Radolfzell, Germany, 15 March 2012: The South African Living Lakes partner organization of the Global Nature Fund, Wildlands Conservation Trust, reports alarming numbers. In the last four years, the number of illegally killed rhinos has tripled. Since the beginning of 2012, more than 90 rhinos have been killed in South Africa alone. Affected is the critically endangered Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis), whose total population is estimated by official sources to be under 5,000 animals (IUCN, 2011). Since the 60s, the species has experienced a dramatic decline of more than 95%, which is mainly due to illegal poaching. Also, the White Rhino is heavily affected by this problem and is slowly being brought to the edge of extinction.
Reason for this is the still increasing demand for rhino horn in the Asian region, where it is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The horn is said to cure cancer, fever, or erectile dysfunction. "Just like the human finger nails or hair, rhino horn consists of keratin. Its effectiveness is therefore more than questionable", says Udo Gattenlöhner, Executive Director of Global Nature Fund. "In several medical studies, its effectiveness could not be proven."
On the Asian black market, record prices are being paid. An average horn can garner up to 200.000 Euro and thereby even exceeds the sales value of the equivalent amount in gold. This fact paves the way for wide spreadcorruption and makes the containment of the illegal poaching practices almost hopeless. Recent events, in which four SANParks (South African National Parks) officials have been arrested in connection with poaching activities, emphasize the urgency for effective measures.
The Global Nature Fund and Wildlands Conservation Trust realize a joint project for the conservation of these endangered animals. In a region in the North-East of South Africa, the whole rhino population will be equipped with small satellite transmitters. The GPS unit will be introduced into the rhino’s horn and allows for a 24 hour live monitoring of the individuals. Unusual movement patterns will be reported immediately by a security station. Thereupon, trained rangers can react quickly and unerringly, thanks to the GPS data. In case of an emergency, this can not only save the rhino’s life but also act as a deterrent for future poachers. The measure has successfully been tested on a small group of rhinos and will now be expanded to the complete population in this area. The project is funded by the Ursula Merz Foundation.
For more information, visit:
www.globalnature.org/RhinoProtection
The European Outdoor Conservation Association Group (EOCA) nominated the rhino conservation project among one of six other projects. You can support the rhinos by voting on
www.outdoorconservation.eu/project-voting-category.cfm?catid=3 for our project (unitl 1st April 2012).
The Living Lakes network successfully and sustainably advocates on behalf of the concerned regions and is supported by globally active enterprises like Daimler, Sika, Kärcher and Osram AG.
Contact:
Katharina Trump
Global Nature Fund (GNF)
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4
78315 Radolfzell, Germany
Phone: 00 49 77 32 - 99 95 - 83
Fax: 00 49 77 32 - 99 95 - 88
E-mail:
trump@globalnature.org
Website:
www.globalnature.org