- RHINOS ARE IN DANGER - |
Black rhinos are critically endangered and it is estimated that there are fewer than 5,600 black rhinos left in the wild.
As recently as the 1960s, it was estimated that over 100,000 black rhino were still roaming Africa. Poaching, combined with inadequate field protection has decimated these populations. After black rhino numbers reached their lowest point in 1995, they have since steadily increased. Today it is estimated that there are fewer than 5,630 black rhinos left in the wild, and with poaching sweeping across the continent, the critically endangered black rhinos' last stand may be in north-western Namibia.
It is here that Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) works tirelessly to protect the last, free-roaming population of black rhinos in the world.
Covering an area of 25,000 km2, SRT's trackers come from local communities and possess a deep knowledge of rhinos and their surroundings. Their skills are tested during long patrols, on foot on rough terrain in an area with no national park status, no fences and no controls over who enters and exits.
It is here that Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) works tirelessly to protect the last, free-roaming population of black rhinos in the world.
Covering an area of 25,000 km2, SRT's trackers come from local communities and possess a deep knowledge of rhinos and their surroundings. Their skills are tested during long patrols, on foot on rough terrain in an area with no national park status, no fences and no controls over who enters and exits.
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Last year our teams covered 34 346 km patrolling on foot. This is equal to three times the distance from Swakopmund to London.
Photo Credit: Marcus Westberg
SRT's success in saving the critically endangered black rhino depends on communities, businesses and people like YOU.
The Namibian black rhino is the largest of all the subspecies, adapted to arid conditions and not found in any zoo or captive breeding facility.
COVID-19
Due to Covid-19 and the devastating affect on humanity and businesses, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, along with other conservation organizations, has seen its budget slashed as international donors have had to pass along cuts to their own budgets. The knock-on effect in terms of job security, provisions for families and the protection of Namibia’s critically endangered black rhinos has been devastating for communities in the region. |
Save the Rhino Trust CEO Honoured with Prestigious International Conservation Award
Press Release23 November, London United Kingdom. Simson !Uri-≠Khob, Save the Rhino Trust Chief Executive Officer has been recognised for his lifetime commitment and contribution to African conservation. Mr !Uri-≠Khob has been awarded the Prince William Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual ceremony – now in its ninth year – was attended by TUSK’s Royal Patron Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. Each year the awards recognise and honour the important work that African Conservationists perform to protect wildlife and biodiversity. Arguably one of the most prestigious conservation awards on the continent, the lifetime achievement award is a nod to Simson’s unwavering passion and dedication displayed over 30 years of protecting black rhinos in Namibia’s northwest. The annual TUSK Conservation Awards were established in 2013 in partnership with the Duke of Cambridge and various sponsors to celebrate extraordinary achievements by individuals working to protect Africa’s irreplaceable natural heritage. The awards serve to bolster international recognition for the winners and the work they do. The three award categories are: The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, a lifetime achievement award, won by Simson !Uri-≠Khob from Namibia; The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa which recognises an emerging leader in conservation, won by Julie Razafimanahaka from Madagascar and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award which recognises dedication and bravery of rangers work to protect wildlife won by Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria. Simson has worked with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) for 30 years, currently leading a team of 43 staff and 60 community rhino rangers from 13 conservancies spanning an area of 25,000 km² in northwest Namibia. When Simson joined SRT in the early 1990s, Namibia’s black rhino population, the largest free ranging black rhino population in the world, was just back from the brink of almost complete decimation after a terrible drought and surge of poaching in the 1970s and 1980s. Namibia’s successful rhino conservation efforts in the northwest region have been largely driven by engaging and empowering local communities in rhino protection. SRT, alongside with local partners, have spearheaded these efforts for nearly 4 decades. Today, rhino numbers have dramatically increased and conservancies are supported to employ locally-recruited rangers, provide education and health improvements and help for farmers. It is impossible not to feel Simson’s passion, commitment and honest, open heart for protecting his rhinos and ensuring his rangers are given the support they need and deserve. During his acceptance speech Simson talked about the importance of future conservationists: ‘Conservation needs dedicated, responsible, committed and strong leaders and this is the time for the younger generation to prepare to take over. It may not be a career which makes you rich; however, safeguarding nature for future generations is priceless’. After the ceremony Simson also thanked his team at Save the Rhino Trust Namibia: ‘My receiving of this award is thanks to the SRT team who support me at all times with commitment and dedication. Without their support this award would not have happened’’. The impacts of biodiversity loss due to population pressure, climate change and COVID-19 means that now more than ever African conservationists like Simson should take centre stage. The Duke of Cambridge addressed the 2021 winners saying that the work they do has never been more important and that ‘’it is imperative that the natural world is protected not only for its contribution to our economies, jobs and livelihoods, but for health, well-being and the future of humanity’’. |