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Save the Rhino Trust - Namibia Project

In the North/west of Namibia (bordering Angola) is the Kunene region, an area of spectacular desert mountains, gorges, plains and ephemeral rivers, these seasonal rivers create a focus for wildlife especially the desert adapted elephant and rhino.

The desert adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) has survived here for thousands of years, living on communal land with no formal conservation status, Etosha National Park to the east being the only protected area, however in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s a slaughter of rhino began, within a few years they were almost extinct.

A group of concerned Namibians led by Blythe Loutit founded the SAVE the RHINO TRUST in 1982 of which she was director until her death in 2005.

Initially ex poachers were employed by SRT (as they had extensive knowledge of rhino habits). The aim to stop the killing on communal land was enthusiastically supported by the Chiefs and headmen, as well as local farmers and the Namibian wildlife service (MET).

Since 1982 poaching has drastically declined, the recent rhino count showed the numbers have TRIPLED.

As you read this, due to increased numbers SRT and MET are carrying out a two month rhino relocation exercise, moving excess Kaokoveld rhinos into the southern part of the Kunene region.

SAVE NSW recently donated $6,000 to the SRT.SAVE NSW will continue to support the Wilderness Botswana reintroduction project as well as SRT.

Read more about LEWA - Kenya project >>
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