.

• We have funded a mobile veterinary unit, which provides quicker response times to treat critically injured animals, including rhino as well as providing veterinary services to domestic animals in local communities surrounding wild habitats.

• We are funding an aerial anti-poaching surveillance unit covering a key rhino region in South Africa.

• We have funded students from Vietnam (where there is a high demand for rhino horn) to participate in formal wildlife conservation education, raising awarenedd and helping to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

• We support scientific research into IVF development being pioneered to bring the northern white rhino back from the brink of extinction.

• We provide anti-poaching support for the largest black rhino population in East Africa.  This includes anti-poaching dog units, security patrols and the introduction of state of the art technology.

• We help to keep the Black Mambas in South Africa operational through on going funding.  In 2017 and 2018 we were the largest single contributor to the work of the Black Mambas, funding such things as day-to-day operational costs, provision of uniforms, communication equipment for patrol units and educational material for the Bush Babies programme.