Founded in 1982 Save the Rhino Trust is the only Conservation NGO in Namibia mandated by the Government to monitor and conduct research on the Black Rhinos in North-western part of Namibia known as the Kunene region. Working in close collaboration with local communities, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism ( MEFT) and like minded Conservation NGO's we are dedicated to conserve the Dessert-adapted black rhinos on communal land and our success fundamentally rests on our effective collaborations both nationally and internationally and determination by our monitoring teams.
In close collaboration with Government, Namibian Police, local communities and national and international partners, SRT's efforts are central to achieving the following goals:
In close collaboration with Government, Namibian Police, local communities and national and international partners, SRT's efforts are central to achieving the following goals:
- Monitoring and evaluating the rhino population
- Enhancing security of the rhino
- Providing benefits to the community through conservation.
Special Operations
After decades of no recorded poaching in SRT's area of operations, criminal elements have begun operating in the Kunene region. We have lost several of our rhinos to poachers. We are modifying and intensifying our special operations in the field working closely with our partners and with local communities to engage them in helping to save our Black rhinos.
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ObjectiveSRT works along with the government, legal institutions and other non-governmental organisations. SRT does joint patrols with law enforcement officers to assist with investigations of poaching incidents.
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Rhino Monitoring
SRT has provided consistent patrolling and monitoring of black rhino in the Kunene over the last 25 years. This ensures the long-term security of the desert-adapted black rhino and prevents poaching or other illegal activities. The challenge of monitoring rhinos in this habitat cannot be underestimated. The area where SRT operates is vast, the landscape rugged, and there is no national park status. Our teams of dedicated trackers patrol and monitor the areas from vehicles, on foot and in the air.
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ObjectiveWe monitor and report on black rhino numbers, distribution, human and wildlife conflict and Human-induced Disturbances. We compile and update data using photos, wildlife sightings and field operations. We also coordinate air reconnaissance with our partners
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Research and Evaluation
SRT’s remarkable monitoring information provides an unrivalled opportunity to establish a deeper understanding about rhino biology and behavior. This is fundamental to their protection and helps maximize population growth. We have also adopted a more interdisciplinary approach integrating ecological, social, psychological and policy science aspects into an applied research agenda. Our research has guided rhino reintroduction efforts, responsible tourism protocols, ranger incentive schemes and community engagement strategies.
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ObjectiveWe are adding to our Rhino Viewing Protocol to improve rhino-related tourism practices. We provide data based inputs to define the carrying capacity for wild-life based tourism. We draw data regarding the black rhino habits in order to plan and manage conservation and development activities. |
Building Capacity
Save the Rhino Trust is committed to working with our partners in the region to develop skills that benefit both rhinos and community members.
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ObjectiveWe provide training and support to new trackers to extensively expand the number of Rhino Rangers. We develop, deliver and evaluate training for Conservancy Rhino Rangers to monitor and respond to mortalities.
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Community Upliftment
Engage black rhino host communities to improve understanding of the long-term value to them of the rhinos, making them partners in rhino conservation.
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ObjectivesWe seek funds to support an increasing number of Rhino Rangers, to assist in communication and public relation activities. We communicate with communities in areas surrounding the rhino range through various presentations and talks. We compile newsletters to keep people up to date and print and promote through various media types.
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Rhino Rangers
Community conservation in Namibia grew out of the recognition that wildlife and other natural resources are of value in communal areas, and that these resources can be unlocked if local communities are empowered to manage and utilize resources themselves. The Namibian Government supported these efforts by trans locating rhinos to communities and even though the government still owns the rhino, under the management of SRT these communities are trained and equipped through the Rhino Ranger Program to monitor and help protect the rhinos.
The community chooses a minimum of two local people to be trained in rhino tracking and tourism. Since 2012, SRT and partners have provided training, equipment and bonus payments to 52 local rhino rangers in 13 communities. This has helped triple the number of trained rangers protecting rhino. Now, 100% of rhino that live on community lands in the Kunene Region of Namibia are being protected by the community that lives alongside them. The program is implemented by a support group currently comprised of senior staff within Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and Minnesota Zoo. |
ObjectivesWe collaborate on patrol initiatives focused on the black rhino. We encourage a sense of ownership over natural resourced, a responsibility for development and we enable significant enhancement capacity through ongoing training.
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Fundraising and Communication
Our work would not be possible without the support of dedicated friends and supporters around the world. SRT is committed to maintaining and building upon these relationships to fully involve our partners in saving the rhino.
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ObjectivesWe aim to extend the support to improve financial sustainability and strengthen SRT's profile. Implement long-term strategies to strengthen and diversify fundraising efforts. Maintain relationships with existing donors through timely and formal applications and provide regular grant reports. We also want to promote our profile in the conservation world.
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