Different.org and Wildlands have partnered together to fundraise for the sponsorship of an African Wild Dog and Rhino monitoring programme. Mark Gerrard, the Threatened Species Coordinator for Wildlands, gives us an update.
The community owned Somkhanda Game Reserve, which is managed in partnership between Wildlands and the Gumbi community, continues to support a viable population of both black and white Rhino. Under the current threat of poaching within the country, the population on this 12 000ha reserve is considered vital for the greater survival of the species. Different.org currently support the species monitoring on Somkhanda, allowing up-to-date information on animal movement and condition which is then fed into reserve management. This proved extremely valuable in January of this year when the Rhino monitoring team came across the tracks of human spoor with blood spots and Rhino spoor nearby.
The monitors followed the Rhino spoor and managed to track down an adult male white Rhino. Upon viewing the Rhino, they noticed that the animal was not moving freely and looked uncomfortable. On closer inspection they noticed that there was a wound on the side of the Rhino. The Rhino monitors, had in fact, disturbed a group of poachers on the reserve who had already shot the Rhino. With these poachers having wounded the Rhino, it was imperative that the correct actions were taken. Due to quick reactions on the part of the monitors, the local wildlife vet was called in to assist. A helicopter was also called in and used by the vet to dart the animal and immobilise it. Once back in the ground, the vet was able to treat the wound and administer the necessary medication. The bullet was found to have entered just below the spine of the Rhino and thankfully missed all vital organs.
The Rhino was also fitted with a foot collar to allow easier tracking of the animal by the monitoring team thereafter. Thankfully, the animal survived with no great side effects and is now being monitored closely in the field by both the Rhino monitors and the field ranger team. The vet and management team are confident that the animal has got over the worst and will make a full recovery. Thanks to the great work and initiative carried out by the Rhino monitoring team, together with the efficient reactions by the reserve management and vet, Somkhanda we able to secure the important life of one of these endangered species.
The value of constant monitoring of threatened species by dedicated and professional monitoring teams was highlighted and Wildlands, together with Different.org, will continue to support such vital work.
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