In 2013 more white rhino were killed than in any previous years, according to Government statistics. A tragic reminder that this magnificent animal’s survival is being severely threatened. Did you know that rhino horn can sell for up to US$65 000 per kilogramme or approximately ZAR730 000 at today’s rate of exchange? Much of the killing happening in the Kruger National Park bordering Mozambique. So the Great Plains Conservation &Beyond Initiative is encouraging news in this huge battle to fight the poachers and syndicates making millions from the slaughter of these incredible creatures from whom we can learn so much. My heart bleeds when I consider the magnificent white rhino I was privileged to see while walking through the Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserves many years ago, soon after the launch of Ian Player’s book ‘The White Rhino Saga’ which is now back in print and has more relevance than ever!
PRESS RELEASE:
GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION AND &BEYOND JOIN FORCES TO TRANSLOCATE UP TO 100 RHINO
28 January 2014
With rhino poaching at an all-time high in South Africa, two of Africa’s leading conservation companies, Great Plains Conservation and &Beyond, have joined forces to safely translocate up to 100 rhino from South Africa to the safe haven of Botswana.
“There is a battle for Africa’s wildlife raging as we speak. Rhinos are being poached at a rate of one every nine hours and the official number is 1 004 dead in 2013 alone. The unofficial number, because we simply do not find them all, is well over 1 000. Like everyone, I’ve been watching this desperate situation worsen, which is why Great Plains Conservation and &Beyond have decided to take action. This is not a Great Plains Conservation project or an &Beyond one, it is a global one that we can all play a role in, small and large. I don’t believe in branded conservation — it needs to be something we all get behind to save a species,” says Dereck Joubert, Great Plains CEO.
“Botswana has an excellent security system in place to protect these endangered animals and will be a safe haven for the relocated rhino. Translocations are fundamental to secure the ongoing survival of endangered species and this groundbreaking project aims to protect the species for future generations to enjoy. A project this size requires a strong partnership and a huge resource pool to pull it off. We are therefore very pleased to be joining forces with Great Plains Conservation for this mass translocation. We share the same mission and operating ethos and together we believe we can make this happen,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO.
Having successfully translocated six rhino from South Africa to Botswana last year, &Beyond’s conservation team will lend its expertise to the project. Up to 100 rhino will be captured and safely transported from South Africa and released in Botswana’s remote wilderness. Each rhino will be tagged and microchipped for research and monitoring purposes. A dedicated anti-poaching team will then work in conjunction with the Botswana government agencies to monitor the animals using the latest technology.
This operation will cost USD8 million and both Great Plains Conservation and &Beyond will announce specific fundraising initiatives to enable tourism stakeholders, travel partners, tour operators and guests to help save this iconic species and ensure Africa’s Big Five remains for future generations to enjoy.
The battle to save the rhino from extinction won’t be won tomorrow; however, with joint initiatives such as this, the battle won’t be lost tomorrow either.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Hilton Walker
T. +27 (13) 7502005 | M. +27 (82) 5799055
hilton@greatplainsconservation.com
Twitter @ZerosForRhinos
www.greatplainsconservation.com
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