Tag: inyathi

“There is another menacing storm heading south through Africa and the first ominous drops of blood fell on SA soil this week. ” -Will Fowlds

“We have been alarmed about the elephant poaching happening in Central Africa and its more recent spread and escalation into East…

If the current rate of poaching continues, rhinos in the wild will be extinct by 2020. That is just 6 years away!

There are only 5,000 black rhinos (L) and 20,000 white rhinos (R) remaining in the wild. (photo by Ryan Hillier)

According to Will Travers, chief executive of the Born Free Foundation,

“There will probably be no free-living rhinos as the remaining numbers will be fenced off in military-style compounds which are alarmed and heavily guarded by armed patrols.”

Are we prepared to let this happen? How will the world look without them?

The Savanna 

Rhinos are an umbrella species. This means their survival or demise directly impacts the survival or demise of other species of mammals, birds, insects, fish and plants. They play a big role in their ecosystem.

When they browse, they keep the areas trimmed, making paths and more accessible areas for smaller mammals. They also enrich…

The answer is NO.

The Black Rhino and White Rhino are indigenous to Africa. Within those two species are sub-species. This is where the confusion lies.

One of the sub-species of the Black Rhino was the Western Black Rhino. This group is thought to be extinct. They were last seen in Cameroon area, and pronounced extinct in November of 2011.

The primary species of Black Rhino which are seen are the Eastern Black Rhino, South-central and South-western.  However, they too are critically endangered. There are approximately 4800 left in the wild. The following map shows where they are still found:

Imagine being one of only four people left on the planet, the future of humanity in your hands. It’s up to you to make babies, re-populate, save your species. Pressure? You bet.

Sadly, this is the case for the only four Northern white rhinos on the planet. Sudan and Suni (the boys), and Najin and Fatu (the ladies) are the last of their species. Residing in Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy, it has been a hope they could produce a miracle. (see previous post: …And Then There Were Four)

Under 24 hour armed guard to protect them from poaching, they have been cared for and maintained to keep them healthy and happy. Despite all efforts at a suitable environment, there has been no success. Although Suni and Najin were seen mating in 2012, the 16 month gestation period came and went, and hopes were dashed.

The quartet is not…