Fighting for the Future of Rhinos

Striving towards the protection of precious ecosystems and wild species, Frontier has established a portfolio of projects across the African continent. Home to an incredible diversity of megafauna, the organisation uses the Megafauna Conservation Index (MCI) to prioritise destinations. The index shows Africa as an imperative focus for conservation, with ten of the top fifteen countries globally ranked by MCI located there.

Namibia

Nestled in northern Namibia, on Etosha National Park’s eastern border, lies Onguma Game Reserve. Onguma spans 34,000 hectares of protected land, boasting over 30 different animal species and 300 birds. This is a magical spot worth exploring, with a number of Black Rhino also calling it their home. Labelled ‘critically endangered,’ all Black Rhino are owned by the state of Namibia where a custodian programme is in operation, allowing non-State  game reserves to look after the species. Consequently, this increases their geographic range and allows for the potential of diversification, thus strengthening their gene pool.

The Frontier Collective has been training wildlife rangers in Namibia in a number of ways from patrolling to marksmanship and medical training. With plans to work alongside National Park authorities, implementing the same training programme across all custodian reserves, Frontier will help ensure a standard operating procedure and skill level. Therefore, if a collaboration is required with neighbouring reserves, the opportunity for support is there.

Illegal poaching figures are currently lower than in the past, however since Namibia is home to a key rhino population, protection of this threatened species is crucial if they are to thrive into the future. Whilst it is promising to see government recognition of the value of wildlife tourism to Namibia’s economy, and efforts in place to prevent wildlife crime, we still need to ensure Field Rangers are on the ground making a difference. The Pelorus Foundation is actively supporting conservation initiatives like this to help protect wild species.

South Africa

Found at the heart of South Africa’s ‘Big Game Country,’ Kruger National Park is the country’s top safari destination with outstanding wildlife viewing amidst untouched landscapes. Here resides the world’s single largest Southern White Rhino population, a species that has made a remarkable U-turn from the threat of extinction. Globally, White Rhino numbers fell to a devastating 54 – a figure which has climbed following an effective translocation amongst other strong conservation efforts.

Between 2007 and 2014, South Africa’s rhino poaching increased by 9000%, the majority of which took place in Kruger National Park. As a result of these shocking poaching rates, the Frontier team has been involved in supporting the deployment of a ground-breaking radar technology to help the prevention of wildlife crime in Kruger. The Meerkat project has pioneered a radar and surveillance system to act as an early warning, enabling a team of rangers to be deployed instantly and take action. Frontier’s involvement means individuals can man the system continuously, whilst advisory support is offered. Before the Meerkat project, over 1000 rhino were poached annually in South Africa. This figure has dropped considerably, and the population has grown since 2017.

We are seeing a global effort made to spread awareness on illegal wildlife crime and halt the killing of these magnificent creatures. Together with Frontier’s ranger training programmes and innovative radar technology, environmental education, community conservation and local support all contribute towards rhino protection in southern Africa.