Earth Day: Respect our Home

Stop the Poaching

Is the Black Rhino Extinct?

Fight for Rhinos

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:

final black rhino pop range

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Plan B

Fight for Rhinos

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.

four northerns 2The quartet is not…

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2013 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 14,000 times in 2013. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 5 sold-out performances for that many …

Nelson Mandela

WORLD RHINO DAY

Fight for Rhinos

As long as there are rhinos, we will keep fighting. There is still hope! Spread the word-the world loses 2-3 rhinos every day. They are killed for a myth-their horn is NOT medicine! Stop the demand, stop the slaughter.

baby and mom 3

MUST SEE HEARTWARMING VIDEO:

THANDI WITH NEW FRIEND: http://www.kariega.co.za/blog/cute-rhino-calf-playing-withthandi-at-kariega

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Lion and Buffalo encounters in the Kruger

Sunway Safaris - Adventures in Africa blog

Mozambique Beach and Bush Tour visits the highlights of Mozambique and includes a visit to the Kruger National Park. The scene for this week’s blog from Dave.

Here is Dave’s account of the Lion encounter in Kruger

New York 079“Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19 633 square kilometers in the Northeastern part of South Africa. It is home to all members of the Big Five.

 

While travelling along the Kwanatamwiri causeway heading back to camp at lionessLower Sabie we came across a pride of 12 lions travelling up the river bed. After some scuffling we saw a number of Buffalo and White rhinos scatter out the reeds with the Lion in tow. We observed as the Lions made a charge on the Buffalo however this time the Lions came out unsuccessful allowing the Buffalo to get away and move…

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Damned if They Do, Damned if They Don’t

Fight for Rhinos

To trade or not to trade?  Always a hotbed of debate concerning rhino poaching

But since South Africa is entertaining the idea of a “one-off” sale to sell the current stockpiles of horn, things have taken a dismal turn indeed.

Here are the scenarios: #1) Trade IS allowed as a one-time only option– wetting the appetite of the Asian market, like throwing a chicken into a hungry hoard of crocodiles. This will undoubtedly  send poaching rates soaring.

#2) Trade is allowed on a regular basis but cannot be monitored enough to stop poaching, and with the number of rhinos currently surviving, there are not nearly enough of them to keep up with the monstrous demand.

#3) Trade is Not allowed.  In order to make up for lack of profit, will the “farmers” sell their rhinos off  to trophy hunters? Will they be sold off to the highest bidder (who…

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July 2013 Safari Journal

Wild dog

The weather: July brought with it some very chilly winter mornings and evenings but it was worth every second out there in the bush. Hot water bottles and cosy fires have been the order of the day, and blankets have been a most welcome addition to the dinner table. The vegetation continues to thin out, and …

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