Nambiti does its bit to save the black rhino

In an effort to save the remaining Black Rhino in our province, the black rhino Range Expansion Project was initiated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlfe and WWF with the aim of relocating small populations of black rhino from overpopulated national parks.

Nambiti Private Game Reserve has recently joined a small group of nature reserves within KZN that are actively working to protect and increase the southern black rhino population through this initiative.

A small herd of southern black rhino were recently introduced onto Nambiti, where their movements are being actively monitored by newly-appointed black rhino monitors James Nothling and Wian van Zyl.

Together, these avid young conservationists are keeping daily sighting records of their new babies, as well as heading up the 14-man strong Anti-Poaching Unit.

Daily monitoring is not the only method used to protect these endangered animals. All the horns of the black rhino have been specially treated with poison, as well as the horns being micro-chipped. These two methods are meant to deter poachers from handling the horns, as well as provide a reliable method of tracking them if there is an unfortunate event of a black rhino being poached.

The main method of protection lies in the hands of the 14 armed field monitors. Each have undergone rigorous training and are ready for anything. They patrol the fence lines each day, never taking the same route but always with a clear view of the areas they are patrolling.

The job isn’t without its dangers though. Condition assessments need to be made of all the new arrivals and “walking the rhino” can be very hair-raising at times. The black rhino is a very curious creature, unlike its white rhino cousin, and even the sound of a stick breaking underfoot has alerted them to the presence of the monitors.

“There have been a few times when I have been walking a rhino and not noticed it lying still in a thicket or long grass until I have been almost on top of it,” says Wian who joined the team after James was involved in a motorbike accident while training.

“Twice I have been mock charged by a bull and had to hurry behind a tree to get out of sight of the rhino,” adds Wian. “Even with the constant threat of poachers and having to stay on your toes while out monitoring, it is by far the most rewarding job I have had,” says James.

Although the future for the species is still marred by poaching and looks bleak, Nambiti is proud to be doing its bit to save the species and provide a new home for the Southern Black Rhino.