RHINO RESCUE PROJECT

448 in 2011, more than 668 in 2012, 1004 in 2013, 1,175 rhinos killed in 2015 in South Africa… the figures give vertiges (even if they fell in 2016 and 2017 with 1,054 respectively) and 1,028 rhinoceros killed). Due to strong demand, particularly Chinese, for rhino horn powder to be aphrodisiac in eastern traditions, poaching is at its height against these poor rhinos, both threatened and 30 years ago. The species is really in danger. Demand and money stimulate the attempts of poachers and the means of reserves and parks to protect their rhinos are derisory. This project reflects a strategic defense of rhinos in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. The University of Pretoria, the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Foundation and the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) have joined Rhino Project Rescue to improve the methods of devaluation of the horn scientifically. Another very efficient system, but also very onerous as not all reserves can afford, let alone national parks, is testing: the injection of toxic pink ink into the horn to protect the rhino because it is rendered unusable, and to identify poachers because of pink ink indelible. Let us hope that the fight will bear fruit.