Saving the
Black Rhino
Saving the
Black Rhino
In the footsteps of the armor plated rhinocerous
Black rhinos are critically endangered, with just under 6,500 left in the wild. As recently as the 1960’s it was estimated that there were over 100,000 black rhinos in the world. That number has been decimated over the past 60 years with poaching and inadequate protection of the species being the main reasons for this devastation.
"The only way to save a rhinoceros, is to save the environment in which it lives because there is a mutual dependency between it and millions of other species of both animals and plants."
David Attenborough
Black rhinos have no known natural predators, except for man. They are gentle giants, who only kill if under attack. Herbivores by nature, they forage for roots and grasses to eat, roaming the desert region of Namibia in search of food and water.
Hunted for their horns since before 1200BC for use in a myriad of traditional medicines but also used as daggers and ceremonial chalices. The advent of the use in traditional Chinese medicine in the 20th Century saw the poaching of these animals reach an all time high.
Between 1960 and 1995, the number of black rhinos dropped a staggering 96.7%. However, since the inception of the Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia in 1982, the conservation of this incredible species has led to a huge change in the number of rhino’s lost to poaching. Since 2013 this number has decreased by 80%.
The dedication of the rhino rangers, monitoring patrols and the commitment from the communities, the tourism sector and conservation teams alike, has enabled the Save the Rhino Trust to facilitate the protection of a species that was very close to extinction just a few short years ago.
"No one in the world needs a rhino horn but a rhino."
Paul Oxton
Wilderness Safaris is a tourism and conservation partner that has been pivotal in the role of the Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia. The Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland, in conjunction with the communities within the conservancy and the Save the Rhino Trust work together for the conservation of this unique species, the desert adapted black rhino. It is a prime example of how NGO’s, the local communities and the private sector are fighting to preserve a future for our African wildlife.
While staying at Desert Rhino Camp, you are able to be a part of the conservation project by accompanying the rhino monitoring team on a day out in the desert to track the elusive desert adapted black rhino.
Image credit: Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
365 days a year, sees the rhino trackers of the Damaraland conservancy, heading out to track and monitor the last remaining rhino in the area. Trackers are selected from the local communities and often consist of poachers that have turned conservationist. With untold knowledge and skills they spend long hours on patrol.
Once sighted, the trackers and monitors record important information from ages, sex, ear notches, horn size to body condition and scars. Spending time to watch this magnificent species to gain a better understanding and insight into their daily routines is all part of the process. Being a part of this process is a deeply rewarding experience.
The Save the Rhino Trust core values are not only limited to the protection of this species but to ensure the coexistence of man, livestock and wildlife. And to ensure that the next generation is educated in the value of our natural world.
Premier Africa is delighted to collaborate with Wilderness Safaris for a life changing journey that offers you the opportunity to bear witness to the preservation of the endangered black rhino. We are privileged to partner with a company that offers all our guests a glimpse into the conservation and upliftment of our beautiful Africa.
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