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Rhino Wars
At this moment in time you will find two species of rhinoceros in KwaZulu Natal. The large and somewhat placid Southern White, and, the nervous, secretive black. I have seen both and as recently as July 2011. After reading newspaper articles and keeping up with the news, it seems, my chances of seeing rhinos on my next visit could be slimmer.
Within South Africa there is a war being fought. A war to save the threatened white and critically endangered black rhinoceros from extinction. Within three generations one of these could be lost forever. The cause of the war, keratin, more commonly referred to, in this case, as horn.
Rhino horn currently has an estimated street value of US$60,000.00, £40,000.00 or R450, 000.00 per kilogramme. An average rhino will have 6 kilogram’s of horn. The trade of course is highly illegal. A demand for horn is being fuelled, mainly from China, for its medicinal properties. It is a scientifically proven fact that rhino horn has zero medicinal benefit.
Regardless of monetary value and scientific proof the fact remains that rhinos are being poached. Throughout South Africa the rate of poaching is one per day. Within the province of KZN the rate is far lower.
Jabulani Ngubane is the new EKZN Wildlife’s Rhino Security Intervention Coordinator. So who better to talk to than him about the current situation? “Apologies for being late but I have had a situation develop, yesterday we recovered an AK47, following a tip off” jabulani told us as we introduced ourselves.
Why was I shocked to hear this, after all I knew that this particular assault rifle had been developed and used in wars from the end of the Second World War to now. The answer was that this rifle was being used by man against Rhino. A very one sided war in the African Bush.
“Its not only rifles that are being used by poachers, its veterinary darting equipment and even helicopters” he goes on to explain “ The strategy must be prevention, the men on the ground are venerable and driven by relatively small amounts of money. They though are key in a chain leading to the people who are heading highly organised poaching syndicates operating on several levels. Information and arrest will lead to prevention” The emphasis is constantly on information.
Jabulani is from Northern Zululand and grew up in Ndumo. Whilst at school he took on volunteer conservation work and now at only 34 he has progressed within the EKZN organisation. He has been an officer in charge with the rhino anti poaching unit. He has also been section manager for two areas at Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park during his 14 year tenure. His confidence shines through but certainly no arrogance. He is a realist and very much appreciates the enormity of his task. “I want to make a difference” he declares. An inspiration in his life has been Dr Ian Player. “I looked him in the eyes and assured him” It’s about team work “I with many others will and have laid their lives down for the cause”
Communication skills are vital here in this war and the support of local communities is needed. Jabulani has the necessary skills to gain their support and from our discussions I know he has the passion to succeed. The position against poachers has to be aggressive. He stresses though again “it’s about information and arrest, not shooting to kill”
To spearhead this campaign the positives must be focussed on. The rhino is a species that was saved from near extinction only 40 years ago. The province has a proud and successful record with what is the second largest land mammal behind the elephant.
Within the province several game reserves are ‘managing’ the remaining 4000 white and black rhinos. The long term aim is to increase and expand populations. Relocation is vital to success but that comes with its problems. Expansion will be possible but reserves need to be assessed and meet many criteria’s. These include adequate fencing, security measures and the availability of food and water.
Jabulani and many hundreds of men and women are working towards expansion and relocation. On a day to day basis they are protecting and saving a species that has roamed our planet for 50 million years.
These people need the support of both governments and communities spreading far beyond the boundaries of KwaZulu Natal. I am thinking of what I can do to help all be it in a very small way? On the ground vehicles, tracking equipment, tents, night vision and radio equipment are all needed.
My meeting was both enlightening and inspirational. I feel honoured and privileged to have had the chance to listen to Jabulani Ndugame.