Do You Support Black Rhino Conservation? “Help Protect what we have left!
Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation is establishing Rhino Community Conservation projects for Eco Tourism development at Grassroots level in Southern Africa’s Sub Region. A current focuss is the Central Kalahari region – to develop a Rhino/ Bushmen, Expansion Range, Sanctuary project assisting rhino “insitu conservation” in the wildlife area. According to Dr. Richard Emslie, IUCN “Botswana’s National plan currently allows for both subspecies with the arid adapted Db.bicornis in the drier south west. D.b.bicornis is the subspecies that is seen as the most arid adapted. One strategic advantage of introducing Db bicornis into Botswana is that this subspecies would then be spread into 3 countries”.
We know that conserving portions of our natural world is becoming more challenging than ever, however the recent fundraiser “The Trans Kalahari Horse Trek for Rhinos”, raised US$ 12 000.00. These funds have been specifically ear tagged for thedevelopment of the Community Black Rhino Breeding Sanctuary. Thanks to all who participated in this conservation initiative.
Another recent donation from Julie Anne recent lecture tour in KZN raised ZAR 1500.00 in one evening from the Hillcrest Anglican Parish church community. All contributions have been”ear tagged” specifically for the development of the project.
Your support goes along way in helping to protect these last remaining wildlife & cultural vestiges for future generations of the world, however much more is needed to make this dream a reality on the ground. This project is about ACTION and supporting grassroots conservation “on the ground” in Africa!
About Rhino’s
Rhinos have existed on Earth for more than 50 million years and have a glorious history. In the past, rhinos were much more diverse and widespread (occurring in North America and Europe as well as in Africa and Asia). Today, only five species of rhino survive. These five species are further divided into 11 identified subspecies. All rhinos are under threat of, and all but one species is on the verge of, extinction. Without drastic action, some rhinos could be extinct in the wild within the next 10-20 years. Only about 24,500 of these marvelous creatures survive in the wild with another 1,250 in captivity. Of these rhinos, more than two thirds are white rhinos. There are only around 6,500 of the other four species combined.
Current rhino population estimates are:
- White Rhino: 17,500
- Black Rhino: 3,000
- Greater One-horned Rhino: 2,800-2,850
- Sumatran Rhino: 200;
- Javan Rhino: 40-50
Black Rhino Biology:
The Black Rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. Black Rhinos are actually not black at all. The species probably derives its name as a distinction from the white rhino (itself a misnomer) and/or from the dark-colored local soil that often covers its skin after wallowing in mud.
- The upper lip of the Black Rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs and is its best distinguishing characteristic.
- Black Rhino are browsers. Its prehensile upper lip is adapted for grasping and holding leaves and branches of shrubs and trees. This adaptation is the species’ most distinguishing characteristic.
- Black rhinos can live to be 30-35 years in the wild and more than 45 years in captivity.
- Gestation lasts approximately 15-16 months, and mothers give birth to one calf every 2.5-3 years. Females reach sexual maturity between 4 and 7 years of age; males mature between 7 and 10 years of age.
- Black Rhino are semi-social and territorial. Females and subadults generally are social, but bulls are typically solitary. Sometimes, satellite males may reside within one another’s territories.
Adult female Black Rhino have overlapping ranges and are not really as solitary as often portrayed. Males are generally solitary and may be territorial. Black Rhino home ranges vary greatly depending on the habitat and to some extent on sex and age.
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered CITES:
Appendix I during the last century, the Black Rhino has suffered the most drastic decline in total numbers of all rhino species. Between 1970 and 1992, the population of this species decreased by 96%. In 1970, it was estimated that there were approximately 65,000 black rhinos in Africa – but, by 1993, there were only 2,300 surviving in the wild. Intensive anti-poaching efforts have had encouraging results since 1996. Numbers have been recovering and still are increasing very slowly. With the growing purchasing power of many Asian countries, and the existence of organized gangs of poachers who sell rhino horn to black market syndicates in some range countries, the poaching threat remains great and anti-poaching efforts must be continued and accelerated.
Black Rhino Numbers and Distribution
Black rhinos still are in terrible peril from poaching throughout their range, especially in Zimbabwe. About 3,610 are left worldwide, including Zimabwe’s approx. 300 animals, which face escalating poaching threats.
Black Rhino, Diceros bicornis micheali, Tanzania Photo by Dr. Richard Emslie
