I thought it would be fitting to share this story, one very close to my heart, today on International Day of Biodiversity.
Describing the journey of an ordinary girl who found herself immersed in conservation might seem elusive, but allow me to offer a glimpse into this transformative experience for those who aspire to engage in something greater than themselves. I believe conservation found me when I least expected it. I’m a Communications Specialist who was looking to use my skills for something more meaningful in life, to leave a lasting impression on the world. As fate would have it, I embarked on an incredible journey with WILDLANDS, a programme of the WILDTRUST, 9 years ago, leading various fundraising efforts with a specific focus on rhino and what a journey it has been.
Recent figures released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in February 2024 revealed a harrowing statistic. 499 rhino were poached in 2023/2024, with over 300 incidents occurring at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in KZN, Africa’s oldest game reserve and home to the world’s densest population of black and white rhino. In response, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife recently made the difficult decision to dehorn all rhino on their reserve to deter poachers. However, this action has now shifted pressure onto private reserves in the Zululand area, resulting in several reported poaching incidents.
Last weekend, as the world commemorated Endangered Species Day, together with my family I participated in a mass dehorning effort at Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, South Africa’s first community-owned reserve. Spanning 12,000 hectares in northern KZN, this Big 5 reserve showcases endemic flora and fauna while providing employment opportunities for the local community. Established in 2013 with support from WILDLANDS, Somkhanda exemplifies community-driven conservation and green economy initiatives under the leadership of the Emvokweni Community Trust.
Over the weekend, we witnessed the dehorning of the remaining black and white rhino that had not recently been dehorned, in the hope of increasing their chances of survival. The experience left me inspired to do more for this iconic species as I watched my 5-year-old son come into contact with a rhino for the first time. While the experience seemed to leave him a little bewildered, I know it will be a memory that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. This experience gave him the most exciting story to share with his class on Monday. As for my teenage son, who has attended a number of these interventions, I saw a glint in his smile every time the team signalled, we had located and darted another rhino. It made me wonder if this is something that may inspire him to want to contribute towards conservation efforts in the future.
With a success rate of approximately 96% in private reserves, dehorning serves as a vital deterrent against poaching. Expertly led by Dr. Mike Toft, Reserve Manager Meiring Prinsloo (Pamco), volunteer organization Wildlife ACT, and supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Heligistix pilots in collaboration with Project Rhino KZN, the procedure involved darting the rhino from the air using M99, a non-harmful opioid cocktail to partially sedate them while maintaining vital signs.
During this dehorning process, which includes sample collection and identification recording, the rhino are closely monitored, and their well-being prioritised throughout the operation. Though witnessing this intervention is sobering, it underscores the urgency to protect this iconic species.
As black and white rhino face Critically Endangered status according to the IUCN Red List, the time for action is now. Special mention must be made of Highbury School who made this past weekends’ activities possible through various fundraising efforts including the legacy event, the Maputaland Challenge.
You, too, can help! Support the WILDTRUST Rhino Adoption Project by adopting a rhino as an individual, through a school, or as a business. A rhino adoptee receives bi-annual updates and reports on the well-being of their adopted rhino, images and a certificate. This ensures that the adoptees can be secured in knowing their donation fee is being used for the critical work done by the anti-poaching unit in safeguarding their rhino.
Joining hands in conservation efforts, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in safeguarding our natural heritage and biodiversity for generations to come. I know that I personally left Somkhanda feeling inspired and motivated to do more in my work to expand our network of adoptees and supporters for the cause. My children have not stopped reminiscing about their experience and I know that through their stories, the work we do will be shared. Through their sharing, the battle cry will sound in places further than I could ever reach.
For more information on how you can be part of the WILDTRUST drive to secure and protect our biodiversity, contact Buyi at Buyisiwe@wildtrust.co.za
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