Support Mounted Rangers Fighting Rhino Poaching

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we begin a new year, we’d like to extend our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and generosity towards conservation. Here’s a brief update on what we’ve been working on recently:

1. Anti-poaching and Community Protection

Our anti-poaching units have been on high alert as the festive season is synonymous with increased criminal activity, there has also been an increase in dog poachers and snaring.  The K9-Unit continue to remove an average of 112 snares per month on patrol, whilst a typical aerial patrol by our BushCat fixed-wing will last between two to three hours, the majority over adjacent Private Game Reserves.

 2. Education and Awareness

Inspiring future generations and creating awareness remain pillars of our work:

• School Engagements: Richard, our dedicated Rhino Art facilitator, completed a successful trip to Kosi Bay in January. He has also hosted impactful educational sessions at schools near Loziba, Nambiti, and Tembe Wildlife Reserves.
• Global Awareness: Project Rhino director, Grant, represented us on an international stage during his recent USA trip, fostering global support for wildlife conservation.

 3. Cultural and Sporting Events

Our events continue to unite communities while raising awareness and funds:

• Future Rhino Project: In 2024, several schools across KwaZulu-Natal participated in the Future Rhino Project, hand-decorating life-size rhino wireframes. A crash of 14 of these beautifully decorated rhinos was displayed at the Festival of Lights in Durban in December. These stunning artworks, accompanied by heartfelt conservation messages from participating schools, are a testament to the passion of KwaZulu-Natal’s youth.
• Looking Ahead: We are thrilled to announce a music festival in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on 1 February, featuring popular South African artists Nicholis Louw, Qadasi & Maqhinga, Tanner Wareham, and Steve Umculo. Upcoming initiatives in 2025 include an online art auction, a Run for Rangers trail run, and the Oceans 8 swimming event.

For further information, please follow our journey on social media (@projectrhinokzn), where you’ll find regular updates and stories of impact. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.

As we commemorate Rhino Month, we celebrate not only these majestic animals but also the resilience and dedication of everyone working to protect them.

Despite poaching posing a significant global threat to wildlife, South Africa's conservation efforts are showing positive results. In a recent speech, the newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, shared positive news about South Africa's rhino populations. By the end of 2023, the population had grown to 16,056 rhinos, including 2,065 black rhinos and 13,991 white rhinos—an increase of 1,032 rhinos since 2021. Despite ongoing poaching challenges, with 2.9% of the rhino population poached in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023, the overall rhino population has increased.

Unfortunately, KwaZulu-Natal remains the hardest hit by poaching, with 145 rhinos lost in the first half of 2024, accounting for 63% of the country’s total. We remain optimistic that these numbers will continue to decrease due to the large-scale dehorning initiative in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, where over 1,000 rhinos have been dehorned since April 2024.

As we reflect on the progress made during Rhino Month, we must acknowledge the incredible work of our wildlife rangers, who tirelessly defend these animals on the front lines. Following our successful Run for Rangers event in July, Project Rhino’s ranger teams participated in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge this month, raising funds for essential items like training and equipment.

Rhino Month is also a time to spread awareness within schools and communities. We’ve had a busy few weeks with various activations across KwaZulu-Natal. In addition to Civvies Days for schools, we launched an art sculpture programme where students decorate wire rhino sculptures in any way, or using any material, they want. These sculptures will later be auctioned or displayed in strategic locations. The creativity of the students has been truly inspiring. By engaging the younger generation through these initiatives, we are planting the seeds for long-term conservation leadership and fostering a sense of responsibility in our youth.

While there is still much work to be done, our combined efforts are making a tangible impact. Your generous support allows us to continue funding critical anti-poaching units like the K9 teams, aerial surveillance, and ranger training.

Thank you for standing with us in the fight to protect South Africa’s rhinos. Together, we are making a difference.